Flowers in His Garden

Almond (or Peanut) Butter Granola

2012-02-09T17:12:00.000-08:00

This got rave reviews.
My Sweetie couldn't
believe that I made it ~
LOL! :)

Should I take that
as a compliment?
I chose to.

Y.U.M.

Jennifer Jo featured it on her
blog about a week and a half ago.
I altered it slightly.

One thing to note ~
I don't have peanut butter
in the house because two of our
children are are deathly allergic to it.

However, I think it would be
F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S.
made with peanut butter.
I substituted almond butter.
And it was SO GOOD!

~ Peanut Butter (or Almond Butter) Granola ~
Adapted from Jennifer Jo's recipe.

5 cups rolled oats
2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/3 cup brown sugar (I used Sucanat)
1/3 cup liquid honey
1/3 cup unrefined organic coconut oil
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
(I used almond butter) ~
If it's salted,
decrease the amount of salt you use.
1 cup dried cranberries
(or other dried fruit)

Stir the oats, nuts,
and coconut together in a large bowl.
In a small saucepan,
combine the brown sugar,
honey, coconut oil, salt
and peanut (or almond) butter
over medium heat until melted together.

Pour the wet ingredients over
the dry and stir to combine.
It will be lumpy.
Spread the mixture into a
10" x 15" glass baking dish
and bake at 250 degrees for 60-90 minutes ~
Stir every fifteen minutes,
until nicely golden in colour.
Be careful not to overdo it.

Cool to room temperature and add dried fruit.
Store in an airtight container.
Serve with creamy milk.

Enjoy!

Blessings,
Camille

If You Read in the Bath....

2012-02-06T15:37:00.000-08:00

If you read in the bath...

Your (once perfect)
book may end up looking like this.

Emma recently learned this lesson the
H.A.R.D. way. :)

Happy (safe) Reading!
Camille

And HE is Good. Always.

2012-02-02T18:01:00.000-08:00

Security.
Where is it to be found?

In circumstances?
In things?
In money?
In friends?
In family?

All these things may fail us.

But, God never fails.
He never leaves us.
He is always with us.
He is always in complete
and Sovereign control.

And HE is Good.
Always.

Preaching these Truths
to ourselves day
after day.

Meditating.
Contemplating.
Living it out.

In the nitty gritty of
every day life
and living.

Regardless of how we feel.
Regardless.

What matters is what is true.
We ground ourselves in that.
Our moorings are in HIM.

"Feelings come and feelings go,
And feelings are deceiving;
My warrant is the Word of God ~
Naught else is worth believing."
~ Martin Luther ~

In the midst of recent
trials and sorrows,
I continue to count.
I continue to praise.
By HIS Grace.

1571. The joys of the *every day* ~
God's mercies are new every morning

1572. In the midst of suffering
and pain, HIS grace is there

1573. The deep seated and comforting knowledge
that the LORD does all things well and
HE only gives what is best

1574. The blessings of routine ~
we continue on in HIS strength

1575. This little miss
who brings a smile to my face as
she does her school work.

1576. Simple lessons to brighten up our days

1577. The sweetest Language Lessons ever! :)

1578. Memories of this poem from
my childhood and sharing it with our children

1579. That I get to be a part of this
journey of learning with our children

1580. That there really are joys to
be found in the midst of life and living ~
How Gracious our Precious Saviour is!

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

Boys and Their Toys

2012-01-31T08:11:00.000-08:00

Last year for Christmas
I bought Howie and Calvin each a
remote controlled helicopter.
Two.

At the mall.
For a price.

I didn't purchase the
*warranty*.
As it turned out,
that might have been a
good idea!

They broke.
Both of them.
In short order.

Fast forward to this Christmas.
Add another boy (Austin)
who requested one.
Fraser had no interest.

Calvin found them
online through Amazon
for half he price I paid last year.
Three were ordered.

And this year,
they already know how to fly!
B.O.N.U.S. :)

This is what I saw
attached to my computer
over the Christmas break...
Frequently!

Are you an online shopper?
I find that it makes my
life a little simpler ~
With the added bonus of
some great savings.
What a blessing! :)

Have a happy day!
Blessings,
Camille

**One thing to note ~
Amazon's prices fluctuate.
The helicopters I bought were
$10 cheaper than they are listed
for right now.

Got Quinoa?

2012-01-30T08:22:00.000-08:00

Quinoa.
(Keen-wah)

A *new* grain that
is touted as a super food.
Even though it is technically
not a grain at all!

Have you tried it?

Quinoa is versatile
and so healthy for you!
There are many ways to prepare and serve it.
A bonus boost of nutrition is
promised each time you do. :)

It can be served as a side dish,
much like rice (and as easy to prepare) ~
Although, it is bland and
not my favourite way to eat it.
In fact, a bag of quinoa
sat in my pantry for ages while
I pondered what to do with it.

Solution.

I just got my hands on
this quinoa cookbook .
And I've already employed it.
I needed some ideas to incorporate
this food into our diet that would
please the taste buds.

One day for lunch last week
I whipped this soup up.
And it was a hit.

The only mistake I made was not
doubling the recipe.

~ Sweet Potato and Coconut Quinoa Soup ~

Slightly adapted from this cookbook ~

Quinoa 365 ~
The Everyday Superfood

2 Large Sweet Potatoes
2 Tbsp Water
1/2 cup Onion ~ diced
1/2 cup Quinoa
3 cups Vegetable Stock
400 ml (1 2/3 cup) Coconut Milk
1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp Chili powder

Wash and peel the sweet potatoes.
Dice into 2 to 3 inch pieces.
Boil 5 to 6 minutes to soften.

In another pot,
cook the water with the onion
over medium heat until softened.

Stir in the quinoa and vegetable
stock and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to medium and cook
for about 15 minutes ~
until the quinoa is cooked.

Add the drained sweet potatoes to the pot.
Puree the mixture with a hand blender
or in a food processor.
Return to pot on low heat and add
in the spices and the coconut milk.

Stir to blend.
Thin with water or stock, if necessary.
Heat slowly.
Taste and correct seasonings.
Serve and enjoy.

This recipe made about 5 good-sized
bowls of soup.
Next time I will make double. :)

Happy Cooking!
Camille

Underneath are the Everlasting Arms

2012-01-25T16:03:00.001-08:00

Counting.
Numbering.
Giving Thanks.

A way of thinking.
A way of living.
A way of praising.

God is Good.
All the time.

We often forget when
we are in the midst of trials.
Difficulties.
The storms of life.

But, God never changes.
He is always the same.
And He always cares.
Always guides.
Always gives grace.

"And underneath are the everlasting arms..."
~ Deuteronomy 33:27a ~

The list of thanks grows.
Marches on.
Through the storms.
Through the valleys.
On the Mountain.

Through it all
there is J.O.Y.

Lasting.
Never ending.
Abiding.

J.O.Y.

Because of the LORD ~
Only in HIM can it truly be found.

In an effort to remind
myself of this amazing Truth ~
I purpose to count.
I purpose to number.
I purpose to record.

1551. Tin grins are "in" ~
Calvin is the third of our children to wear braces.

1552. Clean sheets and boys
who know what to do with them :)

1553. First *real* snow (January 14,2012)
and the joy it brings

1554. A system for the wetness

1555. Fraser's love of languages

1556. Hebrew sticky notes...

1557. ...All over the place!

1558. Everywhere! :)

1559. And that I said *yes* ~
At first, to my shame, I didn't

1560. Coffee with cream and sugar!

1561. That the two boxes of
Purdy's
for Christmas are GONE! :)

1562. Pen Pals for Emma

1563. Friendship bracelets ~
One from me and three from her

1564. The way she hums "How Firm A Foundation"
while she works on more bracelets ~
P.R.E.C.I.O.U.S.

1565. It won't always be like this ~
Capturing the moments!

1566. Bracing breeze at the beach
and how good it feels to have made the effort to go!

1567. Hot chocolate instead of coffee

1568. Listening to our very own composer
do some composing

1569. Unexpected deep clean ~
To find my ring

1570. Getting things DONE!

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

**I'm taking a little bloggy break until
next week ~ if you should choose to leave
a comment it will appear at that time.
Thank you for understanding ~
Happy Weekend! :)

Quick and Easy Thai Soup

2012-01-24T19:03:00.000-08:00

Thai food is a favourite
in our home.
Since coconut milk is
often found in the recipes,
dessert is optional.

A good thing.

I gave this soup a
try last night.
And tonight, I made it again.
It is that good.
Rave reviews all around.

SO yummy!

I had roasted chicken
meat in the freezer.
Please tell me you have
some too?

Coconut milk
and thai curry paste
are necessary ingredients.
Run out and get them
if they are not already in
your pantry.

Now you are set!

Click Here
to find the original recipe.

The way I made it
is as follows.

First, I used roasted
and cut up chicken meat instead
of the tofu.
I am not a tofu-lovin' girl.
That's just me.
If you love tofu...go for it!

~ Creamy Thai Chicken Soup ~
(Doubled from the original)

2 Leeks ~
cleaned and finely chopped...
white part only
(You could also use a
medium-large sized onion)

1 Tbsp coconut oil for frying

1 Package Thai Curry Paste
(50g size) ~ Use two for more *kick* ~
I think I may just do that next time!

2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh ginger

6 cups chicken stock

2 cans coconut milk (400 ml size)

2 Tbsp Sugar ~
I use organic dehydrated cane juice

4 cups chopped roasted chicken meat

8 cups stir fry veggies ~ chopped into bite-sized pieces
(You could use the frozen variety, but I chose to use fresh.
My mix included mushrooms, broccoli, and sweet peppers)

Melt coconut oil (or other type of cooking oil)
in heavy pot and stir fry leeks, ginger,
and curry paste for a few minutes until the
leeks become limp.

Add chicken stock,
coconut milk, and sugar.
Bring to a boil.

Add chicken meat and veggies.
Return to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer, covered,
until veggies are cooked ~
About ten minutes.

Taste and season with salt,
if necessary.

I served ours over a scoop of
rice in each bowl.
We ate it like soup with a spoon.
It would be lovely without the rice.
I served it that way to
make it go further.

With my children,
it was necessary. :)

ENJOY!

Blessings,
Camille

A Life Imperfect

2012-01-21T09:16:00.001-08:00

Escape.

We all, it seems,
at one time or another,
want to escape.

Get away from it all.

Leave behind all our
responsibilities ~
For a month,
a week, a day.

But, will that really fulfill?
Will that really be enough?
More importantly,
is it godly?

We ought to go about living our lives ~
In the Moment.
In the Midst of it all.

The Trials.
The Chaos.
The Noise.
The Mess.

Is it possible to glorify
God with a Life Imperfect?

YES!

By HIS Grace.
With HIS Mercy.
In HIS Strength.
For HIS Glory.

Look to HIM.
HE has all the answers.
HE is not a difficult task-master.
HE delights to give us all we need.

Moment by moment.

"If any of you lack wisdom,
let him ask of God,
that giveth to all men liberally,
and upbraideth not;
and it shall be given him."
~ James 1:5 ~

When I assess my life,
More often than not ~
I find that it's me who is
the difficult one.

I expect too much.
Demand too much.
For my own glory.

Pride.

Ultimately, that is
the reason!
Ugly as it is.
How wonderful that our
Precious Saviour forgives.

And forgives.
And forgives again.

"If we confess our sins,
he is faithful and just
to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from
all unrighteousness."
~ I John 1:9 ~

Look to HIM.
He never will fail you.

