Christmas Morn'

Another Christmas come and gone... Why do they have to be over with so fast?? And this year we did things differently in the Officer family. We spent a full day with each side of the family instead of travelling back and forth, back and forth - cutting visits short. So our celebrations this year lasted three days, and still it was too short! The children were spoiled rotten, again. Some highlights - personal DVD players; Nintendo Gameboy Advance and games; Barbie kitchens and princess carriages; a Blackberry Pearl for Marc; new handbags (yes, plural!!) and shoes and perfume for me and new curtains for my bedroom - well, the promise of new curtains once I call my designer to come on over with her book of fabrics!! Soooo excited about that!! The list goes on and on. We are so blessed to be surrounded by family that love us so much. And we are doubly blessed to be surrounded by family that all get along!! We LOVE spending time with each other. It is a hoot. And the kids thrive on the bonds they have with each and every single family member. But with all this celebration, I seem to have lost track of the days. I have not been to work since last Friday - and tomorrow I do have to go in for a bit to see what is going on. Sigh. How depressing... But then I am off again for the weekend and yet another very short week as we close down for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day and then I go back again next Friday for the day... I guess I can't complain. Well, sure I CAN complain, but I shouldn't - graditude in my heart, blah blah blah... hee hee

Have a wonderful rest of the week all, and a good weekend!

Ciao

More Stanley Park Pics

Christmas in Stanley Park

If you haven't been to Vancouver to visit Stanley Park, you must! It is magical at the best of times, but during Christmas they turn it into a winter wonderland. Last Saturday we went to ride the train and walk the park etc. for the day. It was a blast. And the kids had so much fun. Here are a few pics from the day.

Ciao all

Merry Christmas

Wishing you much peace for Christmas.

Ciao all.

The BIG Brag

My Ethan has done it again. He finished testing yesterday at Taekwondo and has graduated to Brown Decided belt (brown belt, black stripe)! Yeah!! Now, by far, this has been the most difficult belt for Ethan. He not only had to memorize his brown belt form (46 moves) but he also had to re-memorize a lower belt form (another 36 moves) and then perform these two forms perfectly and then break his boards with a front kick and a forearm strike and do his self defence and sparring on top of it all. And now he has to do all of this with power and control. No more half hearted moves... Wow. Nothing to laugh at. Not an easy feat to accomplish. I am super proud of him. And his masters were also very proud of him - he won an award at testing for his dedication and perseverance. Awesome. Just when I feel maybe this is not the thing for him, he surprises me. Proves me wrong each and every time. Way to go Ethan!!

Oh, and he also brought home his report card - awesome!! My kid is a super genius. No joke. Can't get any prouder there!! Good day all around.

Things that have caught my fancy

All courtesay Pottery Barn. Man, I do enjoy their stuff. I have been inspired by these simple images to re-do my mantle in the new year. Exciting. Love when I find inspiration in simple things.

Ciao all

The Wall

Well, I think I have hit the proverbial "brick wall". I am exhausted. Completely. Our church dinner was a bit hit Friday night, but it was a lot of work, and I am done. I mean really done putting on parties and doing dinners and cooking and cleaning up for everyone else. People all say "thank you", but you know, it does not cut it. NOT to sound mean or anything, but really - y'all have NO idea the work and stress and planning that has to go into putting on two parties for close to 100 people each. Not to mention that this has taken up like 6 weeks of my life and the money I have had to fork out to cover things... So "thank you" does not go a long way. I am being mean. I should stop while I am ahead. I am just really tired...

Yesterday I finished all my Christmas baking. Yeah. That was a great accomplishment. So I made coconut balls and chocolate bark and two batches of sugar cookies and a batch of Aunt Mary's cookies and pecan tarts. I think it is enough. Now I need to pick up tins to give all of this stuff away! Can't have it in my house = my jeans wont' fit anymore. And the jeans cost way more than the ingredients for baking!! (Marc - don't read that part!! hee hee)

Well I have work to get back to. Good thing I am going home in about an hour. Did I mention I was tired??

Ciao all.

In full swing

Christmas is in full swing at the Officer household. I have just finished a batch of Aunt Mary's Cookies (which to me taste like nothing, but Marc grew up on them and now my kids love them - go figure...) and Crystal's Chocolate Bark. Thank you!! It is most awesome!! I would post pictures of this all, but my pics won't download from my printer - there is some technical glitch with the program... I need Marc to fix this. Pics to follow soon.

