outside.

It is much too easy for me to stay home. This is not a cry for help, but since Mandi moved away my life has been a lot less exciting. I stay home waaaaayyy more than I used to. Kids have a way of forcing you outside. 

Erik and I usually work different shifts than each other and we only have one vehicle so there isn't a lot of opportunity to get out and do things. And when I do have access to the car it is far too easy to convince myself to just stay home because it's so nice. I didn't get much time at home the first few months after we got back from our trip so I am loving it to the point of ridiculousness.

The moral of the story is Mandi should never have moved away.

Just kidding.

No, I need to get out more.

And I did. Yesterday.

Garrit, our he's-been-around-so-long-he-is-accepted-into-the-family psuedo-brother, was in town so we has a family fun day before I had to go to work for the night. It was so wonderful to be outside! And to be with people! And to be outside!

I need to get out more.

recent knitting.

As I mentioned before, I've been knitting up a storm. Thankfully I have had some motivation to finish off some things I'd knit long ago. I've been weaving in loose ends, sewing up seams, and putting the finishing touches on a few things (minus buttons... I hate buttons!!).

Other than finishing up old projects, I've been knitting a few new things.


Numero Uno: Mason Jar Cozy.  I've had this yarn sitting around for a while. I was perusing ravelry a few days ago looking for ways to use up some of the yarn I've accumulated and I came across a pattern for mason jar cozies. We use mason jars as cups, but the cup ones were all dirty so I stuck this cozy on some canning. Pretty and practical -- my fave.


I've also knit a pair of Stay-On Booties. I've had this pattern and the yarn since I was in Scotland almost a year ago and I finally sat down and figured out the pattern. As with most things, it ended up being much easier than it seemed the first time I attempted it. The giver of the pattern informed me that they are the best booties as they really do stay on. These may become a staple baby gift.


There were also these Wrist Warmers I knit. Erik has informed me that he probably won't wear wrist warmers, but I love them just the same.


I finally finished the Diamond Baby Blanket (mentioned here). It is delightful. Absolutely delightful. Erik picked the wool for the blanket. His first choice was the purple used in these tunics for my nieces, which would have been absolutely beautiful, but I wanted to knit something more gender neutral because who knows when I'll be wrapping a baby in said blanket and what gender said baby will be.


This Knitted Baby Hat took only a few hours to complete. I like how it looks, but would use different yarn next time as this was hand spun and of varying thickness throughout. I would make something warmer and cozier. I was going to send this to some friends who just had a baby, but I think I'll knit them a new one that is thicker -- warmer and cozier.

warm enough to sit on the deck

Yesterday wasn't particularly warm, but it has been quite lovely here as of late. Erik and I spent an afternoon sitting on the deck sipping tea. Erik read while I sat knitting. It was pleasant.

We left the door open and allowed the sun to warm our kitchen. In January! I think it was +4... or +2, with the sun shining on you it felt warmer. As long as we're in the positives, I'm happy.

I have another presentation today -- I am educating nurse educators. I get extremely anxious, but it's good for me to stretch myself and to go out of my comfort zone. What's the worst that could happen?? Don't answer that, I've been more than creative in thinking of possibilities myself.

I have been knitting up a storm the past couple days. I've started on some Christmas gifts for next year already. I had a moment of inspiration so I ran with it. I'll thank myself come November. I'm already thanking myself though I'm tempted to send some things out now as belated-Christmas gifts... I won't do that though. I'll put them somewhere for safe keeping and hopefully not forget about them next year. I typically like having my Christmas shopping/making done before November. Or at least the bulk of it. That did not happen this year. This was our worst year ever for being on the ball. I still have a package to send to my sister-in-law in the Mid-West. Un-un-un-un-un-un-un (as she would say). People love Christmas in January right??

Erik's up so it's time to get going. Happy Tuesday!

local delights

Two delicious local delights to share with you today. Erik and I don't eat out often, but try to choose interesting places when we do. We have two restaurants that are among our favourites in Kelowna. Both are situated downtown so one can go for a walk along the lake after (or before) dinner.