And take life one step
at a time.
In HIS strength.
For HIS Glory.

THAT is where true fulfillment
and joy are to be found.

Only in HIM.
HE alone is PERFECT.
And one day,
if we are HIS,
we will be eternally
perfect too!

What a thought!

"I can do all things
through Christ which strengtheneth me."
~ Philippians 4:13 ~

Many Blessings to
each one of you, kind friends.
In HIS Love,
Camille

**All photos in this post courtesy
of our little Emma ~
Thank you Sweetie Pie! XO

Burnaby Village Museum

2012-01-18T13:43:00.001-08:00

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

Spelling Worries?

2012-01-16T16:24:00.000-08:00

Spelling a struggle?
A Worry?

Having trouble remembering
all those *rules*
to teach to your children?
Looking for a program that
will cover all your bases?

The Phonetic Zoo
is a wonderful resource.
It has been a great program
for our family.

There are three levels ~
A, B, and C.
Level A begins with words such as either,
neither, and peacock.
Not really *beginner* words,
but it is where this program starts.

Emma is currently in grade four
and is working on the first list.

The third list is considered
high school level.

One of the greatest things about it
(in my opinion),
is that it is student-directed.
The student listens to a CD.
The words are given.
They write them down.
The correct spelling is dictated
to them as they mark their own work.
The rule of the program is
that they do not advance to the
next lesson until 100% is achieved.

It really works!
And it is not something
I have to worry about any more.
Yippee! :)
I hope you enjoy it as
much as we do.

Click Here
to get to the Phonetic Zoo website.

Happy Spelling!
Camille

**Disclaimer ~ I just share what
works for us and what we like.
I am not compensated in any way.

Framework

2012-01-14T14:01:00.000-08:00

I need a plan.
It's how I'm wired.

Framework.

I used to be opposed to the
alarm clock.
I would wake up at a reasonable
hour on my own.
Usually 7 AM.

But, not always.

Sometimes I slept in.
It was easy to let our schedule
fly out the window on those days.
The structure was gone.
Yes, we still got things done.
But, no one knew what to expect.

It felt horrible.

Hence, the need to revamp the system.
Revamp *the plan*.
My plan includes the alarm.
It has really been helpful.

It keeps me accountable.
Starting and ending
at the same time every day
is a BIG part of *the plan*.

Keeping it simple and
structured is imperative.

It's what works.
For me.

We homeschool.
Structure to our day is
so important.

Day after day.
The same.

My plan allows for flexibility.
Life happens.
I get that.
And there are seasons.
I get that, too.

But, as much as is possible,
*the plan* must be adhered to.

A time for rising.
A time for schooling.
Times for eating.
Times for exercise and worship.
Time for scheduled appointments,
work and play.
A time for resting.

A framework for the day.
Each day.

For me,
teaching is best done in the morning.
I have a block of time set aside for that.
Nothing is to interfere.
No chatting on the phone.
No computer work.
No appointments.

I need to be home.
And my mind must be too.

Afternoons are available
for appointments,
shopping and playing.

Liberty.
Freedom.
Peace.

We are all in various seasons.
My plan may not be what works for you.
Your *best* time to school might
be the exact opposite of mine.
(If you homeschool, that is).
Our days will be different from yours.
But, the principle is the same.

A plan is necessary to accomplish
what is necessary.

The goal?

A peaceful home.
Where we all know what to expect.
That we might bring Glory to God.
Each day.

By HIS Grace.

If you desire to implement a *plan*,
I would encourage you to pray.
Ask the LORD what HE would have you
keep and what HE would have you
eliminate from your schedule.
Ask your husband what his vision
for your home life is.
Together, make a plan.

And then,
be flexible.
Enjoy the life God has given you!
And live for HIS Glory!
Each day.

"But ye, brethren,
be not weary in well doing."
~ II Thessalonians 3:13 ~

Many Blessings,
Camille

Hot Fudge Sauce

2012-01-10T18:43:00.000-08:00

Easy to make.
Yummy to eat.
Never ever need to buy
ready made again!

What are you waiting for?

This sauce will work well
on any ice cream ~
I'm sure of it.
Actually...
I know it.

First hand.

Here is the recipe ~
As found in the Tenth Edition of the
"Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book"

For your convenience
(not to mention your eyes)
the ingredients are listed below.

3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup butter
2/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup evaporated milk (5 oz can)

In small heavy saucepan
melt chocolate pieces and butter
over low heat.

Add sugar and gradually stir
in the milk.

Boil gently over low heat for
about 8 minutes ~ stir often.

Remove from heat and serve
warm over ice cream.

Makes about 1 & 1/2 cups
of pure yumminess.
Store leftovers in the fridge.

And try not to eat it
by the spoonful!

Don't say I didn't warn you.

Enjoy!
Camille

All of It

2012-01-05T12:34:00.000-08:00

So much to be thankful for.
So much that can be taken for granted.
So much to slow down and consider.

God's Grace.
God's Mercy.
God's Blessings.

All from HIS hand.
What we call *good*
and what we might even call *bad*.

But God's Word calls
everything HE does in our lives
for our Good.
All of it.

Thankfulness.
It comes from HIM.
Recognizing HIS hand in it all.
It comes from HIM.

All of HIM!

The last time I counted
here on this blog was about
three months ago!
I have logged 75 (this marks 76)
posts numbering my thanks.
I have not forgotten what a blessing
it has been.
I purpose to continue.

By HIS Grace.
For HIS Glory.

For ALL that HE has done!

1516. Walk at the beach ~
Just me and my girl!

1517. The way she chatters on and on

1518. Impromptu game of chess between two
of our children

1519. Christmas decorations

1520. A freshly cleaned yard and lights in the trees

1521. Visible reminders that our Precious Saviour
is the LIGHT of the World!

1522. Hand-me-downs for ME!

1523. That they co-ordinate with my wardrobe

1524. The LORD is in the details!

1525. Emma just after opening her
main gift from us ~
Two homemade robes...one for Emma
and the other for her doll.
(Completed *just in time* the night before ~
I certainly did not plan it that way!)

~ Photo by Calvin ~

1526. Celebrating Advent as a family ~
A wonderful tradition!

~ Photo by Calvin ~

1527. More traditions

1528. Memories and making new ones

1529. Old Betsy (blue) and her
10 years of service (she is now 17!!) ~
WONDERFUL
for our children to learn on!

1530. God's provision of a
*new to us* five year old van
imported from California.

1531. Hard times that drive us to the LORD

1532. That the LORD is IN the hard times

1533. That HE never leaves us nor forsakes us

1534. Precious Promises

1535. The lessons we learn through our struggles

1536. The lessons the children learn through theirs

1537. The steadying knowledge that our Great God
is absolutely Sovereign and does ALL things well

1538. Blood for our child

1539. The donors who gave it

1540. Prednisone

1541. A reprieve from this disease over Christmas

1542. A conservative and open-minded GP

1543. A conservative and open-minded Naturopathic Physican

1544. Leftovers and meals in the freezer

1545. God's People and their prayers

1546. Blogging friends and their prayers ~
Thank you SO much!

1547. Friendships through this means

1548. God's Goodness to us over and over and over again!

1549. That HE knows how much we can handle ~
And NEVER burdens us with more!

1550. That my lost ring was found! :)

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

Sweet and Salty

2012-01-04T08:24:00.000-08:00

My friend Trisha shared this
recipe on her blog recently.

Oh YUM!

And Oh SO easy!
Too easy, actually ~
I've made it LOTS!

~ Homemade Kettle Corn ~

1/3 Oil (I use Coconut Oil)
1/2 Cup Sugar (I use Organic, unrefined)
1/2 Cup Popcorn (unpopped)
Sea Salt to taste

Melt oil and sugar in pot
over medium heat on the stove.
Add popcorn.
Cover with a tight fitting lid.
Shake the pot over medium-high
heat until popping slows right down.
You will need oven mitts for this step.
Do not keep on the heat too long
as it will burn...not good!

Immediately pour out onto foil.
Salt to taste.
Allow to cool slightly
and call all your loved ones to share.
It makes a generous amount...
but it doesn't last long.

We LOVE it!
Thank you Trisha for sharing
and for allowing me to re-share here. :)

Happy Popping!
Camille

Sliding Back to Normal

2012-01-03T07:57:00.000-08:00

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

Lesson Learned

2012-01-02T09:19:00.001-08:00

My Engagement Ring.

I have had it for over 21 years.
In all that time I have only lost it once.

A few weeks ago.
For a whole week.
I, however, didn't know it was missing
until after six days.
(I wear my gold wedding band
all the time...it's the diamond ring
that I often go without.)

The Ring lives in a special
hiding place.
If it's not on my finger,
it's there.

Always.

Except for that time mid-December.
It wasn't.
When I discovered that it was missing
I prayed.

And then...
I had Howie take apart the plumbing
under the kitchen sink.
I sorted through six days' worth of garbage.
I sifted through a full vacuum bag.
I cleaned behind the fridge and stove.
Thoroughly.

Nothing.

We went to church on Sunday morning.
We listened to a wonderful sermon.
And I was distracted.
I tried not to be.

And then the Pastor had us
turn to Genesis 3:15.
Like he had the week before.

And there. was. my. RING!

Laying there.
Right where I had put it.
The week before.
Oh. My. Heart.

Yes, I did read my Bible that week.
In Isaiah.
In the New Testament.
But not in Genesis.

Moral of the story?
Do not play with your ring
in church.
Keep it on your finger.
And pay attention to the sermon!

Blessings,
Camille

Nothing to Fear

2011-12-31T10:38:00.000-08:00

On the Eve of a New Year,
we pause to reflect.
We remember the Goodness of
our Great God.
We look back on *good* days
and *bad*.

And through it all...
we know the Hand of the
LORD is upon us.
Guiding our moments.
Guiding our days.
Leading us ever to Himself.

Where will HE take us
in 2012?

Nothing to fear.
Only hope.

We fix our eyes on HIM!

Whether this coming year
holds joys or sorrows,
we trust.
The LORD truly
does ALL things well!

May the LORD bless each
one of you in the coming year
with HIS peace and presence.
May you know HIS hand upon you.
And HIS joy within.

"The LORD bless thee,
and keep thee:
The LORD make his face
shine upon thee,
and be gracious unto thee:
The LORD lift up his
countenance upon thee,
and give thee peace."
~ Numbers 6:24-26 ~

In HIS Love,
Camille

**Photo courtesy of Emma ~
Thank you my little love! xo

Of Transfusions, Prednisone and Resting

2011-12-28T11:13:00.000-08:00

It was a shock.

Our child with
Crohn's Disease needed blood.
Two units of packed cells.
Just to get him out
of the critical zone.

Frightening?

A little.

No.

A LOT.

After about 10 months of only
using natural means
to treat this disease,
he needed a boost.

Two things.
One was the transfusion.
The other was a pharmaceutical.

Prednisone is currently
the drug of choice.

Not the route
we wanted to take.
But, the one
that made the most sense.

For now.
And only for a very
short period of time.

The LORD willing.

We continue to use
supplements and diet
to manage this disease.
It all seems to be working.

God is Good.
All the time.

Through it all we pray.
We trust.
We lean on the LORD.
We rest.

What else can we do?

Nothing.

And sometimes,
that is the point.

The place where we need to be.
Completely and utterly
dependent on HIM.

The book of Job is such a comfort.
Job's reactions through
all of his suffering
were upright and godly.
He was beyond reproach.

We, of course, are not.

But, we serve the same God.
Job's God is my God.
How WONDERFUL
that thought is!

