It's been foggy around here

It has been foggy around here for quite a few days.  I went for a hike around Stanley Park last Sunday with a group of friends.  The hike took longer than expected  as we were still traipsing through the trails as it was getting dark.  We turned around the corner of Prospect Point picnic area and this amazing shadowy sight was in front of us.  It was stunning and I am amazed at how well the camera could capture the mood.

Relax

I got up early today expecting to work but didn't so I...

...baked banana bread

...finished a novel

...curled up with a blanket

...prepped  a new unit to teach

...walked the dog

...scrapbooked

...relaxed

...checked my favorite blogs

...downloaded photos

...cooked dinner

...played a board game

Vandeusen Gardens

So many lights...

So much snow..

Cowgirls or the 3 Musketeers...

... Not sure which title better suits us

The laughter was endless; the memories are priceless

A close group of friends and I were all part of the bridal party for another good friends wedding just this past Saturday. This wedding has been a long time in the works.  With engagements parties, dress shopping, Bridal shower, bacherlorette and of course the big day. I have been working hard at assembling a wedding guestbook/ photo scrapbook for the happy couple.  It has consumed much of my creative juices the past couple of months. I was quite please with the outcome but was glad to hand the gift over to them for further enjoyment. 

As for the big day...   The drive to the brides house and to the church was more stressful and problematic then we expected.  Let's just say I my car was the transport vehicle and it was suffering from a burnt out headlight and temperamental windshield wipers.  Once we were all at the house safely the morning drifted by as we calmly spent time getting our makeup and hair done and patiently steamed the wrinkles out of our dresses.  As the time came to walk down the aisle I was more nervous then the bride was.  The reception was held at Timberline Ranch and well we couldn't help but not pose for the camera with cowboy hats on.  

Thank you S & N for not being shy in front of the camera.  Thank you V, M, & S for taking numerous pictures and sharing in the laughter. I never get tired of hanging out with you because  I know the time together will be spent with most of us in laughter or finding creative ways to make your windshield wipers work... dental floss dosen't work.

The Nativity

Growing up we always had a nativity displayed somewhere in our house or on our front lawn to remind us of the Christ's birth and the reason for Christmas.  Originally we would set up our three feet wooden Mary and Joseph along side the shepherds and Wisemen.  A small stable was used as the shelter for the manger where baby Jesus lay.  This scene adorned our front yard for many years until it became very weathered from the elements.  In the past we have also set up a glass figurine Mary and Joseph and the other key figures in the nativity on our mantle.  Instead of a small stable to create small home we covered the entire mantle with real straw and strategically place the figures facing towards the manger with baby Jesus.  For the past few years we have been setting up our Playmobile nativity set.  

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (Luke 2:13-14)

3 things

Warm woolly Christmas socks with pompom tassels

Fresh earthy pine sent welcoming you into the room

Wrapping your hands around a hot mug of delicious coffee