Belated Celebrations

Around here we like to spread out the birthday joy! With moving and the spring birthday blitz it just happened that we had to do our best with the celebrations. We were so happy to have Keith's sis, Suzanne come out for a quick visit before she flew to Ontario to meet up with Tyler who is done his training after two long years. They will settle in Comox at the end of the month. We are excited to visit them this summer and explore a part of the Island that we've never seen before.

Last night Nathan had his long awaited 'party'. He invited three of his closest friends but one could not make it. Chad was happy to be a fill-in!
They enjoyed Go Karts, games and mini-golf at our local amusement park.

Then back home for cupcakes, a movie and a sleep over. So nice....they are in the basement and I can't hear them at all!

Surprised...Again!

The 'office ladies'!

So this year Administrative Professionals day came and went without any notice. I suppose we all (minus Carolyn who is new this year) knew that the admin had something planned. In fact, I was so positive it was going to be the next day that I slipped my camera in my purse and didn't pack a lunch. Turned out that it was a dud idea and it was just an ordinary day except I was extra hungry by the time the day was over! Cue the next week and I have completely forgotten about secretaries day. It was just work as usual when Heather announced to get our purses and head out the door as it was 'the day'! My tummy got a bit nervous because with Heather and Jeff you can never know just what they have planned....they are a tad crazy. It was Marci's day off but they punked her into a 'grad committee' meeting that she willingly attended....but was sitting in the boardroom alone. Hah! They really got me because I thought for sure it would be on a Thursday when all three of us work in the office. Marilyn (the lady I replaced in 2009) came and took over the office while we went off on our adventure!

So here's a picture of the three of us in the back of Heather's car. A bit tense...a bit nervous. Trying to guess just what the heck was going on. Then Heather started making phone calls to 'Agent Staples'.

After an interesting exchange of 'items' with Agent Staples in Coquitlam we ended up at the New Westminster Quay. They tied us up, gave us $20 and told us to find a coffee and buy ourselves some flowers. After seeing us stumble a few feet they untied us. I think that they didn't want any 'on the job' injuries! After finding a hot chocolate and wandering around the Quay (which is undergoing major renovations...will be really nice when all is said and done) Heather and Jeff steered us down a steep ramp and right onto a Paddle Cruise Boat!

What a perfect day for a cruise on the Fraser. We went up as far as the mouth of the Pitt River. Interesting commentary by the captain was given about this and that as we cruised. The sun was warm and the rain stayed away most of the day.

The cruise was filled mostly with seniors who stayed on the main level. We think that they couldn't manage the stairs so with that, we had the entire upper floor to ourselves. It was a good thing because some of us (Marci) can be pretty loud and rowdy!

Jeff and poor Carolyn who was just gob-smacked by this whole adventure. She cried to us: Why didn't you warn me! She'll be on guard next year!

Never mind life jackets....I had to make sure the fire extinguishers were up to date!

The cruise included a small buffet 'luncheon'. As we were eating Heather insisted we go up on deck and as we cruised by the Mary Hill Bypass area there were her parents holding up a sign that read 'MEI Secretaries Rock'! It was awesome. One of the men on the deck with us asked what an MEI was. Ha ha!

After lunch we were treated to some super yummy desserts.

They even let Marci drive the boat for a while. A bit frightening but she assured them she had her watercraft licence. Not sure if it counts if you buy it off the Internet Marci!

Below is Marci's (Heather's ) note in the guestbook of the boat.

The day was not over as we were given cards with the most lovely words written and an appointment the next day for a manicure at a local spa! Spoiled...you've got that right. I swapped out my manicure for a facial and it was absolutely divine.

Our fearless leader is quite a lady indeed. She is a hoot but I also respect her greatly. She is so accomplished and really runs that school in an incredible way. I cannot even begin to explain how grateful I am to know and work with both her and Jeff. It's been the biggest blessing for sure.

Charlotte's Web

My young thespian does it again. He successfully completed his second production with A.C.T.

Way to go Nathan...we are as proud as punch. You did a 'terrific' job playing Lurvy. Your performance was 'radiant' yet you are as 'humble' about it as can be.

