The "Sweet" Life of Matt & Terri

Time Flies..I Remember when you first had me..

2011-05-06T11:34:00.000-07:00

I am so Grateful to have a Mother as Nurturing & Caring as I do.. Now coming into this new stage of life and becoming a mother myself, i'm sure I will have EVEN more appreciation for things overlooked by my own mom over the years! Its fun to grow up and become friends with the one person you may have thought at one point would never happen. I enjoy spending every moment we get together relating on things in our lives, and encouraging one another through situations that seem tough. I love my mom with all my heart.. and Couldn't be thankful enough to God for giving ME to HER :)!! I hope not only on this Mothers Day coming up you Feel special by your kids, but everyday Mother.. You are so LOVED!!!!!

I saw this on my girlfriends Facebook Status and thought it was cute & true..

At 3 Years "Mommy I love you". At 13 "Mom whatever". At 16 years "My mom is so annoying". At 18 years "I'm leaving the house". At 25years "Mom you were right". At 30 Years "Wanna go to moms house". At 50 Years "I don't want to lose my mom". At 70 Years "I would give up everything to have my mom here with me". I Appreciate & LOVE my Mom!!!

A Cute Couple!

2011-04-28T10:32:00.000-07:00

Baby Jump!

2011-04-25T08:31:00.000-07:00

"Camera Shy"

2011-04-19T21:54:00.001-07:00

Due to the Size of my Camera.. Matt isn't always a fan of me bringing it along snapping shots, so I like to choose my battles, and therefore this trip, I decided not to push the picture taking... This saves me lugging it around, and saves the Moments of an impatient husband, as i'm taking pics, or asking him to take them of me. :)

Today I took a trip by myself to "last chance" the where Nordstrom sends all there merchandise that doesn't sell, you really gotta spend some time diggin for those golden nuggets, cuz half the items look used 2 times over! Its a place where BRAND names sell for cheap, and women are vicious about getting at the new merch that gets put on the floor, plus the store is filled with parents who can't seem to control there kids(or have chosen to subject there pool children while they search for the best of the best), tantrums are happening allll over the store. Sooo I had to take the lonely road without Matt on the freeway(for some reason made me anxious this time)but I made it there and back, safe and sound.. and got to spend a couple hours shopping 8months prego, and wishing stuff still fit me pre pregnancy size. haha

The great thing about being a woman though, is that you can still shop for accessories and feel "almost" just as satisfied as buying cute clothing for the new spring/summer season!

I was able to purchase a couple cute things for the little one....a cute brown and cream elephant soft blankie, 2 useless stuffys which I couldn't resist(Jenaya we will have to make some colorful owls to accent these guys), a cream change pad cover, which feels AMAZING! Some baby burts bees products... EVERYTHING was half the price if not more then what you would get it for in Canada.. ahhh... to find deals, just fills my heart with Joy ;)

Thats it for tonight.. I'll see what I can do about gettin Matt on board with Picture taking in the next 3 days!!!

Hit or Miss

2011-04-17T13:32:00.000-07:00

So there is this store.. called Cabela's! I have heard Matt talk about it alot amongst his buds regarding Hunting gear etc. Soooo they have one here and it was the debate whether or not I wanted to go and walk thru a store filled with Outdoor Stuff! Well this store wasn't just another Outdoorsy store, its the OUTDOOR OUTFITTER OF THE WORLD!

Needless to say, it was HUGE HIT, lots to look at, and a fun place for the whole family! I'd go back forsure :)

When you walk inside there is a stand where a lady is making Candied Almonds.. smells Amazing and Tastes even Better! They had tons landscape with every kinda stuffed(fake) animals you can imagine! They had an aquarium, where we got to see a LIVE fish feeding.

Canadian Geese were so tame and just chillin in front of the store, I felt right at home ;)

Matt loved looking at all the gear! It was pretty cool seeing him test out all the GUNS they had out in the open on display!

Lone Survivor

2011-04-15T09:46:00.000-07:00

So Matt isn't much of a reader, (until you find him the right book I guess)... This book is my brother Mikes, and its goin through the family. Yesterday i'm pretty sure we said all of 2 words to eachother... "Goodmorning" & "Goodnight... he was so absorbed in this (war story) book after they took the "first shot" he didn't put it down, and HAD to finish it..(which just happend as i'm finishing this post). It was nice to see, but I will be happy to have him back today! :)

If your lookin for some alone time, and want your husband to be entertained while that happens.. get him this book...

