Sweet Violets

Learning

2012-01-29T09:13:00.000-08:00

Well i was planing on waiting til September but over the Christmas holiday it became clear to me that Jolee's ready to learn! She is very much enjoying herself. Its pretty exciting for both of us.

Another exciting note is that Julian can read three stories all by himself. We've been practising almost every night for the past month and he has really picked it up. I know this year ahead has alot of changes for us as a family and it's pretty exciting and scary at the same time! The thought of Julian going into grade one just seems crazy to me. Time is passing so quickly! It's very easy to get stressed out (it comes naturally to me) but i'm trying to focus on each day as it comes and giving the rest to God since his shoulder's are much larger than mine.

Mail with love

2012-01-25T13:33:00.000-08:00

When you make something for someone who's special in your life you tend to want to make to personal. And thats what i did with this card for my sis in-law's up coming birthday. My sis in-law is a very sweet caring person and she loves dogs.

I don't get to spend nearly enough time with her due to the fact that she doesn't live in the same province. So i'm mailing her present to her this year which is kinda sad but hopefully getting something in the mail will make her birthday extra special.

Christmas presents

2012-01-07T22:36:00.001-08:00

Well I'm finally back and I've been busy! This fall i was working on a couple of quilts for Christmas presents for two lovely ladies in my life. My mother in-law and sister in-law! It was definitely a labor of love :) But very worth all the time spent!
This first quilt was made for my mother in-law. I used mostly one fabric line called "Spa" but through in a couple other fabrics one of them being Heather Bailey.

This one was done for my sister in-law and i wanted it to be fun and spunky. I used some Amy Butler, Michael Miller, Joel Dewberry, and Heather Bailey. I lined both quilts with polar fleece to make them warmer and then flannel backed to make it cozy!

Gifts

2011-09-04T09:59:00.000-07:00

Months back i made these pot holders for my mother in-law for her birthday. I also made another set of pot holders in a different print and an apron in each print. It's always hard to know what gifts to get the people in your lives. I like making stuff not because it's cheaper because it usuallly isnt but because it's so much more personal.

Update

2011-09-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

Hello! It is has been a very long time since i have updated. Our laptop which i usually do all my blogging on has not been working for sometime. And my husband bless him is a bit of a procrastinator and has yet to get it fix. So that means i'm stuck doing stuff on the IPAD and i don't like using it for posting. But i'm hoping to start posting pictures again soon. I have decided to use my blog as mostly a craft, quilting and sewing blog since thats what i'm the most interested in. I already have new projects to post. I am currently working on three different quilts two of which are christmas presents. Anyways i figured it was about time i did alittle update. -Haylee

Birthday Post

2011-04-16T15:44:00.000-07:00

Well i'm alittle late but i did have a birthday a few weeks back. Ofcourse i got spoiled and enjoyed the very yummy white Angel food cake with lemon icing that my mom made. I'll post a few pictures. I love to collect robin's egg blue things and so for my birthday my sister got me the salad bowl that goes with my white Sofie Conran dishes but in the Celedon blue instead. I also bought myself a set of two teacups that match my teapot, cream and sugar i got last year. It's such a great time of year to buy things in that blue because of spring :)

Life is always busy and i haven't had much time for projects but i am working on a birthday gift right now and here's a look at some of the fabric. :)

I am so blessed

2011-02-17T13:23:00.000-08:00

Lately I have been thinking about how truly blessed i am. There's so many people in my daily life that remind me of that. The first person being my Husband Matt. This past Valentine's Day was also the anniversary of our first date many years before. He is such a great man and i am truly blessed to have a husband who understands me the way Matt always has. From the moment we first met when i was seventeen to my twenty-seventh birthday coming up he's always been there in my life. Matt's greatest quality has always been forgiveness and he has blessed me with the quality on many occasions.

My children are also blessing in my life they teach me daily to have patience and kindness but the love that they give me even when i don't think i deserve it means the world to me.

Then there's my parents who have always supported me and taught me to be a good person. My mom has had her shoulder wet many a times with my tears!

My in-laws and sister in-law have blessed Matt , the kids and I so much too! In fact they spoil us :)

Then there's my sister who is such a special person in my life. She is an encouragement to me daily with our talks about motherhood and often laughter and i honestly couldn't ask for a better one.

There's my friends like my friend Jen who i have known forever. We've gone through the ups and downs. Been through hair school, both gotten married , been pregnant together and become mom's together :)

Most importantly there's God who has truly loved me through everything even the days i act like a complete child! God has put all those people I've talked about in my life and he's blessed me through out my life so far. Many times i have probably not even realized God was blessing me yet he has kept on doing it. Without God i would not exist and there would be nothing. Thank you God for all the blessings in my life and thank you for your gift of love you've given me and the world . -Haylee

Julian

2011-02-08T10:35:00.000-08:00

I can't believe were on month 6 of preschool. Julian as you can see from the picture is learning alot! He's been doing so well and it's been alot of fun teaching him. I am going to be so sad when he goes to school in September! Learning to write his name i think has been the most exciting part so far for him and I! Anyways i'm off Julian's get swimming lessons today and i've got come cleaning to do. - Haylee

Love cards

2011-01-15T22:26:00.000-08:00

Just a little something i've been working on. I've really gotten into making my little cards in the past year. I find it a really good creative outlet for me.

I got a Cricut (personal cutting machine) for Christmas from my in-laws and i've been having alot of fun with it. :)

2010-12-06T15:56:00.000-08:00

Julian and i made this manger out of a shoe box. This nativity set i've had since i was a little and it's still in really good condition.

My theme this year was all about the kids and lots of colour. Our tree has coloured lights and candy ornaments. Along with our family ones. Here's a couple pictures from the last couple of weeks.

2010-11-18T21:29:00.000-08:00

Wow it's been so long! We had some family pictures taken last month and i thought i'd post one. Things are busy but i feel blessed to be able to say even with the business i'm still able to step back enough to remember how lucky i am to have healthy kids, loving husband, caring God, and a wonderful family around us. -Haylee

Tasty treat

2010-10-22T16:31:00.000-07:00

There are just those days when you just need a little pick me up. It's raining, windy, dark clouds and all. On those days a little tasty treat can put a smile on the faces of the little ones i care so much about. Those little hands just can't resist the urge to try and they are welcome too. Not that big hands won't be trying as well... -Haylee

Trick or treat comes early

2010-10-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

Matt's working on 31st so we did our trick or treating Thanksgiving weekend. They looked pretty darn cute.

Mommy had the insight to bring these home with her from Disney land and i'm so glad i did!

School's In

2010-09-18T11:02:00.001-07:00

Julian and I started Preschool this week. Well i guess you could say Jolee did too because she's right in there with Julian. It's been really good so far minus the fact that all three of us had the flu and a cold.

Julian is like a sponge soaking everything up. So far we learned Aa and # 1. In the program it teaches all the colours and shapes too but Julian already knows all of those so we can just focus on the numbers and letters. I love the Horizons Alpha Omega Program! I would recommend it to anyone wanting to teach at home and is looking for a christian based program. The crafts and projects in the program that we've already done this week have been so fun! And there's also dvd's and cd's that go with the program for extra things and they've been great too.

Beautiful Calendar that my mom made for us. She did such a good job!
I took all my dishes and teacups out of my hutch because i needed somewhere to put all the school supplies.

Back

2010-09-06T13:13:00.000-07:00

We're back home now. We arrived home on Friday afternoon. It was a lot of fun to have it be just the two of us but tiring too. Matt like to be moving at all times so there wasn't a lot of down time! Feels good to be back home with the family again. Here's a few pictures i took tons but most people know what it looks like so i'm just posting a few.

This picture was taken at the airport before we left.
This is our hotel room. We stayed at The Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. It's right next to Disneyland and it has it's own entrance into Disney Californian Adventure Park. We both agreed that it is the place to stay for sure! Cuts down on the walking by probably half and yet there's still a ton of walking.

This picture is of "Paradise Pier" which is in California Adventure
Me on the ferris wheel on our last evening in the park.

We bought lots of stuff back with us i was afraid that our suitcase was going to be too heavy but it ended up being under the weight amount which was good.

How do you leave that face?

2010-08-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow evening we'll be packing the car full of the kids favorite things. Cozy's (blankies) and Jolee's soother included. And head over to my parents house where the kids will be staying for the next six days while were gone on vacation. Our flight doesn't leave til Sunday but we have to leave for the airport at 3:00am so we weren't about to wake the kids up that early.

