when all is said and done

2007-06-02T08:37:00.000-07:00

i know bigfoot doesn't really exist, but....

2007-05-31T07:26:00.000-07:00

bad math

2007-05-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

guys in coffeeshops

2007-05-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

dear leadbelly....stop scratching at sofia's bedroom window at night! (i'm not even gonna say please) grrrr!

2007-05-28T12:58:00.000-07:00

really, why doesn't he?

2007-05-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

don't wanna

2007-05-26T07:21:00.000-07:00

mmmm....vitamins

2007-05-25T08:51:00.000-07:00

why are we having boats for dinner

2007-05-24T08:54:00.000-07:00

saskatchewan is boring, i mean flat

2007-05-23T09:01:00.000-07:00

please let me finish my circle

2007-05-21T09:08:00.000-07:00

if you want mcchange, just build a mcdonald's

2007-05-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

hey, whatever happened to the simple games?!....now i need instructions to read the instructions, plus a week off to finish the stupid game

2007-05-19T09:31:00.000-07:00

where am i

2007-05-17T09:14:00.000-07:00

question number three/happy mother's day!:o)

2007-05-12T10:02:00.000-07:00

Bethany

What are the top three ways Sofia has changed you?

Stacey

Sofia has been such a blessing to me, I can't even begin to tell you how much I love her and how much I thank the Lord for her every day. She has changed me in so many wonderful ways! :o) Here are just a few:

(1.) She has taught me to slow down, enjoy the moment and make the most of each day. I'm learning to see the world through her eyes. She wakes up each morning with a beautiful, beaming smile on her face- full of excitement and wonder at the world around her....When I watch her, I can't help but feel that excitement and wonder all over again. When we get older, we take the beautiful things of this world for granted and tend to focus more on the negative. With Sofia, I'm slowing down and recognizing how GOOD God has been to us. We have SO much to be thankful for!

(2.) Sofia has taught me patience. I thought I was patient before I had her, but I realize now that I still had a long way to go! For example, for the first few months of her life, I used to get frustrated and quite stressed out when it came to putting her down for a nap or to bed at night. It seemed to take so long (especially at nighttime). Now, I don't even care if it takes over an hour to get her to sleep at night! I feel much more relaxed as a mom, and thoroughly enjoy the time we spend together at bedtime. We read books, play, sing, nurse....it relaxes the both of us, and is very comforting. I'm going to miss these moments when she gets older! :o)

(3.) She has made me realize how much I love and value my family. I think I took my family for granted before (not just my immediate family of Hugh and Sofia, but my extended family as well). Having a child of your own makes you realize how important and precious family really is. Having said that, I want to also stress how important it is for us as a family to keep Jesus Christ as the center of our lives. He has shown me such forgiveness, kindness, and love since I became a Christian almost three years ago....I want Sofia to grow up knowing Him and for her Daddy and I to continue our walk with Him. I want us to be a strong family, and I know now, through experience, that we cannot do it without the Lord in our lives.

I love you, Hugh and Sofia!

:o)

P.S. And for all the moms out there today (including my own, of course! :o)....

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

:o)

Love,

Stacey.

question number two

2007-05-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

Bethany

Let's say there's going to be a huge natural disaster (say....the big Vancouver Island earthquake). You need to stock up on canned goods to last you a month. Only problem is....you can only choose 2 types. What two would you choose? What two would you choose for Hugh and Sofia?

Stacey

Hey, now I get to plug one of my new favourite things....Ocean's Pacific Salmon Thai Salad! :o) It comes in a medium-sized, very-easy-to-open can and even includes a little spoon and napkin (although I've never used these....I just grab a fork or a spoon and shovel it into my mouth!). It's nice n' healthy n' gives me an energy boost at lunchtime. Here are the ingredients: thai rice, wild pacific pink salmon, asparagus, red pepper, dressing (vinegar, olive oil, mustard, lime juice, salt, tomato paste, garlic, modified tapioca starch, sugar, paprika), and peppercorn. So yeah, that would be my first pick! :o) My second canned item would be cranberry sauce (whole berry, not jellied). I loooove cranberry sauce (!), plus it would go kinda well with the thai salad and would fill any cravings for sweets.