We will continue to support you as your pursue your passion for acting!

37

Happy Birthday Keith!

We love you!

A Royal Good Time!

Heather, Marci and I had tossed around the idea of getting together for the royal wedding a few times for fun in the past few months but as the day got closer we seriously started considering a royal party!

What a great excuse to eat goodies, have girl time and watch a prince and his beautiful bride get married! We convened at 1 am at Heather's place for an entire night/morning of wedding footage.

Marci was a bit of a Diana buff back in the eighties and had several 'Diana' hats for us to wear as we watched the nuptials.

Marci was definitely in the spirit. She's perfected the royal wave.

One of the highlights of the evening was getting to meet Jane who is a Kindergarten teacher at the elementary school. She had heard through the grapevine that we were having a little wedding party and wanted desperately to join us. Jane is English and really wanted to watch the wedding with others and not on her own. She was an absolute delight and gave the night an authentic British flavour!

We were perky the first half of the night. It was all down hill from there as our bodies were rather confused with the hour and the fact we were eating and awake when we should be sleeping!

Heather mentioned that she would make us some popcorn. And then we arrived to find this spread! WOW! She's the ultimate hostess.

Oh it was lovely to watch all the pomp and circumstance. Pure eye candy.

I brought some imported English biscuits. Hob Nobs, Tim Tams and Penguins.

Diana was watching too....we couldn't leave her out.

Heather even made us breakfast! Seriously....I had a cinnamon bun and a cup of coffee (GASP) and had a fantastic energy rush for about 45 minutes and then brutally crashed.

Here we are, completely DONE but knowing that we all had to be at work in about two hours. We headed to our homes to shower, change and open up the office at school. It was exhausting but completely worth it.

Thanks for the wonderful evening ladies....you are friends indeed!

Tonight I am going to have the best sleep ever.

For Real?

This new razor belongs to Nathan....my CHILD! It was time to rid him of the semi-mustache that make his upper lip look dirty. I have to admit I'm rather verklempt about this journey into manhood!

Our Easter

Yesterday we had our outdoor Easter egg hunt at Nana and Grandad since it was such a sunny day and rain was forecasted today. (see photos here)

Today we had our own little seek and find after church. All the boys (big ones included) still enjoy looking for their Easter treats very much and Keith has a lot of fun finding creative hiding spots.

Liam has a taste for 'chalk-it' like a good boy should!

As you can see by the paper bag improvisation, I have not unpacked all boxes. I have no idea where the baskets could possibly be! My goal will is to have them found by next spring!

Yum. Not sure how smart it is to only buy the kids things that I would like to eat too! They are always generous about sharing with ole mom and dad!

And of course, we all know that Easter is FAR more than bunnies and chocolate. Over the past three evenings, we have watched 'Jesus of Nazareth' with the boys. It prepared our minds and hearts for Easter and I'm really glad we put aside the time to do this.

And what can I say about these three handsome boys?! For whatever reason they have given us a run for our money this weekend in the behaviour department but nevertheless we love them greatly!

Traditions

I loved coloring Easter eggs with my brother when I was a little girl. Somehow I did not pass this tradition down to my boys...until this year! I'm clearly not the parent I should be.

They enjoyed it though and tomorrow it's eggs for breakfast!

Sowing Seeds

Somehow Good Friday feels like a day to be very solemn. And I have been contemplating His sacrifice today but I also did a yard project. Y'think that's okay?

We'll be going to church tonight so it all balances out, right?

There was a sad patch in our new backyard and since the sun was shining (a rare thing of late) I decided that I would get this taken care of today. Nate and I raked up the dead thatch and prepped the area for new soil and seed. I've never done this before so I hope it all turns out. I've watered it well and now have to wait and see if my efforts will pay off. I also mowed the lawn today. It's a BIG yard! Nate has been informed this will be his task from now on. At least it's all level!

Keith has been in the garage installing new shelving units and giving it a clean out. At this point it looks worse than when he started but some projects are like that! I look forward to it being all tidying and parking indoors again.