1. Pho Soc Trang

Yumm. Delicious and affordable. We usually share a pho soup with vegetables added. Dinner for two for under $15. Also, you get a punch card when you buy soup so after ten you get one free. If we don't get the pho then we get the lemongrass vermicelli bowl which is equally delicious.

One of the best things about Pho Soc Trang is the employees. They are hilarious and adorable.

2. Bai Thong

I'm sure Bai Thong could be affordable, but Erik and I can't help ourselves when we're there so we eat way too much food and spend way too much money. We only go here if we're going for dinner with friends. The owner always laughs at how much we order and tells us we won't be able to finish our meal. We always do and walk out with our bellies aching.

Recommendations... everything! Pad Thai. Tom Ka Gai. Pad Prick King. Gang Kiew Waan. You could honestly pick anything on the menu and be more than satisfied.

I wish I had an excuse to go for dinner now. Anyone want to come for a visit??

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!

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

this and that

• We welcomed 2013 on a rooftop in Arequipa, Peru watching fireworks go off all around us. It was absolutely delightful. 
• I welcomed 2014 asleep in my bed as I had to work the next morning. It was not quite as delightful, but sleep is delightful just the same. 
• Nostalgia gets the best of me at the beginning of a new year. I make feeble attempts to fight it, but I love sitting in memories. Not just memories of the last year, but of all the years before. I like nothing more than sitting by the fire, sipping on some Teaberry's, and reminiscing. My favourite tea at Teaberry's -- Feel Relaxed.
• I'm planning on reminiscing later though.
• We visited some friends in Stanwood this Christmas and they have Fiesta plates which I happened to drool over our entire visit. Now I've been dreaming of them. I want one in (almost) every colour.
• I purchased this calendar. One for myself and one for a sister-in-law. I drool over this too. Daily. It is in my kitchen and I love it. I also love that SKOS and I have the same calendar. It makes me smile. Seriously, the calendar is delightful! 
• I talked with SKOS and her four rowdy boys today. Always loud. Always blurry. Always a good time. I wish they lived closer, but am thankful for Skype. 
• I came across this a while ago -- Secluded Cultures on the Brink of Extinction. I came across it again this week and found myself still gazing at the photos 30 minutes later. They are breath-taking. 
• On the same site (mymodernmet.com), I saw this -- Touching Portraits of Mothers with Their One-Day-Old Babies. It makes me want to take photos of the mama's I doula for. I have two births lines up in March/April... We'll see if I still feel inspired then. Or if the Mama's feel up for it. 
• I'm off to make some pumpkin spice pancakes! 
•  Happy New Year!

local delights

I have been meaning to share some of the local delights we get to enjoy here in the Okanagan. I am mainly doing this so that I remember when visitors come out, but who knows, the Okanagan is a popular summer destination so you may benefit from this too. I did brainstorm a few, but have forgotten most so more will be included as I remember/discover them. I don't have much time at present so I will just leave you with one little delight.

Stuart Park Skating Rink

Now, this isn't always a skating rink so the link will not always show it...  Stuart Park is a park along Okanagan Lake here in town. In the summer there is a roller skating area and in the winter this is flooded and turned into an ice rink. It is open for free public skating from 06:00 - 23:00 throughout the winter months (which, in Kelowna, are from late November until late February). The park is right down town and the ice is well maintained.

I have yet to skate at Stuart Park.  I don't own skates, but that is no longer a valid excuse as this year they added skate rentals on the premises. Erik, however, regularly heads on out and skates for an hour or two. He did this more often when we lived within walking distance of the park, but he still manages to get out there.

So, if you ever find yourself lucky enough to spend Christmas in Kelowna, I'd recommend you head out to Stuart Park to enjoy some lakeside skating.

{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 wonderful weekend!