Hugh said he would like canned salmon and canned spinach, which are good, healthy, yummy choices.

For Sofia, I think I would pick the thai salad again, 'cause I always give her some of the salmon-bits (she loves salmon). I think she would like the other stuff in it as well, once she got a taste of it. By the way, in addition to being delicious, it's also quite filling considering it comes in a little can!....For her second item, I think she would like canned sweet potatoes, since sweet potatoes are (so far) her favourite vegetable. Some sweet potatoes for my sweet potato! :o)

Wow, we're going to be like the Swiss Family Robinson, only with a can opener, less annoying, and we won't be getting our kids drunk at dinner (have you ever read the book?....I'm serious, they drink booze with their kids at dinnertime!).

we are fearfully and wonderfully made :o)

2007-05-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

Recently, Bethany blogged about the beauty of cancer cells. I remembered this yesterday as I was googling random things that popped into my little head....I searched for "cancer cells" under "images" and found these gems. Beth was right- cancer cells *ARE* beautiful! :o)

try not to complain

2007-05-08T09:25:00.000-07:00

I'd be a Tom Cruise fly, not a poo fly

2007-05-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

EXCLUSIVE!

THE INTERVIEW YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO READ BUT DIDN'T KNOW IT UNTIL NOW!

THE INTERVIEWER: Bethany Pearce

THE INTERVIEWEE: Stacey Van Hecke

*part of the "tag-you're-it" interview series*

Bethany (Question #1):

If you could be a fly on the wall in anybody's home, whose would it be and why?

Stacey

I think it would have to be someone creepy and freaky, like Marilyn Manson, Michael Jackson, or Tom Cruise (yes, Tom Cruise!). Are these people really as creepy as I think they are?....I would observe them in all their weirdness, and report my findings back to whomever is interested (including the police, if need be). Hopefully, their freakishness is amusing to me, and not, like disturbing. I don't want to be scarred for life from watching Michael Jackson put on his "face" (if you even want to call it that)!

Oh, and just to clarify: If I literally had to be a fly on the wall, that's exactly the type of fly I would be....just a fly, hangin' out on the wall ("ho hum, buzzbuzz"). I wouldn't be one of those flies that hang out on poo or old food....

*the intriguing answers to the equally-intriguing questions 2, 3, 4, and 5 to come in the next few days....stay tuned!*

looky here

2007-05-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

i don't know why, but i really hate talking on the phone

2007-04-30T08:12:00.000-07:00

www.nataliedee.com

2007-04-29T09:01:00.000-07:00

check out the archives of www.nataliedee.com for more offbeat valentines (these two are my favourite so far).

time to buy poop

2007-04-28T08:49:00.000-07:00

i don't care- i'm eating it

2007-04-27T09:24:00.000-07:00

today let's be 50s

2007-04-26T06:55:00.000-07:00

gotta love that old-timey stuff! :o)

2007-04-25T10:08:00.000-07:00

I found this really cool website the other day: www.kiddierecords.com It's a site "celebrating the golden age of children's records". There's lots of great stuff here from the 40s and 50s....Gene Autry telling The Nativity Story, politically-incorrect children's songs like Ten Little Indians, creepy little forest elves (who don't exist, by the way....:o) singing equally-creepy kiddie tunes.

Where else are you gonna find this great, old-timey stuff?! No where, I tell you! Nowhere! So go to it right now and have a listen (the best/easiest way to listen to the albums is by clicking on the AudioStream file[s]). Have fun, kidlets!

one of the many many reasons i hate starbucks

2007-04-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

an answered prayer: a place to learn and play

2007-04-21T09:58:00.000-07:00

Ever since Sofia was born, I have been praying for a program in our neighbourhood for babies and toddlers. Well, this week, just around the corner at an elementary school, the StrongStart Early Learning Centre began....
StrongStart is an early learning program for children five years old and under (yes, even babies!). Our community recently received a large government grant to fund this project, so all the books, toys, etc. are brand new.

It's a free, drop-in program for parents and their children (this isn't a daycare by any means- you are responsible for your child at all times) that runs every morning, five days a week.

Needless to say, I am one happy Mom! :o) I now have a place to take Sofia to meet other babies her age, a place where she can learn, play, and grow. Plus, I get a chance to meet other Moms in the neighbourhood!