As for me... An hour in the Sun & I Needed the rest of the day to re-coop! ;)

*We did enjoy CHIPOTLE for a late Dinner and a Movie to end the night, so I did still get some Matt Time after 12 hours of reading or so...

Phoenix-Day 1

2011-04-13T19:51:00.001-07:00

First thing this morning, took me a lil longer to wake up .. not quite used to sleepin in a Queen Size Bed with this big belly of mine... This Breakfast gave us a great start of a day for our shopping trip to Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, & Ross, in which I realized its definatly going to be more about Matt this Trip, it was fun focusing on him, instead of being distracted by all the lovely things I could have for myself, the few trips to the change room wasn't quite the "dream" I had expected! PLUS, Matt is such a fun shopper when I'm not looking for myself, its alot quicker to... we were like power shoppers with a focus. I must say though I went through the Baby sections and secretly wish I knew what kinda baby we are having, everything is so much cheaper here, and sooooo much cuter then what we have available in Canada.

Pool time after our Morning of Shopping, Mattskis givin me a nice pose!

My Prego Self Tanning a much needed SUNLESS body, the baby loved it-for the record.

The floaty I got at "Dollar Tree" thinking it was adult size..... right...... didn't quite hold me above water.... there were some kids that came to the pool, so I was able to give it to them, after realizing it wouldn't work ;)

While we were at the pool, Matt thought I had lost a charm, it was right under my chair, BUT I wasn't wearing my Bracelet, and this was our First Visit to the pool. Its a Clip, (which i've been needing) I thought getting a charm in Phoenix would be a nice treat, but I just got 2 new ones for my Birthday and didn't want to be greedy... it always astonishes me how God Provides.

A delicious home made dinner to end off a Fabulous day!

Beginning of Something Special for Someone Special..

2011-04-06T12:02:00.000-07:00

We've started our little baby room, still need the crib, and Matt has to build the wall to make it an official bedroom, but hey.. its a good start!

Sewing Saturday Success!

2011-04-05T08:01:00.001-07:00

If it wasn't for this woman right here, I wouldn't know half of what I know today with cooking, baking, sewing etc..! Thanks for being such a great Teacher for me, & now Your Grandkids.. You a true Treasure Mom!!

Jenaya & Mikayla Pinning the Polkadot & Brown blanket (Mikayla did a great job Sewing this one) Both Girls did AWESOME with a little direction on tough spots, Jenaya Got the tougher pattern (flannelette & waffle material together, with folded over edges) She handled it like a Pro...

Finished Products!! Can't wait to Wrap my lil Bundle of JOY in EACH one! So fun having my Nieces grow up, able and willing to do creative projects together. I hope they always want to spend time with there Aunty like this! Bringing out the sewing machines brought back some good memories of when Shelley and I homeschooled!

Filling in the Gap..

2011-03-24T10:46:00.000-07:00

Having Siblings older and younger can pose an issue for the middle child on where to fit in with the different stages of life... I'm thankful to have so much support from my older sisters now that have gone thru having children & raising them, while i'm going through the learning curves of being pregnant... Colleen & Mike are great sports to keep having kids to fill in the gap between the younger siblings and older siblings! ;).. luckily we've just started having kids so they can be finished, and i'll start producin for the next batch of cousins... I'm so excited that my little baby will have a Cousin Friend to be best buds with until we have some more weddings! :)
Colleen has been so Encouraging for me, at each stage i've been going thru, I'm so thankful to have her wisdom and insight during this time! Mailee did a little photo shoot for us, to remember our prego bumps we shared! She did a really great job!!!
Can't wait to meet the newest little BANMAN .. Happy Due Date Colleen!

Something True!

2011-03-12T09:13:00.000-08:00

"Life is to short for drama and petty things, so kiss slowly,laugh insanely, love truly, and forgive quickly"

-Unkown

I have a Sweet Husband...

2011-03-11T22:13:00.000-08:00

He showed up with Flowers & Some Bath & Body Works Stuff .. Just Because....

When its rare its even more Special & Appreciated!!!

Wedding Day!!!

2011-03-10T08:40:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to one of our Favorite Couples John & Jerilyn!! Wish we could be there to celebrate with you today on the Hot Sands of Mexico!!! We Love you Guys, and are excited for your new Journey together!

xoxo

2 Weeks Ahead of Schedule!

2011-02-07T17:33:00.000-08:00

So apparently if your "really good" during your pregnancy they will take 2 weeks away from your due date!! hehe......orrrrrr maybe its cuz the ultrasound measured differently then the dates we had down on paper ;)

I'm DUE end of MAY instead of MID JUNE. But i'm gonna stick with the MID JUNE and be surprised if i come early!! :) That makes me 25 weeks today!! wahooo!!!

