Our Blog's First Recipe! Tiny Strawberry Cream Scones

I can't believe it's taken nearly 3 whole months for any of us (especially me) to post a recipe! Well the day has come! And I figured I would start with something super simple, but delightful. And from my favourite baker and food blogger - Joy the Baker. I could spend have spent hours reading Joy's blog. She writes the way my inner monologue sounds in my head. Basically, I feel like she's our kind of people. So if you haven't already, I seriously recommend you spend some time with her.

Here's a link to the recipe - Tiny Strawberry Cream Scones. I can see these becoming a staple at our house. I made them to bring to our friend's housewarming brunch this morning. And they were the first thing to disappear - so fast that I didn't even get one! But don't feel too bad for me I did some sampling before I bought them over. And I have enough strawberries to make another batch.

And what made this recipe even better... Joy herself left a comment on my Instagram! And I quote - "Perfection!!"
I was so filled with joy - pardon the pun, I couldn't resist! - I turned to Corey and squealed! And I don't squeal.


Anyways, gotta run, just pulling a dinner out of the oven (roast chicken & veggies). And since it's such a gorgeous evening, we're going to take it down to the beach and eat there!

Outback Australia - Easter weekend away.

 This is the farm we stayed at, Kurrumbul Homestead. It was kinda like teen camp style sleeping, with only 3 other families. but able to sleep up to 100 on bunk beds. Aaron and I both shot a gun for the first time. What a thrill!! I have never been so attracted to my hubby:) and thats a  good thing after 5 years of marriage! It was my first time in the Outback! I saw kangaroos for the first time in the wild! And one of the most deadliest snakes Australia has was right up near our cabins! One of the other guys shot it.... and then chopped its head off. I stayed inside a lot after that. 

Belated Birthday.... Horrible Friend

 I just read what Ella wrote on the comment  'I am blessed to have friends like you.'  How bad do I feel when I forget your Birthday! only to remember at like 11:30 at night because I saw Helle's post on Facebook. Well no surprise really?! I am also the friend who left smoothie cups to grow and fester under your bed.... yup thats right Surprise! Just a little gift for you to find later :) 

Anyways keeping in style

Heres to Ella! The most amazing friend we all could  ask for! Love you so much even if I have baby brain (how long can I  get away with that?!?)and forget your birthday! 

xoxoxo

Happy Birthday Ella!

Ella, you are a girl of many talents, always so kind & supportive, and my oldest friend.

Wishing you so much joy in your 25th year!

Xo, A

Happy Birthday Ella!!!

Happy Birthday Darling! Wish we were all together to celebrate! Miss you tons, enjoy this little laugh! xoxox

We Rented a House! Minnesota here we come!

So as you may have figured we are moving to Rochester, Minnesota. We are leaving Port Alberni on the 9th of June to head into our latest 3 year adventure. This is the house that we will be renting, a three minute walk to the hospital!. It's so cute, I'll attach the link to its listing for those who are into all the specs! So excited, just dealing with all the moving companies to get our things there and we are set! Life is good, arranging all we day nights and weekends until we move. Throwing a trip to Europe in there seems reasonable too right?! haha, I am flying to Ireland on May 19th and from there Martin and I will be going to PARIS!! for a few nights! Then back to Ireland for graduation, then home again. CRAZINESS. Oh and did I mention we are going to hit up the 'French Open' tennis while in Paris! GO Roger GO! So there's a little piece of my current life, I'm working at the dentist office two days a week and 4 days a week at the Nursery! Flowers and teeth, who knew!? But I'm loving all the fresh air. Missing you all! Talk sooN! xoxox 

Happy Easter

I just wanted to say Happy Easter to you all!

Lysh you have a good time in Princeton with Coreys Family!
Ella, have a great time assembling your brick patio!
Kristine, I'm sure you are cooking the big Turkey for the whole family… Wish I was there to eat your cooking!
And Micah, this weekend is even more special for you and Aaron as it is you 5th Anniversary… ALREADY!

Love you all so much!

