:: My "New" Blowdryer ::

Okay, so sometimes it's the small things in life that make you happy, right? And this has happened for me, with my blow dryer. So lately I've been more frustrated than usual about how long it takes me to get ready in the morning. I LOVE sleep and would like to get a little more! :) It was taking FOREVER to blow dry my hair... and although it's thick it was really taking FAR too long. So I was looking at new ones, figuring that it was time to buy. But then I realized that there was quite a lot of dust in the vent thingy in the back of my blow dryer! So I took a little time to clean it out... found out that it comes completely off so I could rinse it and clean inside as well! What was the result? Va-va-voom!! I'm having to re-learn how to blow dry my hair because it's so powerful now, my hair is blowing all over the place! My drying time has been cut down, yay! And I didn't spend any money, what a bonus!

:: One Year of Wedded Bliss ::

One year ago today was the most remarkable day of my life. It was the day that I joined my life forever with my true love, Josh. In some ways it seems like the year flew by, in other ways it seems like so long ago that we didn’t live together and call each other husband and wife. “They” say that the first year is the hardest... if that’s true than we’re stoked!! Because although this past year has had it’s fair share of trials, changes and heartaches, Josh and I are closer than ever, we love each other deeper, and we share a bond that is stronger than I ever dreamed for. Josh is my answer to prayer and the tangible evidence of God’s faithfulness to me – that even when I thought that I was believing for impossible things, God had a plan and that plan was Josh. I am so blessed and thankful that I know how blessed I am. And I know Josh feels blessed too, because my wonderful man tells me this all the time, always confirming what I mean to him.

I thought that I’d take a “blog post idea” that I've seen and adapt it in honour of my anniversary. So here it is, my

TOP TEN FAVOURITE THINGS ABOUT MY HUSBAND

1. His love for God – I’ve learned a lot about how Josh loves God in the past year. He’s quiet about it, reflective, and passionate. I love this about him... I know I can depend on him to pray, to listen and to lead in ways that are led by his Saviour.

2. His voice – Yup, I’m a sucker for a deep, sexy voice and that is what Josh has! I spoke with Josh on the phone before I ever met him, and I was already taken, hook, line and sinker... all because of that voice!

3. His patience – This one is funny because you ask some people and they say Josh is the most patient person they’ve ever met... you ask others and they say he has zero patience! But I’ve seen such an abundance of patience in this man, it never ceases to amaze me. I am so thankful for this quality, as I require a lot of patience sometimes! When love is described in 1 Corinthians 13 the first descriptor is “patience” and I know why!

4. His passion for music – This one may come as a surprise to some, coming from my lips. Josh is very passionate about music, he is a talented guitarist and drummer, and now he’s started to record as well. Although this subject is one Josh and I differ greatly on most of the time, I do admire him, his talent and how passionate he is about music.

5. His family – Josh has a wonderful family and I am blessed so much with fantastic in-laws. Actually, one of the reasons I was first interested in Josh was because of the way he spoke of his family – I could tell they were close and I loved how he knew so many details about them. Family is one of the top values for both Josh and I, and this helps us make decisions, gives us a strong foundation and will pave the path nicely when we start a family of our own.

6. His loyalty – Anyone who is a friend or family member to Josh knows that once you’re in his life, you are there for good. He has a remarkable sense of loyalty and acts this out on a regular basis. I know many are blessed by this trait and I am especially thankful for this as his wife! I know I am his #1 priority (after God) and he shows this to me constantly, through his actions and words.

7. Hard working – Josh has had a tough time finding a job/career that he loves and is happy with the company he’s employed for. For the past few months he’s been in a new job and is feeling very settled and content, it’s so awesome! But through the different jobs and learning experiences Josh has done what it takes and continues to do so. Whether it’s getting up crazy early, working really late, working on weekend, missing events... he stays committed and supports his family.

8. His words – Josh knows how to cheer me up, support me, challenge me when I need it, and love me in a way that leaves no doubt in my mind. The words he speaks go straight to my heart and mind, and I don’t know what I’d do without them! The power of words is something I’m learning more and more about, and Josh does this so well.

9. Servant-hearted – Josh is SUPER awesome with household chores! I am so thankful for this, as it’s an area I could use a little “development” with ;) He does his own laundry, takes out all the garbage and recycling, empties the dishwasher, vacuums, mops, cleans the bathroom... he’s the BEST! We both do most of the mentioned things above (I’m not totally useless!), but I’m so grateful that he does them at all, and I know I am blessed in this! The other day he was in the mood to organize and he sorted through our entire spare bedroom, a chore than has been on the backburner since well, we got married. I was so amazed by him!

10. Easy-Going! – Josh and I both like to attribute our being middle children to the fact that we get along so well and are very go-with-the-flow :) But I just LOVE this characteristic about my hubby, makes living together and doing life together so much fun... and most of the time, so easy.

So there ya go! Now you know a little more about my wonderful husband and just a few of the reasons I love him so much :)

Happy First Anniversary to Us!

:: Mango Coconut Energy Bar ::

So I received this recipe yesterday in a newsletter I subscribe to (written by Lee, who comments below) and I can't wait to try it out! I need to go grocery shopping first, as I don't have some of the ingredients at home... but I'll let you know how they turn out! If you give them a try, let me know how they are!

