SONshine

Spring is here ~
(I think...LOL!)

If Spring means showers ~
then, it's here!

If Spring means cool days
and then warm ones
and never knowing what to wear ~
then, it's here!

If Spring means longer
days and shorter nights ~
then, it's here!

But, where is the SUN?
It's been teasing us.
We see it.
And then we don't.

How wonderful it is
that we can have SONshine
in our hearts even if
there is no SUNshine
in the sky!

The LORD is always good.
And HIS ways are always perfect.

It's Monday.
I continue to count.

1396. The smell of a spring shower

1397. How the beach is always changing

1398. How the *regulars* always
ask where the children are when I walk alone ~
they are running ahead

1399. Winning "31 Days to Clean"
and loving it!

1400. Dad's kindness to us over the years

1401. Getting a good start once again on this!

1402. A deal for a one night getaway for
my Sweetie and me!

1403. That Kristy is willing and able
to stay with the children

1404. Puppet shows! :)

1405. Watching Howie and Emma going up
the street hand in hand ~ Emma skipping along

1406. That the local pool is close by,
FREE, and open for the season

1407. That Howie took Emma there
*last minute* and *on the fly*
one afternoon to make up for all the long
hours of work he has been doing

1408. Working hands and smiling faces

1409. That the neighbours hire our boys for jobs like this!

1410. That they don't pay them too much...
hard work is good for growing boys. :)

My journal sits on my counter.

I list as events unfold.
Sometimes many all at once,
and other times in a trickle.

Would you like to begin?
Just grab a pen and a journal,
set them out on the counter,
and list out your blessings.
Find the joy in the moments ~
As they arrive.

Enjoy the journey!

Many Blessings,
Camille

Along the River and Through the Woods

A day out with Auntie Mary.
We met at a half-way point.
And we took a walk...
and then enjoyed a picnic.

The day was gorgeous.
(A rare thing this spring ~
we've had a lot of rain).

Auntie Mary and Mum strolling along ~
how lovely it is to see them together.
Auntie Mary was married to
Mum's brother...Uncle Johnnie ~
he's been with the LORD three
years now!

Imagine...
In Heaven for three years!

Auntie Mary is with us for
a three week visit.
We are sharing her with the
rest of the family.
Today begins our *special*
few days with her. :)

The children positioned
like steps going down ~
Austin, Calvin, Fraser and Emma...
unplanned. :)

A little photo shoot ~
Of course!

Fraser, Austin, Calvin and Emma ~
Our four.

The Fraser River...
our *view*.

Emma getting flowers put into her hair ~
how wonderful to have girl cousins! :)

Need I say more?

A fun time was had by all.
These are the blessings of life...
may we cherish the moments and the
days the LORD gives us!

In HIM,
Camille

Challenge 10 Winner & Top 3

Just a quick post tonight to let you know the all important winner details.  Using Random.org our winner is:

Debbles Dabbles.  Congratulations.  Please email me on cardsformen@donnasden.co.uk with your choice of 3 digi images from Digital Delights.


Our top3 this time are

97 - Merete M

70 - Julia - Justwaitdesigns

37 - Grace N

Well done to you all. Please grab the top 3 badge from our sidebar and add it to your own. There's still plenty of time to enter the current challenge which is 'No Paper'.

A Hollywood Ending...

Last week, the stars of Mrs. Cooley's first grade were invited to dress up in red carpet attire and party in "Hollywood" to celebrate the ending of an amazing year!  {And, y'all, the kids looked ADORABLE.}  The little celebrities had fun walking the red carpet, posing with friends in front of the Hollywood sign, visiting the Walk of Fame, feasting on popcorn and other delicious treats, and, of course, signing autograph books for their "fans"!  The "mama"-razzi and "papa"-razzi showed up and snapped some of the cutest photos of all the kids!  I sure am going to miss these kiddos!

The Walk of Fame...each celebrity first grader had a star with his or her name and handprints!

First grade autograph and picture book!  Each child had a black and white photo made for posters on display in the hallway, and I used those same photos for the autograph book!  The girls looked so sweet with fancy necklaces, a scarf, and sunglasses--and the boys looked so handsome with their little fedora hats!  I so wish I could share the photos of these cuties!  

Chocolatey Scrumptiousness

For a very long time I have had my eye
on an ice cream attachment for my
KitchenAid mixer.

There were a few promises that
had to be made before I could go
ahead and order it.

One of those promises
was that I would faithfully
use the juicer that
I had said would NOT
collect dust in the closet.
In reality,
it has tended to do just that.

Until recently.

Carrot Apple juice
is faithfully
being produced.

Twice per week.


For Mother's Day, the children
contributed towards the purchase of
the desired ice cream attachment with
Howie making up the difference.

