lucky me.

I was lucky enough to have my dear friends spend the night last weekend. It felt wonderful to have them in my home! The pitter patter of little feet warmed me to my very soul. The squeals and giggles made my heart swell with joy.

Oh, how I have missed these people -- both the big ones and the little ones. For the few moments they were in my home it felt like they had never left.

Sawyer repeatedly asked me what I wanted to do with her. We had a rough night so we watched a movie and baked cookies trying to buy some time for the parents to sleep. Our visit was much too short, but that couldn't be helped. I'm saving all my pennies hoping to make a trip up to FSJ to visit the family some time after the baby arrives.

Last week I also got to visit with this family and their new baby. Makana is a gem -- she is adorable and snuggly and delicious. It's no secret that I adore babies so I soaked in my baby snuggles. 

A favourite family and a new baby... I'd say that was a pretty wonderful weekend.

{this moment}

{this moment} - A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Wishing you a wintery weekend!

*** *** *** ***

fort st john.

My dear friend, Mandi, and her family moved to Fort St. John on September 1st.

It broke my heart to see them go.

Mandi is my person. She is my go-to... my support... my encourager... my buddy. She is the one that I spent most of my time with and I sorely miss her. I have thankfully been incredibly busy since her family moved away, but I spend much of my down time wishing they were around.

We threw a farewell party for them which would have been much more enjoyable if it was a yay-you're-staying-here party. It was still fun. Our entire church showed up along with much of Kevin and Mandi's families. It was lovely to celebrate their family and what they mean to all of us. And to remind them that they have all of us rooting for them and loving them.

I am hoping to go visit in December. Woohoo! Who doesn't want to go to Fort St. John for a holiday? It seems so very far away. And it is, but it will be here before I know it.

Mandi moved up north. So that happened.

Scotch Creek

We went camping last weekend and it was absolutely wonderful! I forgot how much I enjoyed spending every moment outdoors.

We didn't bring a stove so we camped over the fire. I cannot remember the last time I did that -- if I ever have. Not every single meal, at least.

The trip was too short, but then it always is. I can't wait until we are real grown ups who take a week of holidays at a time... or two. Being at the bottom of the pecking order means I have time of at the beginning of November -- woohoo!

I'm not complaining that we don't have holidays (I am aware that we just returned from a very long trip) but I am excited for time to camp in our own country. And to do so at a leisurely pace rather than feeling as though we are always blitzing through the weekend.

Back to our actual weekend.

We ate yummy eats. Swam in the lake (everyone but myself). Did cartwheels in the park. Shared an entire tub of ice cream (or it would have melted!!). Sat by the fire. Talked. Laughed. And generally enjoyed each other's company. It was lovely. Just lovely.

Sawyer adores Erik. They are always being silly and giggling about something or other. It makes me a tiny bit jealous because I know I'm not nearly as fun as him. I can't compete though! The kiddies just love love love him!

Gus is always resourceful. Here he is using his teeth to support himself while he climbs onto the cooler. What a little Kade buddy.

The young'ns in the morning. They slept until 08:00, thankyouverymuch! It was awesome.

Cooking breakfast -- yummy breakfast wraps that Mandi made. They were delicious!

The boy. Passed right out. I even put that t-shirt on him without so much as a single stir. He was zonked. It felt so nice to snuggle with the little mister while he slept. I forgot how much I love the stinky, sweaty-ness of a toddler.

Just before passing out. Not a happy camper.

I love this guy. I really really do. He is a much better spouse than I am, but he is patient as I continue learning and growing. I can't believe I get him all to myself.

Sawyer came to play in the morning. Here the two buds are counting fingers. 

It was a good weekend to be sure. 

the best

This was waiting for me when I woke up this morning. It makes me ache for the people back home -- especially these six and their mothers.

I would be on a plane and on my way home for some serious snuggles if it weren't for the wonderful time we are having. And if we weren't going to Thai cooking classes today.

But these are my little sweetie pies. Aren't they precious?

Happy (belated) Birthday Gus Gus!

Kaden John had his first birthday on January 12. He's one!!! I would have loved to have been there to celebrate with him, but I'm confident he felt loved just the same.

When he was just wee I called nicknamed him Gus. This was for a few reasons. For starters, he looked like a little old man. Secondly, he was a grunty, gassy, and grumpy little fella and what sounds cuter than Grunty Gus, Gassy Gus, and Grumpy Gus? I went with Pukey Pete on occasion because that was another skill of his, but Gus won out. He is now none of those things, but Gus Gus is a name that has stuck for the poor guy.

