Celebrate the True Meaning

This year, I have thought a lot about Christmas and what it means to me. Amidst all of the distraction it sadly appears that somewhere along the way, the real meaning can become very vague and lost among the constant pressure, materialization and stressors that seem to always find their way into everyones path this time of year. This year, I have realized a lot about the fragility of time, of life, of everything. Truly, Christmas is a very special time. However, Christmas should not be the only time of year reserved for reaching out to others, making others feel appreciated, loved and celebrated. This should be part of everyday, because it is never known when that day will be our last. A girl whom I grew up with since kindergarten tragically passed away on Monday, December 14th, 2009. She leaves behind a husband, two very young children, as well as her parents, siblings, and many other family members. It is so extremely hard to put this sudden loss into any type of understanding, really. Tonight was her prayer service and probably one of the most difficult ones I have ever attended, for many many reasons. It just really got me thinking. So this year, Christmas is definitely a time for me to celebrate all of the love and connection that surrounds my world. Sure, it is about presents too...but not the kind you buy and wrap. Now, it is going to be about being "present", being there for others, making everyone know how much they mean to me and my life and how grateful I am to be a part of theirs. How I look forward to celebrating a new year consciously aware of these connections. Above all, take the time to tell those how much they mean to you. I can almost guarantee that is going to be one of THE greatest and most memorable gifts they will ever remember recieving. The time to BE and CELEBRATE is NOW. Not on a certain day, set aside that we will aspire to. It is NOW and HERE. Wishing everyone a very happy and memorable holiday season. xo

Celebrate Life Now

Nothing has captured my heart more than this video I found a few weeks ago. It is truly something everyone needs to watch. I hope anyone who can spare the extra 3 minutes will appreciate and hear the message of this video. It is truly the time NOW, to celebrate and be grateful for this life. Not tomorrow, not in a year, not in a few months or a few weeks...but NOW. So enjoy and savor every moment and minute of life, be it good or bad. Because it is still LIFE, and it is here. And you are ALIVE. Celebrate it, don't be afraid. Be true to you. (Just a note, before clicking on the video be sure to stop the music on the sidebar. Thanks and I hope you enjoy!)

It's That Time Again...

With Christmas only weeks away, the days have been busy with preparation. Amidst the freezing cold temperatures, Matt and I braved a trip to Edmonton this weekend to complete our Christmas lists and get our shopping done. It was a jam-packed day however we had such a great time and were busy from morning to night.:) Even though I am not a true fan of shopping any time of the year, I actually really enjoyed hunting around for gifts for those on our lists. It really was fun, and I hope that they all love what we have found for them all this year. I will admit, some of my finds I really wanted for myself...but I stayed in control and reminded myself, that it is truly better to give than to recieve...right??? ;) As overwhelming of a time the holiday season can be, it is always so important to stay grounded and focused on what truly matters this time of year. Maybe that is why at times I can feel so conflicted about the whole shopping and "materialism" of this time of year. I found a very beautiful verse that to me truly represents the spirit of the season and an awesome reminder of why this time of year is truly magical in every sense. What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, and hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overlow with blessings rich and external, and that every path may lead to peace. Agness M. Pharo And now...just some cute photos I had a chance to capture this VERY cold weekend. Usually our dog is always wanting to spend her time outside, however she was a spoiled one this weekend as temperatures dipped well below -45 degrees celcius. She had a sleepover inside our house this weekend and I do not think she minded one bit. ;) And there is truly nothing better than spending a little quality time with her and her unconditional love. It is recognizing the little moments that make life happy, filling your soul with nothing but comfort and enjoying the ordinary everyday. It truly is the greatest.

My Heart is Full

Right now, my heart is full. Full of excitement, gratitude, worry, a little fear, anxiousness...the list goes on. Luckily this weekend I had a bit of time to reconnect back to a place where I can just relax, enjoy, and be in the moment. Ahhh...scrapbooking. Can anyone else relate? I actually have not had a chance for some time now to just play around, as stuff was packed away, and then unpacked...and then time...to find that was another issue! However, I could definitly tell that I needed some time to just get back to doing what I love. It is amazing how awesome it can make you feel when you just take a little moment to do what you love. It really felt great. So here is what I came up with. A layout documenting a time, where Matt and I had officially jumped with both feet in, turned our next page and began the next phase of our journey. I remember this moment exactly. How I was feeling, how we were feeling together...the way our old house had started to look as bits and pieces had begun their way back into boxes. What made our home, home was now slowly being packed away. Even though it seems like ages ago, it really has only been over a month. Sometimes I look at where I was in September and where I am now in December, and it literally boggles my mind. So many things have changed. It is so overwhelming. But of course, all in a good way. I am trusting in that. I have also been thinking alot about gratitude. How important it is to be grateful and recognize all of the amazing things one is blessed with. I have always wanted a place to jot down thoughts, clippings, photos etc. and the other day I decided to make myself a little Gratitude scrapbook/journal. And thanks to House of 3, and their awesome Gratitude printables, this is what I was able to come up with. I have already started placing some of my favorite quotes, phrases, emails etc. in it along with some photos and it is really turning out to be the cutest little book. This will definitly be an ongoing project, a place where I can continually add things here and there, but I like the fact of always having a "home" for things in my life that I want to recognize, document and celebrate.