Side profile- you can see the head on the left, and some feet or fists on the right side!

The Baby faced downward(head on the right)- you can see the spinal cord wrapping under to the left(can't wait to get it adjusted!)

Sum Fun Accessories for Now & Future!

2011-02-03T08:35:00.000-08:00

Some "Sister" Love from Colleen Banman- so fun sharing maternity clothes- her being 3 months ahead of me, i'm the Perfect Recipient!!

Thanks Rachel Doell for this Lulu Sweater ---- I've dreamed of it since Spring time!

Hand-Me-Down: Something thats been used and discarded by another.

As a child its not always the "best" thing when your the receipient of a Hand-Me- Down, You just want to get YOUR OWN new items! I think my Younger sister Shelley had it worse then I did back then.... getting all my clothing, especially when we weren't on the "good" sister terms as we are today!

I must say I have loved the process of maturing and seeing the VALUE in what a "RECYCLED" items can bring to your life. Whether its clothing, or furniture, accessories or home decor- I appreciate the people in my life and the stores I get to shop in :) who contribute to the Hand-Me-Downs I receive!

Cass Belanger Contributed this cute cradle to our new Babes life to come!

Hannah Puetz Your A gem for helpin out a girl in need! ;)

And this CUTE addition from Tovey Demman!!! LOVE IT!!!

The Future is looking bright in the Hand- Me-Down World!!!

Try it with someone you know... it feels just as good, if not better to GIVE as it is to RECIEVE!!

a few new things..

2011-01-29T12:49:00.000-08:00

I've got a baby bump!!! 20 Weeks 1 day- HALF WAY... tha baby is kicking alot, Matt has felt it, and i've even seen a little ripple!! We got to see the Ultrasound, God sure knows what He's doing, our healthy little baby is "looking" completely human already!!! It was so neat to see it moving LIVE on the screen, and all it's parts working perfectly! What a Miracle, Minus the symptoms that are wearin out the mama, I know its only for a short period of time, and we will have someone added to our lives that will make it all worth it. :)

Matt was in a really bad car accident at the beginning of January, there were some angels surrounding the car which we were both thankful for.. my car was written off, so we needed to replace it.. we did a lil upsizing with a Nissan Murano, even tho the circumstances weren't asked for, getting something new is always fun.. I'm loving it so far!!! Plus it has my "sunroof" and "seat warmers"... ahh simple pleasures!!

I wanna hear it....

2010-10-15T17:48:00.000-07:00

To all my mommy Friends & Family....

As a first timer at this baby thing...

I wanna hear from you what items are a must have, that you could not live without with your lil babes!!! Its good to be over prepared then under prepared!

From Strollers, carseats, diapers, toys, baby carriers, soothers, blankets, clothing items, creams of all sorts, whatever comes to mind...

Give me your Wisdom!!!

New Meaning of Thankfulness

2010-10-12T20:17:00.000-07:00

Well it has felt like a long journey getting here, but now that it has come, it seems like all those prayers, questions, & wonder are replaced with excitement, happyness, and anticipation of the unexpected.

This Thanksgiving we found out BIG news!!!

WERE EXPECTING!!!!!

We were told by Doctors there was a 1% chance of getting pregnant, and IVF would be an option that would bring a baby into our lives. I didn't buy it, I didn't feel peace about it for our situation. God doesn't give different percentages to different couples.. I felt urged to keep having Faith In Gods Plan which includes 100% Chance .. God doesn't have a plan b, but always a plan a. It is when we are feeling impatient, that we want to take things into our own hands to make things happen! I am so thankful for this Gift God has given us. WE are so excited to start this process, and begin a new journey that will include a little one. I have recieved an overwhelming response by friends and family which I am so Greatful for.. The LOVE is felt & appreciated!

I've stockpiled a few great items from Jessie & Hannah to get me started...belly band, http://www.mamawraps.ca/, name books, tracking your pregnancy books... all the essentials :)

This has been a great oppertunity for me to get back on the blog wagon, and share our wonderful stories with all the people we love. All the updates will be posted here... I am Approximately 5 weeks.... they say the size of a "sesame seed" - predicted due date around June 10,2011. I have my first appointment with the Midwife in a couple weeks!