Little Gus was born at 34 weeks. He was a fighter from the get-go and it's a good thing too because he has a big sister to defend himself against. He absolutely adores Sawyer and she manages to get the best smiles out of him. She calls him Kade, Buddy, Gus, and Handsome. Kaden especially loves wrestling with Sawyer... or at least he did a month ago. I would sometimes worry that she was a little rough with him, but he loves rolling around on the ground with her. I love watching them play together -- they really are best friends.

Kaden is a bit of an untrusting little man and always has a look of suspicion on his face. It is one of my favourite things about him though. He often looks unimpressed so when I get smiles out of him it is extra rewarding.

He is an easy-going little man. He is observant and he loves watching what goes on around him. He is busy -- he loves crawling around and gets into everything, but I would still say he enjoys watching what is going on. He especially loves watching Sawyer.

I can't even explain how charming he is. He is just so... lovable. Erik and I were talking about how fond were of him yesterday and I had a hard time putting my finger on what it was I loved so much about the little guy. He is my little Gus Gus. He is the only boy in my gaggle of tiny human beings. He's my buddy.

So Gus, even though we are far away right now, we love you so much and wish we could be there to toss you in the air and tickle you. Happy Birthday! You are a gem and we can't wait to see you in five and a half months.

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday Ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

Wishing you a wonderful weekend! 

*** *** ***

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday Ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

Wishing you a lovely weekend! 

*** *** ***

:)

I got to see all my babies today!! I worked all weekend (got off this morning) which was disappointing as our church had its annual camp out. Erik and I obviously couldn't attend, but we made it out this morning for the worship service. I have worked or been out of town every Sunday all summer so I haven't seen many people from our church family this summer.

It was SO nice to be able to catch up with some of them this morning and early afternoon. Seeing Little Miss, Sawybean, and Gus Gus were an added bonus.

After hanging out at the camp Erik and I went to my sisters house to visit the littlest babies. They aren't so little anymore as Peyton is 7lb 15 oz and Avery's weighing in at 9lb 2 oz. Those little girlies are well over their birth weight and contently thriving. I just have to say that my sister is amazing! Two little babies cannot be easy and I think she is doing a fabulous job caring for her daughters. Two babies. I still can't believe it.

I have been up since yesterday so I should really be getting to bed. I feel like I have much to share, but nothing really to say. Seems as though that's often the case.

Goodnight!

it's finally here

Summer  has finally arrived and I couldn't be happier about it! The temperature (as far as I know) has reached 41 degrees celcius and I'm loving it. I have taken up having a "sweat rag" with me. It's something I picked up when I was in Ghana and it has made my life that much more wonderful. I hate touching my face a thousand times a day wiping away my sweat-stache and brushing away the sweat that is dripping into my eyes (attractive, I know) so I carry around a bandana that I use to wipe away that sweat. I find it much more effective than using my already-sweaty-hand to attempt the same feat. That sweat rag is life-changing. Seriously.

In other news, one of the bathing suits I purchased didn't fit. Apparently I underestimated my size so I have to return it. I may keep the bottom and order another top, but I'm afraid the size up may be too big and then I'm stuck with the bottoms. It's a dilemma! I'm still waiting on the other bathing suit, but I'm not holding my breath. I may just need to have a bathing suit that is a tiny bit too big. Or I just need to lose some more weight in the chest region. Have I ever mentioned that I hate bathing suit shopping??

Mandi's husband was out of town this week too so I spent most of my days off with her and the kiddos. We went to the water park, the community garden, and hung out poolside at her aunt and uncle's house. It was lovely. Can I just say that two-year-olds are so much fun!

The little ones. Aren't they sweet??

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday Ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

Wishing you a lovely weekend!

*** *** ***

my hands (and my heart) were full.

These three little rascals sure kept me busy. They were all in bed by 8, but by that time I didn't want to do the dishes... or anything else for that matter. I just wanted to sit on the front steps drinking my tea. Props to all you mama's out there who manage to keep a clean house. I think that mine will be a pig sty when I eventually have babies of my own.

I may have caught Sawyer climbing into Maelle's play pen this morning. I heard her softly calling, "Auntie, help pease" so I went into their room to find her straddling the play pens. She got herself stuck and needed my help to get down. I took her out so as not to disturb Maelle who was still fast asleep. What a goof ball.