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

:: right now ::

Right now, I am... 

:: laying on our yellow couch in my yellow robe snuggled up under a blanket.

:: enjoying the fire and the fact that a little switch turns it on and off. I adore real wood fires, but our gas fireplace suits me just fine for now. Convenient and cozy.  

:: wishing Erik were home with me. We've been working opposite shifts since returning home and this will continue through the weekend. I worked Christmas day, he worked Christmas night. He works boxing day. I work boxing night. Same on and so forth

:: wrapping my mother's birthday gift. It was her birthday yesterday, but I was unable to visit with her so we are celebrating a bit belated.  

:: procrastinating cleaning my kitchen. There are quite a few dishes piled on the counters which require washing and putting away, but cozy-ing up by the fire is much more appealing. 

:: watching Downton Abbey. Sort of. I have been told it is good. 

:: lighting beeswax candles all round my living room. They're from here. I love love love them. Love them. 

:: crossing my fingers hoping our tree lasts a while longer. Needles seem to fall off when I merely look at it. I try keep my tree as long as possible -- sometime through January. It makes the living room delightfully gezellig. 

:: savoring the smell of said Christmas tree. 

:: watching the trees blowing in the wind. It's blustery out there and I am so thankful to be indoors. 

:: telling myself that cookies don't count as breakfast. 

:: thinking it is time to pick up another book -- it has been far too long since I've read something. Especially something of substance.  

:: wishing I had more knitting projects to work on. I just finished a few things and already miss having many options to pick up. 

:: craving pumpkin spice pancakes. 

:: searching for my favourite recipe for pumpkin pancakes. Still. 

:: remembering where we were last year at this time -- Huacachina, Peru. Yes, we were starting Our Grand Adventure just over a year ago. 

:: gearing up for my "Year in Review". 

:: holding my breath until our hard drive gets here. We sent it to Vancouver after the data couldn't be recovered here. It ended up costing an incredible amount of money to retrieve the photos, but we are told only 100 files could not be recovered. I will see it when I believe it. If my travel photos are returned then it will be worth every penny. 

:: waiting until my photos are returned to actually start my yearly re-cap. 

:: wishing you a wonderful day, wherever you are!!

Merriment.

I love spending time with my in-law's. I am extremely blessed to have married into such a wonderful family. I wish we lived closer so we could spend more time together, but we do the best we can. Visits are never long enough and I never feel ready to leave. But leave we must.

It is interesting to share a holiday with another family. I know this is my family, but I'm talking about participating in traditions that are different than what you grew up with.  I thoroughly enjoy the Olson Family traditions and I enjoy how the experience encourages me to reflect on the Jansen Family traditions.


We went out far too often when we were in Western Washington. We made too many trips into town because we'd done hardly any shopping before we made our way to the coast. We were ill-prepared for the festivities. Thankfully this gave us a chance to visit a few of my favourite shops in the area -- the top two being the shop at the convent and the co-op. Both are delightful and I can't help but sigh and relax the moment I walk in.

We took in a movie (the Hobbit… ugh), ate at a couple favourite restaurants, chatted, and enjoyed being together. I thoroughly enjoyed knitting close to the fire -- there are few things better than that. Erik and I ate way too much all week long, which I only mildly regretted.

My father-in-law makes the most delicious swedish meatballs. My mother-in-law makes the yummiest lefsa. My sister-in-law makes the perfect santa. And there are always plenty of presents to go around. Erik and I were spoiled... as we always are.


Erik's family eats Christmas dinner by candlelight -- a tradition I adore. Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, corn, broccoli, raspberry-pineapple jello salad, olives, and pickles. Yummmm. I enjoy all the Olson Family traditions, not just the candlelight and menu, but I do love those too.

More on that some other time.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas

From me and mine,

to you and yours,

Merry Christmas!

the predator.