SO what do you think... BOY or GIRL?

COZY

2009-10-29T19:37:00.000-07:00

We are love our Wood Heat- the only source we got. It keeps us nice & cozy now that this chilly wheather has arrived, Snow today made it that much better.
It also serves as our clothes dryer... great for preserving energy, not so great for those crispy clean towels when gettin out of your nice shower but we are thankful!!

Come by for a cup a Tea & Baking!!

ONE of my Favorites.

2009-10-08T10:08:00.000-07:00

HILLSONGS-HOSANNA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQGJdTpMUcU

sing a lil tune...

2009-10-07T11:49:00.000-07:00

so let the sunshine in....

face it with a grin....

open up the doors, and let the sunshine in!!!

Is it lazyness?or maybe its our culture making us feel this way.

2009-10-05T11:02:00.001-07:00

I often think about baking, and it seems like more of a chore then remebering that I "enjoy" it as a passtime.

When I get motivated to do it, I wonder why my mind always resorts back to this thought of it being to tough to do. My first thought of why is LAZINESS or maybe the fact that I don't want to do much when I get home from work, hmmm is that an excuse?!. I'm a girl that works best on a deadline, when I have nothing pushing me to get stuff done, I can lolligag as slow and drawnout as I'd like. But when I'm on a deadline.. aka.. last minute... I can get things done and get them done GREAT no problem.
FOR EXAMPLE here is the scenerio: 'We have guests comin over and the house is a mess, I have the day off but I end up doin the whole entire house clean.... dust, vacumm, windows, floors, dishes, even laundry in the last hour or 2 before the arrival, and it always seems to turn out best minus the worn out part by the time they arrive.'

So my goal (comtemplating wheather to write this on my blog becuz that would mean i am accountable for my actions..) is to think ahead, plan ahead, time managment=less stress!

This weekend I took my FREE saturday and baked up a storm, cleaned my house, plus had a lil relaxation time. It took the whole day, plus sunday afternoon because of tidious things I allow myself to get distracted with, but after I was done, I felt very Productive with the things I accomplished Let's take a look at what got DONE shall we....
HEALTHY "baking" ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- 2 banana loafs for the (NEW) deepfreeze
-banana muffins for the week
-oatmeal almond raisin cookies for the husband
-puffed millet granola(so yummy)
-trying juicing with my girlfriends juicer as a healthy way to comsume veggies-not mention it tastes so dang good.
UNHEALTHY "baking" ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
-oatmeal chocolate chip cookies for
( 4 dozen for our youth camp coming up this weekend, and some were saved to preview on wednesday at our lifegroup-that should get some new comers out ;). )
CLEANING ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
-Vaccumed-which meant changing the vaccum bag- not the funest job-but again not as big of a deal as what i made it out to be in my head.
-winter bedding in place- our house is chilly when there is no fire... fleece sheets make gettin into bed warm anytime. fire or not
-reorganized my spices and tea drawers to make more accessible
-emptied all contents of bagged foods into storage containers-or jars(mice can't get into those ones..hehe..suckers)
-wiped down allll mice infested cupboards..ewwwwwwwwwwww. (I Dont' know why but i have this phobia of mice, and it's come in the past 2 years... pray for me.. haha)
-laundry
-deck cleaned up
-king size mattress which was giving to us, is now inside off the deck and outta the wheather- as an accessory in our dining room -I like to call it lifesized piece of artwork
-cleared all junk from wood house so we can start piling our heat source beside the house this week.
FUTURE ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
-Paint living room and kitchen
-file papers
-make pie crusts for freezing
-can salsa with my sister in law- canned peaches already this year.. can't wait to dig into those. :)
-print pictures and make albums-havent' really printed a pic for an album in 4 years.. time to get back to the "old" way of doin things.
I think thats all for this list right now.. lets take baby steps and go from there shall we...

WOW!! looking at all the things on paper I accomplished this weekend is WAY more then what I thot and it doesn't feel like it took to much outta me. This entry can be a reminder for me that I can do alot that can be FUN... and PRODUCTIVE.

I'd have to say the pressures of our society can definatly make a person feel like that don't get a whole lot done in a day, week, month, or year.
Really when you think about it, we can consume our thoughts with these things of NEEDING to get stuff done.... when really we have all the time in the world(sometimes). Time will always be ticking, and things will always come up.