Yesterday my mom and Bella and I went out shopping so that my mom could finish all her Christmas shopping (which she did), but really, who needs an excuse?!! We went to Coquitlam Centre and to H&M. LOVE it! Spent money. Should not have. Need to go back without Bella in tow. She dragged me down. Totally cool stuff at totally reasonable prices. I am hooked. Then we headed out to Winners and again found a whack of stuff. It was just one of those days. I have been steadily losing weight for almost a year now. And yesterday I found a suit that was gorgeous. But I looked at the size and thought, no - it won't fit. Well, if it wasn't for my enormous chest, this suit would have been perfect! The jacket fit in the arms and in the back - just would NOT go across my chest. And the skirt was great - grey pinstripe pencil skirt with a bit of a flair at the bottom. Lovely. So now I am contemplating chest reduction surgery. No joke. I have lived with this long enough. I am not happy with the largeness of my upper half. And modern medicine can fix what I cannot seem to get rid of, no matter how much weight I lose. We will see where this goes.

Well, I have laundry to do and cleaning to do. I also have a Christmas dinner for 75 to prepare for - that is tomorrow night. I am tired already and the day has just begun. Such is life.

Ciao all.

Christmas came early

For me, anyways! These are my two new editions to my house. The first painting I won at our school fundraiser on Friday night. And here is the kicker - my darling and TALENTED friend Kim made this painting for us to auction. I put my bid in and at the end of the night I was chosen!! Too funny! I have three other pieces of Kim's art work in my house already, so I see this as fate. This was meant to be for me!! hee hee I think it is so funny that I ask Kim to do this for the school and then I end up winning it! But I LOVE it and it fits perfectly with my home decor. Meant to be. And does it not look like a big old piece of chocolate cake?? How can you NOT love this?!! ha ha

My second edition does not come from me, but my husband. We were out shopping yesterday and we went into Urban Barn. They still have this cabinet I am eyeing and so we went in to see if they have dropped the price yet. And as we looked around I noticed Marc talking to the sales gal. Did not think anything about it. Then I saw him standing at the till to pay. What?? I go walking up to him and ask what he is paying for. He says he bought something for the house... Hmm?? Usually he does not take an interst in the decor because I am so picky about it all. But this is what he bought, and I LOVE it!! He has awesome taste. So now as you head up the stairs to our third floor, these two signs greet you. And when you walk through our front door, you can see these two signs up the stairs. I think they are perfect - their message is clear - Welcome Home. To our home.

Have a good afternoon all.

Ciao

From my house...

Just some of the decorating I have been doing. I have come to the conclusion that I have an obsession with balls and letters...

This is a huge rusted jingle bell that I have outside on my front porch - one on either side of my living room window. Totally cool. And it is nestled in boughs of cedar. Smells good!! I also have boughs of cedar covering all my railings on the front porch.

This basket sits on my island in the kitchen. It is filled with red balls and jingle bells and the JOY letters. I made those last year. Super simple.

This bowls sits on my table in the living room. Again, filled with balls that glitter and shine - very sparkly when the lights are out and the Christmas tree lights hit the bowl.

This was my last project. This JOY sign is all glitter! Easy to do, but messy. VERY messy. But it is amazing again when the lights catch it. Love it. And yes, more jingle bells... I just can't help myself...

Ciao all.

My weekend in review

Well, it sure was an interesting weekend... On Friday we got a heavy snow warning and sure enough by Saturday morning we were blanketed. But that did not stop us from venturing out and having our Breakfast with Santa as planned. We had 62 children show up for breakfast and pictures with Santa and crafts. They made these cute button wreath ornaments and candy cane bead ornaments shown below. Love how they turned out!! Now these are proudly displayed on my Christmas tree. More memories. Love that.

This is what my front yard looked like as of yesterday morning. Crazy. And the shot below is of my back yard. You can see how hard the snow is falling. We ended up just staying home yesterday from church. Not worth venturing out. Too many crazy drivers out there. Too many BC people who have NO idea how to drive in the snow. Especially our snow which is damp and heavy and tends to freeze = black ice everywhere. Gotta love it!!

