Six Weeks of Quiet ~ Merry Christmas!

Precious Friends ~ I am thankful for each one of you.
Your friendship and kindness to our family is such a blessing.
In the last number of months we have felt loved and encouraged.
Thank you all so very much.

This is a wrap-up post for the year.
Yes, for the year!  I cannot believe how quickly time passes.
I am taking six weeks of quiet in this space ~ I trust you will understand.

May the Lord bless you with His peace and presence

throughout the Christmas season and in the coming year.

May you know His loving hand upon you leading and guiding in all you do.

May you know Him as your Saviour and follow Him wherever He leads.

May He be your Everything!

Christmas has always been a very special time of year for us.

We have many family traditions tied into this season.

It's not all about the gifts ~ it's about The Gift!

We have sought, over the years, to teach our children

that our Saviour really is the best Gift of all.

If we do not have Him, we have nothing.

~ Thomas Kinkade Christmas Card ~

We love to celebrate Advent and refresh our minds

with all the wonders revealed about our Saviour in God's Word.

We have always enjoyed going to Burnaby Village Museum

and taking a walk around Stanley Park ~ together.

We enjoy decorating our home and making cookies and ornaments.

We delight in secretly making plans and wrapping and giving.
We gather with friends and family. 

We eat yummy things and visit by the fire.

Our Christmas Eve celebration always includes a special dinner
made up of appetizers and Devon cream tea.
We eat on that night in the living room and linger around the glowing fireplace.
Christmas Carols are sung while we gather by the tree. 

We have so many happy memories of Christmases past.
This photo is one of the last we have together as a family ~
It was taken last Christmas shortly after Austin's pacemaker surgery.
We've included it in our family's Christmas letter this year.

We do plan on returning to all our usual traditions in the future.
This year, however, we are switching things up a bit and 
making some changes.  It's a year of transition.
A year of firsts.  We are making new memories.

Without our precious Austin.  

We still plan to celebrate our Saviour's birth.
We plan to gather with family and friends.
We plan to give gifts and send cards.
We are not abandoning tradition altogether, but, 
we must have a year of transition.

Everything is still a little too fresh.

Since Austin was taken Home to Heaven, things have not been the same.

Christmas will never be the same.  We will never be the same.
As we ease ourselves into life here without our precious son,

we seek to remember that He is with the Lord.

Our Austin is celebrating his first Christmas in Heaven ~

with our Saviour!!  What a thought!

He is perfectly content and joyful.
He is praising the Lord constantly in perfect peace.
One day, we will be there too.
It truly is precious to consider these things.

By God's great grace, we will honour the Lord in the days to come.
We will remember Him and praise Him and worship Him.
Because He is worthy.  And, He truly is the best Gift of all!

My plan is to be absent from this space for the next six weeks.
Please do not be alarmed at the fact that any comments you 
may choose to leave will initially disappear, and then will take time to publish.
(Please do let me know you were here...it's always a blessing to hear from you).

I do not plan to check in at all until the end of December.

This includes publishing comments and visiting with you in your space.
It's just what I must do.  Thank you for always extending grace.
Please know that I value your friendship and do
hope to reconnect after this time of internet quietness.
May the Lord bless you as you seek Him.  Now and always.

Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:
and the government shall be upon his shoulder:
and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor,
The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
~ Isaiah 9:6 ~

Much Love,
Camille

It's a Tradition

Every year (for quite some time now),

we make an effort to 

go to Burnaby Village Museum one evening

prior to Christmas Day.

It's a tradition.

And, a wonderful one at that!  :)

We ran into friends on our way in.

In fact, these are the friends who

originally told us about this fabulous museum.

How fun is that?

We enjoyed going through much of it together.

And, when we parted company,

we reconnected throughout the evening.

We couldn't have planned it better if we had tried!  

Since Calvin is our family photographer,

Howie and I get into more photos together.

It's a new thing.

We're Canadian...can you tell?

Our sweet friends rode with us on

the restored carousel.

And, Calvin took photos.  
In the photo below ~
Fraser and I are standing on the left of the carousel,
Austin, Emma and Howie are seated on their mounts!  :)

Even Austin was able to join in!

What a blessing!!

Here's our favourite house on this site.

It's in its original location ~

built about 100 years ago.

Yes, in Canada, that is old enough to be in a museum!  

Want to come in for some hot chocolate

or hot apple cider?

Emma and I would enjoy hosting you here!  

Ah...there's Calvin!!

He did a self-timed photo and jumped into

it so we could all be together.  :)

We like to end the evening with a stop

at Krispy Kreme on the way home.