It's going to be hard to leave them even though a vacation is very needed. Just looking at these faces makes me a little sad. It's my first time away from Jolee and she's my koala bear. Always on me and stuck to my leg. Not having her there is going to be odd. I'm sure that she'll be okay but it's still a little sad.

Julian on the other hand i know will have a blast with my parents . I will definitely miss his little face bright and early in the morning. Well were off!!! See you soon :)

Dear Sissy

2010-08-26T09:26:00.000-07:00

A cute card for a super special sis on her birthday...

Happy Birthday my sister you've been a really great big sis, awesome Auntie K & you've turned into a very dear friend of mine over the years.

This is your day! Make sure you eat some cake ;)

Love Always- Haylee

Paper, ribbon & stickers from the "Dear Lizzy "collect by American Crafts.

Yo Gabba Gabba!!!

2010-08-22T14:54:00.001-07:00

Well the party is done and of course the kids got spoiled!!! Lots of fun toys and books for many hours of playing. I decided to only post picture of the clothes because there would be just too many pictures! Thank you to everyone who came and made their day extra special! And thank you to my parents for having the party at their house and making and cooking all the food :) My camera died so i don't have a picture of the cake but i think my mom does. It was just beautiful and of course my mom made it. Ttyl -Haylee
My kiddies in their Gabba Land t-shirts.
Favor boxes filled with treats!

Jolee got this beautiful dress and sweater from Matt's parents and sister sooo cute!

Carry on bag Part 3

2010-08-19T13:23:00.000-07:00

Well it's done! I ended up using a different pattern then i first started with but it turned out great. I used Amy Butler's "Field Tote" pattern. My mom and i navigated our way around this pattern with some bumps! There were lots of stitches taken out and redone. But it's done and ready for our trip. I am very pleased with the result!

With very little time to spare too. :) -Haylee

Next project to come! I'll be making a diaper bag for my super special sis:)

Carry On Bag Part 2

2010-08-17T20:01:00.000-07:00

So i took all my sewing things over to my parents and mom and i worked on cutting out the material. I have never made cording before so my mom made some really beautiful cording for my bag. I've been sewing since i was pretty young but my mom has been showing me a lot of new things that she learned from my grandma Schroeder when she was my age. It's been really cool. I wish my grandma was still here to sew with us.

Well I'm running out of time i've got only a week and half left and there's never seems to be enough time!

I have been so busy trying to get everything around our place organized for our trip not to mention getting all the kids things together to take to my parents house. Not the normal amount of things we usually bring over there but i have to think about everything the kids might need in a week. Oh yes and this weekend is Julian & Jolee's Birthday Party! Busy Busy but i'm sure i'll get it done!

As you can see the bag i coming along! The finished product to come shortly!

The Carry On Bag Part 1

2010-08-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

I am making a carry on bag for our vacation. This is the pattern and these are the coordinating fabrics. The main print is the curvy lined print and then the other two are for the inside and the trim. Can't wait to see what it is going to look like. The fabrics are from two of Amy Butler's fabric collections "Midwest Modern" and "Love" . I love her style of fabric because they use the colours and patterns that i really enjoy. I really wanted to get one of her travel bags but they are really expensive so i thought that making one with her fabric was the next best thing!

August 5th

2010-08-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

Five years ago today Matt and I started our journey as husband and wife. Blending our lives together to make one life together.

Happy Anniversary Boo- Luv Haylee

2010-08-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to show you that i've been up too. Here's my new bag/ purse. My mom and i went into Bellingham to by the fabric a week ago and yesterday the bag was made. More to come i bought lots of fabric! -Haylee

Changing together

2010-07-21T09:19:00.000-07:00

It's coming to that time again where Matt and i start thinking about our anniversary and the day we got married.

The last couple of weeks before the wedding Matt and did a lot of dreaming about what our life was going to be like together. It's funny how much our dreams have changed. Once you become parents your whole world changes. You start thinking about your kids needs ahead of yours.

The fact that Matt and I get to go away at the end of August seems like a dream! Anyways we might have changed but thankfully were changing together.

2010-07-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

- Psalm 31:24

I really feel like this verse applies to me personally. In my last post i talked about the fact that Matt was coming off graveyards. But i didn't really talk about the impact that this last year and half has had on me. It's been well very hard.

It's been lonely, scary, stressful, and tiresome. When Matt first started it was hard but as time went on it really started to effect every area of our lives. I don't think i really realized how much until about the last 10 months. There has been so many times that i felt like i couldn't pick myself up off the floor anymore i was just too tired. And there were times that i blamed Matt in my head because i felt like a single parent.

At some point though i realized that if i didn't give it all the God that i was going to loose my mind. Now that's not to say that i didn't have my moments. I'm stilling having those moments and i think I'm having more now because I'm close to the end of this crazy journey.

But telling God constantly. Like everyday sometimes several times a day "Lord i am so tired and sometimes i want to just run far away from everyone. So you need to give me the strength and patience to look after these kids today"

I know that these moments will not end completely after all I am still going to be a mother but i know that i will get breaks and that always helps to put things into perspective.

I hope that anyone out there reading this who is struggling themselves can take comfort that your not alone. We are not alone... God is always there.

-Haylee

6 more shifts... i can do this.

Summer Update

2010-07-02T20:03:00.000-07:00

Well i realized tonight that i had all these pictures from the last two weeks that i hadn't used yet. So i thought I'd post them with my update.

First off it's official Matt's first day of day shift is July 20th and i couldn't be more happy! I can finally get some sleep! And we can have a normal life :)

For Father's day this year i got the kids up at 6:30am so we could suprise Matt with breakfast when he got home at 7:00am. I made cinnamon buns and he was really thrilled. The kids had each made him a special card and they had made a banner together and i wrote Happy Father's Day on it. We rarely get to have breakfast together so it was pretty special.

So after 5 years of marriage Matt and I our taking our very first vacation! We leave August 29th for Disneyland! We have been wanting to do something for so long but it was never the right time. So when we thought we'd get away to celebrate our anniversary. I have only been apart from Julian for just two days and I've never been apart from Jolee so it's going to be a big step for both me and the kids. I think it will be the hardest part is the fact that we leave on Julian's birthday and are gone for Jolee's as well. Unfortunately it was just where Matt's holidays fell this year. But the kid's are staying with my parents and i know that they are going to have a great time and were going to celebrate both their birthdays the week before so they'll still be getting a party. I think with their ages to they won't remember that we were gone. (I hope)

After the last year and half of Matt working graveyards and us not seeing much of each other it just feels like the right time to go and spend some needed time alone. Matt and i have usually only one night a week that we are in bed at the same time. It's really hard. There's been so many times where i thought i might loose it. Thinking "i feel like a single parents here"

Anyways so were excited and can't wait. So here are so pictures I've been teaching Julian how to use the camera so some of them he took. He's getting pretty good too. ;)

Jolee wearing Julian's shoes.

One of julian's pictures he took of me on the computer

another one of Julian's shots. It's a little blurry

Jojo on her strider

Verse 4 the week

2010-06-27T08:06:00.000-07:00

I am adding a new weekly post for verses that inspire me. I hope they inspire you too.

Strip off your old self,

which follows your former ways

of living and ruins you as it follows the

desires that deceive you. Become new

in the spirit of your minds and put

on the new self, which is created to be like

God, righteous and holy in the truth.

Ephesians 4:22-24

One thing that i have really struggled with in the last six years or so is pleasing other people. But I've also struggled with things like worrying, anxiety and the need to be constantly busy.

All of those things are just a way for me not to have to focus on what i should be focusing on which is my relationship with God. Instead of sitting and worrying, and allowing myself to become obsessed with what other people think about me. I am trying to focus on how much God loves me and cares for me. He sees me worry and fret and it just makes him so sad.

Since I've been changing my focus in the last couple of months i have to tell you i have much better self esteem and don't care as much about what other people think and that's all God.

Have a great day - Haylee

A quiet place to rest

2010-06-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

I am betting that most mothers at one time or another have felt that way that i've been feeling. I'm just so tired. Not enough sleep, not enough time in the day. Even my devotions at times don't get to be as quiet and restful as i'd like.

