Wednesday, 27 April 2016

A little splurge


Okay guys, I know I haven't been writing regularly, but let me tell you... the toddlers are out in full force!  The terrible twos are the REAL DEAL!  Meaning, that by the end of the day I crash on the couch and am pretty much too exhausted to put thought into anything at all.

So for now, I'll keep it light and simple.

Wednesday, 13 April 2016

Victoria, BC

This weekend I was spoiled so wonderfully with a trip away with some girlfriends.  My hubby decided that I needed a break so for my birthday he rented an Air BnB in Victoria for a get-away.  It was so needed!

The weekend was filled with all the things that girls need to unwind: coffee, tea, chocolate, good food, shopping, walks on the beach, and late night chats with a glass of wine.  Perfect!

One of the highlights was going to the Empress Hotel for "high tea."




High tea is a Victorian tradition that includes sandwiches, scones, cream, and tasty treats, alongside of the Empress blend of tea.  The tea is served in a set of China dishes that was first designed to serve the Queen.  It was so tasty.  I think that we probably drank 10 glasses of tea when it was all said and done!  We got all dressed up (dress code is required) and enjoyed a sunny afternoon overlooking the Victoria harbour.  We even had a special little guest along for the fun :)







Outside the sun was shining and the tulips were in full bloom.  I was too busy taking it all in to capture too many photos.


That lovely afternoon ended with a walk along the breakwater at Ogden Point.  The weather couldn't have been more perfect.  And these photos hardly do the view justice.  It is just spectacular.  Definitely one of my most favorite viewpoints of all time.












The trip was a blast!  Recently we brought our twins to Victoria for their first visit and they had such a fun time.  I'll try to remember to share some photos from that trip soon too.

Tuesday, 29 March 2016

Sacrifice


The hardest parts of mothering have been somewhat unexpected and caught me by surprise.

Friday, 25 March 2016

Lent


This year Daniel and I decided to participate in Lent together, once again.

Tuesday, 1 March 2016

Spring has sprung!

Spring has sprung all around my home!


Okay, I know it's not officially spring, and today is pouring, pouring rain, but still, I finally buckled down brought some colour into my house.  Yes, the Christmas lights are still up and haven't been taken down (who can find the time when the rain never ends...) but I'm saving that for another day.


Spring is my most favorite season of all.  Despite the rain, I love the green and the freshness after a dull and dreary winter.  I love the blossoming of new flowers and buds.  I love the warmth of the sun teasing of summer.  And, of course, my birthday just happens to fall within the season, making it that much more special.


At the start of spring, I begin to pay attention during my walks to the new life beginning all around... the snowdrops and the crocuses.  Funny story, when we were first married I remember pointing out the first crocuses to my new husband and he make such fun of me, for what kind of name is "crocus"? I finally convinced him I didn't make it up and now he can spot the first flowers with no problem.  I recently found out that my mom used to venture out with my beloved late grandma at the first signs of spring and watch for the buds and blossoms peeking out of the ground.  I guess I inherited that love from her!   I love the blooming of tulips and daffodils but the flower I love the most is the hyacinth.  Since it blooms right around the time of my birthday, it became the flower that I filled my room/house with.  The scent is just heavenly (unless, like my husband, you suffer from terrible allergies at the sight of a hyacinth).  And the colors are just so pretty and springlike!  Mine haven't flowered yet, but the daffodils have made an appearance and their cheery faces bring joy every time I drive up to the house.


I must also mention that Easter is my most favorite holiday of all!  It is significant in so many ways.  It is the most important, celebratory moment in Christian history, and personally marks the day as a little girl I gave my life over to Christ.  My tradition has often been to celebrate the day with a sunrise walk at the beach, basking in the beauty of creation.  It was also a time of family get-togethers growing up as a kid, and as an adult we have extended that invitation to many of our closest friends when family is not around.  Three years ago we announced our pregnancy on Easter, and a week later found out we were having twins!  There is certainly much celebration surrounding the Easter season!



So here's to Spring, and the arrival of new life, and of colour, and of warmth and rain!  Tell me, what is YOUR favorite season???


Sunday, 21 February 2016