Amen to that! :o)

Have a great weekend, everybody!

smugmug updates

2007-04-19T19:25:00.000-07:00

Sofia has been such a cutie lately (even more so than usual) that I've been taking a ton of photos (as you know, I love taking pictures!).
So check out the latest on my SmugMug!

Go to www.staceface.smugmug.com

Goodnight! (time to get the little munchkin ready for beddy-bye)

:o)

it is time to give myself a manicure and get rid of my gross nails before i poke someone's eye out

2007-04-19T07:10:00.000-07:00

would you like a refreshing drink to go with your refreshing drink?

2007-04-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

hugh's mom says that one day she would like to see me "with lots of make-up on"

2007-04-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

don't forget to wash yer butt

2007-04-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

i love ze french fry

2007-04-15T07:29:00.000-07:00

spring-a-ding-ding

2007-04-14T08:28:00.000-07:00

it's a beautiful day today, so sofia and i are going to go for a nice "walk walk"!

:o)

ants in da pants

2007-04-13T07:13:00.000-07:00

sofia on smugmug

2007-04-12T09:47:00.000-07:00

Hey kids, have you checked out my SmugMug lately?....

I've been adding lots of new photos in the last few weeks....

So come visit us at: www.staceface.smugmug.com

:o)

P.S. I have been so thankful to the Lord these last few days....We finally put Sofia's crib in her little bedroom on Saturday, and, ever since then, her sleep habits have been improving. AND (!) she no longer wakes up at 5:30 or 6:00 every morning....I actually have to go in there to wake her up! :o) So this means I can have my morning coffee in peace and quiet and just have peace in general before I start my day.

Amen to that! :o)

sew what

2007-04-11T07:53:00.000-07:00

pretty fabric, non?

man, sometimes i wish i could sew!

thanks, but, uh....no thanks

2007-04-10T07:24:00.000-07:00

happy mundane monday

2007-04-09T07:11:00.000-07:00

uniquely weird am i

2007-04-08T07:28:00.000-07:00

where's the bread

2007-04-07T07:20:00.000-07:00

happy birthday to me! :o)

2007-04-06T07:11:00.000-07:00

happy birthday to me!

now i am 32.

yay.

:o)

happy anniversary! :o)

2007-04-05T07:11:00.000-07:00

happy anniversary, hugh!

i love you!

:o)

no more chain mail attachments, please

2007-04-04T07:03:00.000-07:00

eat the biscuit, clarence!

2007-04-03T08:35:00.000-07:00

what the world needs now....is bracelets, sweet bracelets.

2007-04-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

I made some more knitting needle bracelets yesterday- check them out! :o) If I know you and like you and you would like one, please let me know, k? :o) So far, the only bracelet request has come from my dear husband Hugh, who wants to wear one on his ankle.

* For a quick how-to on how to make these, please see Thursday's blog post.

i can't help it....i love the gap!

2007-03-31T15:38:00.000-07:00

does anybody even look at my blog?

2007-03-30T19:07:00.000-07:00

knitting needle bracelets

2007-03-29T09:19:00.000-07:00

I love doing crafts that are quick and easy, so when I saw that someone had made bracelets out of vintage plastic knitting needles on www.etsy.com, I thought, "Cool....I need to try this!"

I bought some old knitting needles at Value Village the other day and gave it a go. First, I put the needles in a large pot of boiling water. They sort of went in like spaghetti, a little at a time, until they were all submerged. Then, I boiled them for about seven minutes or so, taking them out one at a time with a pair of tweezers. At this point, they were fairly malleable, which is what I wanted to make the bracelets! They cooled down in no time, so I bent and twisted them into the shape/design I needed. The first one didn't quite work out, and the thick(er) needles didn't work at all (they broke as soon as I tried to bend them). Also, the colours changed/faded while they were being boiled (except for the green)- one of the red ones ended up being light purple, and the other one ended up a bubblegum hue. All in all, though, I was quite pleased with the results, and am going to make more this weekend (I bought some more needles at Value Village). I'm probably going to keep one or two for myself, and give the rest to family/friends. If you would like one, please let me know! :o)

the princess and the armpit hair

2007-03-28T08:23:00.000-07:00

remember the joke that was elementary school?