It just arrived.

And I've made
ice cream twice.

Rich.
Creamy.
Chocolatey.
Delicious.


As a teenager I worked in a
Baskin Robbins ice cream store.
It spoiled me for life.
Only the *good* stuff will do.
*Regular* ice cream just does not
measure up.

If you know anything about
Baskin Robbins ice cream,
you will probably know about their
Chocolate Mousse Royale flavour.

This would rival that.
In actuality,
I think it surpasses it.

Oh. Dear. Me.!!!


We now have no
need of Baskin Robbins.
This recipe fits the bill ~

P.E.R.F.E.C.T.L.Y.

I pay attention when Jennifer Jo
recommends a recipe.
The ones I have tried have
not failed.
And this was no exception.

Click here to get to the
post where she shares the recipe.
Scroll to the bottom of her post
to get to the necessary information.

You will not be sorry you did.

Proceed with caution...
And be sure to share! :)

Many Blessings,
Camille

**What to do with the leftover Egg Whites?
Just substitute two per each egg called for
in any recipe you make in the next few days.
Freeze the egg whites if you won't be using
them for awhile. Or...just use them to
make scrambled eggs.
But, whatever you do...
don't throw them away! :)

Challenge 11 - No Paper

Wow, what a successful challenge that was!  As I am scheduling this post, we're fast approaching 200 entries.... I can't believe it.  I'd like to apologise on behalf of myself and my team mates to anyone who didn't get a comment.  We try our best to visit every entry but I know that some comments were removed by blogger during their problems last weekend and sometimes the odd one gets overlooked.  If you didn't get a comment from someone on our team, please be assured that we do appreciate everyone's entry.

So this week we challenge you to design a card without any design papers.  We want you to let your images do the talking.  We have a fab new sponsor, Kenny K, and a bumper prize package:

1st Prize - 3 digis

2nd Prize - 2 digis

3rd Prize - 1 digi

I'm sure you're all familiar with the wonderful work of Kenny K's Shop but what about the man (and woman) behind those wonderful creations.  Take a look here to see their journey, http://www.kennykdownloads.com/about-kenny-and-elena.php

We were lucky enough to get some wonderful images from Kenny K's Shop and here's what the design team came up with for your delight:

Alex  

Jen

  

Patricia

Wenche

(Sentiments says something like: From one cool dude to another - Happy birthday)

Shirley

Alison

Mandy

Sarah

Tussemaja

The sentiment reads something like: You own.

Donna

Kitty

Aren't they fab?  What're you all waiting for then?  Here's the rules:

1. Your card must be for a man/boy

2. It must follow the theme/sketch set

3. It must be a new card for our challenge.

The challenge will close at 12 Midnight (BST) on 5th June 2011. Leave your name and a direct link to your project (not just your blog) in the link tool below. If the link tool is not there for some reason, then please leave details in the comments and we'll add you in before we do the draw.

These Days...

The documentation of thanks
is a wonderful habit.
The LORD gives life and breath
and these are the days we
have been graciously given.

In this practice of thanks
I seek to give HIM praise.

As the days arrive,
so do the joys and the sorrows.
The LORD is in the midst of it all,
and so, the numbering continues...


1385. A little nurse in the family ~ So sweet!

1386. Auntie Mary arrived safely all the way from Wales

1387. That we have her here in Canada for THREE weeks!

1388. Hearing Auntie Mary's testimony

1389. That the children heard her share
her testimony

1390. Godly influence of the older generation

1391. Prayers prayed for us

1392. Long-ago garage sale (three doors down)
in which we acquired (among other wonderful things)
a hide-away bed/couch that was barely used and very cheap

1393. How that couch has come in handy over the years

1394. That Emma LIKES to sleep on it if we should
have overnight guests

1395. Beans and lentils in bulk (25 lb) bags ~ savings!

I list as events unfold.
Sometimes many all at once,
and other times in a trickle.

Would you like to begin?
Just grab a pen and a journal,
set them out on the counter,
and list out your blessings.
Find the joy in the moments ~
As they arrive.

Enjoy the journey!

Many Blessings,
Camille

Freedom from Stuff

How much of our lives are spent in
building and striving and clamoring for
more and more and more?

Only to weed it all out and pare it all down
until there is only a room's worth left over.

What is the point of all this gathering
and collecting and hoarding?

Is it so that we will feel secure?
Safe?
In control of our own destiny?
Successful?

We came into this world with nothing
and we will take nothing out.


"But godliness with contentment
is great gain.
For we brought nothing into
this world,
and it is certain we can
carry nothing out.
And having food and raiment
let us therwith be content."
~ I Timothy 6:6-8 ~

I cannot help but think of the
Egyptian Pharoahs of Ancient times ~
they were buried with provisions for the after life.
It is all still there...
thousands of years later ~ untouched.
The after life has no need of such supplies.