Julian has been getting up pretty early like sometimes 5:30am and it seems to be different everyday. Some nights putting your head on the pillow just feels pretty amazing! Seeems like lately we've been going from one cold to the next and so on. It has to get better and it will but until then i'm just a tired mom. :)

Oh I feel so tired
I cannot hardly keep open
My eyes
My thoughts are scattered
and I cannot say a word
and I can't seem to remember
anything I've learned

Well do you have some of those days

When you can't be who you want to be

You just need to close your eyes

pull the covers up so high and drift away

and sleep so soundly

and dream profoundly

cast all your cares on

the only thing that you really need

and sleep so soundly... -plumb

A day out with Thomas!

2010-06-12T21:55:00.001-07:00

It was a good day and everyone's had fun

Learning 2 ride

2010-06-02T12:58:00.000-07:00

A week and half ago we Julian picked out his first bike. It's a Hot Wheels bike with training wheels and he loves it! He rode around the lake yesterday with my in-laws and their aunt and we didn't have to push him once. We were all very proud of him. We decided to order Jolee a Strider because she's that much younger and will be able to get lots of use out of it.

It came in the mail today. She's a little nervous riding it but i know it's going to take time.

I was so impressed though i ordered it off Strider Sports.ca on friday and we got it this morning. It came too $148.00 with tax and shipping. I know that they sell them locally but they were little bit more money and they have more colour choices online.

I can't believe we are at this stage already with both kids it's just craziness!

You've got to wear your Hot Wheels underwear while you ride your Hot Wheels bike!

On a day like today

2010-05-29T09:57:00.000-07:00

Even on a day like today it's still hard not to find things that are beautiful. When i look outside my living room window i see so many reason to thank God for every flower, duck and raindrop. Well my garden is almost ready... ready for summer I still need some more top soil. But I've cleaned out the flowerbed, and I'm ready to start enjoying our space with the people we love.

Today we are outside even in the rain. Got to get that bug juice out!

I'm sipping a coffee and the kids are riding their bikes. Thank you Lord for awnings!

Taking time to play

2010-05-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

As a mother i am constantly learning things. At times it can be very hard to let things go and try new things. Lately my struggle has been realizing that i can't always get everything i want done in a day. Sometimes instead of doing the vacuuming, laundry or dusting i need to just be with the kids and play. I did just that yesterday and the kids were so much better behaved. Less pinching, pushing and time outs. Which is always a good thing!

I've been reading this book which talks about how women believe the lie that the world tells them about all the things they need to get done in a day to be a good wife and mother. But in reality all we need to get done is what God wants us to do that day which is often very different from our own desires. -Haylee

2010-05-17T11:16:00.000-07:00

They have finally arrived! We ordered them in January and i have been very patiently waiting for them day after day! But i think Natuzzi is always worth the wait!

Picnic at the park

2010-04-15T15:52:00.000-07:00

Violets for Grandma

2010-04-11T13:48:00.000-07:00

Five years ago today our family lost a very special person. A woman who i am convince had a hand in creating the person i am today. It's because of her Godly example that i strive to be a better mother, wife, daughter, and grand daughter, and friend.

My grandma was such an amazing person. I know i've said that on here before but i really don't think you'd be able to understand unless you'd met her. It makes me cry thinking about her. Oh i know that she is in a better place out of pain and that she gets to be with her Saviour. But i think the family would agree that grandma was the center in the family. Even when she was ill she still held us all together.

And in her death she brought us together. The day grandma went to be with Jesus we were having a wedding shower for my cousin Tara. We would never have all been in Abbotsford if it wasn't for the shower but we were all able to be there with her. Amazing!

Grandma could find the good in any person. If only i could be so gracious. At times i judge people without even really thinking.

Another thing about the grandma that was so special is she truly loved you where you were at. She didn't try to change you. Grandma had lots of grandchildren in different stages of their lives but she loved every life and stage.

I chose to dedicate my blog to grandma because of her true character and faith in God.

Grandma loved Violets. She had small pots of them all over their apartment while i was growing up. I'll forever link her to violets i can't look at them without thinking of her soft hands and tiny feet. Makes me smile :)

Jewel

2010-04-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time there was a fair maiden who dreamed of beautiful dinnerware for her table. lol

For her birthday she got a lovely teapot from her sister and a cream and sugar from her grandmother. The fair maiden loved them but she dreamed of the day she could get the dinner wear.

One saturday the fair maiden was reading the paper when she found an add saying that the store that carried that dream dinner wear was having a sale ( home outfitters). She clip the coupon and bundled up her children. Got in her trusty car and headed down. When she got down there she found out that her dream dish ware was buy one get one 50% off! She was so happy.

She left the store with her dream dinner ware knowing full well that God had had a hand in this jewel that was given to her for she saved almost $200.oo.

It's funny sometimes where God choices to bless you. I would never have thought that he would care about my silly dishes. But God loves me and sometimes he chooses little things like this to show me just how deep his love for me goes.

The dinner ware is in" white " and teapot, creamer and sugar is in "celadon" or robin's egg blue. If you can't read the box at the top it's Sophie Conran for Portmeirion . I have a beautiful Mikasa set in Floral moire which i love! But i was searching for and everyday set that looked nice enough to use for dinner parties as well. I have gone through a few sets since we've been married. But never really found the right set. Or maybe i just wasn't ready. What do you mean? Well i feel like my taste has matured a lot in the last few years. I never would have picked such a grown up set five years ago. Like i was saying in my last post that i have changed soo much. I feel like i finally know what i like. I used to post tons of pictures of my house two years ago but i found that my taste was changing constantly.

But in the last year i have really figured out what i like and i'm going to have to start posting that. I'm happy to say that i no longer what to go with what other people like which was what i was doing. I want to be who i am and i'm not afraid to do that anymore. Wow all from a dish set? - Haylee

Happy Birthday to me

2010-04-06T09:41:00.001-07:00

Well I'm another year older, wiser, smarter, hopefully more thoughtful, trusting, kind and a better christian, mother and wife. I have learn alot this year.

I guess i learn alot every year. I just never really looked at birthdays this way. But I'm tired of ever since i was twenty counting down the years to thirty. Yes I'm twenty-six and four years away from thirty but i just have to think about how much better of a person I'll be in four years. Well I'm off to have lunch with three of my favorite girls in my life. My mom , sister, and niece. - See you later -Haylee

Easter!

2010-04-04T15:17:00.001-07:00

Aren't these bunnies cute? The kid's made them on Friday at my parents house. We were there for Easter dinner. Unfortunately the kid's were both sick with colds plus Jolee is teething. It was melt down after melt down. Sad to say by the end all us adults were glad when the evening was finished. Not really the way we wanted to spend Easter but with that said we were able to laugh about it afterwards.

I love Easter i always have. Alot of it has to do with the true meaning of Easter. Jesus saving us from our sins and giving all who wants it eternal life. But i also like the fact that Easter and spring start around the same time and with spring comes blooms peaking out of the ground.

One year growing up for Easter i got a flower box kit and it had i think their called "paper white?" bulbs. They look like daffodils but there white and smaller. Spring is such a nice time of year.

Anyways here are a few pictures of the kid's colouring from yesterday.

I really can't believe it's April already and in a few days i'm going to be another year older! Lucky me! -Haylee

2010-03-19T15:08:00.000-07:00

Just a few cheesy photo's today. The kid's and i went out for breakfast and grocery shopping after that we had alittle lunch and a little play with Auntie & cousin.

Now we rest. ;) So i can think about supper. I got myself a couple of Rachel Ray cookbooks and i just can't wait to start trying so more new things.

Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

2010-03-17T13:31:00.000-07:00

I got this great recipe out of a kraft magazine from several years ago and i just love it. I've made the sticky buns with the bun dough and i find it take sooo long to let everything rise. If your in a hurry and you want something really good. This is it.

My husband loves sticky buns and he said he actually prefers the taste of the country biscuit dough over the bun dough. :)

Ingredients

3/4 cup chopped Pecans

1/2 cup butter divided

1/3 cup maple syrup

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

2 cans refrigerated country biscuits

1 pkg cream cheese cut into 20 cubes

Preheat oven to 400f spray bunt pan with cooking spray. Sprinkle pecans evenly on the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside. Melt 2 tbsp of the butter in a small microwave bowl. Add syrup, stir until well blended. Drizzle over pecans in pan; set aside.

Melt remaining 6 tbsp of butter and set it aside as well.

Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish; set aside.

Separate dough into 20 biscuits; press each slightly to 1/4 inch thickness. Roll cream cheese cubes in cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated on all sides.