2007-03-27T08:12:00.000-07:00

there's nothing like a warm, worm scarf

2007-03-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

first things first

2007-03-25T07:03:00.000-07:00

ya....i'm going out today!

i am the outside

2007-03-24T10:06:00.000-07:00

too much rain + no umbrella/rain gear + baby to take care of + tired = IT IS SETTLED- I AM NOT GOING OUTSIDE TODAY! :o)

thank you, mom! :o)

2007-03-23T21:09:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom,

Thank you so much for being there for me today....I really appreciate it! :o) Sofia and I had a great time hangin' out with you!

With lots of love from,

"Staceface" and "The Sofia"

:o)

ping!....that is the sound of me hitting the easy target that is george bush

2007-03-22T08:08:00.000-07:00

life as a head

2007-03-21T08:11:00.000-07:00

i love being a woman! :o)

2007-03-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

sometimes i feel like toast

2007-03-19T12:48:00.000-07:00

playdoh cigarettes

2007-03-18T10:12:00.000-07:00

Grrrr....Today is Sunday. I feel so blah because I barely slept last night (thanks a lot, Sofia!). So today I think I will feel sorry for myself (haven't done that in awhile....sometimes it feels good to feel like crap, non?). Enjoy the little comic strip....it gave me a half-chuckle this morning, 'cause it reminded me of high school, when my friends (well, all two of them) and I used to go around with those candy Popeye cigarettes dangling out of our mouths, 'cause we thought it looked cool. It probably didn't, but oh well....

my bento box haiku

2007-03-14T11:49:00.000-07:00

salad....dumplings- yum! :o)

sushi....chicken- double yum! :o)

i love you, bento! :o)

* We finally found a great little Japanese restaurant in Nanaimo. It's called Bistro Taiyo, and is in the Old City Quarter, which is, by the way, the ONLY nice part about this city!

to everything a season

2007-03-11T10:38:00.000-07:00

Bethany with Sofia and Ruth.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace....

....I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him."- Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 & 14.

* It seems silly for me to write/blog about the trivial things in my life right now, when all my thoughts and concerns lately have been about Bethany....if anyone is reading this, I ask that you please pray for her daily, please pray for God to heal her. And, Bethany, if you're reading this....

* WE LOVE YOU! :o) *

Love,

Stacey, Daddy, and little Sofia.

answered prayer :o)

2007-03-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

So....I have a little story that I would like to share with you, as it's too good to keep to myself! :o)

Yesterday was a difficult day for me, for many reasons (including a death in the family). When I woke up, I discovered that I had severe mastitis in one of my breasts. I've only had this once before, when Sofia was first born. It's very painful and uncomfortable (it basically feels like you have a big rock sticking in your chest). As the day wore on, it got worse, and I was starting to feel a bit sick and feverish. I put a hot compress on it a few times, massaged it, took a couple of Aspirin, but nothing seemed to help.

When I got up during the night with Sofia, I could see that it was getting worse. I really did not want to have to see a doctor today, so I was a bit worried. Plus, I didn't want to get sick, for obvious reasons- I have a baby to take care of! Hugh prayed for me last night before bedtime, but I hadn't prayed by myself, yet. So, in the middle of the night, I prayed. I asked the Lord to heal me completely by morning, and guess what happened?....The next time I got up to nurse Sofia, less than two hours later, the mastitis was COMPLETELY GONE! :o) Amen! When Hugh found out this morning, he could hardly believe it. I am *so* thankful today!

The Lord has answered many of my prayers before, but nothing like this has ever happened, where He's actually healed me like that (*snap!*). I've noticed that my prayers usually get answered when I come to Him with absolute faith that He can help me. There are some things I pray about (like the salvation of certain people I know, etc.) where I have these nagging doubts while I pray, almost like I think God can't do anything about it. With God, though, all things are possible!

What are you thankful for today? Has God answered one (or more) of your prayers recently? Sometimes, as Christians, we focus more on the negative in our lives, when really, we are blessed beyond belief. I'd like to hear your comments about what the Lord has done for you (you can even leave an anonymous comment, if you'd like!)....Have a great weekend, everyone! :o)

Love, Stacey.