Dear me!  It's a dangerous thing to do!!

What are some of the special traditions you have

with your family in the days around Christmas?

It would be lovely if you would share!  :)

Many Blessings,
Camille

**Photos in this post courtesy of Calvin ~

Thank you my love!  XO

Getting Crafty

I like to have a few surprises tucked

away for the Christmas season.

This year has been no exception.

Wooden ornaments to paint were hidden
away for just the right day.

Even the *big* kids joined in ~ joy!

I had Christmas music playing in the background
while the creative fun took place.
I am not typically a *crafty* Mum.
Consequently, the *crafts with the children* department 
has been somewhat lacking over the years.
Sorry to say.

But, Christmas time...
well, that's another story.
Out come the crafts, and I turn a blind eye to the mess ~
At least I try to!!  :)

Gingerbread Men.  A Gingerbread House (usually from a kit).
Painting ornaments and making cookies ~
These are some of things I have tucked up my sleeve.
Some of these activities will get done, Lord-willing.  :)
One thing's for sure ~ the children always enjoy it.

Even my *near-men*!  

See the smoke?  ;-)

This kept them busy for at least two hours.
Time well-spent, in my opinion.

Are you a crafty Mum?

What surprises do you have hidden away
for the cold winter days that lie ahead?
Whatever you do, enjoy these special times 
with your children...
how quickly they fly by!

Merry Christmas!
Camille

Prepared

Sometimes, God prepares us for what is coming.

In the past few months it felt as though

the LORD was doing that for me.

Christmas was coming,

albeit, a couple of months down the road,

but, it was coming.

I had a photo of the children that 

I thought would be perfect for the Christmas Cards.

I got them printed.

In October!

That motivated me to get a Christmas letter written.

Which motivated me to write out and address

all the Christmas cards.

In October!

~ Christmas photo: taken in May 2012 ~

Little did I know that, just prior to Christmas,

Austin would be hospitalised for six days,

and then, less than a week later,
he would have a pacemaker inserted.

Little did I know.

But, God knew.

Our times are in His hand.

He orders our steps.

And, sometimes, He prepares us.

Always, He sustains us.
Always, He provides.

There have been times when I have felt unprepared,
even then, He gives the grace and strength needed.
Regardless of our circumstances, 
He is in complete and Sovereign control.

He is SO Good!

Having my Christmas cards done ahead of time
was just one of the ways

in which the LORD prepared me for this busy time.

I had meals frozen and put away, 

and my Christmas shopping was done early.

These things have been such a blessing.

They were not *necessary* things, 

but, they were blessings nonetheless.

Although I did have some meals frozen,
they eventually ran out ~
then, some lovely ladies brought us food.
Thank you P, L, and P!!  
Isn't it wonderful to have dinner cooked for you??

Thank you, E for taking my children to your home
for dinner on the day of Austin's surgery ~
What a blessing that was!

I stand in awe of the LORD's provisions

in these tangible ways.

And, I am thankful.

May the LORD bless you all!

Much Love,
Camille

Of Curls, Weddings, and Beginnings

Our niece was married last Friday.
Nearly 21 years ago, she was our flower girl.
Emma was given the privilege
of doing the same for her.

Full circle.
A tradition.

Emma read while I curled her hair.
It took over an hour!
The style had to hold for more than five hours ~
the photos were being taken prior to the ceremony.

Emma was sent off with instructions
not to move her head!
Poor thing. :)

The ceremony was beautiful.
The bride was lovely.
(I haven't had permission to
post photos yet, so I will leave you
to your imagination).

The vows and rings were exchanged.
The documents were signed.
The kiss was given and received. :)

The unity candle was lit.

The couple were introduced as Mr. and Mrs.
And there was joy all around!
As it should be.

Austin and Fraser had the honour of
playing the background music at the reception
as guests found their seats.

Calvin was our photographer.
We forgot to get a family picture.
I am so sad.
But, as I told Emma prior to the big day ~
"It's not all about us!"

And it really isn't.

The bride and groom were sent off in style
under a tunnel of love.
We were so happy to have been able to witness
the beginning of their lives together
as husband and wife.

It's such a joy to witness two young people who
love the LORD as they are united in marriage.
May the LORD be glorified in and through them ~
And may HE bless them abundantly
in the years to come.

Blessings to each of you as well!
With Love,
Camille

**Last three photos in this post courtesy of Calvin ~
Thank you my love! XO

Burnaby Village Museum

Burnaby Village Museum
is a local family favourite.
Especially at Christmas.
Decorated and lit up for the Season,
it is magical.

A re-created early 1900's
town with authentic buildings
and volunteers in period costume ~
It's a little like
stepping back in time.