I want to enjoy the small(but major) things in life, and not let them pass me by. Focus on things that matter.. God, , reaching out to those who need GOD,Relationships, Health, and other things, these things.
I'm a work in progress, and excited to get into productive mode with time management in place, that way I can feel organized and not burn out, cuz it's all planned out. :)

Hope you enjoyed The read- it was a lil long.. and NO PICTURES.. but Thanks for takin the time to hear me out. :)

Chamilia- XOXO

2009-09-30T14:20:00.000-07:00

Hannah & I were so excited to find this GOLDEN NUGGET of a charm while away on a girls weekend to bellingham.. different brand then pandora.. which is what I love about it!!!! No one will have it & something to look at and remember Good Times with Great Friends!

check it out!

http://www.chamilia.com/

Happy Birthday ta 2 of my Ladies!

2009-09-16T11:21:00.000-07:00

My Sweet Hearted Mama

Shelley My Best Friend & Confidant In the Whole Wide World!!!

I LOVE YOU BOTH, AND PRAY MANY BLESSINGS IN THIS NEW YEAR!

Special Delivery!!!

2009-09-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

This May be the last time we EVER have to pick grama up again!!! wahoo!!!!!

She's here for good now!!!

"Weekend Fun"

2009-09-01T10:25:00.001-07:00

Brunch- Best way to start the day
Poolside-even better

Reunited- Jerilyn&Terilyn

Another Reunite- from our native land Niverville Linds & Shell

The Mothers

Our "Injured" Meg takin a dip with a lil help from her beau.

WHATS THIS!!! Grams in the Pool.. shes a New woman since arriving in kelowna(theBIG move) on the 25th)

Bathing Beauties.

Twins?! we Like to dress the same "not on purpose"

Red BRICK photo shoot... Shells a HOT BABE.

Just the Two of us...

papparazzi -NO MORE PHOTOS..

After this shot, my camera died, therefore could not document our wonderful dinner at joeys global grill. soo sad.

Babysitting=Thank you Present!!!

2009-08-17T15:21:00.000-07:00

I got a special delivery today from the little cutie that we babysat this weekend
Micah loved what he got me so much, he was surprised all over again when he arrived to give it to me. "Dear Auntie Terri,
Thank you so much for watching me on the weekend. I had so much fun with you and Matt! I wanted to get you a present but I didn't know what to get so I just got this "gift" I love you! I would spend the weekend with you guys anytime :)
From, Little Monkey"

"My Gift"

Vistors at work=One of my Favorite Things!

2009-08-17T15:07:00.001-07:00

Beauty in it's Purest form ;)
Trying to get us all in... oops.. sorry jenaya

snuck this one of e.man

Sweet Surprise!

2009-08-14T19:25:00.001-07:00

So My girlfriend Jessie found out I was joining the Pandora club, and welcomed me in with "everlasting love"... how great is this whole bracelet thing gonna be :) so fun!!!

New Hair!

2009-08-14T11:09:00.000-07:00

Dark, with some glorious blonde highlights!

The best stylist around!!!

PRIMP HAIR SALON- Kelsey Rist 250-863-2674

Officially a "Pandora Bracelet" Owner

2009-08-14T10:49:00.000-07:00

Well it was a pleasant surprise(that I had sorta guessed was gonna happen) last night as I came home to a counter full of "Posh" bags filled with treasures!! Check out my NEW Pandora Bracelet and the charms Matt chose! Silver Bracelet

"Forever Love"- ..awwww!

"sea shell with gold starfish"- to remind me of all our tropical vacations we've shared.

"forget me knot" -matt just picked it cuz he thot it looked cool, I thought it was very suiting.

"Love Bouquet" - So I can never give him a hard time about not buying me flowers. These babies are permanant :)

I'm falling in Love with the bracelet more and more as a I look at it.

I Love My Man More & More with Each Passing day!!

2009-08-13T14:42:00.000-07:00

It's our 4 Year Anniversary today!!!

I can't believe how fast time has gone by!!

Lovin Life & Lovin Him!!!

WESTPORT 09

2009-08-05T12:01:00.000-07:00

shell is ready to go....and break a sweat ;)

bathroom break in merrit...still hot!

Refuel, gas & coffee..cuteest drivethru coffee place ever.

Jus a lil LOVE, from my man...

Story time!!

GO CARTs!! i couldn't pass meghan no matter how hard i tried!!

...soccer game by the ocean...

nap time.

The Jeteeee.. lot's of fun things to see.