We continue to trust that the
LORD does all things well.
That HE makes no mistakes.

We look to HIM
each step of this journey.
We know HE is in control.
HIS ways are perfect.

We rest.

If you find yourself
in a difficult place,
do not despair.
The LORD never gives us
more than we can bear.
With HIM.

"For I know the thoughts that
I think toward you, saith the LORD,
thoughts of peace, and not of evil,
to give you an expected end."
~ Jeremiah 29:11 ~

Look to HIM.
Rest in HIM.
Pray.

Many Blessings to each of you,
Camille

**Photos in this post courtesy of
our precious Emma ~ Thank you! xo

How Wonderful!

2011-12-13T15:41:00.001-08:00

How wonderful it is that
we have a season set aside to
celebrate the birth of our
Precious Saviour.

How wonderful it is
that this is a time when the
world seems more open to
hearing about HIM.

What is this season all about?
The gifts?

Or...
The GIFT?

We have enjoyed
celebrating Advent
together most evenings in our home.
Oh, what a precious time this is!
Oh, how the TRUTH comes out and the
Saviour is exalted!

PRECIOUS!

We aim to keep Christmas time
as stress free as possible,
and we seek to focus on the REAL
reason for it all.

Yes, we do have a tree.
Yes, we do give gifts.
But, we strive to keep it simple.
We seek to continually direct our attention
to the LORD and focus on the reason
for which HE came!

It all leads us to the Cross.
The purpose for HIS incarnation.
Salvation.

HE did not stay in the manger.
HE grew into a man.
HE lived the perfect life that
we could never live.
HE died to pay the penalty for the
sins of HIS people.
HE rose again,
conquering death and Satan.
HE lives!

Are you one of HIS?
If not, there could not be a better time
to turn to HIM for Salvation.
Today is the day!
There may not be a tomorrow.

Above all else,
whatever you do in this life,
the MOST important of all is that you
make sure you belong to HIM!

THAT's what CHRISTmas is all about!

May the LORD
bless each and every one of you
this Christmas and
throughout the coming year.

I am taking a blogging break
for a few weeks.
I will look forward to catching
up with you all when I am
back online.

Merry Christmas!

In HIS Love,
Camille

A Christmas Eve Tradition

2011-12-08T14:07:00.000-08:00

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...

2011-12-05T19:09:00.000-08:00

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

Faith-Building Gift Ideas

2011-12-03T10:25:00.000-08:00

Need some gift ideas?

How about one of the following
books/magazines?
I've compiled a list of some of
our favourites below.

Happy Shopping!

A One Year Subscription to "Answers" Magazine ~
this is a fabulous resource for any family!

If you have not heard of
Answers in Genesis,
I would encourage you to go and check out their website ~
you will find that they have so many amazing,
faith-building materials available...
really, it's wonderful!

C.H. Spurgeon's "Morning and Evening" devotional ~
This is a classic and a *must-have*
(in my opinion) for every Christian.
We have found the readings in this devotional
book to be a blessing to us year after year after year.
Timeless.

Jerry Bridges' "Holiness ~ Day by Day" devotional ~
Another classic daily reading that will become a favourite.

"365 Days With Calvin"
is a recent addition to our own
library and has (so far) been a blessing.

If you are a Christian homeschool family,
and you do not have a copy of
"When You Rise Up" by R.C. Sproul Jr.,
you *must* get your hands on one!
It is so incredibly encouraging to those of us seeking to do
this task with joyful hearts as unto the LORD.
I cannot possibly tell you in this little space
what a blessing it has been to my own heart and life.
It really is *that* good!

"Little Pilgrim's Progress"
is a faithful adaptation of
Bunyan's classic work that in no way undermines the original.
If you have children between the ages of 9 and 14, this would
be a great blessing to read aloud with them.

This book is a blessing and
seeks to answer these and many other
questions from a biblical standpoint.

It is such an encouragement
to the weary Christian's heart.

"Both Paul and James speak of rejoicing in our sufferings
(see Romans 5:3-4; James 1:2-4).
Most of us, if we are honest with ourselves,
have difficulty with that idea.
Endure them, perhaps, but rejoice?
That often seems like an unreasonable expectation.
We are not masochistic; we don't enjoy pain.

But Paul and James both say that we should rejoice
in our trials because of their beneficial results.
It is not the adversity considered in itself that is
to be the ground of our joy.
Rather, it is the expectation of the results,
the development of our character,
that should cause us to rejoice in adversity.
God does not ask us to rejoice because we have
lost our job or a loved one has been stricken with cancer
or a child has been born with an incurable birth defect.
But He does tell us to rejoice because we believe
He is in control of those circumstances
and is at work through them for our ultimate good.

The Christian life is intended to be one of continuous growth.
We all want to grow, but we often resist the process.
This is because we tend to focus on the events of adversity themselves,
rather than looking with the eye of faith beyond
the events to what God is doing in our lives....

We are to look beyond our adversity to what
God is doing in our lives and rejoice in the certainty
that He is at work to cause us to grow."

~ Quoted from
"Trusting God Even When Life Hurts"
(Pages 186-87)
by Jerry Bridges ~

May the LORD guide us all
as we seek to follow HIM.

Many Blessings,
Camille

Entering In

2011-11-30T16:00:00.000-08:00

Howie came up with a
great idea awhile back.
The idea?

To allow the children
each a twenty-minute block
of time to share with the rest of us
whatever they wanted to.

A family version of
"Show and Tell".

It went over well.
An understatement. :)

Fraser is our resident
atlas/languages/professor sort.

His pick?

Google Earth.

We visited places I had never
heard of and discovered new things.
What an adventurer!

Calvin is our budding photographer.
Some of you may have noticed
that I feature some of his work
here on this blog.
He's serious about it.

We enjoyed looking through
a photo album that he put together
last year after a family vacation.

Happy Memories!

Austin has been learning
a little about programming.
He has created little games
and question and answer sorts
of programs to tickle the funny bone.

He's even opened up a
you-tube channel as an avenue to
showcase his virtual rollercoasters.

Under that serious-looking
exterior there lurks a sense of humour.
Wonder where he got that from?

Emma has a serious love for
all things *Nancy Drew* ~
She shared an excerpt from
the book she was reading at the time.

The *original* series of novels are
being devoured at a rapid rate.
We have most of the earlier set
of books...what fun! :)

She then showed us her collection
of shells that were acquired
on our recent trip to visit with
Auntie Beverley.

God's Glorious Handiwork!

And the boys entered in.

It was an enjoyable time
spent learning just
a little bit more about
the unique individuals God
has entrusted us with.

What an honour it is to
seek to raise them for HIM
and for HIS glory!

Many Blessings,
Camille

Does the Wind Blow Fierce?

2011-11-27T13:03:00.000-08:00

Sometimes...
Life throws you a curve ball.

But...
God is Good.
All the time.

In the midst of life's trials
and struggles and difficulties...

There is Hope.
There is Peace.
There is Comfort.

And it is all found in
the LORD Jesus Christ.

"...My grace is sufficient for thee:
for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
Most gladly therefore will I rather
glory in my infirmities,
that the power of Christ
may rest upon me."
~ II Corinthians 12:9 ~

Even when we feel like this little leaf...
Just hanging on while the winds blow fierce ~
HE holds us!

What a thought!

We are not actually in control of
A.N.Y.T.H.I.N.G.

Are the winds blowing furiously
in your neck of the woods?

Are you facing something
that seems to be insurmountable?

Be assured of this my friend ~
We do not hold on to the LORD.
If we belong to HIM...

HE HOLDS US!

Doesn't that just make things
seem a little bit brighter??

"Behold, I have refined thee,
but not with silver;
I have chosen thee in the
furnace of affliction."
~ Isaiah 48:10 ~

May HE help us all to
fix our eyes on HIM.

And to know beyond a
shadow of a doubt that
All is Well.

Many Blessings,
Camille

Feeding 29

2011-11-21T16:47:00.000-08:00

When Austin was baptized,
we asked all our family and the
Pastors and their families to
join us after the service for lunch.

There were 29 of us.

What did I feed a crowd like that?

BBQ Meatballs
(among other things)...
About Two Hundred of 'em!

Always a hit.
A sure win.
Y.U.M.

A lovely lady at a church we attended years ago
faithfully brought these yummy morsels to
church potluck dinners.
Unfortunately, I could never get any on my plate...
they always disappeared so quickly!

So, without ever trying them,
I asked for the recipe.
And she kindly shared.

I'm so glad that she did.
And now...
I'm sure you will be too! :)

~ BBQ Meatballs ~

Meatballs:

1 Egg
5 oz evaporated milk
1 cup quick cooking oats
½ cup finely chopped onion
1 large clove garlic, finely minced
1 ½ lb. ground beef
1 tsp salt
1 tsp chili powder
¼ tsp pepper

Sauce:

1 cup ketchup
¾ cup brown sugar
½ tsp liquid smoke
1 large clove garlic, minced
¼ cup finely chopped onion
Bring all ingredients to boil in a small saucepan.
Reduce heat and simmer for two minutes.
Set aside to pour over the meatballs
when they are done cooking.

Method:

In a large bowl,
combine all meatball ingredients (except the meat).
Mix well and then add the meat.

Mix well once again and form into 1 inch balls.
Place about an inch apart
on a jelly roll pan (cookie sheet with sides).
Bake uncovered in 350 degree oven
for 20 to 25 minutes till cooked through.
Drain and place in 13 x 9 inch pan
and cover with sauce and bake for 10 to 12 minutes longer.
If heating this from cold, 30 minutes is about right.

Comfort food at its finest.

Enjoy! :)

Happy Cooking!
Camille

**I have no idea where the original
recipe for these yummy meatballs came
from...if you do, would you please share
so I may link back to the book/site where
they are found? Thank you! :)

Marshmallow Root Tea

2011-11-18T22:39:00.001-08:00

Just a little something to share.
It's really too good not to.

No, I don't mean it tastes good.
At least, not particularly.

But, oh is it G.O.O.D.!

I have a little history
with kidney stones.
Okay,
not really a little one.
It's been big.

As in, if I don't do something
about it, I could lose the kidney.
Not good.

But I digress.

I was recently told a little secret.
A wonderful secret.
And I am going to share it with you!

Marshmallow Root Tea
is the secret.

Oh. Dear. Me.

Does it ever relieve
the pain I have been experiencing.

And how.

Unfortunately,
it hasn't taken the stone away.
But, it has provided a reprieve
from the throbbing I was experiencing.
I do still have to deal with the stones.

Oh well.

What to do?

Get your hands on some
marshmallow root tea.
Spoon a teaspoon per cup of water
into a small pot.
Bring to a boil.
reduce heat and simmer ~
with lid slightly vented ~
for 20 minutes.

Strain and enjoy.
Up to three cups per day.

I just leave my pot on
the stove all day with the lid
on and the heat off.
When I want another cup,
I reheat to boiling and
strain into my mug.

Do not leave on the stove
longer than 24 hours without refrigeration.
It can go bad.

And, please, do see your Doctor
or Naturopathic Physician if
you are having any pain
or symptoms of kidney distress
of any kind!

As an added bonus,
it seems to be a wonderful tea
for our child with Crohn's as well!

Many Blessings,
Camille

**Disclaimer ~ I am not a medical
professional and I am not authorized to
give medical advice.
I just share what has been working
for me with the desire that it may be
of benefit to someone else.
Please do consult with your Physician
prior to consuming any herbal remedies!

Rejoicing!