Place 1 cream cheese sub in the centre of each biscuit circle; gather up sides of dough to enclose the filling. Press edges of dough together to seal; roll into balls. Dip top of each ball in remaining butter and sprinkle with any remaining cinnamon sugar.

Arrange half of the balls , cinnamon side up in prepared pan. Repeat with remaining balls to form a second layer. Drizzle with any remaining butter and sugar mixture.

Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 1 minute before transferring to a serving platter. Makes 20 servings , 1 bun each.

JuBug Design

2010-03-16T19:35:00.001-07:00

Here's a taste of some of the cards i've been working on. I'm calling my cards "JuBug Design" because Julian's nickname as a baby was Jubug and since my kids are a lot of my creative inspiration so i thought it was fitting . I wish my camera was better but it's not so i couldn't take really up close pics.

Sand babes

2010-03-15T13:22:00.000-07:00

The kiddies got a new box of fun a couple weeks ago. They've been having lots of dirty, messy fun ever since then. Here's a couple pictures from the first night. :)
Jolee just loves to sit right into sand and get all covered.
Julian likes to stay cleaner and just play on the edge.

custard blueberry peach pie

2010-03-14T13:30:00.000-07:00

So i had every intention on posting a picture of a really beautiful pie but i managed to take on too much this morning and the pie was forgotten and burned slightly on top. On top of that when i put the top crust on my pie it split down the side. I tried to repair it but of course if you know pie crusts you know that any imperfections get alot uglier when cooked! I didn't want to re roll it because i had already worked the crust abit and was afraid it would completely fall apart!With that said here's my favorite pie to make it's also the first pie i came up with myself.

Crust (this crust recipe makes enough for 5 single crusts. I just freeze the rest)

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

2 1/2 cups white flour

2 tbsp white sugar

1 lb lard

1 egg

1 1/2 tbsp vinegar

1 tbsp salt

1 tsp baking powder

Mix all dry ingredients together. Cut in lard with pastry blender. Beat egg in a measuring cup and add vinegar. Fill measuring cup to 3/4 cup mark with lukewarm water. Mix egg water mixture with dry mixture. Use hands to combine adding alittle flour if sticky. Then of course you roll it out. Just alittle note if you've never worked with whole wheat for crust it is alittle harder to keep together. I find it quiet flaky but with that said it makes the best tasting crust.

Custard Recipe

After the crust you want to make the custard. I make mine in the microwave.

1 cup milk

1/4 cup sugar

2 tbsp corn starch

1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp vanilla

2 egg yolks

Combine milk, sugar, corn starch, salt, and egg yolks in a microwave bowl. Beat together.

Microwave for 2 minutes then stir and put in for additional 2 minutes. If it hasn't thickened enough do another 2 minutes. Then set aside to cool.

Blueberry & peaches

4-5 cups blueberry depending on how full you like your pie

1 1/2 cups peaches ( you can use frozen, fresh or canned i've used them all just make sure you drain all extra juice. If frozen put in the microwave for a couple minutes.)

3 tbsp flour

take your blueberries and peaches in a bowl add flour and mix i find it helps suck up the extra juices.

Once the custard as cooled and you have the bottom pie crust in your pie plate. You want to add the custard. Or you can mix custard with the fruit. I find it mixes anyways so it doesn't really matter. So once the custard and berries are in your pie you add the top crust.

Preheat oven to 425

Bake at 425 for 20 minutes. The reduce heat baking for 4o minutes at 350 or until bubbly.

Note - Most of you know that if you put tinfoil around the edge of your pie it helps it from getting to brown the the edges. You have to take it off for the last 10minutes to let it brown. Just don't forget about it like me :)

I feel so bad about not having a cooked picture. I have made this pie for my parents and in-laws and it's always turned out good. Best part is if your new at making pies it's super easy!

-Haylee

Tea 4 Two

2010-03-01T15:13:00.000-08:00

Last week my little girl and i had a couple hours of girl time and what do girls do best? Why Dollies & Tea parties ofcourse!
We even let the dolls join us for some soup.
Notice the bruise on her head? Yeah that's her trying to do everything her brother does!

Even if it's just for a time it's nice to get both of the kids on their own for a change. The one on one time is always so fun. I just wish Julian wasn't so against having his picture taken. I won't miss this stage! So i guess i need to just be happy with pictures from a far and of Jojo.:)

Tomorrow Matt is taking me on a date. I'm getting my hair done in the morning because my roots are soooo bad! And then i have no idea where were going but i'm bring my camera! - Luv Haylee

What's cookin

2010-02-25T14:00:00.000-08:00

The kid's got a Kid's Craft kitchen for Christmas from Grandma Gayle & Grandpa Rob (Matt's parents) but it was on back order so we just got it a couple weeks ago. The kid's love it and it's so cute! I really like the colours it's so fresh looking. Jolee's been cooking up a storm and Julian pretends to go to Walmart for groceries. (I think i shop at Walmart to much!) - Luv Haylee

Growing up

2010-02-20T10:57:00.000-08:00

I remember my mom telling me when i was a kid that i was growing up too fast. I never really understood that until i had kids. It seems like they change a little bit every day and that's really hard. I have loved pretty much every change they've gone through but some of those stages have just been too short. I've noticed it especially with Jolee because there's not alot of one on one time with her. When Julian was her age it was just the two of us all day and i had so much time to enjoy the different stages. But now it feels like i blink and the stage is over!

Last night i was laying in Julian's bed with him talking and he gave me one of his cute smiles and suddenly i realized how much of me he has in him. I just think its strange that i'm just now seeing it. All of the fears he has there the same as my fears at his age. And how he thinks it's just so much like me. I think its because he's getting older and once they really start talking that's when you truly see their personality.

The thing about Julian is he has a strong will which gives me a hard time alot. But Julian loves hard he's always telling me how much he loves me and giving me hugs and kisses.

And then there's Jolee who other than having my curly hair and eye brows she's totally her dad. Slow to anger but once she's upset she takes along time to cool down. She has such a soft nature and i can't wait to see her at Julian's age. I can already tell she's going to be a bookworm! She can just sit by herself on the sofa and look at a book for the longest time and just be quiet. Anyways i'm so looking forward to spring and summer Matt and i have talked about getting out more on his days off and going places with the kids now that their alittle bit older.

We got Jojo a new bike. She's been trying to ride Julian's tricycle for a month now so we thought she was ready for her own. Those push cars are just not cutting it anymore!

Inspirations

2010-02-11T14:15:00.000-08:00

This here is my craft room full of things that inspire me. I love to make my cards and albums in this room. It's funny because even just paper and a few stickers can turn on your creative juices!

My Perogie Pizza

2010-02-07T15:05:00.000-08:00

So i made a decision a couple weeks ago to make three new dishes a week for my family. I tend to stick with what i know and I'm getting bored! With that said i also wanted to post some of my families favorite recipes. This is one of them.

1/2 package of bacon very finely chopped and fried til crispy

1/2 a ring of farmer sausage chopped and fried with skins off.

2-3 large Red potatoes chopped with skins on and baked with a little oil and garlic until tender

4 green onion chopped

1 large pizza crust if you make your won i suggest adding some garlic and herbs to crust

1 cup of sour cream with either Epicure dip mix (herb and garlic) or you can use a ranch dip mix of your choice. Mix into sour cream.

2 cups of mozzarella and cheddar mix

Once your pizza crust is ready you want to rub the dough with a little oil or butter and garlic. Now you want to spread the sour cream down. I know it seems like alot of sour cream but if you don't put enough the pizza taste to dry!

Next spread farmer sausage down followed by the roasted potatoes all over.

Then you want to sprinkle the bacon on top of the potatoes. Next comes half the chopped green onion. Sprinkle the cheese down topped by the rest of the green onion.

Bake at 400 for about 20 minutes. You don't want to bake too hot or it will burn before all the ingredients heat through! If you need to you can turn up the temp for the last 5 minutes.

oh Sunshine!

2010-02-05T14:08:00.000-08:00

It felt so good to get outside in the sunshine! We've been stuck inside sick for so long!

Julian has been really into making chalk roads for his bike outside on our cement pad. And now that it's covered they can go out there whether it's rainy or not. Such a blessing!

For the first little while Jolee was a little unsure of her new dolly but now she's really enjoying her new doll and she loves to stroll her dolly around everywhere! My mom got her some of those bottles that the liquid disappears when you tip it back and she's totally enamored by it.