I am annoyed

I *hate* when things just stop working - out of the blue. That annoys me above and beyond anything. My range just stopped working. It worked yesterday, and today nothing. The door lock is on and I can't disengage the lock = the oven lights won't turn off = the oven won't heat up because the seal has not engaged = useless to me. How angry am I right now?? And the company help line has been no help at all!! And even searching the internet I have not been able to find an answer to my problem. And here is the kicker - the stupid range is only 2 years old!! And to replace it would cost close to $2000!! I want to scream! Why is that my grandmother's oven lasted for 20 years and mine has lasted for two... Listen up manufacturers - start making QUALITY products!! And start offering warranties that actually help the consumer!!

Thursday stuff

I don't know where the week has gone. Isabella had the flu, but it was a mild case! Thank goodness!! I am STILL traumatized from two years ago when our entire house got the stomach flu and it lasted for 2 weeks, and both Ethan and I ended up in emergency because the stomach pain was so severe... I NEVER want to go through that again. But Bella is on the mend now and so far so good - knock on wood!!

I have been running around getting crafts and goodies ready for a Breakfast with Santa this coming up Saturday morning for our primary children at church. I don't even know how many children will be attending honestly... I think we have 45 children in primary, but they are allowed to bring friends... I have crafts and candy canes for 100 - so hopefully I won't have more than that!! Yikes. More panic. I am exhausted and my week is not over yet.

I am feeling crafty, so I must do something with this energy. Have a good day all.

Ciao

Party

So my sweet niece Emelia turned two today and we had her party at Flip City. Fantastic. My kids could not get enough of the trampolines and foam pits and balance beams... Bella was in her element. Seems that gymnastics is something I should be looking into for her! And we got to spend the day with Maya! She is growing into such a gorgeous little girl. It was awesome. Good times with family and friends. Good memories. Happy Birthday my little monkey!!! Love you lots and lots!!!

Busy

Making home made cannelloni for 40 people... My kitchen is a disaster zone. But I am in the groove. And boy does my house smell gooooooood!!!

Have a great day all.

Ciao

I am pooped. Really pooped.

Well yesterday was Super Saturday and it went off without a hitch. Seriously. Thanks to many MANY wonderful women who do what they are asked to do without question or complaint. I love you all!! We had a busy day of classes and I taught two of them. I feel bad - I abandoned my classes a few times during the day to ensure that everyone else was okay and that we were staying on schedule, etc. etc. Kind of my job... But I am exhausted. I was on my feet from 8 am yesterday morning to 5pm straight. Not to mention the weeks leading up to this event where I did not sleep and ran around getting everything ready. Don't ask me right now if this is something I want to organize and run again! Right now, the answer is NO. hee hee

Well, there is no rest for the wicked. With this behind me, I have many projects to turn my attention to now. The first being a Senior's dinner that Marc's Young Men are putting on this Thursday night. I am cooking for them - stuffed shells. So this week I will be busy making my homemade pasta sauce and getting that ready. Then I am helping to host a Breakfast with Santa for 60 children on December 1st.

My job - crafts for 60 kids to do. Crazy. But I have risen to the challenge. They are all making these super cute button wreath ornaments and writing letters to Santa. We are serving pancakes and sausages and fruit salad for breakfast and then it is craft time and then it is time for a visit and pictures with Santa. Their "goody bag" is an advent calendar (which I am also responsible for...). It never ends. And I wish that was all, but no. Then I have Ethan's school Christmas fundraiser the week after, and then our Church Christmas dinner just for the adults the week after... Yes, I am insane. Just for the record.

I am going to go and cook up some penne. My mama made me sauce with meatballs and spareribs. My favourite. I am going to drown my tiredness in some good ol' fashioned Italian love!!

Ciao all.

It's THAT time again...

Every year I say I am not going to do these ornaments... Yet here I am again, with yet another batch of them made. It is crazy. I truly am addicted to them. And this year I used paper that is gorgeous - very traditional - ruby reds and burgandy and apple green and forest green. And the chipboard tags just worked so well. K and Company I believe... Two dozen done, who knows how many more to go.

The rest of my house looks like Santa's workshop exploded. I have glitter everywhere from the "JOY" class I am teaching. Wooden letters that are painted and then covered in glitter. The "O" is used as a picutre frame. Very cute when it is all done. I will have to post a pic of the finished product. And I have 4 foot wooden Christmas trees everywhere. I sure will be happy when Saturday is over and all these things have gone to their new homes and out of mine!! Of course, then I will be looking for another Christmas project to do... You know I LOVE it!! I think button trees are on my list this year. Last year it was fabric trees. I have a real tree thing...