2011-11-11T20:28:00.001-08:00

The LORD is Good!
Always.

Prior to any of our children
being born into our family,
we prayed for their Salvation.

We prayed that they would
love the LORD and follow HIM.
We prayed that HE would have their hearts.

We continue to pray.

This past Sunday,
Austin followed the Lord Jesus Christ
in the waters of baptism.

He obeyed the LORD's command.
By God's Grace.

"And Jesus came and spake
unto them, saying,
All power is given unto me
in heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Teaching them to observe all things
whatsoever I have commanded you:
and lo, I am with you alway,
even unto the end of the world.
Amen."
~ Matthew 28:18-20 ~

We are rejoicing!

Rejoicing in God's Mercy.
In HIS Goodness.
In HIS Grace.

"All that the Father giveth me shall come to me;
and all that come to me I will in no wise cast out."
~ John 6:37 ~

May the LORD have the hearts of
each of our children.
Be encouraged.
As long as there is breath,
there is hope.

The LORD is Faithful.
And HE does all things well.

Many blessings,
Camille

**Photos courtesy of Calvin ~
Thank you my love. xo

1915

2011-11-08T08:38:00.000-08:00

He lied about his age.
He was young and full of life.
The only boy of a farming family.
He was the baby.
He went.

He never came home.

Letters were written from France.
They would have been cherished.

The boy never came home to
be cherished in their place.

He never got married.
Never had children.
Never lived beyond his teens.

November 11th is
Remembrance Day in Canada.
May we all remember those who
went to fight for our freedoms.
For our liberties.

May we pray for those who
are fighting and defending even now.

May we always be thankful.
May we never forget.

Many Blessings,
Camille

**Letters in this post
were written home by Camille's
Great-Great Uncle Johnnie
during WWI ~ 1915.

Some of Our Journey

2011-11-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

What a journey this has been!
God is so Good.
All the time.

What a blessing it is to
rest in HIS Goodness.
In HIS Grace.

~ Photo courtesy of my Emma ~

Some of you may
be on a similar journey.
Crohn's Disease
is a tricky thing to deal with.
It's not simple.

Simply not.

We have been to see a
G.I. Specialist at
Children's Hospital in Vancouver.
We have been to our GP.
We are also seeing a
Naturopathic Physician.

They all have something to offer.
Advice to give.
Instructions to follow.

When we first got the
Crohn's diagnosis we were not surprised.
It was something we already figured he had.
It was, in some ways, a relief to know.

We started using dietary supplements.
We altered his diet.
We have been following this one.

Things went well.
Very well.
For a few months.

Then, some things stopped going well.
A flare up.

Not uncommon for those with Crohn's.
But, at the same time, disheartening.
Our son has been careful to follow
his dietary restrictions and recommendations.

No chips.
No chocolate.
No grains.

He is committed.

We continue to follow the
principles laid out in Elaine Gottschall's book ~
Breaking the Vicious Cycle.
We are also following the advice
of our Naturopathic Physician and General Practitioner.

Sometimes adjustments are necessary.
We are willing to do whatever it takes
to help our son get well.

Remission.

We seek the LORD for wisdom.
We pray.
We seek the wisdom of Physicians.
We weigh it all up.
We act.

I would like to share some of
what we are doing and going through
to be an encouragement to those of
you who may be in the same boat.

I also want to record it
for future reference.

To bring down the swelling
in our son's leg
(a manifestation of Crohn's),
we are administering a poultice
of grated potato and carrot with ice chips.
Wrap this in cheesecloth
and apply to the swollen area for about
an hour at a time.
Do this at least twice per day.

For settling and soothing the abdomen,
soak a flannel cloth in
Castor Oil infused with Lavender
and Chamomile and place on the tummy.
Cover with plastic and have
the child lie down on his back
and apply a hot water bottle to the area.
Lie still for an hour or two.
Do this twice per day.

For tummy cramping,
we are using a tincture of
Viburnum Opulus.
For our son, the dose is 30 drops
in water three times per day.
During a flare up,
it may be administered up to six times
per day, if necessary.

He also is taking a
natural inflammatory twice per day,
a GI repair supplment at every meal,
a probiotic twice per day,
and vitamins.

As well as all the above,
we are keeping his diet very simple.
Nothing that will stress the system
is allowed.

I am currently making up
a big batch of hearty beef broth.
Chicken Stock is also an important
healing food that is being administered.
Did you know that homemade broth
has so many amazing nutrients in it?

Emma was recently feeling sick,
so I took some rich Chicken Broth
from the freezer and boiled it up for her to drink.
She started to feel a little better.
Her fever broke the next day.

Coincidence?

Maybe, but I don't think so! :)

May the LORD give us all
wisdom as we seek to lead our families
in the journey of good health.
For HIS Glory.
By HIS Grace.

Many Blessings,
Camille

**Disclaimer ~ I am not a medical professional.
I am just a Mum sharing some of the things that
we are using to help our son.
Please consult with your Doctor
prior to administering any drug or supplement.
Dosage amounts will vary due to weight and
the age of the individual being treated.
Some people will respond adversely to some treatments.

Sometimes...

2011-10-30T21:16:00.000-07:00

Sometimes...
Life can be difficult.

It's been a little
that way for us lately.

Our son has Crohn's Disease.
Crohn's is nasty.
No two ways about it.

Nasty.

We are using means.
We are not flying solo.
We are praying for wisdom.
We are consulting with physicians.
We are seeking the LORD.

The Great Physician.

What a blessing it is
to know that HE is in perfect
and Sovereign control.
HE does not give more than
we can bear.

Ever.

God's Grace is evident
in the life of our son.
He says that he has nothing
to complain about!
He continues to be thankful.

What a rebuke.
What a blessing.

Today our Pastor
preached from Philippians.
How encouraging it was!

"Finally, my brethren,
rejoice in the Lord."
~ Philippians 3:1a ~

We don't rejoice in circumstances.
Sometimes circumstances are hard.

We rejoice in the Lord.
We can always do that!
Think of what HE has done for us!

"Yea doubtless,
and I count all things but loss
for the excellency of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:
for whom I have suffered the loss
of all things,
and do count them but dung,
that I may win Christ,

And be found in him,
not having mine own righteousness,
which is of the law,
but that which is
through the faith of Christ,
the righteousness which
is of God by faith:

That I may know Him,
and the power of his resurrection,
and the fellowship of his sufferings,
being made conformable unto his death;

If by any means I might attain unto
the resurrection of the dead.

Not as though I had already attained,
either were already perfect:
but I follow after,
if that I may apprehend that for which
also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus."

~ Philippians 3:8-12 ~

How Precious HE is!

May the LORD give you
the grace you need
this day
to face whatever it is
you must face.
HE is Faithful!
Look to HIM.

Many Blessings,
Camille

**Photos courtesy of Emma ~
Thank you my little love xo

Oven Baked Hash Browned Potatoes

2011-10-27T18:29:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Jo and I seem to
have similar taste buds.
I like her recipes.

And this was no exception.

And...
it's EASY!

And...
MULTIPLY-ABLE.
(Is that a word?)

You can make these for a few
or for many.
It all depends on how many potatoes
you begin with.

Oh YUM!!

Head on over to Jennifer Jo's
for her recipe for these fabulous
Oven-Baked Hash Browns!

You won't be sorry you did.
Your family will thank you.

The End.

Blessings,
Camille

Just Us Girls

2011-10-24T15:41:00.000-07:00

Auntie Beverley invited us
to come for a visit.
She lives three to four hours
away from us ~
depending on the ferry traffic.

We went.

We are so
thankful that we did!

Just us girls.
Just the three of us.
Auntie Beverley stayed all cozy
in her place across the lawn.

And we stayed within view
in her sweet guest house.
Isn't it just
A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E.??

We arrived in time for a
wonderful home-cooked meal
last Thursday evening.

Then we ventured up to
*our place* and my girl and
I snuggled in the big bed
and watched "Sarah Plain and Tall"
on a little portable DVD player.

We ate popcorn.

Friday morning we got up
and prepped for the day.
We had quiet time together.
We packed the van.

We took a few *self-timed* photos.

And then...
We headed across the lawn to
have breakfast with our precious Auntie.
How lovely it was to be able
to spend some special time with her!

Here we are...
Just the three of us
in Auntie Beverley's sweet sitting area
just off the kitchen.

The view from the lower level
of the main house...
isn't it AMAZING??

Auntie Beverley lives on a cliff
and...
she has beach access.
A little walk along the beach
was in order.

Good thing I packed boots
for my girl! :)

Emma enjoyed exploring.
We found some amazing shells!
This beach is relatively untouched ~
A wonderful sampling of
God's glorious creation.

Back up the bulkhead...

We went into town
and shopped.
We visited a lovely
little bakery for lunch.
And then...

We travelled home!

It was a
W.O.N.D.E.R.F.U.L.
31-hour retreat.
Thank you so much for
having us stay with you
Auntie Beverley!

Lots of Love,
Emma and Camille
XOXO

Dinner for One

2011-10-19T14:47:00.000-07:00

Howie took the children away to
stay in his parents' basement suite
for three nights last weekend.

The purpose?

To allow me time to
plan and sort and purge.
A Blitz.

What a blessing!

I was alone for dinner two nights running.
The rest of the family had food sent with them.
They were set.

Me?
My plan was to just
*wing it*.

What to eat?
The answer for one night was....

A twice baked potato ~
stuffed with sour cream,
green onions and cheese.

Oh YUM!
It was good.
I ate. it. all.

What do you eat when
you are cooking for one?

Happy Weekend!
(I'll be back to visit with you
next week, Lord-willing.)

Blessings,
Camille

Love Letters

2011-10-16T20:22:00.000-07:00

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

Finding the Balance

2011-10-13T16:37:00.000-07:00

Just a little more than
five years ago I was computer illiterate.
I didn't know how to send email.
I didn't know the first thing about
creating Word documents or files.

I didn't want to know.

I'd had enough of computers
in High School.
We had to create programs
using DOS.
'Nuff said.

I figured I had enough on my plate
with little ones and family
responsibilities.
Howie could accomplish
whatever tasks were
necessary on the computer.

I communicated with friends
and family the old-fashioned way.
I wrote letters.
I read the newspaper.
I kept a ledger book
for our family's budget.
The calendar was on the wall.

Then, we began
our homeschool journey.
It was a requirement to email the
teacher once per week.
I thought maybe Howie could do that.

It was overwhelming.
But, I quickly adjusted.

About the same time
as all of this was happening,
my sister moved away.
Far away.

She began a blog and
invited her friends and family
to read it.

I did.

Then I ventured out online
and *met* another blogger.
Her posts drew me in.
She shared her faith.
It was a blessing.

These were the only two blogs
I read for about a year.

I was never going to blog.

You know how the saying goes ~
"Never say never."

I began blogging
over two years ago.

At first it was just a big,
unkown world.
I didn't know anyone.
And no one knew me.

Before long I was visiting people.
And they reciprocated.
It was fun.

And addicting.

How quickly the computer
takes on a life of its own.
How quickly a blessing can become a curse.
If allowed to.

There were many attempts along
the way to keep things in check.
Balanced.

I was accountable to my husband.
But, I still found myself
going overboard at times.

I still blogged most days.
The computer was constantly
drawing me in.

School.
Email.
Shopping.
Blogging.
Research.

It all melded into one big pool.
The pull was great.
Too easy to check the blog.
Too easy to lose track of time.
Too easy to neglect my first calling.

Wife.
Mother.
Teacher.

This past Summer I (mostly) took
a month off from the computer.