P.S. I hope it doesn't make anyone uncomfortable that I just blogged about my boob. I promise, this will be the only time I do a "boob blog"! :o)

where bottles go when they die

2007-02-27T10:29:00.000-08:00

Hey, has anyone checked out www.marriedtothesea.com yet? Drew and Natalie Dee do a daily, one-panel comic strip on this site, setting their own captions to vintage, clip-art-type illustrations. Funny stuff.

enjoy the chips

2007-02-25T08:20:00.000-08:00

the UP series

2007-02-23T09:32:00.000-08:00

Wee me, dressed up as Aunt Jemima for Halloween.

For Christmas this year, it was Hugh who got me my favourite gift, something I had been wanting for a long time- Michael Apted's UP documentary series. It began in 1964, when Apted approached a group of seven year old children from diverse backgrounds in England to ask them some basic questions about life. "What do you want to be when you grow up?"...."What do you like about school?", etc., etc. What started out as a cute little documentary about the inner lives of children grew into a lifelong assignment (and passion) for Apted, for every seven years since then, he has revisited the group. The most recent film, done last year, found them at the age of 49.

I would highly recommend the UP series to anyone....it's a fascinating look at the extra ordinariness that can be found in the ordinary life. By the time we finished watching the seven films, we felt as if these people were family. You see them go through the pains of parenthood, the challenges that come with marriage, the difficulty of watching your own parents get older, and, in some cases, die. The most interesting story is that of Neil, who grew up in the upper middle-class home of two schoolteachers. At the age of seven, he is the cutest, most bubbly kid on the program, but, by the age of fourteen, you can see that he is troubled. He ends up battling mental illness, which leaves him, on most occasions, homeless. His journey in life is inspiring to see, for eventually, he becomes a Christian and his life does an-almost complete turnaround. I don't want to give too much away here, but I will say that some of his comments on life and human behavior are so insightful....it'll give you lots to think about and discuss with whomever you're watching the film with.

The UP series made me realize the importance of providing a child with a stable, nurturing environment to grow up in. It's Hugh and I's desire to give this, and so much more, to Sofia in the years to come. The most important thing for us is that she comes to know Jesus Christ as we have come to know Him. It is the foundation on which we stand as a couple, and, now, as a family. I don't know what I would do without Him in my life, for He has given me life, a new life, which I thank Him for every day. I want Sofia to know the love and grace that only He can give.

Love,

Stacey.

P.S. Happy (7-month) Birthday, Sofia! :o)

what a shame

2007-02-22T10:11:00.000-08:00

bad angel!

2007-02-20T08:45:00.000-08:00

husbands

2007-02-18T20:08:00.000-08:00

GRRRR!!!!

2007-02-17T09:11:00.000-08:00

I have to admit, these last few weeks have not been easy. I've been in a good mood and all and am very thankful for the things going on in my life, but I have been totally sleep deprived....Grrrr!!!! Sofia gets up during the night, every hour on the hour. Once in a blue moon, I get a night where she'll sleep a three-hour stretch, but most of the time it's just awful. I've tried everything, I even read that book, The No-Cry Sleep Solution, and tried some of the suggestions there. I'm still open to suggestions, though, if there are any mothers out there reading this! I'll try anything!

I have these fantasies of going off to a quiet, secluded cabin in the woods....to sleep for days and days until I am caught up with all the sleep I have missed for the last six months. I also have these fantasies of sitting down to a delicious, all-you-can-eat, East-Indian meal, UNINTERRUPTED and with the use of BOTH OF MY HANDS, thank you very much! Yes....that would be sweet.

I feel like I'm running on empty most days. I'm happy (see?....:o), just....exhausted. It's times like these that I really feel the Lord in my life. I mean, how am I even functioning right now?! The Lord is carrying me through all this, giving me strength, day by day. I give Him the glory, 'cause, technically, folks, I should not have any strength right now! I'm just chuggin' along....chugchug.