Have a happy day all.

Ciao

My weekend of fun

I didn't expect this weekend to be a big thing. But it was. And it was great. And I am again ever thankful for the hobby I fell into 8 years ago, and for all that it has brought me in my life. You see, Tammy emailed me at the beginning of the week and asked if I wanted to go to the BC Creative Expo with her. The what?? I had never heard of this. First time running here in the Lower Mainland (and organized by my friend Kari - which I just found out when I arrived!! HOW COOL!!!). So I thought, sure, why not?!! It was a day away from the house and a day to spend with my gal pal and browse this ever changing industry. I headed out to Abbotsford and met up with Tammy and then the fun began. We met up with Jackie and Kat from Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine. These women were amazing!! You know when you meet certain people and you just click? That is what happened. I felt like I had know them forever. It was wonderful. And then I met the talented Karen and Diane from Tin Box Creations, and bought a set of their stamps! Too cute!! Again, fabulous gals!! And then I met the ever talented and gorgeous Vicki Boutin, and her adorable momma!! Tammy and I kind of hijacked her class. I felt bad for the women taking the class - there we were hooting it up and telling stories and talking "business" while these women were trying to make Vicki's layouts. I really think we scared the gals in the class, but oh well!! hee hee Hey, Vicki was in town and it was the PERFECT opportunity to have a visit!! What is a girl to do?? Again, we all just seem to click. It was fun. And to top it all off, the gals of Canadian Scrapbooker took us out to dinner. Wow. More laughing. I was exhausted by the time I came home, but I really felt fulfilled. My spirit needed that camaraderie. I also found it so relieving to be around like minded crafty people who get it when you are excited because you have found the PERFECT glue so that your glitter does not end up all over the house... Or that stamp set on sale... Or that new machine gadety thing that allows you to make your own mini books at home now!! So, for all you gals out there who think that scrapbooking is not for you, take another look. The industry is filled with women who are talented and smart and creative and friendly and giving. You can learn a new hobby and make some really good friends along the way!!

Ciao all

Getting Caught Up...

So with these layouts done, that brings me up to Halloween. I am officially caught up. AND I am officially OUT of scrapping supplies!! Yes. You heard me right!! I don't have any more cardstock OR patterned paper in this house!! It has taken close to two years to use up everything that I had. But I have done it. So now with Halloween done and Christmas coming up, it is time to head to the LSS and pick up papers and cardstock and adhesives! And I think it is time to see what is new and great out there. I am pretty tired of the embellishments I have kicking around. It may be time for an entire scrap overhaul.

Ciao all.

Benny...

And the Officers! This is our new "baby". We bought a brand new Jetta. It is platinum grey and automatic and soooo pretty. I adore it. And his name is Benny!! This is our 6th VW - all B names... You know, it is getting harder to name them each time... This guy came home with us Saturday afternoon. The dealership gave us an unbelievable trade in on our 2005 Jetta and we took this one off the lot = clearing out inventory = big time savings. Every penny counts!! I have never owned an automatic. I have always had a standard. Today was my FIRST day in traffic with Benny and it rocked!! No shifting up and down and up and down... Wow. I did not know what to do with myself. A true luxury. I am thankful for it!!

Ciao all

Halloween Pics

Just some random pics from Halloween. My knight and his princess... My crazy hubby and his pumpkins... My decorations that I went glitter happy with this year.... It is all good.

Ciao all

Double double toil and trouble...

Happy Halloween. Be safe and have fun trick or treating!!

Introducing....

Our newest brown belt!! After a two hour testing cycle, and much MUCH hard work and practicing, Ethan is now a brown belt in Taekwondo!! Yeah!! It was exciting to watch him test and do his stuff. He was confident and powerful. It was very rewarding for everyone. Now our schedule changes, again. He is at the academy longer and more days from now on... Oh well. Such will be our life. And then Miss Izzy B decided yesterday that she was ready to join and started doing some jump kicks and side kicks and punches of her own and caught the attention of the owners who told me she is the "perfect" age to begin... Ya. We shall see.

Ciao all.