Erik has been fishing for Sockeye Salmon in Alaska every summer for the past 13 years. That, my friends, is half of my lifetime. He spends three weeks on a boat with three grown boys. During this time he lives on a little boat with the aforementioned boys.

It has always been difficult for me to understand what fishing life is like. I can only imagine how sick I would be if I was stuck on a boat for three weeks straight. And I know I would be a grumpy bear if you woke me up at 03:00 and dragged me out into the cold to pick fish out of a net. 

The boat Erik fishes on, the Predator, is in Western Washington being fixed/upgraded so I had a chance to see it. I had a chance to see Erik's home away from home. Erik took us on board and showed us the cramped quarters he stays in -- I could barely turn around in the focsle/fo'c'sle so I have no idea how four grown boys manage to do it. It would be most unpleasant.

Erik danced around the deck while the rest of us were careful not to slip. I imagine he is as comfortable on water as he is on land. He was proud of the steel shell-of-a-boat and obviously fond of the time he spends in Alaska. It was fun to see him share that part of his life with us.


 I am glad I never need to join Erik fishing in Alaska. I don't know how long I would survive… or how long those around me would survive. I'm not particularly thrilled about being cold and I hear it is downright chilly in those parts. I feel I now have a better sense of what life in Alaska is like… at least what living on a boat looks like. Thanks, but no thanks. 

The Greatest Gift... Other than Jesus.

I love all my gifts -- I always do. This year, however, I got the greatest gift. My sister-in-law happens to be a brilliant artist and she graciously gave me a stunning piece of art. I was absolutely tickled. Entirely delighted. It is lovely, lovely, lovely. I cannot wait to frame it and hang it in my home.
Poor Jaybird though... I will now be asking for artwork every single year.

Home for the Holidays

We are spending some time at the in-law's house in Western Washington. Erik and I both work next week so we came down on Tuesday to spend time with the family. This is the first time we have stayed for more than three consecutive nights in years. We usually arrive late at night, stay for the next day or two and leave mid-morning. This time we are here for five nights and it is delightful.

I have much to write about, but for now I am going to get back to my knitting. I promise to return soon.

Tree Hunting

Erik and I went tree hunting on Wednesday. We drove to a friend's uncle's property a ways away to find our tree. We went a couple years ago with said friend and his family, but sadly had to search on our own this time.

I took along some knitting to pass the time in the car. I suffer from motion sickness so I took many breaks, but it felt so nice to have my hands working away. I'm making a little blanket which I am already particularly fond of. I splurged and got some lovely madelinetosh yarn for it, but don't feel guilty because it is that wonderful. And it's only a baby blanket so it isn't that much yarn.

I love warmth but I forgot how much I do enjoy a cool winter day -- at least from the comfort of a warm car. I also love road trips (especially mini road trips) and spending time with Erik (obviously).

It was surprisingly cool out so our fingers froze quite quickly, but Erik probably appreciated that as I chose a tree more speedily. This benefited him as he didn't have to drag the tree as far because we didn't get as deep into the forest.

We took our traditional photo-before-the-tree-is-cut. And then Erik cut down the tree and hauled it out.



We (and I use the word "we" quite liberally) had the frustrating task of attaching said tree to the roof of our little car for the long drive home… We (again "we") only had to stop once to adjust as we had a new rope that stretched out a little bit (as expected).

It was a lovely little morning and I cannot wait to finish decorating my home now!

Erik.

Just a wee little post.

Erik, my beloved, handed in the last paper of the first quarter of his Masters on Monday night.

I cannot even begin to tell you how proud I am of him. He has worked so hard every single day since the quarter started in September. Every single day. I am amazed at his determination and perseverance and incredibly proud of the work he has accomplished. He works 30 hours a week as a case worker at a local establishment and he spends even more time studying. He's been known to read textbooks on his breaks at work. Erik gets a much deserved month off before jumping into the next quarter (in which time he is hoping to read ahead).

We went to the Hunger Games on Tuesday night to celebrate (and sat a row apart because the theatre was full).