On a more positive note....despite the sleepless nights, etc., I absolutely *love* being a mother! :o) It is such a blessing to be given a child to raise....God has given us the gift of Sofia, and trusts us (of all people- haha) to take care of her- I couldn't think of a more meaningful lifetime job to take on! I keep thinking to the years ahead, of all the memories to be made....I never knew I could love someone so much....Now I know what people were talking about when they talked about their children....it's a love that goes so deep that it hurts. I would do anything for that little girl, I would even give my life for her. I guess to anyone reading this who doesn't have children, this will sound weird. But to the mothers out there....I'm sure you understand. It's a love that just can't be defined. It's unconditional and just utterly beautiful, even with all it's flaws and sleepless nights. I imagine this is how the Lord Jesus Christ loves us....Sometimes I don't know how He could love us, because of the way we are sometimes, but I do know that He does love us....there is such a comfort in that, and in knowing that I can trust Him in all things, including raising Sofia!

By the way, Sofia can stand now- and she's not even seven months old, yet! She pulls herself up to stand every morning in her crib....I think she's going to be an early walker! Look out, world, here she comes!

Love, Stacey.

P.S. Hey, who reads my blog?....It would be nice to know who reads my blog, so feel free to e-mail me at: staceyvanhecke@yahoo.ca I don't get out much anymore, so if you e-mail me, that will probably be my human contact for the day....haha (sad, but true).

Have a great weekend, everybody! :o)

xoxox the day of loooove xoxox

2007-02-13T10:30:00.000-08:00

xoxox HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, HUGH! xoxox

xoxox WE LOVE YOU SOOOO MUCH! xoxox

xoxox LOVE, STACEY AND SOFIA xoxox

BIG news! (this will make me feel important for about....oh....five seconds)

2007-02-07T09:12:00.000-08:00

Last November, one of my photographs (shown here) took part in a photography exhibit in Tehran, Iran (of all places!). For those interested in viewing the photos from the gallery opening, as well as the other photographers who participated, please click on the following link: www.MasoudSoheili.com/News/TehranCPC2006/00-TehranCPC2006.html

I received word a few weeks ago that they have decided to make this a travelling exhibit, the next one being in Isfahan, Iran. It will be at the Contemporary Art Museum in Isfahan from February 3-23. As part of my "payment", I got a nice package in the mail two days ago- a huge book of photographs by Jassem Ghazbanpour, a little book from the art gallery, plus an invitation card and booklet.

It's exciting to think that my photography is getting known a little bit. Kind of weird, though, that it's in Iran....a little far for me to travel at the moment, with a child and all. Although I think it would be an interesting place to visit, I don't know if I would really want to go there, the reasons being pretty obvious. The whole experience, though, has put me in touch with some interesting people. There is a whole arts culture in Iran that is thriving, a lot of young people, especially women, who are finding their "voice" through their art. We get kind of a warped view on Iran, sometimes...."the CNN version". What it all boils down to, though, is that people are the same all over, with the same concerns, hopes, dreams, etc. People just trying to make sense of it all. I'm so thankful to have the Lord in my life and to live in a country that gives me so much freedom, especially the freedom to worship.

recipe for homemade baby wipes....yum! :o)

2007-02-04T13:58:00.000-08:00

Hey, do you like changing poopy diapers as much as I do? Well, then, today is your lucky day, 'cause I've got a recipe just for you! Thanks, Beth, for finding this recipe on the net and making me and Sofia some for Christmas! :o)

HOMEMADE BABY WIPES

2 cups of boiled and cooled water

2 tablespoons of baby wash/shampoo

1 tablespoon of baby oil

1 roll of Bounty paper towels

1 airtight plastic container

(1) Cut roll of paper towels in half with a bread knife and remove the cardboard.

(2) Put in container.

(3) Mix water, baby wash, and baby oil together in a bowl.

(4) Pour mixture into the container and seal.

(5) Soak paper towels with mixture by flipping the container several times.

