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

Good Readings

Don't click to look inside-that is just part of the image I downloaded!

Have you read this book yet? I loved it, got swept up in the story and the possibility of it happening. Definately has made me think a bit more in the present. Be present and a willing participant of whatever God has for me. Be thankful for ALL He has done for me and continues to do for/with me. Run,log on, borrow, drive-whatever it takes, I highly suggest reading the Shack.

Living Hope church, based here in Vancouver ran a series based on this book and even had the author show up. I haven't watched it yet but plan to this week, you can find it here.

Happenings

I am feeling very proud of myself for getting so much accomplished lately. Projects that I have wanted to do and also new ones. Amy and I started new little books this weekend. We started with 4x6 photo books I got on clearance at Target and also with fill in the blank stickers. We pulled matching papers to coordinate. Now to fill out the stickers and add matching photos. I'll share when we get finished.

We started that after we got home from shopping. I decided that although my closet is full of serviceable clothing, most of it is pretty bland. That is what shopping discount and second hand stores gives you. With the reunion coming up, it was a perfect excuse to update. We had fun. Didn't look much at sizes just went for what fit. Lots of silky type fabrics which is so not what I usually wear. I was amazed how much it changed how I feel about going out in public, etc. just to get some clothes that I think are stylish. To dress for cuteness instead of just what would cover me...

I am starting a new book today that I have heard a lot of good things about. It is called love and respect. All about how women want love and men want respect and the circle to achieve these things within relationships. Should be good.

Oh and because I love photos...here is the nest, they flew off just after I showed you it before.

A whole LOTTA photos

This is me with a great big birthday smile...I had meant to post these before this but I kept asking the wrong people how to do something on my computer! Should have asked Gary in the first place... We started the day here:

the six pack;my favorite...toasted coconut-yummo!Presents are great fun...this is the card Amy made...

can you read what my gift was? A trip to the theater and dinner-wow!

Artsy photo of Amy in Karl's glasses:

This card from Nick and Gabriele was on top of a speaker port for my IPOD...they want to make sure I keep up with the times!

Gary gave me a pink one of these....so cute!
Then shopping with Amy for the garden and home. And then dinner at Rib City...major yummy!!

On Sunday I met with my Jane Austen book club for the first time.http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30091390&id=1057763476

I shopped here first...then we met here...

I had the snack plate.

Our first book.... Then on May 30, my baby, Nick moved into the lower level of my dad's 3500 sq.ft. home. Here are a few pictures of the place and my packed Jeep!

Then this last weekend I convinced Gary that we needed a little retreat to the beach....tracks in the sand and a photo of us on the windy beach. really long post I know, but two very busy weeks worth!!

Check it out

Another book in this fun series by my friend Robin Jones Gunn.
Run to your nearest book store and get your very own copy...

This is the book that I have been reading for a couple of months. Now if you know me, you are amazed I'm sure that it took that long to read. An example; after I finished this today, I picked up another novel and finished it before going to bed at 10! This treasure took so long because I knew I would be discussing it with some friends so I read and bookmarked passages and such for discussion. Oh, and I actually thought about some of those key passages too. So anyway, as I was finishing up, I thought I was done with the learning. You know it was almost the end, but what did this woman do but put some of the words that I had most been needing to hear, right at the end. Things my therapist has been saying but somehow, hearing someone else say them or it was just the funk I was in, I heard them anew. You want to know don't you...should I tell you or say go get the book? Well for me, the section where she talks about taking everything that is causing sorrow, anger, shame and acknowledging it and accepting it and then letting it rest inside your heart. The place where God is and letting it rest, loving it. I think I have been fighting a lot. Now I am going to need to sit down and do this. I think it will take a bit of time. I only just touched on it today and feel better in the acknowledging.

So that is where I am at...today... k