Northwest Flower and Garden Show 2013

Going to the Northwest Flower and Garden Show has become my annual February tradition. Just when we despair of spring ever arriving, this feast for the senses comes along and cheers up gardeners from miles around. There was a special section for Canadians to have their plant purchases inspected by customs (to speed their border crossing) so people travel great distances for this show.

I went by myself this year. None of my friends were able to accompany me. I did enjoy the freedom to look at as many displays and booths as I liked (until it was time to pick up my boys from school).

The display gardens weren't as stunning as in other years. I did love the Hobbit themed one, though. (Remember to click on the photos to enlarge them.)

There was plenty of whimsy, which I love. The theme was movies.
I found someone from the Wizard of Oz.

This garden had a western, dry theme so the designer added some horses.

One trend in gardening which I like is the mini, fairy gardens. Note the bridge:

One day I'll get around to making one.

There was a section dedicated to floral arranging.

I wanted to take this entire arbor home with me.

Here's a closer look:

I love the vintage fabric!

I took lots of pictures of sheds. They are so charming.

This shed with a chandelier inside would be perfect for me!

I love this plant but it din't have a label. I need to look up what it is. So unique!

Lots of pink flowers.

Another beautiful arbor:

My favourite section was the Vintage Garden Market which was like a mini Ruffles and Rust. I came home with a pillow made from vintage fabric, a milkglass vase,

a white mirror, 

and a white and purple dahlia to plant. I traveled by bus so it was tricky holding on to my mirror, my bags, and my camera on a crowded bus! I arrived home tired and happy. A fun outing to look forward to every year.

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One Thousand Gifts #289 to #297

I'm determined to keep counting my gifts even during my current challenge. I am having surgery next week to remove part of my thyroid which has nodules on it, one of which is likely cancerous.

289. Friends who have quickly offered to make meals, drive my boys, and watch them while I have surgery and recover.

290. Living in a city with top notch surgeons.

291. A very short wait time for surgery.

292. Valentine roses from my husband.

293. My husband who shares my desire to create homemade valentines with our kids.

294. 50% off day at the thrift store.

295. Our friend Mary invited us over for Presidents Day and the boys tried out their new zip line.

296. a beautiful amaryllis that is blooming now.

297. my oldest son makes us laugh by falling asleep in unusual places.

This photo shows him asleep underneath a beanbag chair.Pin It

Classroom Valentine Exchange 2013

Valentine's Day is a big deal for school age kids. They look forward to giving and receiving valentines to their classmates as well as making or decorating boxes. This year was pretty over the top for our family.

My boys both love Minecraft. If you don't know what it is, I won't bore you with the details. It is a very popular computer game. We made a "Steve" box which A loves!

I found minecraft valentines on Etsy made by Little Sketchy Cards. I bought only enough for the boys in his class.

For the girls in the class, my husband came up with an idea. LED lights behind red hearts, held in a styrofoam ball with a magnet on the back.

For my youngest son, we made a tank box, covered in camo duct tape.

The top part even moves. His classmates loved it. I had planned to make these bomb valentines for his classmates

but I quickly realized that this would take FOREVER since he has 23 classmates and the amount of candy required would be incredibly expensive. Those are Rolo candies. We made 3 of them for his best friends and then did these "You're a Star!" valentines (with a Starburst candy attached) for the rest of the class.

We were all up late last night finishing up valentines!

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{this moment}

This is actually from the week before but a fun memory.

My hubby took the boys out to get new hoodies.
When they returned, C was excited to show me his new hat.




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