One Thousand Gifts #377 to #384

377. living where crocuses bloom in February.
378. being involved in scouting. I appreciate the focus (in our pack) on male leadership and training young men to be gentlemen.
379. Canadian TV coverage of the Winter Olympics which saved me from Bob Costas and his silly commentary.
380. A mini getaway to Vancouver.
381. A wonderful season finale of Downton Abbey. This one was cheery for a change!
382. Watching Olympic hockey games with my husband. We both love to cheer on Canada.
383. More of my bulbs are poking through the ground which reminds me that spring will come eventually!
384. Robotics season is over.


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Venturing to Vancouver

View of Lion's Gate Bridge from Stanley Park

The boys had a few days off from school. I like to use these opportunities to get away, if possible. Vancouver was our destination this time. We used Priceline, as usual, and stayed downtown at a 3 1/2 star hotel for less than $80 a night. Our hotel had an art theme. These sculptures were in the lobby.

Listel Hotel lobby

We had a little trouble in the morning with finding an activity. Science World is closed on Mondays in the winter. The Capilano Suspension bridge has an outrageous entry fee - over 30 dollars for one adult. We decided to explore Granville Island. The market has so many food choices! I found it hard to make a decision.

We toured False Creek in this little boat called the Aquabus.

The captain was very knowledgeable about current and historic Vancouver so he provided good commentary.

Lifestyle of the rich and famous.

Great Blue Heron - this moves in the wind.

After our boat ride, we went to the kids section of Granville Island. We found a joke and magic store. The store's owner was demonstrating lots of pranks for C and many of them he already owns!

Our next destination was Stanley Park. The weather was great. Sunshine all afternoon. We walked a bit. A had his nose buried in a programming book so he stayed in the car. That's why he doesn't appear in the next photo.

Totem Poles at Brockton Point - BC's most visited tourist attraction.

We stopped for a bite to eat at The Teahouse in Stanley Park. My husband and I had been to it before, probably 12 or more years ago. We were surprised to find it open. The only problem was that it isn't a tea house any more, even though it is still called "The Teahouse." We were hoping for scones and other tea type food. I did have some delicious smoked salmon, though.

The view from the Teahouse can't be beat.

In the evening we walked along Robson Street. We spotted a Bentley and a Ferrari. During our time in Vancouver we watched lots of Canadian Olympic coverage on about 4 different channels. We stopped at Richmond Centre mall on our way home. I bought a Canadian toque from Roots. It looks like this:

minus the famous hockey player, that is.Pin It

Valentine's Day Mantle

I'm excited to show off my Valentine's Day Mantle. It was actually one of the cheapest mantles I've done. I bought a new apothecary jar (50% off at Michael's) and I had to buy some candy but other than that, it was next to free. I shopped my house, crafted, and found a free printable. I love how the red items really pop in front of my blue wall.

Here is a close up of the love printable I found online.

It is 1 Corinthians 13. I found the red, pink, and white candies in the bulk section at Winco. The frame is from my stash of thrift store finds. I painted it white.

For the big X and O, I got the paper mache letters at JoAnns. I put mod podge on them and dumped a LOT of red glitter on them. This isn't for the faint of heart. You will end up covered in glitter and it will end up in crazy places. The valentines are reproductions of vintage Valentines from this book: Vintage Valentines (Press Out Book). The window is from my stash of old stuff found at flea markets. I was looking around for things to fill up space and the John 3:16 print (vintage) was just on my bookshelf. I thought it was perfect. If you click on the photo, you can zoom in.

The garland I made last year. It is made with playing cards and various ribbon.Pin It

Picky about Valentines

I hate run of the mill, buy from the store valentines for kids. I especially hate Fun Dip.  Ugg. My kids *have*to send out something unique and preferably homemade.

I found this idea on Pinterest and I knew that my joke-loving youngest would like it. The nose is a pencil sharpener and it came from Oriental Trading. I used a heart punch to cut out the hearts and I did the messages using my printer. On the back it says Happy Valentines from .........(my son's name).

My oldest son's class was given the option to hand out valentines or not. He decided he doesn't want to this year. I'm sad about that.Pin It

Parade of Nations

I'm a bit slow to get into the Olympics this time around. We have watched snowboarding and some figure skating so far. I recorded the Opening Ceremonies (since we were out that night) and I hope to watch it soon. I did get into the spirit enough to make this banner a few days ago.

I found the flags printable here. There are 100 flags. Yes, I cut them all out. I was watching Netflix while I did it. I glued them onto red baker's twine. Here is a close up of the banner. The names of the country are on the back of each flag. It is educational!

My pastor mentioned in church on Sunday that his favourite part of the Olympics is the Parade of Nations. I agree. There is something inspiring about seeing all those people who are so diverse in language, culture, and religion all coming together for a common goal and purpose. How rare it is to see that. My pastor said that he looks forward to the parade of nations in heaven when God will gather worshipers from among the nations. I too long for that day.

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. 

They were wearing white robes and were holding palm 

branches in their hands.

Revelation 7:9

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Flower and Garden Show 2014

I made my annual pilgrimage to the Garden Show in Seattle. I've been battling a cold so I didn't have as much energy as I would like. The show is huge and could easily be attended in two days.

Our city has been experiencing "Blue Fever with the Seahawks winning the Super Bowl and the parade on Wednesday which was attended by hundreds of thousands of people. My husband was wondering if the garden show would show any signs of this and I found some like this miniature garden with a Seahawks theme.

I also found a Seahawks garden gnome.

I love mini gardens. Here is another one.

I didn't like many of the display gardens this year. I like cottage gardens and whimsical touches and those were rare.

I loved this. Then I started wondering, "should it be you and me?" I'm not sure.

This garden retreat was fun to dream of having.

This display garden was probably my favourite. I love all the white flowers.

There are white hydrangeas at the back.

There is a florist competition in one section. This entry was quite unusual.

That is stacked cardboard, if you are wondering.

I'm a new fan of hellebores. They come in so many colours as evidenced by this display by Swanson's.

My favourite section was the Vintage Market which is like a mini Ruffles and Rust. I get inspiration and  I picked up some milk glass for my collection.

This chalkboard tray was fun. I think I could recreate it.

You might be wondering about plants and flowers. What about those? Oh yeah. :)
I took photographic notes of a few things I'd like in my own garden.

I like the combination of tulips and primroses in this bed.

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One Thousand Gifts #369 to #376

my shirt says Super Bowl Champions

369. Watching my team win the Super Bowl!

370. A neighbour who makes cinnamon rolls for me.

371. A snow day for the kids (back in December).

372. Sunny days after many cloudy days in a row.

373. A compliment (at Christmas time) from a 10 year old girl who told her mom "did you see Mrs. B's living room? It's so pretty!"

374. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movies - so cheery for winter days.

375. Teacher days (days off for my boys) which we can spend with our homeschooling friends.

376. My spring bulbs are poking through the ground.Pin It