It was good.

When I came back I had a plan.
Please understand,
this plan is what works for me.
It may not be what works for you.

My system is simple.

I seek to limit my computer time
to twice per week.

Email is sent and answered.
Blog posts are written,
posted and moderated.
Blog friends are visited.
Online orders are placed.
Banking is done.

And then I am free.
Free to be a Wife.
Free to be a Mum.
Free to be a Teacher.

I find that I can think
more clearly.

Free.

May the LORD help
us all as we navigate this
online life in a wise and godly way.
He is Faithful.
He will guide.
He will give wisdom.

Finding the Balance.
By HIS Grace.
For HIS Glory.

Many blessings,
Camille

**Photo Credit ~ Calvin...thank you! xo

Not Just Once a Year...

2011-10-09T21:46:00.001-07:00

Giving thanks always.

Not just once a year ~
(it's Thanksgiving this
weekend here in Canada).

Making it a practice to
give thanks.
Always.
In all things.

By HIS Grace.

"Giving thanks always for all things
unto God and the Father in
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
~ Ephesians 5:20 ~

To the ONE Who is the
giver of all things.
For HIS Glory.

And so...
I continue to count.
To number.
To record.

The blessings come daily.
If we will only take the time
to notice.

1501. Little girl's hair to cut ~
and save! :)

1502. A husband who is planning to take the children
away for a few nights (usually once per year)
so I can plan...and sort...and clear the cobwebs
of my brain! Thank you Sweetie! xo

1503. That Howie's parents are willing to host them!

1504. Have I mentioned that I *love*
my dishwasher?? ~

I ran it FIVE times the other
day and it didn't miss a beat!
(I don't normally run it THAT much)

1505. Young men who help!

1506. So thankful that the two
peanut-allergic (anaphylactic)
children in our family can have
the almond flour required for
*the diet* ~
What a blessing!!

1507. A *fresh* way of doing things...

1508. Window-sill ripening tomatoes
in a South facing window ~
The last of the *crop* came in...
it's October!

1509. Learning to say *YES*!

1510. Children that know how to
clean up after themselves

1511. The forgiveness extended to
me by the children when I lack in grace

1512. God's AMAZING Grace!

1513. Masterpiece drying on the line

1514. More masterpieces...

1515. Finding joy in the journey....

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

Esther's Greek Salad

2011-10-05T15:37:00.000-07:00

My friend Esther has
shared a number of recipes
with me over the years.

This Greek Salad is
one of my favourites.
It's simple and...
Y.U.M.M.Y.

Thanks for sharing Esther!

~ Esther's Greek Salad ~
(Slightly altered)

One Large Head Romaine ~ Cleaned and torn
One Long English Cucumber ~ Chopped coarsely
Two Large Tomatoes ~ Chopped coarsely
One Small Red Onion ~ Chopped
Four Green Onions ~ Chopped
One Small Tin Olives ~ Drained
Half Pound Feta ~ Crumbled

Put all salad ingredients into large bowl.

~ Dressing Ingredients ~

1/2 Cup Olive Oil
1/4 Cup Red Wine Vinegar
1 tsp Dried Marjoram
(Substitute Oregano if preferred)
1 tsp Sea Salt
1/8 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Mix up the dressing,
toss with greens and serve.
(I reserve the Feta and
top individual portions with it).

Enjoy!
Camille

**To make this SCD Compliant,
just substitute Freshly Grated
Parmesan for the Feta.

Fabulous Resource!

2011-10-04T13:29:00.000-07:00

F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S.

We *love* us some history around here!
Presented from a Biblical standpoint and
delivered in a wonderfully engaging way,
these history lessons are definitely NOT boring!

History is interesting.
As it should be.

Diana Waring's History Curriculum
is wonderful.
We listen in the van as we drive.
We will listen again and again and again.
There is SO MUCH to digest.
SO MUCH to learn.

It's a beautiful thing
to witness God's Hand throughout
the history of the world.
It's a beautiful thing to give
HIM glory for the intricacies of it all.

And we are in the midst of
HIS great plan.
HE is still at work.
HE is accomplishing all that
HE set out to do.

What a blessing it is
to belong to HIM!

Happy Studies!
Camille

Sweet Indulgence

2011-09-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

Born and raised (mostly) in
British Columbia, Canada,
I think I have always
known about Purdy's.

Always.
It seems.

For Birthdays and for Christmas...
the children know the way to my heart.

It's on the top of my list ~
A box of Purdy's.

But, I am also very
VERY happy
with a bag of *seconds*.

They always seem to
settle on a box rather
than a bag.

Oh Y.U.M.

It's a very good thing
that my Birthday and
Christmas are almost exactly
six months apart!

A VERY good thing! :)

Purdy's are my favourite
sweet indulgence.

What is YOUR favourite treat?

Happy Weekend!

May it be very
VERY sweet!
Many blessings,
Camille

All That's Required

2011-09-24T21:26:00.001-07:00

Sometimes the *extras*
must be abandoned.
Just the *basics*
can be managed.

And that is okay.

How we need wisdom to know
what those *basics* really are!

We all, on occasion,
need to take a step back.
Assess what it is we are doing.

Ask our husband.
Ask our children.
Ask a trusted friend.

Most importantly...
Ask the LORD.

What does HE require of us?
So often I have found it is
not the same as what
I have required of me!

Maybe it's time to
let those *extra* things GO!

How Gracious and Loving and Kind
our Precious Saviour is!

HE is to be praised!
To be glorified.
To be honoured.
To be followed.

Try to get a time alone.
In the quiet.
Early in the morning is best.
Night-time will work too.

When the house is silent.
When the children sleep.

"Be still, and know that I am God..."
~ Psalm 46:10 ~

Ask Him.

It might help to have pen and paper handy.
Jot down things that you believe
MUST be accomplished on a daily basis.

Pray over that list.

Who is requiring
these things of you?

The LORD?
Is it a command from
HIS Word?

If so, obey.

If not, take stock.

Prayerfully consider what
is best for your family at this time.

"If any of you lack wisdom,
let him ask of God,
that giveth to all men liberally,
and upbraideth not;
and it shall be given him."
~ James 1:5 ~

Last year's model may not be a fit.
It may be time to...

Revamp.
Refresh.
Release.

And really Live!

All for HIM!
And for HIS Glory!

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
~ Colossians 3:17 ~

May the LORD bless you
as you seek to follow HIM
with all your heart.

In HIS Love,
Camille

**All photos in this post
courtesy of Calvin ~ Thanks so much! xo

Until Next Year....

2011-09-19T17:16:00.000-07:00

Summer fades.
Autumn arrives.

Seeking to treasure up
the beauties of the season
just past.

1485. Fresh blueberries to freeze.

1486. Crisp watermelon to enjoy ~
And the satisfying crunch as it splits open

1487. Full moon and the wonder of its beauty
(can a photo really capture it?)

1488. The crock pot to cook
for me outdoors on a hot day

1489. A boy who remembers and sheds the
socks before entering the house ~
filthy from outdoor work

1490. Backyard Badminton

1491. That the grass grows back ~ smile!

1492. Little local pool and watching the kids
jump in and jump in...

...and jump in again!

1493. Hot Dog cookout on the beach

1494. Saying *Yes* to Emma
(who will soon grow out of these requests)
and allowing her to bring her stroller to
the grocery store

1495. A generous cousin who loaned
her American girl doll to Emma...
complete with outfits galore! :)

1496. That the wheels can be cleaned ~
Almost as good as new

1497. More memories made

1498. The way that Emma talks to *the girls* ~
her doll and her cousin's

1499. Boys who climb trees and
a Daddy who goes with them!
(This photo is from last Summer ~
the scene this year was similar.
The little white dot at the top is Austin!)

1500. One of this Summer's last loads of
sheets drying on the line ~
I *love* this view!! :)

Welcoming Autumn...
saying goodbye to Summer.
Until next year....

"To everything there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under
the heaven..."
~ Ecclesiastes 3:1 ~

May each of you, kind friends,
celebrate the season the LORD has you in!

Many blessings,
Camille

The Syllabus Blues

2011-09-14T19:38:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had them?
Do you know what they are?
I do.
First hand.

*The Syllabus Blues*

I'm recovering from a
moderate case of them.

Last night I was
in the midst.
And my Sweetheart listened.
And encouraged.
And calmed my worries.

He also countered the lies
I was telling myself.

It's true.
Things often do
look better in the morning.
Thankfully.

I think every Mum
at one point or another
second-guesses herself.

It's important to remind
ourselves what is true.
And remember what is truly
I.M.P.O.R.T.A.N.T.

Sometimes we need to
get back to the
B.A.S.I.C.S.

The LORD is Faithful.
HE leads us and gives us wisdom
as we seek HIM for it.

Are you in the midst of
your own version of the
*Syllabus Blues*?

Hold onto the Truth.
Go forward in HIS strength.
And in HIS Grace.

One day at a time.
Step by Step.
Moment by Moment.

May I encourage you to
seek the LORD for wisdom?
Seek HIM for the guidance you need
for the days that lie ahead.

I will too.

Many Blessings,
Camille

Indian Summer

2011-09-12T21:32:00.000-07:00

It's been warm here recently.
Around 80 Degrees.
Warm for us. :)

Last week Howie had a few days off.
We did some *local* stuff.
Day trips.

Like a holiday in our own back yard.
Just before the cooler days of Autumn set in.

We drove around to this beach
which is directly across from *our* beach.
It's about 25 minutes away.

There are fire pits where we were.
So, we brought along some wood.
And, we roasted our dinner by the shore.

It was wonderful!

Is it getting cooler there,
or warming up?
The cooler days seem to have
arrived in our neck of the woods.
Autumn officially begins in
just over a week.
Our Indian Summer is fading.

Have a wonderful week!
Many blessings,
Camille

Renovating the System

2011-09-09T22:07:00.001-07:00

Our old system wasn't working.
It needed to be renovated.

I gave my Sweetie a roughly scrawled note
with ideas for
responsibilities the children
could carry out.

And he transformed it into this...

I added my *two cents worth*.
I *tweaked* it.
Together we added some colour.

We are in the early days
of implementation.
How sweet it is!

Would you like to share what works for
you in your home?
I'd enjoy reading your ideas.
Maybe some of them will be included
in our next renovation. :)

Many blessings,
Camille

Pralined Pecans ~ Oh Dear Me!

2011-09-06T16:36:00.000-07:00

Ever wanted to know how to make
your own pralines?

Oh. Dear. Me!

Frighteningly yummy!!

My advice is to make these up
on the day you need them,
or you may end up making an extra,
unplanned batch to replace what
seemingly disappeared into thin air!

This will be a step-by-step
tutorial/pictorial to
walk you through the process.

First,
measure out two cups of raw pecans.
Chop them coarsely.
Put into a large bottomed
pan on the stove.

Measure into that same pan the following ~
1 cup white sugar (granulated)
2 Tbsp + 2 tsp water
1 Tbsp + 1 tsp butter

Turn on the heat to medium.
Stir with wooden spoon until melted.
This will take about two minutes.

It will bubble up and look wonderful.

And then it will dry out
and look like it's not working.
Not working at all!

This is normal.

Don't worry!

After about six minutes
it will begin to melt.
This is when the sugar
carmelizes.

Be patient.

Stir slowly.

Let the sugar carmelize
and stir gently to coat
all those pecan pieces.
This will take another
minute or two.

At this point I had to stop taking pictures
as it can scorch very easily!

The goal is to coat all your pecan
pieces evenly without burning them.