Current Project - "Auntie" Square Blanket

It's been just over a year since I taught myself how to crochet. It was my 2013 resolution. I've made a few small projects here and there, but really jumped in with both feet and committed to making 3 blankets, birthday presents for each of my nieces. I made their blankets in a striped pattern, all using white and bright pink, but each having two other colours - Talia's is light purple & yellow, Kiana's is cherry red & green, and Isabella's is turquoise and dark purple. When I was home this past week I gave Isabella hers. She had been anticipating it the most, and was SO excited when she opened it. The next day we cuddled in the back seat with it on the early morning drive to her and Kiana's dance competition in Victoria - precious! I will hopefully be able to get Corey to take a photo of the girls together with their blankets during our next visit. 

After finishing the last blanket I'm done with stripes for a while! So, I was in search of an idea to use up all the leftover wool, and kept coming across granny square patterns. I decided on a simple granny square using each colour as the centre, and grey (of course) on the outside. I have a ton - probably too many - of the little centre squares done, (don't they look like crocheted confetti?!) And I've got about 50 finished squares ready to be sewn together. Not sure yet if I'm going to make a pattern with the colours, or just random, like in the photo. I'm really enjoying making the squares, they come together quickly and there's a little sense of accomplishment every time I finish one. Weaving the ends of the yarn isn't even driving me crazy yet, and I'm learning to embrace the imperfections!

What is everyone else working on?

Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi! Oi! Oi!

After nearly 7 years of being in Australia, I have taken the plunge and become an Australian citizen! It was such an emotional day! Tears and huge smiles!! It's weird to say I am Australian! I love it!  

In other news - on Friday Aaron and I will have been married 5 years! I do to know what's weirder!  Hehe 

So let's see what everyone is knitting/crocheting  and baking! 

I have taken the year off my 'famous' Hot Cross Buns:( I have been a bit stressed out lately, well more anxious. Plus with two kids it's just a lot of work to get dinner on the table at 6 ;) but since being here I have made banana bread 4 times!  

http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/05/02/recipe-whole-wheat-banana-bread/

This is my favourite recipient! It's moist and dence and light and fluffy all at the same time! And the coconut oil gives it a new depth of flavour. 

Share with me you Banana Breads! I have a Butter and sugar one too ;) but I think I actually prefer this! Xoxoxox

Meet Tolmie - 8 weeks old.

So we did it. We finally took the leap and added a new member to our family. 

Meet Tolmie - 

named after Mt. Tolmie in Victoria, BC, where Jon proposed. Mt. Tolmie was also one of my favourite running spots in Victoria. 

She's an 8 week old black lab. 

She's cautious, curious, playful, cuddly, and she loves being outside. 

We brought her home yesterday afternoon and spent the day exploring the yard and the house. She treated us to a full night of sleep on our very first night. Although, we woke many times to check on her, she woke up early this morning with a dry, clean kennel - yay! 

It's amazing what we've already learned about her.

Things she loves so far: her kennel, snuggles, shoes -especially when they're running through the grass for her to chase, and chewing on her puppy kong.

Things she doesn't like: her harness or leash, the sound of the faucet, and being told she can't chew on our socks.

 We are in love.

My life just took a huge turn!

Hello ladies,

                So as you all know, I know have a new job, I am the Assistant Director of Care! it's a huge job, I know. I didn't know how I would do. I have been in this position for the past week and a half and am loving it! I get to have patient and staff contact but I get to do all the investigating and follow up's that I loved to do in school… but i'm getting paid now! It has been a great experience so far.

      Yesterday was a challenge as my boss got let go, so now I am learning this job on my own. I am trying my hardest, I just hope it's enough until this position is filled. It was just a shock to learn of this news and now i'm woking with another lady until a new boss is hired! It was challenging yesterday… I would actually say it was uncomfortable! Today however, I came to work and I did SO WELL! I felt so good when I left today.

   If you girls would just pray and think of me as I advance and learn this job. The staff have been so supportive, One even pulled me aside and complimented me on my presence at work. It's just nice to hear feed back from the peers I work with :)

Life has been really good, Quinn and I did a HUGE spring clean on the weekend. How does the house get so disorganized and messy when we just moved all our stuff in together 4 months ago!!? beats me! We also pulled out the BBQ last night… the First BBQ burgers of the year are always the BEST!

Now i'm just rambling about nothing, I hope you all have a wonderful hump day!!!