 Grunty Gus is less grunty, but still exiled to the living room. The boy can roll!! It's hilarious to come into a room and not know where the baby is. I found him in a couple strange places -- under the couch and stuck between the dresser and the seat.

 And Little Miss probably said my name 500 times while she was here. "Ok Auntie Ashley" "Auntie Ashley" "Hi Auntie Ashley" "Auntie Ashley, ok." Constant and cute. I love it and find it absolutely adorable.

I'm off to bed because I have to work in the morning. I haven't been asleep before midnight on any of my days off so I am in trouble -- 0530 comes early.

blessed

I am so incredibly blessed to have friends who let me borrow their children. I currently have these three little one's sleeping over. And yes, Sawyer is smothering Kaden.

A few of my favourite moments...

When I put the girls in their room to nap Maelle quickly fell asleep, but Sawyer just kept singing "Auntie, Auntie, Auntie". After a while I came in to put her in my room for some quiet time (it seems she doesn't always need to nap). When I opened the door to transport her she said "Shhhhhhhh, Maelle sleeping".

Kaden fell asleep at 7:30 so I went to lay him down. When I came out of my room the girls were jumping on the couch chanting "I'm hungry! I'm hungry! I'm hungry! I'm hungry!" They ate so much food today! They ate as much as I did at supper AND they had about four snacks afterwards. You go girls!

The girls played hide-and-seek in my little pantry cupboard for about an hour today. Sawy just danced in the cupboard and Maelle ran from the living room to the kitchen over and over giggling like crazy.

I had to go shush the girls after I put them to bed tonight. Sawyer was calling for me, but when I opened the door she pretended to be sleeping (what a brat). The girls fell asleep after about 30 minutes -- not too shabby for little buddies whose play pens are pushed up against each other.

And, of course, the spontaneous affection. Sawyer and Maelle both randomly came up to me and kissed me, held my hand, hugged me or just hollered "Auntie!!!!!!"

Man, I love these kids. 

just what i needed

a little reading. a few peas (fresh from the garden). 

and a little boy (his mama, and his big sister).

planning on more of the same tomorrow.

that's all folks.

Isn't this little girl gorgeous?? It's my niece Hailey Jade. Look at those cheeks. And those eyes.

And her little sister Jordyn is pretty adorable too. Don't ya think? They don't look much alike to me. Hailey is a little Jansen and Jordyn looks like her Mama.

And doesn't this look wonderful? We spent Mother's Day at my parent's house with some of my siblings. It was lovely.

Speaking of lovely, I got to sneak in a little visit with these three (my Oma and two aunties) on the way home from said Mother's Day celebration. Aren't they cute?

And doesn't this look delightful? The water was fr-rrr-rrr-eeezing, but Sawy loves it.

We've only had a handful of gorgeous days and we try make the most of them, but I keep being disappointed with the clouds that continue to roll on in and rain on my parade. Look at this little gaffer loving the beach. This picture makes me laugh. 

And this gorgeous mama (Maelle's mommy) is amazing and a constant blessing. She rocks my socks. 

I've been missing my African Weave. My hair is still recovering. Ugh. It was awesome while it lasted and I would probably do it again given the chance, but it destroyed my hair!

Aren't we cute? Papi and I in the year nineteen-eighty-something. I look less than three years old, right??? I love me dad. Always have and always will. He's pretty neat.

Well, that's all for now folks. Good day.

perfect weekend.

I had the perfect weekend.

I got off work on Saturday morning and snoozed for a few hours before heading to a barbecue at a friend's house. The boys had time trials with the go-cart, we jumped on the trampoline, we ate plenty of delicious food, and then we hung out until past my bedtime while I snuggled with a sleeping babe. Perfect.

On Sunday we had a going-away party for a friend after church. He is heading up north to work for another year so we got together to do what we always do -- chat, eat, and play.

We went to this lovely little park that I had never even heard of and played baseball, blew bubbles, ran around the playground, napped in the shade, and wrestled. Perfect.

Erik and I both had Monday off. Kaden and Sawy came to hang out for the day so we brought them to the beach by our place. Kaden and I enjoyed the shade while Sawyer and Erik played in the freeeeeeeezing cold water!

And then we played outside in the front yard for the rest of the day. Kaden was a good boy and he cooed at the clouds in the shade while Sawyer and I walked up and down the driveway with my little pram. Repeatedly. For an hour. Perfect.

