Hello World, We're in Edmonton Now!

I haven't been posting a lot lately, because our life has taken some different, unanticipated turns, and we didn't want to say too much to anyone until our current life plans were slightly more concrete.

Firstly, we're no longer British Columbians. For the next six months, Stephen, Ian and I are temporary citizens of the wild and wonderful province of Alberta, Edmonton, to be exact.

Secondly, the reason that we're in Alberta is that Stephen has a new job here.

Thirdly, all of this was confirmed about two days after Christmas.

Meaning, in the last two weeks, we have: returned home to BC (we were at my parents' home for Christmas), loaded up the truck with boxes, finished all the cleaning of our apartment, driven back out to Alberta, looked for a home, found a home, moved in to our home, and are now attempting to bring the level of sanity somewhere back to where it ought to be!

It's actually pretty amazing how it all worked out! It was a little nerve wracking (alright, quite nerve wracking) to be driving out to Alberta, on the road, knowing that we didn't have a home to go to. Some good friends graciously offered their home to us to stay while we looked, otherwise, we might have been out on the streets!

It was a huge lesson to me in trusting God. I knew He would provide a home for us, but there were some times it was very discouraging. We looked so many different places, and couldn't seem to find anything that was suitable.

But God did provide a home for us. An adorable, cottage-like home, it even has a fireplace! I prayed for a fireplace in our new home. :) It was really exciting to see God answer that little prayer for me!

We're still in the midst of unpacking and setting up, but we have two friends with us, they're practically family now, and they not only helped us with the packing and moving, they're staying with us for a month, and they've been a Huge help in setting up! I know I couldn't have done it without them! :)

Oakly Cottage, Edmonton, and Our Life Now

I've decided to call our home Oakly Cottage. It doesn't exactly look like it from the outside, but once you enter, it's totally a cottage. :)

As you open the door, you will be greeted by our welcome sign on the far wall. To your left, is our living room, and behind the curtains, our coat closet.

And this beautiful kitchen, with its' dark wood and black appliances, is so classy and fun to cook in!

Beauty is in the details.....I borrowed this idea from a beautiful home I used to go to for Bible study. I love using nature to decorate! Leaves, pinecones, branches, candles......so elvish. :) Our mantle, above our fireplace.

The view from our living room windows (three, large, tall windows!) I find it fascinating how anything, even something that's normally ugly, can become a thing of beauty, when covered, or even lightly dusted with snow.

My favorite little boy! He loves watching the snowflakes falling. He isn't always very cuddly, he loves to be very active, but he does love just being wrapped in a blanket, in comforting arms, standing by the window watching the snow fall.

Our main bathroom....

Office, etc. room :)

To be Ian's room eventually....

And our Very Cozy Living Room!

In the five days that we've been here, I've already grown very attached to this home! Everything is so nice and new about it, and it feels like home! And, in spite of enjoying country life, I have to say, I really like living in the city! :) We have like 4 Starbucks within about 15 minutes! :P God has really blessed us with this home!