Post Christmas...

I guess I should say "since I last wrote," because the first photos are actually Christmas...

I laughed when I first saw this photo of me talking to Gabriele because of the look on Amy's face.
She almost looks mad that she isn't part of the conversation. When in reality she is looking beyond us and probably reacting to what is going on there.
Stocking time~looks like Gabriele likes how we altered the dollar store stockings.
My dad looks pleased with his anti-stress doll. Not that he has stress in his life but we thought he would enjoy the eyes, nose and ear things popping out when you squeezed it.
This gift is in route from China so I got a photo of it. The cutest necklace with an owl charm.
Nick and Gabriele wrapped up all the special clothes I had saved from when Nick was little and added a few new items for Amy and Karl to use with "peanut".
Laughing at how short the legs are in proportion to the big butt area~
Nick gave Gary tickets to go see Sherlock Holmes in the living room theaters.
Karl got a baby barbell rattle...can't start them too early I guess.
Nick and Gabriele have there own "you are special" plate...the tradition continues...
Two Francine Rivers books for Gabriele to read during her break.
Daisy liked her new catnip toy...for about 5 minutes and then she ignored it!

*****

After Christmas we got together with a group of friends for dinner here at the house and then went to the Eisinger's house for dessert and games. I loved the Barbie trees she had done. The big tree was white, pink and black with her vintage type Barbie ornaments...
The second tree was pink and full of the accessories she has collected.
We played a rousing game of Catch Phrase too. And took the name literally as we didn't want to get caught with a buzzing game piece!

I have done a bit of thrifting too~as always...found this little piece for Amy's nursery.
Got together with my Brave Girls to share December Daily albums...
and this weekend baked 8 dozen cupcakes for the Magenta Theater's annual awards program.
Oh my did I enjoy tasting these for quality control. Yes, I only tasted them but I wanted to eat at least one of each...
which brings us to the latest...which is an update of "the bump"...
only 14 weeks to go~isn't she cute?!

I bought this book and hope to read it soon-
and this class begins in a few days...I have grand hopes to finally come to terms and peace with the body I have and myself in the process.
Until next time...ttfn-K

The big project

So Friday night was Teri's 50th birthday party...she looked so cute and party-ready!Here she is with her lovely husband Jim who threw this bash for her...
Jim went all out and we helped get it all out and ready for the guests...I was afraid that Teri would not open her gifts at the party and I wouldn't be able to see her expression when she saw the project I have been working on for her. But she did! And she loved the book...here is a little video so you can see it too. It has journaling prompts about her memories and thoughts. Such as "what is your earliest childhood memory" and "what was it like to become a mom."


Here is the smile I got after she opened her gift-she liked it!
and some of my favorite pages...Journaling prompts read-
Did your family move often and if so where and what time periods?
Do you remember the room in which you slept as a child?
Who were your friends when you were growing up?
Do you remember any fads from your youth? Popular hairstyles? Clothes?What were some of the best presents you ever received when you were a kid?
Where did you go on vacations when you were young?Did you have an after-school or summer job,what did you do? What did you like about it? Dislike about it? How much did you earn? What did you do with your first paycheck?
How did you meet Jim and what was your first date like?

And just for the fun of it...the Brave Girls!

Hope you had fun Teri and thanks for letting me share!

This week-

Well if you count from Friday to Friday...because this photo of my dear friend Teri was taken last Friday! I forgot to ask if I could post it but I assume she knows every photo I take is fair game to go on my blog....

I took this after our Brave girl meeting. We have been having our get togethers in her cozy new living room. And she always has yummy treats that are mostly good for us. She always dresses so fashionably-I take notes!
I had a fun little excursion yesterday. Lovely June was not able to join us at my pj birthday party, so she promised me that she would take me out for a treat. Well I got two- one was spending time with her and the other was some yummy ice cream. We met up at the Ice Cream Renaissance in downtown Vancouver.
Oh me- oh my! Was it ever a wonderful thing!!

This is June with her little plate of samplers and a cookie. She got a latte too and said the coffee was really good.
Me-I never go out for ice cream so I went with the Peanut butter ice cream on a brownie. Oh and a scoop of coffee ice cream so we could try it. I did ask for a tiny scoop like June had but I guess the lady didn't understand me. Oh and the whipped cream just made it look like so much more. It took awhile to eat what with all the gabbing!
Go there...it is a must!

Spent today in the craft cottage and then did some watching of Brave Girl videos. I am loving this class too. It will give me skills to use for some time.

Thanks for popping in...see ya.

I love May-part 2

I had only a couple parties growing up for my birthday so I plan my own every year! This year I did a take off on the movie "13 going on 30".

Amy designed the invites-

I neglected to take an photo of the goodie bags but they had wishing dust, razzles, pixie sticks, twinkies, a mixed "tape" cd and other assorted fun stuff.

In preparation, the kids strung twinkle lights and balloons for me-

I made "tie dye" cupcakes with chocolate frosting-

We had snacks popular in the 70's-

and mini sandwiches, wienie wraps and bbq meatballs too.

my partner-who knew just how to decorate for a 13 or 15 year party-
and did my bright eye make up and nails...

we had to have a wall of heart throbs-can you name them all??

Presents- including this huge flower-

I did take photos of the gals who came but...since I asked them to come in pj's and not all of them had make-up on-I decided for everybody's sake not to post them!

Part 3 will be coming up soon-

Shame and fear

You have heard me talk about the Soul Restoration class. The lesson this week is about reconciling the two entities within us-strength and weakness. Stumbled across this talk by Brene Brown in the forums. NO don't go watch it now, finish reading...(did you know I'm kinda bossy?) It is full of amazing truths but the things I am focusing on are to:
1. Let myself be SEEN
2. Love with my whole heart
3. Practice gratitude and lean into joy
4. Remember I AM ENOUGH-I even made myself a necklace with the statement on it awhile back.

I have to tell you that as I try to live a real, vulnerable life I have found it is infinitely easier than the one I was living. The shame filled, Satan ruled one just wasn't any fun. I am thankful for this class for getting me back on track and for each of you. My friends and family who have loved me just as I was and am. I am sorry I didn't see it before and live fully.

THIS is what joy looks like on me...a little photo from my birthday last year.

May you all have a great day and if you can-let's get together soon!
OH and you can go watch the video now!