In the evenings leading
up to Christmas, there are activities
and extra special things for families to enjoy.

We found ourselves there
one evening a few days before Christmas.

Our first stop?
The Carousel. :)
Calvin was my photographer ~
he chose not to ride.

A recent addition to the museum is
a beautiful, completely restored
Interurban Tram Car ~
From the era before most owned their
own transportation.
My Dad rode on one of these
as a young boy growing up in Vancouver.
(A little slice of personal history).

Did they look as nice as this back then Dad? :)

Here's a portion of the *main street*
with Howie and Fraser facing the camera.
I'm at the far left in this shot and
Emma is running toward me...
we're a little blurred ~
See us? :)

My Sweetie and me! :)


Thank you Calvin for taking
the photos!
It's tempting to stop
bringing my camera along with
me to things like this.
But then I remember that
it's necessary.
Often the photographer
gets left out of the pictures! :(

Next time it's my turn Calvin. XO

What are some of your family favourites?
Do you have special places you like
to visit during Christmas?

Please share!

Many Blessings,
Camille

Sliding Back to *Normal*

For the six days
right over Christmas
it was a flurry of activity around here.
Family coming and going.

And with all that coming
and going, we sought to
remember the REAL Reason for it all.

God is Good.
We are thankful that HE came!

The first day of our *six days of Christmas*
was my Dad's birthday.
On the 22nd.
Roast Beef,
Yorkshire Pudding
and Chocolate Log Roll
for dessert were on the menu.

A Tradition.

My sister and her family and my brother
came by after dinner for a visit.
Complete with an open fire.

W.O.N.D.E.R.F.U.L.

What can beat a REAL fire?
I'm so glad we didn't close it in
years ago like we were tempted to.

Then we had our Christmas Eve
a day early (the 23rd).
And celebrated Christmas as a
family on the 24th.

Christmas Day we went to church
and then spent the afternoon
with Howie's parents.
They are unable to make the trek
out to our home for Christmas Eve Dinner by the Fire,
so we took it to them...on Christmas Day.
SO thankful that we still can.

On Boxing Day (26th) my Mom and
Sister and her family came to our
home for Turkey and all the Trimmings.

That night our niece stayed for
a sleep-over with Emma.
F.U.N. Times!

The 27th we spent the day
with Howie's family at his
brother's home.
Turkey with all the Trimmings
once again.

How blessed we are!
How thankful!

As wonderful as it was
to have had all those precious
family times...
As wonderful as it was
to have made some precious
memories...

We must slide back
into *normal* living.
It's where the daily
grace for life and living are.
Here's to *Normal*...
whatever THAT may be! :)

As you slide back into
your *normal*,
may the LORD give you daily
HIS grace and bless you with HIS peace.

In HIS Love,
Camille

A Christmas Eve Tradition

Every Christmas Eve we
have dinner by the fire.

Ever since the children were little.

It began with just
Devon Cream Tea on the menu.

And now...
it includes all this!!

As the children grew
there was a need for more
and more and MORE food!

We do a full-blown appies spread.
It's dinner.

What's on the menu?

Layer Dip for Nacho Chips.
(Recipe to follow)

Red Pepper Jelly on
a brick of Cream Cheese
served with Rice Crackers.

Store-bought Sausage Rolls
with Dijon Mustard.

Mandarin Oranges.

Hot Apple Cider.

And of course...
Devon Cream Tea!
(See recipe below)

~ Gina's Layer Dip ~

8oz Pkg Cream Cheese (softened)
1/2 Cup Sour Cream

Mix together and spread into
a 9" glass pie dish.

Spread a layer of salsa over this.
Sprinkle with grated Cheddar.
Chop some green onions and tomatoes
and sprinkle over the cheese layer.

Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Serve with Unseasoned Nacho Chips.

SO easy and SO good!

~ Devon Cream Tea ~

Purchase some
REAL Devon Cream.
Straight from England.
Click Here
to view the brand I buy.

U.N.B.E.L.I.E.V.E.A.B.L.E.

Really...
it is actually
SCARY how good it is! :)

Once you have some of the
good stuff on hand,
you just need to whip up a batch of
Rich Scones.

Recipe taken from
Company's Coming
"Muffins and More"
by Jean Pare (a Canadian!).

~ Rich Scones ~

2 Cups All purpose Flour
1/2 Cup Sugar
1 Tbsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Sea Salt
1/2 Cup Butter, cold
1 Egg
2/3 Cup Milk

Mix together all dry ingredients in a large bowl.
Cut in butter until crumbly.
Mix together egg and milk in small bowl.
Stir wet ingredients into flour mixture and mix quickly with a fork.
Pat into a rectangle on your counter.
Be careful to not over-mix!
Cut into triangles or circles.
Place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
Bake at 425 degrees F for about 15 minutes until golden.