Caleb with Uncle Matt on the Jetee

In Town, checkin out fishermans warf.

girls shopping trip.. a lil mexican to start off the big purchasing frenzy.

Hardcore surfers. It was soooo cold!!! Jenaya spelt it out!!

beachside fire.

Caitlyn...I SPY.

Matts stayin warm

The Crew. All in one room(with 5 bedrooms that is)

The Drive home- mama and me!

The "Sweet Life" about to get "Sweeter"...

2009-07-30T15:04:00.000-07:00

...........and soooo much fun were going to have, cuz our circle will be complete with Grama Crick moving to Kelowna on SEPT.1/2009. MONUMENTAL!!! After 14 years she has decided to Join us, and we are all VERY EXCITED!!!! It still hasn't hit me and I feel like I will believe it when i see it~

Some things to look forward to with Grama around are:
-her beautiful face that will be available whenever we would like
-never ending baking
-never ending cooking
(we'll have to start working out triple time)
-the smell of dove soap and st.ives lotion(yum) -nothing like a gramas smell-
-her attendance at all the parties and family events
-being able to share our lives on a day to day bases-without a HUGE phone bill in the end
-shopping trips
-movies
-droppin over anytime
-and soooo so so so so so much more!!!

~VEGALICIOUS~

2009-07-30T13:29:00.000-07:00

VIVA LAS VEGAS!

2009-06-27T21:49:00.000-07:00

Putt, Putt, Putt... off we go for a "Sister Trip"(Minus a few that will OBVIOUSLY be missed) of a lifetime!!!! ADIOS AMIGOS!

Graduation CELEBRATION for My Very Best FRIEND!

2009-06-27T21:10:00.000-07:00

I was so honored to be invited & attend Tara's Graduation for 'Certified Dental Assistant' this past week! I know she is going to succeed wherever she works, and be a shining light not only to her patients, but each co-worker she is in contact with.

Tara is one of the most LOVING, COMPASSIONATE, SENSITIVE, UNDERSTANDING, HARD WORKING,COFFEE (& DIET PEPSI) DRINKER I know. I love her with all my heart. Congratulations Tara!! Matt & I both, are so proud of you. Such A wonderful Accomplishment!

Kujo + Molly = Love...(maybe, Kinda..)

2009-06-24T12:07:00.000-07:00

So My Girlfriend Kelsey has a new chocolate Lab Puppy "MOLLY" and we've decided that Kujo and her are going to be Boyfriend & Girlfriend.

So this is there second date, (chaperoned of course) and it was at our house, Kujo Loves her, but also felt the need to show her who's Boss(sounds familar to Humans, Man trying to lead his wife.. haha)... so he was a little protective having her on his territory and all.. and after a few snarls, she submitted nicely, and they loved playing with each other.. her good looks, and spunk kept him on his toes.

He didn't really want to share his squekie toys, but she snuck them away from him a few times, which made him sneak them back when she was distracted.. it was actually quick hilarious to watch....

...........and so this is my entertainment until I have Kids.............. :)

"Leveck Day Spa" Hosts: -Hannahs 26th Birthday-

2009-06-24T11:10:00.000-07:00

Hannah's request... Chocolate cake with a lil Raspberry "explosion"(shelley & my special touch)...mmmm...the Best!!!

Hannah Got a Charm Bracelet for her Birthday, and Each Guest brought her Charm that reflects something from there friendship with her to add to it!

Girls in Masks...

Finished Toes!!

So Fun!

Fishing

2009-06-15T14:32:00.000-07:00

So it's been 4 years, Matt goes fishing almost every other weekend, and sometimes weeknights when he can, but we have not been fishing just the 2 of us...

SO sunday afternoon we decided to pack up the dog and head out to try out my skills.. well we were in for quite the surprise...we we headed up the coquihalla the clouds began to get thick, and you could see the wheather wasn't going to hold up, lightning bolting and thunder crashing....

but we held onto hope that it would break just for us. MAN....were we wrong..

We proceeded out to down the forrest path down to the lake anyway, Kujo was in his glory, sniffing everything in sight, and as matt got his rod ready to see how active the lake was.. it CAME down like i haven't been in for a VERy long time. I found shelter under a tree, and not to shortly after Kujo JOINED me.. haha.. Matt was out there like a hardcore with his rod..until the "hail" began..

Thats when we had to make a run for it back to the truck....as we drove outta the bush. SOAKED... we got into the truck, and drove till we came to a bridge and took shelter from the pounding ice chunks(which felt like they were gonna break the windshield) under a bridge for a short while.. then proceeded out to try and get away from from the build up of ice which was not a good combo with summer tires..