Coveteousness ~ it is SIN.

"Thou shalt not covet..."
~ Exodus 20:17a ~

We are commanded NOT
to covet ANYTHING.
Yet, do we secretly still harbour
covetousness in our hearts?

I do.

The lie that is lived out before us
over and over again ~
is that stuff is where it's at.
That things will bring joy.

Maybe.
For a moment.
Or two.

But they will not bring lasting joy.
Lasting joy is found in the LORD alone.
In HIS peace and grace alone.

May it be that God will grant us each the
ability to view things from this Biblical perspective.
May we live day by day in the freedom of it!

Many Blessings,
Camille

Laughter ~ The Good Medicine

Fraser and Emma have been
collaborating and creating some
*shows* together lately ~

Complete with tickets.

Waiting for the show to begin...

The *announcer*...

The show!

We have enjoyed some laughs
together over this.

May the LORD bless
each one of you with laughter
in your homes this day.

Many blessings,
Camille

Homemade Toothpaste

Well...

I wouldn't say it's a big hit.

I wouldn't say it isn't working.

But, it seems to be far better for
you than many of the choices out there...
including some of the *healthy* alternatives.

In my research I have read that
glycerine can adhere to the teeth and prevent
recalcification of the enamel.
I don't know if this is true or not.
Does anyone know?

The *natural* toothpaste we have
in our posession has glycerine in it.

Hmmmm.....

Easy as pie.
Simple.
And, not too bad.

There is, however,
a background flavour of Baking Soda
that is difficult to get rid of.

It lingers.

I will say, though, that
my teeth feel clean,
and it is cheaper
than what I've been doing.

Soooo....
without any further ado.

Here is *my* recipe...
tweaked and modified
from some I found online.


1/2 cup coconut oil (extra virgin organic)

2 TBSP Baking Soda

Stevia powder to sweeten to taste

Essential Oils of Peppermint or Spearmint...or both ~
Add as much as you like to get the flavour you want.

Mix together in a bowl with a fork.
Put into a little container.
Scoop out what you need with a spoon or knife
and put it on your toothbrush.
Not as convenient as a tube.
But, if it saves money and does the job
without chemicals and fluoride...
well, it may be worth it, right?


I recently broke down and bought some more of
the Nature's Gate Toothpaste.
We were having an out-of-town guest
(who I thought would borrow what we had
in the drawer) and she would have been
subjected to my homemade creation.
I didn't want to force her into
that experience. LOL!

AND, in my defence...it was on sale!

Sooooo....will this last??
Will I experiment some more??
Time will tell.

Have fun!
And do let me know how
it goes! :)

Blessings, Camille

Do I Believe in Prayer?

Simply sharing a quote with you,
kind friends, this weekend.
(It came to me this past week by email).
May the LORD use it in our lives for good.

Do I believe in prayer?

Yes!

May the LORD help me
to truly live like I do!

**My Dad (Camille's) is an artist ~
he used pencil to draw these praying hands
while a Bible School student in 1964 ~

It was a gift to us from my Dad
a few years ago and it is very precious to us both.

"There Is Not Enough Private Prayer!"

"There are few professing Christians,
it may be feared,
who strive to imitate Christ in the
matter of private devotion."

There is abundance of hearing,
reading, talking, professing, visiting,
contributing to the poor,
subscribing to societies and
teaching at schools.

But is there, together with all this,
a due proportion of private prayer?

Are believing men and women sufficiently
careful to be frequently alone with God?

These are humbling and
heart-searching questions.
But we shall find it useful
to give them an answer.

Why is it that there is so much
apparent religious working,
and yet so little result in
positive conversions to God -
so many sermons, and so few souls saved -
so much machinery, and so little effect produced -
so much running here and there,
and yet so few brought to Christ?

Why is all this?

The reply is short and simple.

There is not enough private prayer.

The cause of Christ does not need less working,
but it does need among the workers more praying.
Let us each examine ourselves,
and amend our ways.

The most successful workmen
in the Lord's vineyard,
are those who are like their Master,
often and much upon their knees."

~ J.C. Ryle ~

Quoted from:
Expository Thoughts on the Gospels:
Luke volume 1, [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1986],
139, 140. {Luke 5:12-16}

It's All About the Pigeon. {I Love Mo. 2nd Edition}

It's the last few weeks of first grade, which means it's time for little blue pigeons to cover the walls of our classroom!  And, in case you haven't seen my last post about Mo--you should know that I love him.  He writes the cutest, funniest, and sweetest books for children!  Mo {Willems} is author of the Pigeon books, Knuffle Bunny series, and Elephant and Piggie series!  If it is possible, I think my students love Mo even more than I do!  For the past week, they have been busy reading every Mo book on the shelf, performing reader's theater plays based on the books, writing and illustrating their very own pigeon books, designing new characters, laughing with friends as they buddy read a favorite story, and making connections between the books to themselves and to real life!   It is AWESOME.  