So were hopefully going to be enjoying the sunshine for a while now.

2010-02-01T14:45:00.000-08:00

Hey! wow i can't believe how long it's been. I do have a reason! Since my last fever post we have had two more colds and i am currently getting over a cold so I'm sorry about that.

What have we been up too? Well i have been using the bread maker i got for Christmas a lot! I have even come up with a few really good recipes that i plan on posting in the coming weeks. I had a bread maker before but the heat element actually stopped working properly and the bread wouldn't rise. So now with my new Cuisinart bread maker i have only had one out of 8 loaves not turn out. If any of you out there have been thinking about getting a bread maker i really recommend this one it's a little more money but really worth every penny.

Matt and i went to Ikea last week. We went there to purchase a TV cabinet and coffee table. In the beginning of January Matt and i bought new couch's. We haven't gotten them yet because we had to order them. But were really excited and can't wait! Our current couch's were my grandma's and then my parents and we took them when we got married. So they are definitely ready to go! Sometimes when you sit down your not sure your going to be able to get up because you sink so low.

Anyways i wanted to post more pictures but my internet keeps cutting out! So that's for now. - Haylee

Fever, fever & more fever!

2010-01-08T18:06:00.000-08:00

The last week on December the kids got hit with a terrible cold. They are still sick now but getting better each day. We did have to make a trip to the doctor and glad we did because we found out that both kids have a chest infection and ear infection. Now four days into the antibiotics they seem to be recovering slowly.
Lucky mommy got it next . It's always the mom who gets it first. The one who does all the hugging and kissing even when they have runny noses:)
The funny thing about being sick is you tend to do things that you don't do when your better. Being sick i've re discovered my love of making cards and made quiet a few while i sit on the couch. I'll have to post a few when i'm better. :)

Hello 2010!!!

2010-01-02T15:55:00.000-08:00

Well we had a great Christmas saw lots of family and friends. I am glad to get back to normal though. I didn't take a ton of pictures this year. Mostly because Matt had to work graveyards during a couple of the dinners so i was solo and it's hard to take pictures when your running around after your kids!

Here are a few i took i wish i would have gotten more of Julian but he's still in his no picture stage. :)

I think Jolee looks like a present in this picture so cute!

For those of you who don't know. We live and breathe hockey at our house.

Matt has wanted a Kesler jersey for awhile now . Julian and Matt both got hockey jersey's for christmas from his Parents who have season tickets . Matt's is Kesler and Julian's is Loungo. Don't they look cute? - Later Haylee

Christmas with the Noels...

2009-12-14T14:12:00.000-08:00

This time of year is such a funny time to have Noel as your last name. It's really actually a honour for me that i am able to see the word every time i sign my name. Helps me remember the birth of Christ all year round and not just once a year.

Christmas in our home this year has been very simple...

Alot more so than the years in the past. I decided not to put up the big tree but the smaller one. It can be difficult to decorate the way you want when you have a one year old to think about. And she loves the tree all the pretty decorations to touch and love!

My focus this year has been to start telling the story of the birth of Christ with Julian. There's so much hype about Santa and just not enough of Jesus.

Julian knows that it will soon be Jesus's birthday and that on that day we give each other gifts out of love & kindness but lets just face it all he's really thinking about is whether or not he's getting a new car . But at least i can talk to him in hopes that as he gets older it becomes more about Jesus and less about what's in the stocking.

Well i just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas . I hope everyone gets to spend time with the people they love.

Things are pretty crazy around here so this will be my last post before Christmas.

Love Haylee

Dolls!

2009-12-10T13:48:00.001-08:00

Well i have been waiting excitedly for Jolee's Christmas present to arrive by mail and it's finally here!

This is Little Katherine she is a Middleton Doll "play baby". Lee Middleton Dolls our "china dolls" that are very realistic but they also make "play babies" for kids of different ages. Little Katherine is meant for 18+. She is 17 inches tall, with real eye lashes and a soft body with hard face, arms, and legs. She comes in brown hair and brown eyes and blonde hair and blue eyes. The dolls hair are specially treated to be easily combed. The dolls that our 18 months and under are made so that they have no small pieces that a child could choke on. The play babies rage from the age of 6 months all the way up to 4 years.

The younger babies include cute dolls such as Little Bailey, Little Hayley, Little Benson, Little Owen, Little Keyden and then for children alittle older they have Jaden,Jordan, Graham, Zoey, Kameko,and Keisha. It's really worth looking into and they come in different nationalities.

I was a real doll girl growing up and my sister was never really into dolls so i played alone alot but i can't wait to help Jolee dress her doll. I couldn't help ordering a few clothes like a pair of shoes, a fur coat, and a pj set. That's it for now! -Haylee

Julian's song

2009-12-02T21:21:00.000-08:00

Taken me a long time to post but here's Julian's song.

Out of nowhere you came

From a little dust

And alittle rain

And when i looked down at your face

It showed to me

The truth and grace

I will always try to keep you very safe

So open up your eyes

So they can look in mine

And see a small reflection

And when you close your eyes

I pray the thoughts inside

Are beautiful and true

I won't always

Be this strong

And i won't always be the one

To kiss the bruise

Or heal the scrapes

To wipe the tear drops

From your face

But i will always love you more each day

So open up your eyes

So they can see in mine

And see a small reflection

And when you close your eyes

I pray the thoughts inside

Are beautiful and true

I will always,

I will always, love you.

( Plumb song- always)

Jolee's song

2009-11-17T17:10:00.000-08:00

I have a song for each of the kids and i thought for something different that i'd post my songs for them. Today i've posted Jolee's song.

Your baby blues, so full of wonder

Your curly cues, your contagious smile

And as i watch, you start to grow up

All i can do, is hold you tight.

Knowing clouds will rage in

Storms will race in, but you will be safe in my arms

Rains will pour down, waves will crash all around

But you will be safe in my arms

Story books are full of fairy tales

Of kings & queens and the bluest skies

My heart is torn just in knowing

You'll someday see the truth from lies.

Knowing clouds will rage in

Storms will race in, but you will be safe in my arms

Rains will pour down, waves will crash all around

But you will be safe in my arms.

Castles they might crumble

Dreams may not come true

But you are never all alone

Because i will always, always love you.

-Plumb ( song in my arms)

Pizza Night

2009-11-06T21:45:00.000-08:00

My little chef and i made pizza! He was super excited because he got to make his own. I wasn't allowed to help him so the shape of the pizza wasn't really round but the important thing was he had a good time.

Tricky & oh so cute

2009-11-03T13:38:00.000-08:00

We had alot of fun dressing the kids up this year. Getting good pictures was tricky though . Thank goodness my mother in-law was on the ball because my camera only had two pictures and they weren't great! But we had great fun and my mom even made turkey dinner that night so we had candy & turkey!

This is Julian i thought i'd compare the too kids.Their birthdays are only two days apart so they were the same age.

All smiles

2009-10-21T15:09:00.000-07:00

Well Julian is officially out of the crib and into a big boy bed! It's going well now but the first week of him climbing out of his crib was terrible and i'm still trying to recover from the lack of sleep. We were very generously given a really nice bedroom set for his room from family friends and were very greatful. It's perfect for Julian and he loves it soo much. I took some pictures and today he gladly smiled for a photo in his new bed. :) New Thomas bedding and a new bed well that's pretty exciting!

Fall 2009

2009-10-10T15:34:00.001-07:00

Nothing better than playing outside on a cold day...

he tends to smile with his eyes closed.!haha

and she's off!

Pumpkin Day!

2009-10-08T15:00:00.000-07:00

Well my mom and I packed up the kids and took them to the pumpkin patch. We did a lot of laughing and i think most of that laughing was directed to the fact that taking three kids ages 3 and under to the pumpkin patch is craziness! Three you say? Yes three! Mom had my niece or her grand girl for the weekend.

It was a really good lesson for both of us in just relaxing and taking things as they come at you.

1. was the corn apple cannon that was set up for people to use for fun. But for three and under tots that's a pretty scary noise.

2.was me trying to drag three kids in a wagon threw a pumpkin patch that really didn't have a path for you.

3. Was the dirt blowing into the kids faces every two seconds because it was such a windy day.

4. my poor niece was teething and during our hayride she started crying. (of course were no where near a place to get off)

so we had a few bumps in the road but we came home in one piece and even added an new member to the Noel family. Which we found on the path down to the van. "fuzzy" Julian's woolly bear caterpillar.