The cars were lined up along the hwy not able to drive through this mess... and all the poor Bikers were stuck on the side of the hwy with no where to hide or evern turn around, only wait out the storm...SO one things forsure..mountain wheather is upredictable....

and so.....

our "first" attempt at fishing together this summer wasn't the greatest, but i'm not going to give up.. we'll see what the next attempt is like, and whether I'm "supposed" to be a fisher"woman" or not :)...

I know one things for sure.. made for a great story, and a fun adventure.. Getting soaked & all!

"In Action..."

2009-06-05T16:37:00.001-07:00

Hannah Ruth(below)
Terri-Lynn(right)

Wedding Photography

2009-06-05T12:53:00.000-07:00

Some Friends of ours got married last month, Matt was in the wedding party, and my Girlfriend Hannah & I ahad the pleasure of doing there photography, it was a lot of fun, and great experience, here is just a bit our work from the Lovely day!

Overcast

2009-05-05T12:53:00.000-07:00

Today I'm dreaming of being back in this moment.....

Flat Tire = Morning Deck time

2009-05-04T12:22:00.001-07:00

This weekend i had "Nothing" to do on saturday, Matt was out working, so i got inspired by the sunshine, and cleaned up my deck and front yard, just the start of a much needed "indoor" clean! Baby steps... check out some of my progress....

Casual sitting area - a couple new additions, the serving tray& Not pictured, but between the 2 chairs is a cute little red suede magazine rack. Both for a whopping $1.75 Gotta love Second hand treasures
"lovely dining area"-which has the tablecloth from my mother all the way from mexico

My Pleasant surprise of a flat tire this morning!

...well good thing, cuz this morning i drove outta my driveway and stopped not to far away noticing i had a flat tire... no worries tho.. my freshly cleaned deck was awaiting my arrival after slowly travelling back. So nice to have somewhere to sit and sip on my tea, while i wait for my knight and shining armor to come fill up the ol tire with some air ;)

I even looked went to Bylands nurseries too look into climbing flowers for the 4 poles in front.. so hopefully i'll be gettin those planted soon.. so i can have beautiful smelling flowers while relaxing.

Come by, i'll make you a tea or a latte, Doors are always open! :)

Easter Re"treat"...

2009-04-16T12:05:00.000-07:00

Vancouver for the weekend.. Matt & I got in some much needed quality time.

It rained most of the time, and we were not without our umbrellas anytime we left the hotel(a must need accescory when living in the big city). We slept till noon each morning & didn't have a care in the world. We watched movies galore, went to granville island, took a nice drive through stanley park & around the city, did a "little" bit of shopping, not nearly the damage that could have been done with females present. Enjoy some of the sights we got to see.

I have yet to see the Blossoms we saw in Vancouver.. it was blooming with color. Spring is Finally HERE.

Matt chillin while I browse Granville Island shops. What a trooper!

The Bridge View from Granville Island.

On the Boat crossing the Bay back from Granville Island.

Don't Miss out!!

2009-04-02T12:33:00.000-07:00

When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.

-Alexander Graham Bell

2008-11-18T00:52:00.001-08:00

wow can you believe I made a new post... Just gave myself a pat on the back! :)

Thankful

2008-11-18T00:42:00.000-08:00

The more I get to spend time with my Husband, and go through challanging life experiences, the more I appreciate the man he is! The support, love, and encouragment Matt gives me everyday, is something that makes me a better person! he brings me back to reality; when my emotions are running high, he comforts me in times of need; he is always someone that I can rely on. He is my best friend.

For that I am Thankful.

B-E-A-utiful!

2008-10-07T21:28:00.000-07:00

as i stopped on the side of my road to take these pictures the boy who lived at the house where the tree lives was was working outside moving hay...... he was looking at me strangley, so i did the right thing, and asked if i could take pictures of his tree.....

...he said "ok"(pause)..."actually i'll ask my mom" ..."MOOOOOOMMM, can she take pictures of our tree??????????"

reluctantly she said "yes".... hahaha... it was actually very funny at the time, i couldn't help but laugh to myself, as i continued to click away, in case they said "no"......

So i hope you enjoy all the colors of fall!!!