Mango Coconut Energy Bar

"With a tropical flavor, high electrolyte content, and energy-producing coconut, these raw energy bars are ideal for long physically demanding days, or any day! I like to have one just before I head outdoors for my morning power walk; it gives me the energy I need for the walk without weighing me down. Then, when I come home, I enjoy a full breakfast. They’re also great for late morning or around 3:30 or 4:00 to “re-boot” your energy and vitality!" Lee

¾ cup fresh or soaked dried dates
½ cup chopped mango
½ cup ground flaxseed
½ cup soaked or cooked quinoa (a high protein nutritious grain)
¼ cup macadamia nuts
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp lemon zest
Sea salt to taste
¼ cup shredded coconut (or more to make bars desired texture)

In a food processor, process all the ingredients together except coconut. Remove the mixture from the food processor; work coconut into it by hand. Roll into balls or shape it into bars.

Makes 12 small balls.

From The Thrive Diet by Brendan Brazier. Brendan says “these bars will not freeze solid so you can eat them straight from the freezer”.

:: Full Heart ::

There seems to be so much going on, not only in my life, but in the lives of others around me. Some great, wonderful things which I praise God for and am so thankful. But there are other things, which are painful to endure and the road to healing seems so long, and too rough. My heart is so full lately, I just feel that I could be constantly praying. Which is exactly what God calls us to do in His word!


There are times when my thoughts are clear, my praise easy and my requests communicated well. And then there are times when all I can do is whisper the name of Jesus.


One of the many things I love about my heavenly Father is that He desires for us to share exactly what’s on our hearts with Him. Nothing held back! How wonderful and freeing that is. I would encourage you to try it – whether you have a deep, personal relationship with God, or have never called on His name before. He is there, He is listening and He loves you more than you could ever imagine. And He wants to hear it all – your praise, thanksgiving, requests, hurt, anger, pain, desires, love, adoration – everything.


A well known scripture but one that never ceases to touch my heart...

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:4-7

:: Koda ::

So last night I was at my parents house when Jeff and Krista walked in the front door looking very sneaky... and Krista had the most adorable puppy in her jacket!! His name is Koda (after the Kodiak Bear because he looks like a teddy bear) and is 14 weeks old. He's a teddy bear tea cup Pomeranian and the cutest thing!! I've cuddled him for the past 2 evenings and I'm hooked :) He's making me want one...

:: Koda with his "brother" Colton :) :: :: He's so soft & cuddly!! ::

:: Christmas ::

I can't believe that another Christmas has come and gone! Seems like we look forward to it for so long and put so much time and effort into making it happen... then in the blink of an eye, it's over!
This was a special Christmas for Josh and I - our first one as a married couple!! We created some great memories - setting up/decorating our tree, watching Christmas movies, spoiling each other with tons of fun stocking stuffers and gifts! Gift highlights are a sparkly Guess watch for me, an iPod for Josh and a camcorder for us!

It has snowed WAY more than usual in our area this December. It made things a little "interesting" as far as getting around but we only got stuck a few times :) It's sure pretty but I'm glad it's melting now.

As with every year we find it far too easy to get caught up in the busyness of the season and try to take time to remember what it's really all about. I am so in awe of God sending us His Son and the way He chose to do it - as a precious baby. What an enormous sacrifice and act of love and selflessness. Thank you Lord for blessing us more than we could ever imagine or deserve and for the incredible gift of JESUS!
I also love how it's undeniable that we're celebrating something special - when else does the entire world pause together? For the one true King of Kings.

Here are some pics from our holidays!

:: Our tree! ::

:: Snowy view off our balconey ::

:: Christmas morning! Sans makeup... ::

:: Presents at my parent's house Christmas Day ::
:: Sisters! ::

:: So in love! ::
:: Barb and Amy opening presents ::
:: Art being Art ::
:: The sign Art made for Josh when he missed a family get together for work ::

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas season, ate lots of good food and spent time with your loved ones.

:: "Blog Appropriate" ::

So I've been pondering a question lately - what is "blog appropriate?" I suppose the answer to this question is going to be different for everyone, and I'm still trying to define what this means for me. To be honest, I started my blog because I had a lot of free time and thought it would be fun. That season of free time has ended and I realize that I never gave me blog much thought as to what I wanted it to be all about. I know that I don't want it to be all fluff and only the "good" stuff of life... that seems so unrealistic and untrue! And yet do I want to pour out my heart and deepest struggles for the world to see? Not necessarily! So I'm trying to find a happy medium. I try to have a positive outlook on life and see the cup "half full" but I also value authenticity and integrity.
So that's what brings me here, finally writing after a few weeks of silence. I haven't forgotten about my blog and have enjoyed reading yours when I can. The past few weeks have been the toughest in my entire life to this point... walking the roughest road I've ever been on. When something in your life is that consuming it's tough to sit down and write about anything else. So I chose to not write at all. Maybe one day I'll share on my blog... I haven't decided yet. But for those of you who know Jesus, I'd like to ask for you to remember Josh and me in your prayers. He knows all and we know He is good! Thank you.
But I'm interested to know... what do you think is "Blog Appropriate?"