Ttyl -Haylee

Into the swing of things

2009-09-20T14:26:00.000-07:00

Well Matt's back to work and were all back on our routine. Feels really good too! In the evenings when the kids are sleeping i have been trying to keep myself busy so that i don't miss Matt. I have made 10 dozen cookies and invented a new pie. I'll have to post the recipe sometime.

For some reason pies and cookies just seem like the thing to make this time of year. My mission is to fill up the freezer so that i don't have to bake during the holidays! Other than maybe a couple of batches of Nuts and bolts which i know i can't get away with because Matt's already talking about them. :)

It's also time to start shopping for the kids for Christmas it's just to expensive to buy everything in one month and who has the time to spend that much time in a store in one month. I know that i don't! An hour tops is about all my kids can handle and i know that if Matt were watching the kids about an hour is all he could handle with our monkey and Kola bear.

So other than that my life is feeling pretty simple. Having two kids for a year now has finally seemed very normal and less hairy than before. It helps that Jojo is alot more mobile and alot more content. There are still moments for sure and it's usually when both kids want the same toy or when Jojo goes Godzilla(pushing everything in site over) on Julian's train tracks which happens frequently. Well I'm out of here for now . Have a great day! Ttyl -Haylee

2009-09-14T21:39:00.001-07:00

I have totally been neglecting my blog but Matt's been on holidays for three weeks and we've just been so busy. He goes back Thursday so we still have a few more days. It has been great but i have to say that i have sort of felt out of routine which i find hard. Having some one to spend the evenings with has been great!

As you can see from the picture Matt has been very happy not to shave! I think I've gotten him to shave once but i had to really ask nicely. Oh well it's his holiday!

So i hope to have some new posts soon! Ttyl - Haylee

Out with Julian

2009-09-07T15:39:00.000-07:00

Julian with his new Habour Seal which hes calling "Dolphy"

On friday we went to the Aquarium with Matt's parents. We decided to just take Julian so he could have a special day. Here are some of the pictures that i took.

Julian and grandma Gayle looking at the seals.

Daddy and Julian looking at the dolphins

Baby dolphin playing with a hoolahoop.

Daddy,Julian, and grandpa Rob looking at some fish.

Matt and I

Julian and grandma Gayle

Julian and mommy

Special day #3

2009-09-01T13:50:00.000-07:00

The third special day would be the day our daughter came into the world. Born the day after her due date Jolee was not as big as Julian for sure. She did give me more problems. I was in labour for a day and a half before she decided to show up. Jolee was posterior until she decided to turn herself . Because of that i had the worst back labour ever!

Back labour is terrible it feels like your backs being snapped in half. I remember watching my sister have my niece and she complained about it too but of course i didn't know what she was talking about because i never had that with Julian. After Joee was born i said to my sister "i totally know what your talking about!" Of course it was worth all the pain to see her and hold her. I remember saying to Matt "she's so small!" and in comparison to Julian she was! I did still tear but the tears were only second degree so not nearly as bad.

It's been fun raising a boy and girl because they are so different! Joee is my little koala bear she's very clingy and wants to know where i am at all times. She's also very suspicious of new people she meets. It's hard to get her to smile for you if she doesn't know you. Julian is more independent and even though he still loves giving hugs he likes to do it on his time. He's also very friendly he rarely plays shy anymore.

Joee you are so funny i love how you try so hard to keep up with your brother. Panda bear hugs to you ! Mommy loves you hearts and hearts.

Happy 1st birthday Koala bear ! I hope you grow up to be a Godly woman of faith.

The gifts

2009-08-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

The kids really got spoiled with their presents. Here are some of them.

Julian got these big "mack trucks" as he calls them. The black one from Jen and Geoff and then the red Lightening Queen truck from auntie k and uncle stu.
The one big black truck holds all these little ones. It's a carrying case as well.

This is one of the two strollers jolee got. The other one will be better for her once she's older. Isn't it cute!

She also got a water baby from auntie k & uncle stu and a carebear from Jen & Geoff

Jolee also got a dolly playpen from auntie k and uncle stu.

The kids got alot of books from my parents.

This Dora car is what we bought Jolee.

Julian got an OP jacket from great grandma & grandpa. Jolee got a brown hearts sweater from my cousin and aunt. The pokadot and flower jackets are from my parents. One is a rain jacket and the other is a winter jacket. (Jolee didn't have any)

Julian got all these shirts and pants from my parents plus two pairs of pj's one from Jen and Geoff and one from great grandma and grandpa.

Jolee got lots of clothes from my parents as well. Plus a pair of pj's from Jen and Geoff and a cord dress from great grandma and grandpa

Thank you to everyone for making their birthdays so special!

And it's not over Tuesday we go to Matt's parents house for another birthday celebration! These kids are going to need bigger rooms :)

Ttyl- Haylee

(p.s.It means Talk To You Later ! Mom haha! )

Schroeder birthday

2009-08-30T10:03:00.000-07:00

So mom and i had a little family birthday for the kids. There was only ten of us but the thought of the kids not getting balloons and decorations was sad too me. So i went all out! We made the theme the movie "cars" Julian loves that movie and Jolee seems to like it too. Anyways here are pictures . Oh if your wondering why there's no picture of Julian eating cake that's because he didn't want any because he ate so much food. He'll have cake today. :) My mom really did an amazing job on the cake she's pretty talented.

The kids with our friends Geoff & Jen's daughter

Happy birthday Julian!

2009-08-19T13:59:00.000-07:00

Our first special day was the day we got married our next one was the day our son was born. Saturday is Julian's 3rd birthday and it's hard not to remember that day we first met him.

He was a big baby causing his poor mommy third degree tears but he was also 2 1/2 weeks late. Very comfortable inside not at all wanting to come out.

My water broke the morning i was supposed to be induced so i was happy about that. My birth story is pretty short i went into the hopsital around 6:30am julian arrived shortly at 1:00pm. It was so amazing and wonderful but boy was i glad to not be pregnant anymore. As you will see from the pictures i swelled alot infact i lost 25 pounds of water weight within the first 5 days. It's amazing how once their born you can't imagine your life without them. Julian has brought us so much joy and laughter.

The bond that my son has with my dad (his Papa) is the most beautiful thing to see. My dad never got a boy but he's definetly making up for it now with Julian.

Happy Birthday Juju mommy loves you to the moon and back! Your an absolute blessing in my life and i'm so glad to be your mom.

I hope you'll always remember that nomatter what things life may throw at you that the Heavenly Father loves you and is always with you when you need him.

We went to Toys r us on wednesday and Julian got to pick out his present. He got a construction site for his train set. There are pictures below of it spread out all over the table i decided to let him have the table for the week so he could play without Joee wrecking it. :)

Our Stan

2009-08-14T13:59:00.000-07:00

Stanlee is our 2 year old Chihuahua. For my post today i decided to do 10 things about Stanlee that make him Stanlee. (For some reason it wouldn't let me upload a picture of Stan but there is one on the sidebar.)

Stanlee's 10 things

1. He is by far the laziest chi i have EVER met.

2. He is the biggest baby at times he needs more attention then both the kids.

3. Has a strawberry addiction (no wonder my plants never had berries)

4. Tends to pee on his left leg strictly out of laziness! (just about drives me crazy)

5. Hates cats & birds (if you even say the K-I-T-T-Y word watch out)

6. Enjoys torturing snails for hours outside.

7. Is an absolute sun dog (would bake his brains if I'd let him)

8. Has to ride in the stroller when we go for walks because he doesn't like to walk.

9. Sleeps & plays with a stuffed dog called "puppy"

10. Prefers a collar over a harness (actually he won't even get up off the floor if he is wearing a harness.

Down with the graveyard shift! Boo!

2009-08-10T13:23:00.001-07:00

Well I'm going home today. The kids and I have been staying at my parents house since Thursday. I have stayed there on and off this summer because of the heat but this week to be honest i really just couldn't be alone anymore. See Matt works the graveyard shift and it's really hard.
Matt first started that shift when i was pregnant with Julian and i remember hating then too. I remember watching alot of movies and cuddling with Harvey (my guinea pig who past away a little over a year ago). But once Julian was born he went to afternoons which was alot better because he'd be home by midnight. But just this last January he went back onto graveyards and i seriously feel like I'm going to loose my mind. I guess I'm just not one of those people who can be alone at night. I think it's really feels harder now that i have two kids that i feel I'd need to protect if someone broke in. If it was one night a week i could do it but I'm alone four nights a week! Matt comes home at 8:00am sleeps til 5:00pm gets up as dinner and then he's gone by 7:15pm. What i wouldn't give to have him come home at dinner time and be able to have help bathing and putting the kids to bed. Then having the rest of the evening to talk. As it stands my nights are a complete circus! Once i finally get the kids to bed and I've clean everything up. My feet are so sore that i just have to sit down while i fold that days laundry.