Once coated, turn out quickly onto
a sheet of parchment paper (or foil).
The sugar in the pan
will continue to cook and smoke.
I run the water very hot and put the
pan under it in the sink.

It will boil and splatter.
No worries.
That will settle down quickly.

Enjoy on some homemade ice cream,
Or some store bought ice cream,
Or just by the handful! :)

Blessings,
Camille

New Normal

2011-08-30T22:20:00.000-07:00

Things have changed.
There is a new *normal* around here.

Since taking my break,
I have implemented a few changes
in my online life.

I have a notebook.
It can be carried from room to room.
It can be shut down
and put away.

And,
that is exactly
what I have been doing.

Email.
Shopping.
Blogging.
Research.
Gmail.

It all waits until I take it off its shelf
for an online *session*.
My goal is to keep it
to two *sessions* per week.

Liberty.
Freedom.
Joy.

How wonderful it is!

No more *quick checks*
that run into *long visits*.
No more *losing track of time* online.

There is a pre-appointed,
set aside,
allotted time.
For all of this.

And then, it is shut down.
Until next time.
By God's Grace
and with HIS help.
I am not perfect,
but HE is!

May the LORD help us all
to take stock and heed His Words.

"So teach us to number our days,
that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."
~ Psalm 90:12 ~

I fully realize that we are not
all in the same situation.

Life is always changing.

What works for me,
may not necessarily be what works for you.
We are all at different stages of life.
And that is good!

But, I would encourage you to pray about what
the LORD would have you to do.

And then...
Follow Him.

Many blessings to you each one!
In Him,
Camille

P.R.O.J.E.C.T.S.

2011-08-28T21:13:00.000-07:00

What did we *DO* all Summer??
Well, we had some fun playing.
And, we had some fun working.
We all got in on the act.

One of the first things I did was
ask Howie to pick me up some of this...

To fix this...
Yes, I did it myself!
(Don't even ask how many rags I used up)! :)

And my Sweetie taught Calvin
how to do this...
And Calvin sanded most of it himself!

Emma got to try...
For about two minutes. :)

The finished deck...
(it's wet from being washed...
we didn't use a *high gloss* stain) :)

Meanwhile,
Austin did this...

And this...

Fraser and Emma tackled this...

And, after a LOT of this...

We got this (it's a lovely, creamy,
washable yellow).

Calvin did some of this...

To put into this...

Austin stacked and stacked and stacked...

Which my Dad built!
(Thank you Dad) ~ xo

My Treasures...

We are not always this productive in the Summer-time.
It seemed that MANY things needed attention
this year for some reason.
We are very thankful that we have
so many precious helpers! :)

Many blessings,
Camille

A West Coast Experience

2011-08-24T20:16:00.000-07:00

We went whale watching
on Fraser's Birthday.
It was a glorious day.
And an unforgettable experience!

We were on the boat for seven hours.
And we sat up front most of the day.

Emma is waiting for the
Captain to launch us out into the deep.

Howie enjoying a little *down time*.

A happy looking bunch.

There they are!
See the black fins lined up in a row
off in the distance?

Orca Whales!
(Which, btw, really are
part of the Dophin family...
Who knew?)

Emma and Fraser enjoyed a chat with
*Rusty*...the dog-mascot.

Calvin with his *zoom* lens...
he got some *close-ups* of the Orcas. :)

This pod dove under the boat after this shot
and came up about 1/4 mile away!

Our young man.

Enjoying a rare treat.

Gorgeous views all day long.

It was a lovely day.
A real joy.
We are thankful that we
were able to have this experience
with our children.
God's Creation truly is Glorious!

What special memory did you make
this summer??
Please do share.
I'd enjoy reading about it.

Many Blessings,
Camille

Just 10 Minutes A Day!

2011-08-22T14:53:00.001-07:00

Our Fraser LOVES languages.
He is interested in everything from
Arabic to Hebrew to Chinese.

These books
have helped to satisfy his thirst for
knowledge in this area.
And at only *ten minutes a day*
they are perfect!
Fun and interactive.
Engaging and interesting.

He has tried different programs
(some were strictly computer based) ~
but, he keeps coming back to this system.

This is not a school requirement.
He is doing this *just for fun*.
Not to say that it could not be for school,
just to let you know how enjoyable they can be.

These books are *introductory* in nature ~
The goal being to equip the child
with the ability to converse simply
in the chosen language.

This was his response when I asked what he would
like to try next, and I quote ~

"Anything to do with Bilingual Books...
it's always good!"

Imagine this being said with a great deal of
animation and enthusiasm.
As I previously mentioned,
he LOVES languages!

What does the LORD have in store?
My Mama heart wells up with tears
at the thought of where this might lead.
But then, I have to remind myself that
he is only twelve and we do have a few years left
to care for him in our home...up close! :)

The LORD is so gracious with us
and never gives us more than we can bear.
HE will lead and guide and give
the grace for whatever it is HE
calls our children to do.
What a blessing to rest in that!

In the meantime,
we are encouraging this love
for learning these languages by giving
him the tools to explore them all!
But, not all at once...
maybe just one or two at a time. :)

May the LORD bless you
all as you seek to raise up your
children for HIS glory.
And may HE give us each the grace to
allow them to flourish in HIS World!

Many blessings,
Camille

Ebb and Flow

2011-08-18T17:38:00.000-07:00

**This post was written before
I took a month off ~
Which is why some of it is a little "out of date".

The Ordinary.
The Everyday.
The Ebb and Flow of life.

Sometimes we take these things forgranted.
Sometimes we forget to give thanks.
And yet, we are commanded to.
It is the mark of one who is redeemed.

We owe everything to HIM.
To HIS grace.
To HIS mercy.
We belong to HIM.
We are to glorify HIS Holy Name.

1459. Building my repertoire of
quick and easy meals to prepare ~
Just like THIS! :)

1460. More ice cream!

1461. Walks at the beach with friends

1462. Hanging baskets at the front door

1463. The squeals of laughter coming
from Fraser and Emma as they play outside

1464. Austin and Fraser creating music together

1465. So thankful for the Doctrine of God's Sovereignty!

1466. Simplifying life ~ or at least trying to!

1467. Accountability

1468. New beginnings

1469. Amazing preaching Sunday after Sunday ~
SUCH a blessing!

1470. Being challenged from the pulpit through God's Word

1471. My Dad who is always willing to help out around here ~
Thanks Dad! :)

1472. Catching up with a dear friend

1473. Pink sky at night

1474. The longest day of the year

1475. Longer days

1476. My clothesline!

1477. First load of towels hung out to dry ~
LATE...July 4th!

1478. A stretch of sunny days after MANY grey ones

1479. Opening up windows and doors early in the morning
to let the fresh air in and let the stuffy air out!

1480. The breeze that comes off the ocean

1481. Trimmed trees

1482. A better view

1483. Firewood for the winter

1484. Thankful that we don't depend on that
wood to keep warm in the winter months

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

Looking Up

2011-08-15T21:44:00.001-07:00

Life has been a flurry of activity.
First, school ended.
Then there were...
Family commitments.
Birthdays.
Anniversary.
BBQ's.
Home projects.
Not to mention the regular.

The *everyday*.

Meals.
Laundry.
Shopping.
Cleaning.

Once in awhile it is important to
re-evaluate.
Take a step back.

Be still.

As I write this, I do not have everything sorted out.
I do not have everything in its rightful place.
But, I am getting there.
Step by step.
By God's Grace.

Every once in awhile we must get above the clouds.
Step out of the whirlwind.
Take stock.

Am I reaching my goals?
Do I have a proper understanding
of what they ought to be?
Have I sought the LORD on what
HE would have me to do next?

Probing, but necessary questions.

Sometimes life is overwhelming.
We get too busy to even think.
At the end of the day it's all we can do to
fall into bed exhausted.

But.
There is hope.

These are often just seasons.
The LORD never gives us more than we can bear.
Sometimes WE are the ones to
blame when the overload buzzer goes off.

I have been guilty of this.

When that has happened I must examine
myself and my motives.
Have I added things into my calendar
that had no business being there?
Did I ask the LORD what HE would
have me to do before I made those commitments?

Ah, yes.
The litmus test.

These last weeks I have taken a step back.
It's been a blessing to just *be*.
To just live and do the next thing.

Looking Up.

Many Blessings,
Camille

**Photo Credit ~ Calvin

Time Warp

2011-07-15T12:42:00.000-07:00

Living fully engaged.
IN the moment.

Intentionally.

Travelling back in time.
All the way back to the
days before computers.
At least to the days before
MY computer.

Living according to HIS plan
for me ~

Just. This. Day.
By HIS Grace.

I'm taking a little hiatus
from email, gmail, internet,
blogging ~
online anything.

Just a little break from this.

But, not forever ~
Just for about a month.

This means that any comments
you may choose to leave
will be published at the end of
my time away from this screen.
At that time, my plan is to
reconnect with all of you.
Thank you for understanding!

(I do *L*O*V*E* to hear from you ~
Please let me know that you stopped by.)

If you have my phone number,
please feel free to call ~
Let's get together! :)

In the meantime,
I'd like to leave you with a beautiful
passage of Scripture ~

"The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
The LORD make his face shine upon thee,
and be gracious unto thee:
The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee,
and give thee peace."
~ Numbers 6:24-26 ~

See you in about a month ~
LORD-willing!

In HIS Love,
Camille

**Photo credit ~ Calvin

Special Delivery

2011-07-14T11:48:00.001-07:00

Birthday Roses...

Hand Delivered...

With Love...

Thank you Dad! xo

Salty Caramel Anyone?

2011-07-13T10:07:00.000-07:00

Are you a salty caramel person?
If so, this is the ice cream for you!

Come on over and I will
serve you some with a smile ~
That is, if there is any left! ;-)

Sweet.
Salty.
Yum.

It is time consuming.
And fussy.
And a bit tricky.

BUT...
worth it!
(In my opinion, of course).

After reading about this ice cream
on David Lebovitz' blog,
I knew I had to give it a try.

Do you have an ice cream maker yet?
Hurry...summer is waiting.
And so are your family and friends.

Quick!

This is the one I have.
Gifted to me from my family
for Mother's Day.

(A little tip ~ Amazon's prices fluctuate...
check back periodically for the best deal).

It's been a fun journey.
A person could get used to
having ice cream daily.

I know.

Salted Butter Caramel Ice Cream ~
Oh. Dear. Me!

ENJOY!
And...don't blame me
if you become addicted to
its creamy saltiness! ;-)

Many Blessings,
Camille

**Links are working....

Baked Berry Almond Oatmeal

2011-07-11T11:53:00.000-07:00

Y.U.M.M.Y.

SO good!

It was a hit all around.
And the boy who can NEVER get filled up...
did! :)

Click Here to find the recipe ~
You will need to scroll about half-way down
the post to locate it.
It's worth the hunt! :)

FYI ~ I doubled the recipe to serve my family...
using two pans of the 7" x 11" variety.
AND...I used old fashioned oats
and thawed raspberries (they had been frozen).

Enjoy!
Blessings,
Camille

Day After Day

2011-07-10T19:56:00.000-07:00

Time flies.
That's not a surprise, is it?
It's like this for all of us.

Seize the day!
Enjoy the moments!

One of the ways I seek to
do this is by counting.
Numbering the blessings.
Treasuring up the moments.
Day after day.

By HIS grace.
For HIS glory.

They are all gifts from HIS hand.