Cool on cooling racks.

Once cooled,
serve your split open scone
with the cream and some
fresh strawberry preserves on top.
And be prepared...
this may become a new tradition!

What special family traditions
do you revisit each year at Christmas-time?
Please share in the comments of this post.
I would love to read about them!

Many Christmas Blessings
to each and every one of you!
With Love,
Camille

A Few Ideas...

In a baking slump?
Need ideas?

Here are a few of our favourites.

Apple Tart

Absolutely the BEST
Cinnamon Buns ~
A Christmas Morning Tradition!

Whipped Shortbread ~
If I only bake one thing...it's these!

Click Here
to get to a post from
last year...
if you need a little
encouragement in the
gift-giving department.

Be encouraged!
It's not all about the amount
spent or on the trappings of the Season.

It really is all about
the LORD Jesus Christ.

Let's prepare our hearts for HIM!

Many Blessings,
Camille

Love Letters

My friend
Trisha
shared the most
W.O.N.D.E.R.F.U.L.
idea a few months ago on her old blog.

Today, I am sharing her idea
with you here on mine.

I had planned on just linking
directly to her post.
But, it took me so long to
implement it that now...
her old blog is not available.

The links don't work.
So, I am sending you directly to
her main blog.

I am sure you will be blessed by reading
whatever Trisha writes.
She loves the LORD.
She seeks to LIVE her faith.
By HIS grace.
She is a Sweetie.

Love letters.

We often just imagine them
to be between two who are courting.
But, have you ever thought
of writing love letters to your children?
Or how about your Spouse?

The idea is simple.

You get a journal for each child.
You write a note to them
in it once in awhile.
Or every day if you like.

It might be on special occasions.
It might be when you notice
that they have done something sweet.
It might be *just because*.

Some ideas.

Compose a letter to your child
sharing a memory from their baby days.
Or, tell them what you think is
extra special about them.
Write out a prayer that
you have prayed for your child.
Share an encouraging Scripture passage.

Write from your heart to theirs.

It doesn't need to be long.
It is sure to be a blessing!

Thank you Trisha for sharing your
precious tradition with us.
May the LORD use this lovely idea
to be a blessing in the lives of others.

I am sure HE will!
Blessings,
Camille

A Quiet Christmas at Home

Since this blog is somewhat of a personal journal,
I thought I would post a little recap of our quiet family times
this past Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

We did have extended family visits at various other
times throughout the season,
but, for the 24 hour period
late in the afernoon on Christmas Eve
until early evening on Christmas Day
we were alone as a family.
It was lovely.

On Christmas Eve each year we have a tradition.
Actually, we have a few.

We light the candles.
We (Howie) light(s) the fire.
We (I) make appetizers.

And then...

We eat in the livingroom in front of the crackling fire
while Christmas music plays in the background.

Maybe, toward the end of this year,
I will do a post on the menu,
as it is a special part of our traditions.

But, for now...
you will just find the photos
and the commentary.

This is our view from the couch ~
After the food has been eaten
and the kids have been tucked into bed.
I *love* the glow of firelight and candles!

The next morning...
Christmas Day!

We gather, once again, in the livingroom and
have a Christmas morning devotional centering on
the LORD's first coming.
Isn't it beautiful to remember that amazing event?

I forgot to take a picture prior to any gift-opening,
so we took a break mid-stream for the requisite *memory* photo...
for Mum! :)

Handmade cards and notes are a favourite!

Our children shopped secretly this year...
so precious!

Emma opening her disguised gift ~
the boys wrapped their gift to her so as to keep it a secret.
They did a very, very good job!

A plush headed hobby horse ~
next best to the *real* thing!
(Emma *loves* horses)

We are Vancouver Canucks Fans (of course)!

Gigantic colouring books for Fraser and Emma...
I think Fraser is really past this, but he humoured his Mummy anyway ~
wasn't that sweet?

Austin has been doing
stop-animation photography
recently and he was thrilled with a mini-tripod...
he looks thrilled, don't you think? :)

Two tired, but happy and content parents ~
relaxing at home.

It was a quiet day with the children...
we enjoyed the peacefulness of it very, very much.
Was your Christmas Day relaxing or crazy busy or
somewhere in between?

Whatever happened in your home,
I trust it was a blessed Christmas full of joy celebrating
the REAL Reason for it all!

Many blessings,
Camille