I think I'm ranting :) sorry about that. Sometimes you just have to get it out!

Ttyl - Haylee

p.s. I have been told and this is the glimmer of hope that Matt only has to do a year so next spring i'm having a party!

She's on the move & she's 11 months old

2009-08-08T22:00:00.001-07:00

Jolee has decided she's no longer going to be left behind. Some way some how she's gonna get there too as you'll see in the pictures below!

I Just can't believe she's 11 months old already!

Feels like that last four years have been a complete blur.

I go from Hairdresser-to wife-to stay at home mom of one-to stay at home mom of two. And in a couple of weeks my babies will be 3 and 1. Crazy!

2009-08-05T15:35:00.000-07:00

You surround me

You indwell in me

Your beside me

Ever present always near

Your the whisper

Calling my name gently

Love eternal

Reaching to me jealous for me

Iwill stay with you forever

Arm and arm we will walk together

You will never let me go

I can't live my life without

My whole will to live for you

You've awaked me to know.

You surround me...

-Brian Doerksen (our wedding song)

Matt I love you xoxo

2009-08-04T13:13:00.000-07:00

( I drew this on the cement at my parents house four years ago)

Well tomorrow is Matt and I's special day. I'm hoping to post but it will depend on the kids. Today i'm just enjoying the cooler weather. thankgoodness.

Remembering

2009-07-25T13:24:00.000-07:00

Four years ago Matt and i were preparing for our wedding. We were also getting our new home ready. It was such an exciting time for us moving from the home we'd known to a new home and starting a family of our own.

I remember being nervous because all my security was still wrapped up in my childhood home and with my parents. The future was unknown to both of us. But at the same time we were excited to start this new chapter with all of our new things and dreams. I remember one night in particular. We had just moved my parents old sofa into our apartment and we sat down and looked around . I remember talking for about an hour about what it was going to be like in just a few weeks.

You know it's so funny how when your a child when you think about what your home is you think about the actual home it's self. Walls, paint,decorations. But once you get married and have kids your home becomes where ever your husband and kids are. We were only at the apartment for 7 months and then we moved into our town house. This place feels just as much as a home as the last and i know our next home will feel that way too.

Anyways i put some pictures together of the last couple months before the wedding.

Me with my wedding shower hat! haha

Matt packing some of my boxes into his parents car.

My girls night

Matt's stag

Me and my dear piggy Harvey (Matt and I's first pet)

Matt and I after a long day of scrubbing up our new home!

Matt and I spent very few days apart. If i wasn't working he was over.

Rehersal

Super Mac/Cheese

2009-07-19T19:16:00.000-07:00

My family eats many various versions of this dish but this is one is one of my personal favorites because of the added zucchini and turkey bacon.

The recipe is for a 9x9 baking dish

Ingredients

1/2 package of turkey bacon cooked

a little more than half of a 450 gram package of elbow noodles

1/2 a zucchini

1 1/2 cups bread crumbs with 1 1/2 tbsp butter

cheese sauce

3 tbsp butter

1/4 cup flour

2 cups cheese (i sometimes add one cup nacho cheese and then one cup cheddar)

2 tbsp Dijon mustard

pinch of salt & pepper

1/2 tsp minced garlic

Make the cheese sauce & boil the water. Next i usually chop whatever veggie i decided to use. I like zucchini because it takes on the flavour of the cheese sauce. Then i chop the turkey bacon .

Once the cheese sauce is ready i add the turkey bacon and let it sit on the side off the heat.

Once the noodles are ready i add the zucchini and then the noodles. I stir the whole thing up and pour it into the baking dish. Then i add the melted butter to the bread crumbs. Stir that up and pour over the mac/cheese. You can put cheese on first and then bread crumbs whatever you like!

I bake it for about 25 minutes at 350 but if you decided to put cheese on underneath the bread crumbs you might need more like 35 minutes.

Tenting

2009-07-18T21:41:00.000-07:00

I set up a tent using the dinningroom table and a big blanket. The kids had soo much fun!

It reminded me of all the little forts that my mom used to set up for my sister and I. At one point we even had the familie's 8 man tent in the livingroom. Karlee and i used to have sleepovers in there and i can remember how much fun we had. Choosing what stuffed animals to take and what snack to bring. Ofcourse we did more talking then sleeping. But ofcourse were girls! Ttyl -Haylee

what a sticker!

2009-07-14T20:58:00.000-07:00

I had planned a totally different post but lastnight we had a situation i thought needed to be blogged!

Julian got a pack of stickers from his great grandma he dropped a couple on the floor and put some of them on his bike and i was picking them up behind him. Well aparently so was Joee because she ate one and know one knew until about 11:30pm. At which point she started throwing and we had no idea why. She ended up throwing up multiple times before the sticker finally came up. I felt so terrible and she felt even more terrible. When the ordeal finally ended she had a pile of dirty clothes and no clean blankets to sleep in. Joee didn't end up going to bed until 1:30pm. Although she did fall asleep on the livingroom floor for awhile. Here's a couple pictures of our sick one. The bath picture was her after the throwing up had finished. Much happier times!

Rooms of their own

2009-07-12T13:34:00.000-07:00

It's interesting how as they grow their rooms change with the times too. I thought I'd give you a peak into those changes.

His

Hers

No more change table or bassinet! Nothing but fairies, dollies, and play time toys!

If your wondering why Joee's bed is on books it's because her nose gets stuffed up at night. This way it helps her.

moments / Jolee's 10 months old

2009-07-05T20:27:00.000-07:00

These are truly the moments that make all the hard moments of motherhood melt away...

Happy Ten months Joee!!!

Jolee's new trick!

2009-07-03T17:27:00.000-07:00

If you can't understand what she's saying it's "hi" her first real word. :)

Nightie Night Cutie

2009-06-28T21:57:00.001-07:00

This is my little night gowned girl. Jojo and i get to spend alot of time at night playing. I remember doing that with Julian when he was her age and it was such a special time. There's something about a baby in pj's that's just soo cute! I know that this time will not last much longer as she's almost a year. So i am going to enjoy what time i have left with my nightie night cutie. Goodnight everyone Ttyl Haylee

Trust

2009-06-26T13:00:00.000-07:00

In my daily devotions God has been teaching me alot about trusting him with my worries. You see i come from a long line of worriers. I know that God wants me to take all my concerns and give them to him so that i don't have to be consumed by them. But it's become like second nature to me to dwell on things. The thought of releasing those problems and not thinking about them can be a scary thought.

On the other hand i know how much better i would feel if i wasn't caring around all this baggage. Whether it's personal,financial, or family related God wants me to spend my time being a good mom, friend, daughter, sister and wife. That is why my focus for myself and the rest of the year is going to be on TRUST.

1Peter 5:7 says "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

It's the simplest verse but it has so much meaning. God loves us so much that it hurts him when we waste our time on the things of the day.

If you are like me and you struggle in this area take heart! God wants to take all of your baggage and set you free. Have a great day! Ttyl -Haylee

Family Photo

2009-06-18T18:26:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how much our family picture has changed over the last three and half years.

Me pregnant with Ju

New look

2009-06-17T12:35:00.000-07:00

Well i had a pretty strange thing happen to my blog got covered with photobucket advertisement. It was all over my blog title and all up the sides of my menu bar. Anyways it urged me to make a big change in my template . It took me a couple of days to do everything but I have a whole new look and i'm pretty happy with it.

Yesterday we had a weiner roast at my parents house because my aunt and cousin were down. We had such a good time it's been ages since i've had a hotdog on the fire. I can't believe how much better it taste ! While we were there Matt and i decided to take some family pictures and also some singles of each of us with the kids. They turned out not to bad considering it's very hard to get a busy almost three year old and a 9 1/2 month old to look at the camera and smile at the same time.
Ttyl - Haylee

June 11th

2009-06-05T20:33:00.000-07:00

Next week is Matt & I's engagment anniversary. So i decided to pull out some of the pictures and things that i had collected over that time. I found our engagment picture and i also found a bookmarker keepsake that my mother in-law Gayle had made for me. The day that Matt & i got engaged i bet we would have never guessed that five years later we'd have two kids. Time just goes by so quickly. I was sure of us then and i'm sure of us now. -Haylee

Matt, i knew i loved you seven years ago but my love now is so much stronger after all that we've been through. I Love you -Your Haylee

Jolee is 9 months old!