Other reno news....our new 2-inch blinds were installed in our living room, dining room, hall and office. What a wonderful difference they make. I'm really happy with them...instant update.

We have gotten a second quote on carpet and will be ordering it tomorrow! An ambitious project (Keith is removing all old carpet to save money) but I know it will be all worth it when it's done. The carpets right now are icky and there is no underlay left to speak of. Of course this means all new baseboards and we decided to get my ensuite floor redone at the same time! How is that these home projects have a snowball effect! Well, when the money runs out then they will all come to a screaming halt...probably won't be long!

Celebrating Chad

Chad woke up Monday to find a little stash of treats waiting for him at the breakfast table. A 'sugar' cereal of his choice, a Star Wars book and a gift from Nathan! (more Lego if you were dying to know). He was most pleased.

That evening my mom had us and Keith's family over for supper. I appreciate that so much since I am not quite ready at our place for party-mode. Unpacking and getting settled is taking so much longer than I thought! Anyhow, Chad chose a Napolean Torte for his birthday cake which was just scrumptious!

Chad received many wonderful gifts including MORE Lego, an airplane model, Narnia DVD and this gorgeous homemade quilt from Nana. It's going to look so nice in his room...once his room is finished.

He told me that evening it was the BEST birthday ever. Funny kid....so easily pleased sometimes!

Today he got a belated birthday gift. The orthodontist told him that he would get his braces off next month! Chad is over the moon about that and is already counting down the days.

Chad is 10!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR CHAD ALEXANDER!

I like to remind Chad that he's the middle of the sandwich...the very best part! My precious chubby baby was born April 18th 2001 early in the morning. He was a plump fellow which was a total switch from my scrawny first born. I loved holding that solid bundle of baby boy!

He was a lovely lad. Very quiet though as he didn't speak until he was three years old. He learned very well to communicate with expressions and that has not changed. You can tell exactly how Chad is feeling without him saying a word! His face is very expressive and his body language follows. There's no guessing with that boy!

Oh the cheeks! Pinch pinch!

He's a true hero and loves to play. He loves to be with people, loves interaction and is very social. He chatters to whoever with listen and isn't very shy at all. He loves a good joke and teases plenty (is still learning when enough is enough!).

He's really creative and I think one day he'll be an engineer of some kind. He loves to build, create and invent.

I think that perhaps he has forgiven Liam for taking his place of 'baby of the family' and does have a gentle way with him.

He's good at something once he puts his mind to it. But trying to get him to do something he doesn't want to is painful for all involved!

Chad enjoys new adventures and he's fun to take travelling!

Chad got this skookum bike for his BIG 1-0 and he's ready to tear up the street with his new wheels! We love him so much and can't wait to see what this year brings.

Youth

Nathan started with going to youth group at church when he started grade six. Now that he's in grade seven he's been bumped up the the grade 7 & 8 group and I have starting to get involved as well. I signed up to help sell candy at the concession on a rotational basis and have enjoyed it much more than I thought I would! Maybe because I work with middle schoolers as part of my job and have one at home, I feel very comfortable in relating to these kids. They are pretty great. A little crazy but great!

Last night they put on a progressive dinner at the church which was just so much fun! They had 14 different international stations which took about an hour and half for them to rotate through. My station was USA and guess what I got to serve? Hot Dogs!

The other stations were:

Bahamas Punch

Mexico Salsa & Chips

Germany Double Chocolate Cookies

North Pole Hot Chocolate and Marshmallows

Heaven Angel Food Cake

Greece Bread Sticks and Ranch (this could have been more authentic with Tzatziki dip but I guess they wanted to play it safe with fussy eaters??)

Canada Tim Bits

Africa Animal Crackers

Italy Pizza

Ireland Green Jello (really?)

Iceland Freezies

China Fortune Cookies

France French Fries

The kids had so much fun. The host of each station was dressed in costume and had trivia for the kids to answer while they were eating their treats.

I admire the leaders of Nathan's group. They are energetic, enthusiastic and passionate about the kids that come to church!