Voila! You've got yourself your very own, homemade baby wipes! :o) This will save you a few dollars in the long run, plus you can use the wipes for other things besides baby butts....for instance, I use a warm one on Sofia's head/hair every morning, as a way of washing her hair.

married to the sea

2007-02-02T19:19:00.000-08:00

amen!....part two

2007-01-30T09:43:00.000-08:00

On that same day (Sunday), Bethany, Joe, Ruth, and Rose Ann were supposed to fly to Banff for a week-long vacation. Well....plans changed. Fog prevented their flight from taking off, so their trip was delayed. We spent the day with them and it turned out to be a better day than I ever would have expected. Sometimes our plans seem to go awry....but the Lord has greater plans in store for us! :o) I was reminded, once again, of the grace and mercy He has shown me and my family in the last few years. It was a wonderful day, for many reasons. One of them, shown here, was that Sofia went for her first ride in a swing! :o) I love watching her do things for the first time, the wonder she must feel. It's a shame we lose (most of) that ability as we get older. She looked at the ground the whole time, a smile playing on her face.
In the evening, Bethany, Rose Ann, and Joe looked after Sofia while Hugh and I went out for a delicious seafood dinner- the first time we had been out alone in over six months! While I enjoyed my time out immensely, it felt so weird to be away from my little girl. She's such a part of me now that I don't know what I would do without her! Anyway, we ended up talking about her practically the whole time. I even took out my digital camera to look through the photos taken that day. It was pretty funny and I'm sure all the parents out there reading this will identify. Becoming a Mom sure changes your life! Speaking of which, I'm expecting Sofia to wake up at any moment, so I better motor....

P.S. To B., J., R., & R.: I hope you guys are having a great time! :o)

amen!

2007-01-30T09:24:00.000-08:00

Early Sunday morning, Hugh, Sofia, and I drove to Courtenay to witness Bethany getting baptized. It was such a blessing to be there and to hear her testimony and the testimonies of others being baptized that day. Sometimes, as a Christian, we can get a little....I guess disillusioned is the word I'm looking for. We see what's happening around us in the world and wonder what the heck we're even doing here. It was encouraging to see that God IS still working in people's lives. He's transforming lives! :o) If I haven't seen that happen in awhile, I tend to forget. Sunday morning brought it all back to me, and I was very humbled by it. Thank you, Bethany, for inviting us to be a part of that. I was proud to see you up there and, simply, to know you. :o)

i am not having fun today

2007-01-27T12:43:00.000-08:00

www.marriedtothesea.com

smugmug

2007-01-27T12:37:00.000-08:00

I updated my SmugMug yesterday! :o) You can view the new photos in the More Winter....2007 gallery at: http://www.staceface.smugmug.com/

married to the sea

2007-01-26T09:55:00.000-08:00

Check it out: www.marriedtothesea.com

A lot of it is pretty crude (okay, I'll admit....most of it is pretty crude!), but I can't help but laugh at some of it. This site gave me the idea to add my own captions to vintage, public-domain art, but I think Drew and Natalie Dee are much better at it. Let me know what you think!

"never eat more than you can lift"- miss piggy

2007-01-26T09:41:00.000-08:00

HUGH

(shockingly)

You mean you've already eaten four pieces?!

(defensively)

How else was I supposed to get the leftovers to look like a T-shirt?

Lesson learned: It's hard to (secretly) pig out on something when you're married. :o)

yummy yummy yummy i've got love in my tummy

2007-01-24T12:58:00.000-08:00

Hey kids....if ya love the sweets like I do, you'll *love* this easy, yummy recipe (thanks, Mom!). It'll kick start your day and put a smile on even the most sleep-deprived Mommy's face. "A Mars Bar a day- at work, rest, and play!"

MARS BAR SQUARES

3 Mars Bars (triple YUM!)

1/3 cup o' butter (for that greasy finish)

2 cups o' Rice Krispies (for that special crunchiness)

1 cup o' chocolate chips (for even MORE chocolaty goodness!)

Melt Mars Bars and butter in the microwave for 1 1/2 minutes. Mix in the Rice Krispies. Press into a 9 x 9 pan. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave for 1 minute. Spread on top. Chill. Serve. Keep eating until you're done. Make more. This time, share.

Enjoy! :o)

mommy's milk

2007-01-23T12:40:00.000-08:00

So I guess the BIG news this week is that Sofia has been (and therefore, I have been) sleeping better these last few nights. It's amazing what getting enough shuteye can do for your mood and overall well-being. The last couple of weeks have been such a drag....I was so sleep-deprived that I was feeling irritable with everything and everyone around me. If I could have bitten the heads off people, I would have, believe me. If it weren't for being a Christian, and getting comfort and guidance from God and his Word, I don't know what I would do sometimes. I always remember that He doesn't give us anything we can't handle....it helps to know this in times when I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. Anyhoo....