2009-06-03T14:51:00.000-07:00

It's hard not to think about to what i was doing this time last year.

Getting ready for a new baby and living threw my last months of pregancy!

The last nine months with Jojo have been fun and trying. I can't picture our family without her in it were much more even numbered now.

Matt and i are so blessed to have such great sweet kids. I looked forward to what the summer will bring. Hopefully lots of family adventures! -Haylee

Joee i can't believe your nine months old ! Love you so much - mommy

Day at Nana & Papa's house

2009-05-30T22:02:00.001-07:00

Even though were all still sick from the flu and cold we went to my parents house for the day to get away from the heat. My parents have AC. Anyways we still managed to have fun even though we were sick.

And she's off!

2009-05-22T15:01:00.000-07:00

Jolee officially started crawling on wednesday and she hasn't stopped since. I can't believe that she's that old already it's just crazy too me.

Today we stayed home and hung out it was so nice not to go anywhere . The last couple of days have been so busy. The weather is beautiful and i can't wait to spend more time out there.

Later - Haylee

Ned at his best

2009-05-15T15:54:00.000-07:00

This is Ned and yes this is Ned at his best. His been nurtured back to health . But when we met him Ned was not at his best...

We met Ned a couple of rainy days ago. He was stuck to the side of our screen door and when Julian saw him he was very insistent on bring him in out of the rain. So we made a small home for Ned gave him some lettuce and water. Julian spent a hour or so talking to Ned and making sure he was comfortable. Turns out Ned was happy to get out of the rain he had had a pretty traumatic couple of weeks. Apparently Ned's old home had been hit by a flash flood as well as his brother Simon was crushed by a sandal the week before. Poor Ned. We urged Ned to eat and drink so he could regain his strength and told him he could come back anytime.

Anyways so now we usually see Ned daily as he comes around for treats. I keep telling Julian that he'd rather live outside but Julian's not so sure. He still thinks that Ned would be much happier rooming with him. :) - Haylee

*** I just wanted to make a note that i realize that it's probably not the same nail we keep seeing. Just so you don't all think I'm crazy! The things we do for our kids!

A Little Mothering Time

2009-05-10T13:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Julian and i were able to spend alittle awhile togther alone which doesn't happen that often. With Matt working graveyard and weekends the only time Julian and i get is an hour or two spread over two days.

I just can't get enough of the little boy that he is turing into! He's super sweet he tries to put his arm around me when were sitting on the couch. It's so hard not to just kiss him constantly but ofcourse he doesn't want kisses all the time!

His says this certain phrase to me all the time and it's just so funny. He says this "mommy you alright?" i dunno why or where he got that from but it's pretty funny. Anyways that's all i really have for today i am off to make a chcicken ranch scone braid for supper.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

- Haylee

Is it really here?

2009-05-04T13:45:00.000-07:00

That's the question i keep asking myself has spring finally arrived? If i look in my garden then i'd say yes and i sure hope that for my plants sake that it is. My beauitful Bleeding heart is in full bloom . I really need the sunshine right now starts to feel a little depressing with all the rain and cold weather. I just want to get outside, plant and enjoy.

This last picture i took just lastnight of the kids with their blankets. Julian's is named "Cozy" and he just recently named Joee's "Snugy" . I dunno if you can tell by the picture but Joee's got her baby on her lap.

See ya - Haylee

Jolee is 8 months old!

2009-05-01T20:27:00.000-07:00

Joee is growing and changing so much right now. She loves to clap her hands to music, feed herself puffs, and she loves playing with her brothers cars. Poor Juju!

She got this outfit from her Nana & Papa. Apparently Papa picked it out because it reminded him of her.

Playing with some of Julian's cars.

On the mend

2009-04-22T13:39:00.000-07:00

Well yesterday Julian and I went to walmart to buy a few things i picked up a pair of sunglasses for the kids and I but Julian didn't want his. I decided to just get the pairs for Jolee and i and Julian got a silver Hummer truck instead. Jolee looked so funny with her glasses on i can't believe she didn't try to take them off. I took a few funny photos of her and her new shades. I tried to get Julian to hold out his hummer for a photo but he wouldn't so i didn't get a very good picture. Well as far as us being sick we've started to recover but it's by far the worst cold i've had in years. The first 6 days i had a fever and now it's mostly just the fact that i'm dizzy and my nose is running. Julian is better and Jolee still has the runny nose. It's so hard being sick when the weathers warmer because it plays up your fever atleast that's how i felt. There are a few other pictures i had at the end from a few days ago. Jolee is learning so much right now and standing is by far her favorite. I also put in one of Julian at her age too.

2009-04-19T12:25:00.000-07:00

I took these pictures on one of our hot days and i just forgot to post them. The kids and I are sick with a cold right now so not much is going on. I will post a proper post very soon.

My birthday

2009-04-05T22:10:00.000-07:00

Yes i am another year older. I can hardly believe that i'm 25 i dunno why it seems to weird but it just does. Monday i am having high tea with my mom and sister ,Tuesday i am going out with my friend Jen. Should be fun but i already got the best birthday present ever. My daughter said "Mama" on saturday twice and she put her arms out for me to pick her up. That's the best present i could get. I totally melted!!!

Jolee is 7 months old!!!

2009-03-31T18:18:00.000-07:00

I know that i normally post pictures of her smiling and awake but these pics of my little piget make my heart melt and i just had to post them! I also posted a picture of her new ear piercing. She's such a big girl!

PLAY TIME

2009-03-16T12:12:00.000-07:00

Just a couple new pictures.

Sun Dog Returns

2009-03-12T15:31:00.000-07:00

Finally some sunshine for our poor little pooch! Stanlee spent an hour outside today in the sun. Even though it was cold he was really warm in the sun so i left him out there to bake his little brains and he was pretty happy to do so. I have to say seeing the sun gets me thinking about what flowers I'd like to plant in my garden and all the yummy meals my hubby is going to make on the barbecue! I am really hoping that this means spring has finally arrived.

A weekend away

2009-03-09T12:57:00.000-07:00

We went to Harrison Hot Springs for my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary. It was really nice to see all the family. I really wish i would have gotten to talk to some of the couple that were there or caught a dance or two with Matt but i spent most of the night chasing after Julian. lol Oh well it won't be like that forever! Julian was so funny dancing. He didn't want to dance with anyone he wanted to be by himself basicly spinning, jumping, and moving his hands in a really odd way. Lol His poor cousin Montanna really wanted to dance him. After we ate we took Julian swimming for the first time and he loved it. He just didnt' want to get his head wet! Sleeping was interesting he slept in a small playpen and Joee slept on the floor. Next time he will have to bring a bigger playpen for Julian. It was so fun to get away and do soemthing different i was saying to Matt that i'd love to go there just the two of us for the weekend.

When we got home yesterday we all crashed and had a three hour nap because we were all so tired.

A Wife, Mother & Grandma

2009-03-04T15:54:00.000-08:00

Well today my mom turns 50. We got to spend part of the morning with her and that was wonderful. There's so much about my mom I'd like to share but the part I'm going to share is the part about her that has made her the best mom in the world.

My mom always spent so much time with us kids. In fact we would spend hours and hours reading on my parents bed at night. My mom would do all the voices and everything! I remember doing that for years in fact even when we were teenagers we did that. I can't even count the amount of books!

She always found interesting things to keep us busy too. Like the big bubble wands you can get for the summer. She made us really neat barbie clothes.

I remember her taking us up to Manning park for picnics. She was always willing to do the things that interested us kids.

I was home schooled for many years and mom and i went on some pretty crazy field trips with school groups. Like our voyageur trip. Where we were in a canoe when not only did it rain but lightning hit the lake and we ended up getting out of the boat and eating cold pizza under a dirty tree root. lol Best memories!

There's also when i got married my mom tried her very best to make my wedding exactly what i wanted and she did.

Lastly when i was pregnant she helped out alot both times. She's a wonderful creative grandma and a special mom and i love her. Happy 50th birthday mom!