1432. Evidence of children in our home

1433. Stocking up

1434. My custom-made budget in excel...
Howie created it for me years ago and I *love* it!

1435. Licorice Mint Tea

1436. Random games of Uno

1437. A quick trip to the pool for the two youngest...
free swimming and all done in less than an hour

1438. Swimming lessons for Fraser and Emma

1439. That the pool is just around the corner
and we can walk

1440. Chocolate!

1441. Getting the hang of this diet

1442. That it's helping

1443. Teaching boy #3 how to make
grilled cheese sandwiches

1444. That tomorrow is always fresh with
no mistakes in it yet!

1445. That the LORD always forgives
and meets us in our need
and gives us grace and mercy.

1446. Warm sun...it's been teasing us!

1447. "Bonus Time" available to use...
thank you S and L!

1448. Pineapples from my Dad ~
Thank you Dad! :)

1449. A phone chat with my sister

1450. Listening to Fraser play
"The Pink Panther" on the piano

1451. Flowers from Calvin...
"just because"...so sweet! :)

1452. Listening to
Diana Waring's History CD's ~
W.O.N.D.E.R.F.U.L.

1453. Learning with the children

1454. Marvelling at God's hand in history
and how it all comes *alive* when taught from
a Biblical standpoint

1455. Frozen meals prepared in advance and
using them when they are most needed

1456. School's Done

1457. Completing another year of homeschool

1458. The change of pace summer brings

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

To Encourage

2011-07-07T19:53:00.000-07:00

Simply Scripture.
To encourage.

"The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
the LORD is the strength of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?"
~ Psalm 27:1 ~

"Wait on the LORD:
be of good courage,
and he shall stenghten thine heart:
wait, I say, on the LORD."
~ Psalm 27:14 ~

"Blessed be the LORD,
because he hath heard the
voice of my supplications.
The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusted in him,
and I am helped:
therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth;
and with my song will I praise him."
~ Psalm 28:6-7 ~

I'll be taking a little blogging break for
the next few days.

May the LORD bless each
one of you this weekend!
In HIS Love,
Camille

**Photo Credit ~ Emma

T.W.E.N.T.Y.

2011-07-06T08:06:00.000-07:00

It's not REALLY possible
that we have been married for 20 years...
is it??

Time marches on.

We are growing old together.

On our wedding day we sang Steve Green's song
"I Cherish the Treasure of You"
to one another.

Little did we know that in
the midst of our joys and blessings,
there would be trials.
Difficult days.
Heartache and sorrow.

And through it all,
we would grow to love more.
Deeper.
Stronger.

Little did we know.

Oh how FAITHFUL
our Great God is!!

HE is the ONE Who keeps us.
HE is the ONE Who sustains us.
HE is the ONE Who gives us life.

All praise and glory to HIS Great Name!

If I'd known then what I know now,
I would have married my Sweetheart
MUCH sooner.
AND I wouldn't have given him as
much trouble as I did! :)

Psalm 91 is our Life-Psalm together.
It has been a great source of comfort
and blessing over the years.
We are so thankful to belong to the LORD!
HE alone is worthy of all our praise.

Many blessings,
Camille

A Little Local Getaway

2011-07-04T15:10:00.000-07:00

We were going to do it all in one day.

Drive up (early) to Whistler (3 hours away) ~
Howie would be busy with work while
I wandered around the village
with the children for the day ~
and then, we would drive back home
(late) that night.

But...

Howie's sister and husband
kindly allow us to use their time-share
when it's available.

And...
It was available! :)

So...
we had a little two night
getaway at the end
of our school year.

We are thankful!

We arrived on the first night
just in time to see the Canucks
(our hockey team)
lose game seven of the
Stanley Cup playoffs to Boston.

A sad day.

**All photos are *clickable* ~
Emma's camera makes smaller images it seems.

Howie worked the next day.
We explored.

The 2010 Olympics were held in Vancouver.
One of the venues for ski events was
Whistler Mountain.
We went to the top and found this bobsled.
A perfect photo opportunity ~ no?

We rode the "Peak 2 Peak" Gondola.
Oh. Dear. Me.
What an experience!

Fear of heights anyone?

The view from up there...
God's magnificent creation!

We discovered the Olympic Rings
at the edge of Whistler Village.

Howie was able to join us
the last day we were there...

We found the torch! :)

The drive provides breathtaking views.
So beautiful!

1426. A couple of nights away as a family ~
joining Howie on a business trip.

1427. Enjoying the outdoors with the children

1428. Canoeing and Kayaking together for an hour

1429. Spotting and eagle ~
Calvin was able to get some great shots
with his zoom lens! :)

1430. The majesty of the mountains ~
I never tire of their beauty

1431. New experiences and sharing them with our children

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

**All photos in this post
courtesy of our newest photographer...
Emma! :)

What Lies Do We Believe?

2011-07-01T07:10:00.000-07:00

Lies.
They are *out there*.
But, they are also *in here*.

We listen to them.
We invite them to stay.

Why?

It's easier to listen to ourselves ~
To entertain lies rather than Truth.

Truth comes from God's Word.

Have we memorized it?
Hidden it in our hearts?
Does it shape our thinking?
Or are we allowing the World to do that?

Oh, how easy it is to just follow the crowd.
Go with the flow.
Take the *broad road*
rather than the narrow one.

How should our thoughts be formed,
and by Whom?

"...whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report;
if there be any virtue,
and if there be any praise,
think on these things."
~ Philippians 4:8 ~

Does this describe my thought life?
Too often, I would have to say no.

Only the LORD can give us this perspective.
Only as we fill our minds with Truth can
we be free from the bondage of lies.

"Oh how I love thy law!
it is my meditation all the day.
Thou through thy commandments hast
made me wiser than mine enemies:
for they are ever with me.
I have more understanding than all
my teachers: for thy testimonies
are my meditation."
~ Psalm 119:97-99 ~

Oh that this would be true of me!
May the LORD help us all to value
HIS Word above the *wisdom* of man.
Only by HIS Grace is this possible.
How wonderful it is that HE leads
us so gently along!

Many blessings to you each one!
In HIM,
Camille

Dessert for Breakfast!

2011-06-30T18:33:00.000-07:00

White flour.
White sugar.
Icing sugar.
Butter.
Heavy Cream.

Orange Cranberry Scones.

Like I said...dessert!

They are
Y.U.M.M.Y.

Jennifer Jo and I must have
similar taste buds.
I always enjoy her recipes.
And this, again,
was no exception.

I'm sending you to Jennifer Jo's
place for the recipe.
Click here to get there ~
Enjoy!

Occasionally.
*Wink*

24/7

2011-06-22T19:03:00.000-07:00

Twitter.
Facebook.
Email.
Gmail.
Blogs.
Internet.

Computers.
Cell Phones.
Blackberries.
Ipods.

Always available.
Always on call.

24/7.

No end.
No break.
No rest.
No peace.

B.U.T.

We are commanded to
*be still and know*...
How is this possible,
unless we are intentional about the time
spent in front of these screens?

Intentional about time spent
at HIS feet?

Some of my online friends have
discontinued blogging.
Some have burned out.
Others have decided it's too
costly for a variety of reasons.

I understand.

I don't Tweet.
I just deactivated my Facebook.
I don't have a Blackberry
or an Ipod.

We do have a cell ~
it is usually turned off. :)

I do have Email and Gmail.
I do have a blog ~
(if you are here...you are aware of that)!

But, I don't want any of these things
to control me.
I want to be in control of them.

By God's Grace.

HE is able.
I look to HIM for the strength
to keep things in balance.

Do I do it perfectly?
No.

Am I seeking to follow HIM in it all?
Yes.

How do you manage your online life?
What safeguards do you have in place
so it doesn't overtake you?
It would be a blessing to read
how you are handling it.
I'm sure many will be encouraged.

Me included.

May the LORD help us all to
live for HIS glory in everything.
Might we be pleasing to HIM
in all that we do.

By HIS Grace.

Many Blessings,
Camille

*Update ~
My husband sent me this link...
good food for thought!

Grain Free?

2011-06-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

This is something new to me.
I never thought I would have to
drop the grains!
I actually didn't think it was overly
*do-able*.
But, it is!

Rather than re-invent the wheel,
so to speak,
I will just send you on over to
Keeper of the Home.

Click Here to get to her
most recent post on building
a grain free pantry.
It's an excellent starting point.

Just one thing I would like to clarify ~
We are not all *grain-free* around here.
Our child with Crohn's
is the only one who MUST
keep to this strict diet.

Although, I must admit,
I feel better when I follow
this way of eating.
I am thankful that I can serve *regular*
bread to the rest of the family.
God's mercies are new every morning!

Many blessings,
Camille

Yogurt Anyone?

2011-06-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

Ease of operation.

I'm trying to do things in
a straightforward and streamlined way.

Saves the sanity.

Yogurt is a necessary part of the
healing process for
Crohn's Disease
according to the book
"Breaking the Vicious Cycle".

I never thought I would make yogurt.
It was not on my radar.
Not, that is, until this happened.

I am committed to doing all I can
to facilitate healing for our child.

Part of that is making yogurt.

In an effort to keep things simple,
I bought a yogurt maker.
I try to stay away from plastic as much as
possible, so I bought the glass jar that fits the yogurt maker.
I also buy the starters 12 boxes at a time.

The method is simple.

You heat the required amount of milk (1 litre or 2)
in a pot to simmering.
It should be 180 degrees ~ use a thermometer.

Then plunge the pot into a sink of cold water.

Stir while the milk cools ~
it should be lower than 100 degrees.

Mix about 1/2 cup of milk into the starter.
(Use 5 grams of starter for 1 litre
and 10 grams of starter for 2 litres)
Whisk it until dissolved.
Add the remaining milk and stir well.
Pour into your yogurt maker liner.

Seal.

Lower into the yogurt maker.
Make sure you put water in the yogurt maker up
to the lower line for a 1 litre batch and the upper
line for a 2 litre batch.

Put the lid of the yogurt maker on.
Plug it in.

Let it sit on your counter
fermenting for at least 24 hours,
but no longer than 32 hours.
(This longer incubation time
is to produce a lactose-free yogurt ~
Important for the *SCD).
If you do not require a lactose-free product,
your incubation time will be about 12 hours.

Once the time is up,
remove the yogurt batch
from the yogurt maker and
set gently in the fridge for 8 hours to cool.

To serve, spoon some yogurt into a bowl,
drizzle with a little honey
and add berries to taste.

You will have probiotics in a bowl ~
what a fabulous way to incorporate them into the diet! :)

Do you make yogurt?
Would you like to begin?
I'd enjoy hearing your yogurt stories.

Many blessings,
Camille

*SCD ~ Specific Carbohydrate Diet
as explained in "Breaking the Vicious Cycle"

Fixing Our Eyes

2011-06-18T09:24:00.001-07:00

Fixing our eyes.

Not on ourselves.
Not on others.
Not on our Faith.
Not on our Faithfulness.

On the LORD.

HE alone is worthy.
HE alone is able.
HE alone is perfect.

We have nothing to fear.
Nothing to doubt.
Nothing to fret about.

How quickly our eyes lose focus.
How quickly our hearts grow cold.
How quickly we grow weary.

Yet, HE never loses HIS grip.

It is not about our hold on HIM.
It is all about HIS hold on us!
HE is always Faithful.
Even though we fail.

We must continually
remind ourselves to
look to HIM.
We must continually
fill our minds and hearts
with HIM.

We often respond like Peter did.
We only see the troubles.
The waves.
The storms of life.