Part of the sleep dilemma was that we had started Sofia on pablum/rice cereal. We figured she was ready, being six months old and all, and showing a huge interest every time we ate in front of her. She had some every day for a little over a week, and, although she was thoroughly enjoying it, she simply did not sleep well as a result. Every night she'd be up, every hour on the hour. The worst night of all was when she was waking up anywhere from every five minutes to every hour. I was not happy....I never get mad, though....how could I possibly get mad at her? She's the most beautiful baby I've ever seen and I love her soooo much! (gush gush). Anyway, now that she's off the pablum and getting everything she needs solely from Mommy's milk, she's doing much better and is so content during the day and night. I read recently that babies can actually do well on breast milk alone right up until the age of one. I think what we'll do is wait until she is seven months old, try the pablum again for a week, see how she does, and go from there. Who knows, she might just have breast milk until her first birthday!

to blog or not to blog? (that is the question)

2007-01-22T13:25:00.000-08:00

And the answer is:...."Um, sure- why not?" After viewing Bethany's blog and reading one belonging to someone I used to work with, I can see why so many people are attracted to this (somewhat new) form of self-expression. It's an interesting way to keep in touch with people, get your point across, or just ramble on and on about sweet nothings (which we all like to do once in awhile, non?). So I'll give it a whirl and see how it goes.

when all is said and done

i know bigfoot doesn't really exist, but....

bad math

guys in coffeeshops

dear leadbelly....stop scratching at sofia's bedroom window at night! (i'm not even gonna say please) grrrr!

really, why doesn't he?

don't wanna

mmmm....vitamins

why are we having boats for dinner

saskatchewan is boring, i mean flat

please let me finish my circle

if you want mcchange, just build a mcdonald's

hey, whatever happened to the *simple* games?!....now i need instructions to read the instructions, plus a week off to finish the stupid game

where am i

question number three/*happy mother's day!:o)*

question number two

we are fearfully and wonderfully made :o)

try not to complain

I'd be a Tom Cruise fly, not a poo fly

looky here

i don't know why, but i really hate talking on the phone

www.nataliedee.com

time to buy poop

i don't care- i'm eating it

today let's be 50s

gotta love that old-timey stuff! :o)

one of the many many reasons i hate starbucks

an answered prayer: a place to learn and play

smugmug updates

it is time to give myself a manicure and get rid of my gross nails before i poke someone's eye out

would you like a refreshing drink to go with your refreshing drink?

hugh's mom says that one day she would like to see me "with lots of make-up on"

don't forget to wash yer butt

i love ze french fry

spring-a-ding-ding

ants in da pants

sofia on smugmug

sew what

thanks, but, uh....no thanks

happy mundane monday

uniquely weird am i

where's the bread

happy birthday to me! :o)

happy anniversary! :o)

no more chain mail attachments, please

eat the biscuit, clarence!

what the world needs now....is bracelets, sweet bracelets.

i can't help it....i love the gap!

does anybody even *look* at my blog?

knitting needle bracelets

the princess and the armpit hair

remember the joke that was elementary school?

there's nothing like a warm, worm scarf

first things first

i am the outside

thank you, mom! :o)

ping!....that is the sound of me hitting the easy target that is george bush

life as a head

i love being a woman! :o)

sometimes i feel like toast

playdoh cigarettes

my bento box haiku

to everything a season

answered prayer :o)

where bottles go when they die

enjoy the chips

the UP series

what a shame

bad angel!

husbands

GRRRR!!!!

xoxox the day of loooove xoxox

BIG news! (this will make me feel *important* for about....oh....five seconds)

recipe for homemade baby wipes....yum! :o)

married to the sea

amen!....part two

amen!

i am not having fun today

smugmug

married to the sea

hey, whatever happened to the simple games?!....now i need instructions to read the instructions, plus a week off to finish the stupid game

question number three/happy mother's day!:o)

does anybody even look at my blog?

BIG news! (this will make me feel important for about....oh....five seconds)