Looking Unto Jesus

Hebrews 12:1-3

"Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us,
and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;
Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself,
lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."

Holy Bible

Family Portraits

A Nice.

Orderly.

Composed.

Respectable.

Family portrait takes place...

AND then THIS happens! :)

AND more of the SAME...

Just another ORDINARY day at our house! :)

Olympic Day in the City

We had been told ~
"You must go downtown and experience the Olympic feeling up close and personal...just go!"

"Okay, okay, we will go!" And we did.
Last Tuesday was the big day for us ~ we were all happy that we took the advice kindly given, and ventured Downtown.

These buses were everywhere and we enjoyed seeing them...
they were very "Olympic-y" ~ my new word. :)

Public transportation was, of course, the only way to go ~ so we took the SkyTrain from the comfort of the suburbs to the bustling city streets ~ Fraser with Daddy.

Calvin, Emma and Austin with their "driver's" view.


The Fraser River SkyTrain bridge coming up...

The banks of False Creek were crowded with innumerable Inuksuit ~
presumably built by those who had been there before us.
Science World in the distance.

It was a very grey and drizzly day ~ the first we'd had in awhile...
but typical for our West Coast winters.

The Torch and the children in front of the Torch ~ We could have waited in a 45 minute line for a picture with no fence links in the background, but we opted for this look (below) instead.

Quatchi...up close and personal with Emma!
We watched the mascots skate on the Robson Square outdoor ice rink ~ a treat! :)

Everywhere you looked there was another banner or dressed up building ~ very fun to see.

Emma watching Russian dancers in the Russian Pavillion ~ sweet! :)

Many things were dressed up differently for the Olympics and this was one of the more dramatic ~ Science World turned Russian Pavillion. Russia is gearing up to host the Winter Olympics in 2014.

There were fabulous flags within this pavillion and the kids each stood by their favourite and had a pic taken by Mum. Unfortunately, Austin is very washed out and there was no time for a retake ~ but it's a memory. :)

We ended our excursion with a real treat ~ dinner out at White Spot...the best family style restaurant in the Lower Mainland! Mummy and Emma waited and coloured while the boys caught the end of the Hockey game being broadcast on the restaurant TV. They returned to the table just as the food was being served ~ how did they manage that? :)

Oreo Cookie Ice Cream Cake

Unfortunately, this is not something that is good for you! BUT...is it ever YUMMY!! Once again...a rare treat ~ right? It is SO simple and yet it gets rave reviews. Emma was just cleared by the allergist for milk and do you know what she requested for a birthday cake? That's right...THIS!! :)


Pour one 400g package of Oreo baking Crumbs in a bowl and mix in 1/2 cup of melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 10 x 15 inch glass baking dish. (You could also make a round cake by using a large springform pan).

Let about 3 Litres of vanilla ice cream get soft. Meanwhile, crush one 350 gram package of Oreo Cookies until the pieces are all about the same size. Mix these two ingredients together and spread into prepared pan. Cover and freeze for about 6 hours until firm.

Remove from the freezer about ten minutes before you want to cut into it and voila, dessert is served!

ENJOY (occasionally)!

Challenge No. 4 - Winner

Wow, we had 82 entrants to the last challenge.  Thanks to everyone who took the time to enter and please join us again with challenge no.5.

So, onto the winner of Challenge 4.  I used Random.org and here is the result.....

No. 74 was Dorothy S.  Congratulations Dorothy, please email your choice of 3 digis from Hope Jacare on  cardsformen@donnasden.co.uk and I'll pass them on to our Claire.  I'd like to thank Claire once again for sponsoring Challenge No 4 and encourage you all to take a look at her shop.

Choosing the Top 3 gets harder and harder.  I always ask the DT for their top 3, thinking that'll give me at most 12 to pick from plus the ones that have caught my eye.  Unfortunately, they too are having a hard time and send me a lot more than three to pick from, lol.  I got my husband to help me to narrow it down this time.

#41 - Alicia

#68 - Lauren

#78 - Anne

Well done to the three of you.  Please help yourself to the 'top 3' badge in the sidebar and display it on your blog with pride.

The "Small" Things...

Taking notice of even the smallest of things on this "Multitude Monday" ~ continuing to count the blessings in my Journal of Thanks. When we slow down and consider all that we have, we become attuned to His many gifts.
Today's list of the small things...

296. Buds of leaves soon to be born...

297. First flowers of the season ~ Heather outside the front door

298. Sweetest little music box ~ long ago gift from my Sweetheart

299. Lego cars on windowsill ~ in boy-becoming-man's room...

300. Fraser's handiwork ~ buildings for a school project

301. Baby teeth ~ both lost in the same night

302. Two less teeth ~ and a smile that is changing...

303. Stack of Beatrix Potter books ~ treasures.

304. Chess game being played amidst "life" as they pass by the table throughout the day...

305. Birds chirping in the early hours of the morning ~ first sign of spring
306. "I love you Mum" in the voices of the children ~ large and small
307. Thoughtful gestures done in secret
308. Empty laundry hampers ~ not really a "small" thing ~ but rare! :)
309. Little toes and feet ~ not for long!
310. Baby teeth ~ fewer and fewer...cherish the moments!
311. Childish voices
312. Moments of quiet ~ but not for long!
313. Rays of sunshine across the livingroom floor
314. Lengthening days ~ another sign of spring
315. Candlelight at the table ~ with our children
316. Shared secrets
317. Snuggling with Emma in the chair and a half
318. Leftovers ~ rare around here

Many Blessings,
Camille

Challenge No. 5

Before I start this fortnight's challenge, I'd like to say how much I appreciate the support we're getting from all you guys out there.  We keep getting really positive comments and the publicity your posts are giving us is great. Thank you all so much.

For this challenge, our sponsor is 'The Stamping Boutique' and here's what Tracey (owner) had to say

"The Stamping Boutique is dedicated to quality products and original artwork. Our designers are chosen for their character and personality,as well as, their beautiful designs. We work hard to give you our very best. Thank you so much for having us as your sponsor this week."

The images over in her shop are absolutely wonderful so please be sure to pop over and have a look around.

The challenge this time is to use the technique of Paper Piecing and for anyone who needs some pointers, the girls on the Design Team have found some tutorials on the web.  Have a look at

Tutorial 1

Tutorial 2

Tutorial 3

Please remember that these are not the work of any members of this blog and I would like to acknowledge and thank the individuals for their contribution.

The prize for this challenge is 5 digi images from The Stamping Boutique.  The challenge is open until midnight GMT on the 14th March 2010 and the rules are

1. The card must be for a man/boy.
2. You need to follow the theme/sketch that is set.

3. It must be a new card.

Leave your name and a direct link to your entry (not just to your blog) in Mr Linky below.  If Mr Linky is not there for some reason then leave the details in the comments and I'll add you in when I'm doing the draw.

Here's what our Design Team came up with to help you on your way.

Donna

Pat

Shirley

Viv

Lisa

For more information on the individual cards, click the link to their blog below each card.  Have fun with our challenge and good luck.