But, the LORD is IN the storm.
HE has us in HIS perfect care.
We have nothing to fear
when HE is in control.

Look to HIM and live!

"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."
~ Hebrews 12:2 ~

Many Blessings to you each one!
In HIS Love,
Camille

You Might be Mothering Teenage Boys if...

2011-06-12T22:32:00.000-07:00

Your *big* cooking pot (8Qt) from your newlywed days
is only just the right size to reheat food
or make lunch in.

You have invested in *industrial* sized
cooking equipment so you *might* have leftovers.

You routinely multiply recipes
four or five times.

Your life seems to revolve around food!

You buy three 5 pound blocks of
cheese and hope they last the month.

Your fridge has over T.H.I.R.T.E.E.N. dozen eggs in it...
and you do not have any chickens in the back yard!

The Costco cashiers think you are buying
for a store.

You dedicate a laundry hamper to socks ONLY!

You fill your washing machine with socks
because you refuse to wash them with anything else.
S.T.E.R.I.L.I.Z.E. is the setting of choice.

Wrestling matches routinely take
place in the living room and kitchen...
with Dad! :)

A.N.D.

You are taken care of.
You are watched out for.
You are loved and cherished.
You have the opportunity to
be used to shape boys into men...
with God's equipping.

What an incredible gift to be mothering
this next generation of men!

May God give grace and patience day by day.
HE alone is able!

If any of you, dear friends,
are in this same boat ~
Be encouraged...it is a noble calling.
The LORD will give all that
is needed as we seek HIM for the wisdom
to do the task well ~

For HIS glory!

What a blessing that HE never
leaves us to ourselves.
What a blessing that HE is
Faithful even when we are not!
Let's keep our eyes fixed on HIM.

Many blessings,
Camille

Above and Below

2011-06-07T09:45:00.000-07:00

On Auntie Mary's recent visit,
we had the opportunity to have her
stay with us in our home for a few days.
All to ourselves!

We planned a day trip to Seattle
to do some of the *touristy*
things we had not done before as a family.
Auntie Mary had never travelled that far
South into the USA.
It was a new experience for us all.

As we approached the city
we had a view of the Space Needle ~
the icon of the 1962 Seattle World's Fair.

Our first stop was not this landmark,
but rather, the underground.

Apparently, the city was originally built on
unstable ground and after a devastating fire,
was rebuilt using retaining walls and pilings
driven deep into the mud to find solid ground.

While the rebuilding took place,
life continued on in the city.
Although they knew that the ground floor
of the new buildings would eventually be covered up,
they conducted business as usual.

Once all the retaining walls were in place
the second storey became ground level,
and the first storey went underground.

In order to light the passageways below,
*skylights* were installed.

This is the view from underneath the sidewalk
where the glass is embedded in the cement.
Unfortunately, I don't have a photo
of this from above.

Every so often, we would emerge
at street level and then descend
another flight of stairs to get to
the next portion of the underground.

Toward the end of our tour,
we were shown this *water pipe* ~
It was hewn out of wood!
Imagine the troubles that would cause!

The second purpose of our trip
was to go up the Space Needle.

The observation level is over 500 feet above the city
and provides a spectacular 360 degree view.
We all enjoyed it very much!

Calvin was shooting helicopters and airplanes ~
Of course! :)

The required *group shot* was taken ~
L to R: Calvin, Austin, Fraser, Auntie Mary,
Emma, Camille and Howie.

The view from above the city.

A glorious sunset on the long drive home.

We said our goodbyes to Auntie Mary
the following afternoon at the airport.
We all miss her very much!
But, we are so thankful for
the special times we were able to share together.
God is so gracious with us, isn't HE?

I am taking a little blogging break until next week.
If any of you should choose to leave a comment
(I do *love* to hear from you!) ~
I will plan to publish them when I am back
*in the loop*.

Many blessings to you each one!
In HIS Love,
Camille

A State of Mind...

2011-06-06T08:14:00.000-07:00

Thankfulness is a discipline.
A state of mind.
A state of the heart.

All gifts come from the LORD.
We owe HIM the thanks.

I'm ashamed to say there are
times when I am unthankful.
When I grumble and complain.
It makes me think of the children
of Israel and their complaining nature.
How it grieved the LORD.

How I grieve HIM.

Oh that the LORD would help me
to learn to give HIM thanks
in every situation.

This is a beginning...
It's Monday...
I continue to count.

1411. The ice cream attachment
for my Kitchenaid! ~
A Mother's Day gift. :)

1412. 50 lbs of grass-only beef
delivered to the door and now in the freezer

1413. Provisions...over and over and over again!

1414. That our son with Crohn's Disease is on the road to recovery ~
Blessings upon blessings.

1415. Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream ~
Oh. Dear. Me!

1416. Homeschool and its benefits

1417. Three lanes open through the tunnel
during rush hour AND the HOV lane.

1418. That my fight with the sardine tin
was not any worse

1419. Lavender Oil

1420. Quick healing and no infection

1421. A little helper who does things like this...
without any prompting by me...
W.O.N.D.E.R.F.U.L.

1422. A built-in babysitter

1423. A cell phone ~
just *in case*

1424. That my family LIKES
waffles for dinner

1425. Messes that I didn't make and
reminding myself sadly that it won't always be like this!

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

It Really Isn't All About Me

2011-06-03T15:55:00.000-07:00

How often have I thought of myself
more highly than I ought to?
How often have I put myself above others?
How often have I thought that
what I had to say was of utmost importance,
and even would interrupt to get my words out?

Too often.

How often have I died to self?
How often have I let others go ahead of me?
How often have I sat in silence
to let others speak?

Not often enough.

Oh that I would truly
have the posture of a Christian
in all of the above.

Practical Christianity.

"For I say,
through the grace given unto me,
to every man that is among you,
not to think of himself more highly
than he ought to think;
but to think soberly,
according as God hath dealt to every
man the measure of faith."
~ Romans 12:3 ~

"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory;
but in lowliness of mind let each
esteem other better than themselves.
Look not every man on his own things,
but every man also on the things of others."
~ Philippians 2:3-4 ~

Oh to walk humbly with my God.
How wonderful it is that we can draw
strength from our precious LORD
and are not called to walk this path
without HIS help and grace!

"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."
~ Hebrews 12:2 ~

May the LORD bless you each
this weekend, kind friends,
as you seek to follow HIM
with all your heart!

And remember, when we fail,
HE is there to pick us up and
give us a fresh beginning!
All because of what
the LORD Jesus Christ
has accomplished for HIS people.

"If we confess our sins,
he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
~ I John 1:9 ~

What a glorious thought!

Many Blessings,
Camille

Sweet Beginner Novels

2011-06-02T15:40:00.000-07:00

Emma has been reading up a storm.
She seems to have been bitten by the
same bug as her Mummy was at that age.
What a blessing!

J.O.Y.

Some of the earliest novels I read featured
The Bobbsey Twins ~
two sets of twins in one family.

The stories are set in quieter days and portray a
loving family who make their own fun.
Emma has enjoyed meeting them and
the adventures they have are right in step
with her own imagination.
How lovely to be able to
share these with her!

Currently available are the first twelve books
from a much larger series.
If you can find any of these at used book stores,
snap them up, as they are treasures to build
any child's library with!

The Boxcar Children
are another series of books
that appeal to the younger reader.

I didn't grow up reading them,
but they have Emma's stamp of approval.
What I like about these books is that they were
written long ago and represent
many of the values we are seeking
to instill in our children.

One word of caution ~
I know that there are newer titles available and I am
not familiar with the quality of their stories.
They may be just fine, but in my experience,
there are times when a new author
comes along at a later date
to add to a series of books and
sometimes does not do the
original series justice.

What were some of your favourite
books growing up?
I'd enjoy hearing about them.
Please share!

Blessings,
Camille

Simply Guacamole!

2011-06-01T16:17:00.000-07:00

Super Easy!
So. Good. For. You.
Y.U.M.M.Y.

Simply Guacamole.
(Gwa-ka-moe-lee)

I use three or four ripe avocadoes.
(They are ripe when dark in colour
and slightly soft).

Wash the skin and slice length-wise
through to the pit.
Split in half and remove the pit
with the tip of your knife.

Scoop out the flesh with a spoon.
Mash with a fork.
Add in the juice of one lemon.
A splash or two of Hot Sauce.
And a shake of garlic powder.

Mix together.
Taste and adjust seasonings.
Chill and serve.
Enjoy! :)

SONshine

2011-05-30T07:18:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-25T14:35:00.000-07:00

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

Chocolatey Scrumptiousness

2011-05-23T12:05:00.001-07:00

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! :)

These Days...

2011-05-22T16:22:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-21T08:39:00.001-07:00

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

2011-05-18T12:40:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-16T11:21:00.001-07:00

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?

2011-05-14T08:36:00.000-07:00

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}

Amazing Salmon ~ Quick and Easy!

2011-05-13T12:03:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-09T20:43:00.000-07:00

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! ;-)

Just Breathe

2011-05-08T21:40:00.001-07:00

Another week.
Another Monday.

How quickly the time passes.
How quickly life flies by.

And I am seeking,
in the midst of it all,
to just breathe and observe and enjoy
and take it all in.

These are the moments we have
been graciously given.
They come from the loving hand of
our Heavenly Father.
We are sustained by the Word of HIS power.

Numbering our thanks is one of
the ways in which we can give HIM praise.
And so, I continue to count...

1371. Leftovers...yaay!

1372. Emma's point-and-shoot camera
purchase...she saved and saved and saved ~
Another photographer in the family. :)

1373. Getting through the border
without paying duty many, many, many times.

1374. South of the border shopping ~
A Blessing!

1375. Nut Bars ~ I *so* enjoy them!
Almost makes up for the lack of chocolate. :)

1376. Friendly "hellos" and "good mornings"
on the beach walk ~ so many *regulars*

1377. Bunny on the beach ~ a rare sight.

1378. Thankful that the children
are all well enough to jog the 3 mile stretch

1379. Laughter

1380. The privilege to vote

1381. Emma did a big *clear out* of
her room...what a blessing!
(Thank you to Rebecca and Rebecca's Mum
for graciously receiving some of the
things she cleared out!)

1382. Tide out, windy, blue skies,
white puffy clouds for a morning
beach walk...oh how it clears the cobwebs! :)

1383. Cotton balls for my ears on a windy day

1384. Watching all four children jog together ~
when did Emma get big enough for that?!

It's easy to count.
It begins with noticing the *little* things.
Noticing the moments.
Entering into them and writing them down.
It's as simple as that.

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

**Photos in this post courtesy of Calvin ~
taken with his *old* point-and-shoot
about two months ago.

Dying to Perfection

2011-05-07T07:31:00.000-07:00

When everything has to be perfect,
things become unpleasant.

If I strive for perfection in anything
it becomes an idol and therefore,
more important than everything else.

When I die to the "Perfection" mindset,
I can embrace the joys of life and living.

My treasures are not things.
They are souls.

Eternal view leads to peace ~
Within and without.

Oh that I would really learn this!
Oh that I would really LIVE this!!

"Lay not up for yourselves
treasures upon earth,
where moth and rust doth corrupt,
and where thieves
break through and steal:

But lay up for yourselves
treasures in heaven,
where neither moth
nor rust doth corrupt,
and where thieves do not
break through and steal:

For where your treasure is,
there will your heart be also."
~ Matthew 6:19-21 ~

May the LORD give the
strength and grace needed
to live with an eternal mindset.

After all,
that's all that really matters!

Many blessings,
Camille