Fall Color

2008-10-01T18:34:00.000-07:00

I Really have appreciated all the colors God created for us in each Season, Fall is one of my favorites, and everyday on my drive home from work up the windy road to our little acreage, the colors pop like there on a black canvas. When I worked for Mike at his office, there was always a Tree that I could see from my Desk, I truly enjoyed watching it change throughout the seasons. Each stage had it's own distinct beauty.
At my new Job my view from my desk now consists of semi-trucks lined up behing a chainlink fence.... all the colors are pretty but not quite the same ;)

This tree is my lifesaver, its so enjoyable to watch through the seasons, it's a crab apple tree on our property. Last Spring to our surprise we had a little visitor "plop" outta the tree... it was a little black bear having a snack !

Its our second siting of a bear since we've lived here on our property. Other animals we've seen are Moose trapsing through our yard, Deer that have come right up onto my deck to eat my lovely flowers, and our Green grass.

Kujo our puppy (pictures of him were on my last post) doesn't even bark anymore, I think he has a healthy understanding to steer clear, as he has challanged the deer and moose in a playful spirit, which they were not to impressed about ..... They could pummel in a hearbeat. Then there would be No More Kujo.

I just saw another tree today, that I HAVE to share with you all... so keep posted!

Up to the Challange!!!!

2008-09-26T23:20:00.000-07:00

Ok so I will admit that in the past I did not always make the smartest decisions in the world, but we can't go back and change those things, we can only look ahead and learn from our mistakes!

One of those things I thought I was good at was Lying... it was my way of closing off and trying to protect myself. I now see how my parents and anyone else who I thought I was tricking knew what I was up too... they could see right through me. PLUS, now I know I can't fib worth peanuts...Telling the TRUTH is always better then telling a lie, even if you know you might get in trouble, Keeping the trust of another is more important, cuz no matter what..... the truth will always reveal itself in the end!

SO HERES THE STORY....

Today I called our "new tenant" at our NEW house(only a month old), to let her know I will need to collect rent from her before the 1st....we have 2 rules that we WILL NOT tolerate, and that's

NO SMOKING, NO PETS!

........... so let me backtrack a little.......
On Wednesday we went to the house to clean out and inspect our newly vacated upper suite... well as we were cleaning things up in the yard I saw Huge piles of doggy "doodoo" on the lawn, I asked where they came from, Well this lady looked Matt & I straight in the eye and said: "oh those, yes there was a stray dog running around our naighborhood" HA!!!!! I thought to myself... ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? this dog just happen to do the "doodoo" 4 times in only your yard....but what can you do until there was proof, no accusations can be made, so I held my tongue...

CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Today I stopped by and she says on the phone right before I come, "by the way I have a dog visitor right now" BUSTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I showed up signed some papers, told her about Rent, and had to give her a STERN warning, about her so called "visitors"

In that very moment the adreneline was going 100miles a minute, I had to be calm, I had to be Stern, and I had to let her know who was boss here....totally outta my COMFORT ZONE!!!! I must follow through now, and write a written warning, so she does know i'm serious. It literally feels like a child that is pushing there limits with you to see what they can get away with.. so crazy to me...

So all in all, it was a great challange for me to deal with something like this, and handle it in a way which I felt was mature. Its hard becuz you want to TRUST, but in some cases it has to be earned. I would like to think that all people have the right intentions, but really I can't be so nieve. I will admit for the record that being a landlord, may appear.... Glamorous and Easy... but after today I NOW know its not! Its going to take alot of work, and ........ am I up to the challange... I THINK SO!!!!! :)

"confessions....."

2008-09-19T11:05:00.001-07:00

So I'm sitting here as I wait for Matt to arrive with my "grande, 2 pump, light whip, extra hot, non-fat pumpkin spice latte"

.... I can't help but laugh and think to myself how everday i'm at the mercy of this cup of goodness, aside from the the fact I know it's not doing anything good for my body, I justify it in my head that it's ok. I mean it could be worse right?!?!?!

The feeling when I get with that cup of java in my possession is so comforting, a way to make any bad feeling disipate quicker then they came.The taste, the smell, mmm delish... completes my day!

I Guess some may call it an addiction but i'd say it's one of the little pleasures in life I'm going to enjoy guiltless!

"the blog concept"

2008-09-16T13:42:00.000-07:00

I've gone back and forth on whether to start this blog or not!
WELL here it is i'm starting!!!! I want this to be a place all where all my close friends and family can come and check out my life!!! I enjoy reading all the blogs I have saved in my favorite folder, that I think it's worth a shot.... so with this being my first post! I hope you all enjoy reading and sharing with us!!!