He knows how proud I am as I tell him every day, but I thought he deserved some bragging so here I am. My husband is the best.

A List.

A list. It is all I can muster at present.

• Pumpkin Pancakes are delicious. I have made them twice in the last week and devoured them much quicker than anticipated (I like to take them to work). I used a different recipe each time and both were great. I am on a quest for the most delicious pumpkin pancake recipe now.
• We have rekindled our obsession with coconutty-chocolately-almondy-joy. We have also made a variation sans almonds and with peanut butter. Yummmmmmmm. I freeze them in ice cube trays, pop them out, and store them in the freezer in a container where we snack on them once a day frequently. 
• Our computer crashed. We brought it in for data recovery. We lost most of the photos we had on the computer… which was a lot of photos. A lot. I'm ok with losing most of them but… we lost the photos from our trip. Yup, I said it. We had backed up our photos online until Scotland, but the internet in SE Asia was terrible so we didn't do it there. Yup, we are silly because I didn't do it the instant we got home but, in my defence, we had them on both the camera card and the iPad until I put them on the computer. Then we had them on the iPad and the computer until we updated our operating system at which point there wasn't enough memory so we had to delete them. At which point I should have backed them up, but I felt a false sense of security in our trusty Macbook. And so my heart dropped through the floor and I almost puked when Erik informed me that our computer crashed. To make a long story short … it is terrible. We are sending the hard drive to the coast and paying a pretty penny in the hope that at least some of the photos from the last four months of our trip can be recovered. And no, I don't need to hear "I told you so".
• To be honest, our computer crashing kind of took the wind out of my sails.
• I started knitting again. Hallelujah. It is therapeutic and lovely. I knit some cowls for a friend's kids. They are pretty adorable. Who would have thought that cowls were a good idea for kids, but aren't they? You don't have to worry about scarves falling off. Think about it. 
• Erik finished the first quarter of his Masters. This deserves a post of its own, but I will toss in a little shout out here. He is something like 1/12th done the program now!! He has been working so hard and I am incredibly proud of him. 
• One of the reasons I haven't blogged (other than my computer crashing) is because Erik has been monopolizing the computer for the past couple months. He seriously works so hard. He comes home from work and does homework until he goes to bed. Or he wakes up and does homework until he goes to work, depending on the shift he has. It's amazing. 
• I am heading to Vancouver this weekend to finally do the Doula Course. As you all know, I love birth and this is really just making things official. I don't really plan on being a doula-for-hire, but hope to continue volunteering my services to dear friends of mine.
• My brother is in town for the night so we are heading to my parent's to visit and eat homemade butter chicken -- yum. 
• Erik just walked in the door and we should head over there now.

Have a wonderful night!

More Family Photos.

Sorry to inundate you with photos, but I love them! I have a pretty wonderful family and I'm excited about the photos we had taken so I want to share them. Here are a few of the individual family photos.

Sharlene's Family. 

Jessica (20), Christopher(10), Brian, Sharlene, Zachary(12), Kaitlyn (18).

Anthony's Family.
Hailey(3), Anthony, Jenn, Jordyn(22 months).

Lindsey's Family.

Avery (15 months), Adrian, Peyton (15 months), Lindsey.

Zachary's Family.
Colton(2 months), Zachary, Heather.

And because they're cute. 

Mom and Dad.

Photo Credit: flyphotographybc.com

my family

We had family photos done this Thanksgiving. We were all supposed to be home, but a sister-in-law and a nephew were unable to join us for the festivities. We went ahead with the photos anyway because who knows when we will all be together again? I can't even remember the last time we were all together.

Here are a few photos.

Everyone who was there.

Without the Grandchildren.

The nuclear family.

The boys.

The girls. Missing a sister-in-law.

And the siblings.
(Zachary, Jonathan, Justin. Lindsey, Anthony, Sharlene, Benjamin, Me, Joel)

Photo Credit: flyphotographybc.com