I worked an overtime shift on Tuesday night and now I am back for a regular set this morning. Not so perfect, but a lovely weekend makes it that much easier (and harder...) to go to work on this rainy Thursday.

Hope you all have a wonderful day.

weekend with the boy-ohs.

My nephews are gone now -- they left with their mama yesterday. I miss them already. Man 9/10-year-olds are loud and full of energy. Did I mention that they are loud?? And full of energy??

These boys also got "so bored" if they went 5 minutes without a planned activity. I sent them out into the front yard to play frisbee or toss the ball around, but I regularly heard complaints about how bored they were. They also seemed to always be hungry, but I was surprised at how little they actually ate. Just nibbled on snacks here and there. They were delightful though and I loved having them here!

We kept pretty busy over the weekend. We went on hikes, threw rocks and branches into the stream, went fishing at one of the parks (they provided the gear), went to a fair, had a picnic with our friends, had a sleepover with Sawyer and Kaden, went swimming at the pool, walked along the trestles at Kettle Valley Railroad, and went to play at the park.

Christopher even caught a fish! The pond was supposed to be catch and release, but he did a number on the little guy so they let him keep it. The park ranger wannabe even beheaded and gutted the fish for us. He was probably about 18 and so good with the kids! He showed them the liver and cut open the stomach to retrieve Christopher's worm. We fried the fish up and ate it with dinner. It was pretty tasty too.

These two girls met us at the park after fishing to have a picnic. They brought their parents with them and we had a lovely lunch. Then we all headed up to the Kettle Valley Railroad. Kev, Mandi, Sam and Milena biked it while Erik and I walked with the kids.

Aren't they sweet? The boys absolutely loved Maelle and Sawyer. They desperately wanted to be loved back, but the girls were so shy! I felt bad for the boys, but couldn't help but laugh every time they tried to befriend the girls.

Sawyer and Maelle did relent and hold the boys hand while we were walking back to meet their parents. Christopher was tickled pink he was so excited!!

Sawy and Gus Gus came for a sleepover after our walk. You can't tell in the photo, but Christopher is holding Kaden's hand. The boys frequently went and rubbed his head and face commenting on how soft and cute he was -- it melted this auntie's heart. And poor Sawy in the middle of all the boys wanting her to like them. She doesn't know any bigger kids so I can understand why she was so quiet and nervous around them.

Zachary loved holding Kaden. He was so good with him too, gently planting many a kiss on the top of his head. I come by my baby obsession honestly -- my whole family shares it.

Christopher held Sawyer's hand every chance he got. He would rub her head while he brushed his teeth, he held her hand as he played, he would brush her hair with his fingers as he chatted with the other boys... and she remained shy. She would send me many concerned glances and I would kiss her forehead and tell her it was ok. 

 And Gus Gus was his usual self. Grunty and sweet.

Sawy did warm up to the boys -- every time they walked away from her she would look at me and say "boys?" and "Chris? (kiss)". Then she would run after them... until they turned around. Then she would flee back to me and I would walk her back over.

We brought the boys to the May Days Fair in Rutland. We had church outside in the morning and then stayed for some of the festivities. We put the boys on a couple overpriced rides and I joined Zac on one because you needed to go in pairs. It was called the Zipper and it had a lot of flipping upside down and you often didn't know what was up or down. Poor Zachary did not like the ride one bit. He didn't stop talking the entire time saying things like "I don't like this. I don't like this one bit. This is not fun. I don't feel safe. This is never going to end. When's this going to end? This is never going to stop. When's it going to stop? I don't like this at all. I don't like this. I don't like this one bit. Make it stop. I don't want to be here. I'm sliding around! I don't like this. This is NOT fun." On repeat. Until the ride was done. And then he cried. It was sad and I felt bad for the poor guy, but I was laughing the entire ride through. I didn't really like it either and I tried to comfort him, but I was laughing so hard. It's a good thing my laugh is silent or I would have felt extra awful. He quickly recovered and we then watched an awful wrestling match and I giggled the entire time because I felt so uncomfortable.

Lindsey and Ade met us at the fair. Look at my sister carrying my nieces (two girls!!!!!!!!). She's 26 weeks and looks awesome! Then Shar came and took the boys home. And that pretty much sums up the weekend.

I have missed having my nephews around and I'm glad they could come for the weekend. I hope it happens more often!!