It's officially the CHRISTMAS SEASON!!

The songs of Christmas started in our room at the end of October with the purchase of the new Josh Groban Christmas CD. Every since then, I've been eagerly anticipating the 'official' season. Since there are so many Americans at school, they insist Christmas season doesn't start until this weekend, with their American Thanksgiving. But I claim Canada can begin to celebrate whenever we like, and I choose at least November.
Mom and dad were here last weekend, and they so kindly brought Hannah and I a little Christmas tree. It now proudly stands in the corner of our room, it's great.
Outside is definitely getting chillier as well, reaching to our lowest so far at -5*c in the middle of the night. It sure is cold waking up to go rowing when there is white frost covering the ground looking like a light dusting of snow. I'm just dreaming of waking up soon to a snow covered ground. And they've begun decorating the campus with Christmas gear, trees covered with lights, Christmas decor in the caf...it's amazing how much of a pick-me-up the season gives me in the midst of the doom of finals and papers at the end of the semester.

Regardless, I cannot wait to go home and go tree-hunting with my dad, start Christmas baking, and just enjoying the returning of people home at Christmas. And most importantly, may we not forget why we celebrate such a fantastic season. One of my highlights of the holiday is our Christmas eve service at the church, such a good reminder of how the best things can come in small packages as Christ came as a baby...but He was the most precious gift of all.

Enjoy getting into the Christmas spirit:)

*Since I haven't updated in a while, I'm dividing the 'news' into two updates so that you don't have to read it all in once big splurge. The newest one is up to date as in what's new right now, and the second one below is mainly pictures of the last few weeks. Enjoy and thanks for reading*

Tea Time...

Getting into the chillier season...I am reminded of my love for tea. It's been such a wonderful thing in my life that triggers so many memories... memories of special people, good moments, and wonderful chats. And it seems to always bring people together, what's better than a pot of tea, sipping on a warm drink, sitting on a couch and talking, I love tea parties :)
At my bible studies on Thursday nights, it has become 'the drink' of choice, mainly because it's the only one I offer. But it seems to always be a hit. And a cup in the morning just starts the day off right.

On another note...school is going well for the most part. There are the stressful moments, and the less stressful moments - so just trying to find a balance between homework, people, the Lord and some quiet time can be a stretch. I have a whack of papers coming up in the future as well, so I have to start getting my nose in the books for all that research.

I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of snowy weather and 'random storms' season. My heart is already in the mood for Christmas, snow, friends, Christmas-ness, and home - just make me smile:)

The Lord has also been continually teaching me just to trust in Him, and learning to desire Him above all things. How amazing to think that the Creator of the Universe desires to have a deep personal relationship with me? I love that!
As I was reading in my bible last night through the Psalms, I came across these verses that just opened my eyes to what God desires for us in relationship to Him.
So in closing, I hope you find this as much of an encouragment as I did, to seek to know Him more.

"Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You. But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works."
Psalm 73:25-28

Fabulous Fall
So now for the pictures of the past...everything (for the most part) that's been happening since September...

The biggest highlight was flying out for one of my best friends' wedding. Cassie and Cam finally were married in October, and it was so wonderful to not only be there to support their marriage, but also for the huge Capernwray Bible School reunion we had with so many friend.

Our trio was reunited! (Terri, Cassie and moi)

The Bridesmaids (minus Rachelle), Cassie and the flowergirl.
The wedding party.

Mr. and Mrs. Tollin walking through a haze of bubbles.

Pals from bible school

Then Mike drove Terri and I back to Saskatoon where I flew back to school. So it was sweet having a mini roadtrip through the Prairies too.

Rob from school last year, drove out from Calgary a few weekends ago. So we decided to have a dorm reunion with some of our girls and some of the guys we all used to hang out with.

We piled in a few cars and took off to Agassiz for some Turkey dinner, pumpkin carving and games.

Where we met the giant pumpkin man....AKA Chris.

Thus...we entered into the Halloween season! So I spent Halloween with the Macaulay crew and went trick or treatin' with the boys.

Ben (a king), Graham (hockey player) and Kade (chicken) did a good job and brought back quite a loot... which they kindly shared with me:)

I returned back to school just in time to check out the Halloween dance. Kari and I weren't too stoked on getting dressed up, so we went as 'misfits' and just work a crown and baseball caps. We were not kindly recieved for a lame attempts at costumes. But regardless, it was fun and full of laughs.

So that's the update. As for the present present stuff, that's in the entry above:)
Rowing Regatta #1 down in Seattle this weekend, sadly I'm not going home for a Fall break and I have to wait 'til Christmas. Sad news. But I am getting quite excited for Christmas....