Here is our "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive..." class wall story!  

The kids read the wall story with a buddy using a fun pointer!

Below is our GIANT pigeon.  After this picture was taken, we decided to add descriptive word cards all around him.  One student described the pigeon as "extraordinary."  Great use of our first grade vocabulary!  :)

Okay, I know I said it was "All About the Pigeon", but I have to share this fun art and writing project we did after reading the Knuffle Bunny series!  In the Knuffle Bunny books, Mo uses real black and white photographs as the background setting for his pictures, and his characters are drawn as bright little cartoons that seem to pop off the page.  They are the neatest books!  I printed out some black and white photos and had the kids draw Trixie, her Daddy, and Knuffle Bunny and add them to the photos.  Some even added the pigeon, because Mo hides the pigeon at least once in all of his books.  In the one below, the pigeon is washing off in the fountain...

The author and illustrator below even used some of Mo's language that he uses in all of the Knuffle Bunny books--"Then...Trixie REALIZED...SOMETHING..."  So cute!

Amazing Salmon ~ Quick and Easy!

Now this was yummy!
Easy to put together...
And perfect for a hot summer day!
(Is it hot where you are?)

What more could you ask for?

I didn't have fennel or dried cherries on hand.
So, I skipped the fennel and used
dried cranberries instead of the cherries.
The vinegar was my choice rather than the champagne,
and I pan-fried the fish in coconut oil.

One of the boys said he didn't have
much hope for it when he saw it.
But after tasting the salmon
said I could serve it to him anytime!
LOL! Is that a rave review, or what??

Click here to get to
the original recipe shared
by Miss Jen at Blessed Femina.

Enjoy!

Summery Lemony Deliciousness

I am a chocolate girl.
Really, I am.

But, I can enjoy other things.
And this is one of those
*Other things*.

Lemony, but not in an overbearing way ~
just the right amount of *tart*.
Suitable for high tea or
a relaxing visit on the front porch.

I would even say you could have them for breakfast,
but that might be taking things a little
too far. :)

These freeze well.
So, if it gets oppressively hot
where you live,
you might want to bake some now
to have on hand for later.
You will not be sorry you did.


~ Lemon Bars ~

As found in
"Company's Coming ~ Most Loved Treats"
by Jean Pare ~
a Canadian cookbook author! :)

~ Bottom Layer ~

2 cups Flour

3/4 cup Icing Sugar
(Powdered or Confectioner's)

1 cup Butter, cold

Combine flour and icing sugar
in medium sized bowl.
Cut in butter until mixture
resembles fine crumbs.
Press firmly into ungreased
9 x 13 inch pan.

Bake at 350 degrees F
for about 20 minutes ~
Until golden.

Remove from oven,
but leave oven on.
Spread top layer over
the cooked base.


~ Top Layer ~

4 large Eggs

1/3 cup Lemon Juice ~
Fresh squeezed

1 Tbsp Lemon Peel ~
Finely grated

1 1/2 cups granulated Sugar

1/4 cup Flour

1 tsp Baking Powder

Icing Sugar ~ for dusting


Whisk eggs in large bowl until frothy.
Add lemon juice and peel and stir.

Combine granulated sugar,
flour, and baking powder in small bowl.
Add to egg mixture.

Stir until just moistened.
Spread evenly over cooked bottom layer.
Bake for another 25 minutes,
or until set.

Let stand in pan on
wire rack for 5 minutes.
Dust evenly with icing sugar
using a small sieve.


Let stand until cool.
Cut into bars.
Freeze for the future...
if you can get them there.
They are even good frozen!

Look out! ;-)

We Made...Lemonade!

We are lovin' lemons lately!  The "lemon madness" started with a "how to" writing lesson.  The kids helped me brainstorm everything we would need to make lemonade {they didn't know I already had everything there at school!}  Then, we worked together to write how to make lemonade on an anchor chart! We had to use the words first, next, then, and finally.  The kids even wrote their own recipes for lemonade! After a little writing, we needed a treat!  So we took all of our ingredients and made...lemonade!!!  Many of us, including me, had never made lemonade from REAL lemons before--so we were all pretty excited to get to squeeze the lemons into our pitcher!  *Yep, didn't bring one of those handy juicers...could have been helpful!*  Anyway, we had a lemonade tasting party, and we decided that our first grade lemonade was very yummy!

This lemonade lesson kicked off a little "When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade" mini unit that I will post more pictures of later!  Fun stuff!