Super Seven

Happy Birthday Dear Chad!

What a delight to be your mum. You are so fun to parent! You are such a goof yet completely and utterly affectionate and loving. I hope you enjoy every moment of being seven years old!

A long time ago.....

My Graduate

Chad graduated from Wee College this evening. He's quite proud of himself and we are too!

To be honest though, I am quite glad to be done this stage of our lives. Six years in a row of taking my kids to Wee College is quite enough! And six year end programs to sit through.....oi!

Chad received special recognition for only missing one class in three years of Wee College. That was the Disneyland trip...totally worth it in Chad's mind! He had been aiming for perfect attendance but his parents messed that one up for him :)

Okay...there we all are. I know some of you gals are hankering for a picture of me in all my chubby splendor. For the record my top is quite blousy and making me look like I have a tummy already. I don't. And it's not even a maternity top....so there :)

But I did buy a few items from the maternity shop last night so I can't be in total denial. Keith and I went to Bellis Fair to pick up Chad's birthday gift, so since we were there anyhow I checked out their one and only maternity store. I did find some wonderful deals on jeans and denim capri pants. I also got a few tops as well. Wait until you hear this deal though. I found maternity dress pants at The Bay for $5.99 each! I got three pairs and now am completely set for work. What a bargain!

Sick

I'm not sick and neither are my men, thankfully. What's been sick is our computer. It's been acting very strange for about a week now. Some function wouldn't work one day and then work perfectly fine the next. Very random and annoying! Fortunately the IT department at my work has a very updated McAfee they let the staff take home and install on their computer. We had some virus protection but it was obviously out date. We are pretty sure we are now virus free but our computer seems much slower. The McAfee appears to analyze every click of the mouse to deem it 'safe' or not.
Saturday's weather was absolutely out of this world! Our backyard thermometer registered 30 degrees in the afternoon. We took advantage and make our backyard very spiffy with all the work we did. Mowing, trimming, edging, planting, weeding, pruning and fertilizing! We are both a little sore today from all our hard work but things look good. I even took a nice tumble out of the flower beds when I tripped on the edge of the lawn. Chad thought it was hilarious and re-enacted it for Keith several times. Thanks buddy!
Today with it being raining and grey again is a bit of a downer. Yesterday was just a teaser!
Nothing else really exciting this post......maybe next week?!

In My Face!!!

I am frugal. Even in my despair I have a clipped coupon on my fridge for $2 off a package of Pampers! Everyday I see this and really can't believe this is happening to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Good Phone Call

It appears our car can be repaired! I am so relieved.....SO RELIEVED!

Whirlwind Weekend

Wow....we don't have often have jam-packed weekends like this one. It was very fun but could not do this on a regular basis!

Oh and first off....no news from ICBC on the car. They are definitely keeping us on pins and needles. All we know is that an estimator has looked at it and it's sitting in a salvage yard. Hmmm....they'd better have some news for us Monday or I'm going to have a nervous break-down! Okay, enough of car talk.

Our first event of the weekend was Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service's annual appreciation banquet on Friday night. It was held at the Ramada this year which has wonderful buffet food! This was the first year they asked all the men (and a few women, pardon me) to wear their dress up uniforms and my did they all look spiffy! A room full of firemen in full uniform? Hello! A nice sight :)

I am sorry we didn't get a photo of ourselves. I had a very proud wife moment as Keith designed two new flags for the fire department and they were unveiled that evening. They look great and he got kudos for that. Great evening altogther!

Saturday we were up bright and early to attend my cousin's wedding at 10 am! Definitely not a common thing to attend a morning wedding but it was very low key and it did free up the rest of our day for all the other things we had to fit in. I didn't get too many photos because my brother was there snapping away with his skookum camera. I'll post some of his when he emails them to me. After we arrived home we did a very quick tidy as we were expecting our dear friends whom we hadn't seen in a few years to come and visit for the afternoon. Keith even pressure washed the back deck. It's clean enough to eat off of now!We have known the Stonehouse's for almost 10 years now and even though they're on Salt Spring Island now we still keep in touch. (Jenn's blog is on my links) The kids played together like they had only seen each other yesterday. It's so cool how they can do that!

After they left around 5:30 we had a quick dinner and then Kori and family came over. We decided that a nice long walk would be a great way to visit and get the kids all tired out :) So walk we did.....and it was a looong one. Around two hours in total. I really should have worn my pedometer. Another photo-op missed as Kori spotted a gorgeous owl very close to the trail we were walking on. He let us look at him for quite a while before he flew away! Once we got home we settled the kids down with a movie and popcorn and set up the Settlers board. Kori took the championship once again. It was a late night but totally worth it.

And now we get to today. Sundays are always early mornings here. I help out in the pre-school registration each week so I have to be there by 8:45 am sharp. The sermon today was excellent and I'm always so glad I went. Once we got home I got to work on five loads of laundry as we were all running out of socks and undies. In the midst of my chores I got a phone call from my uncle who was here from Calgary for the day (it's my Opa's 80th birthday) and he wanted to come and see our place. So......another quick tidy and house tour for him! It was great to see him though and we're so glad he called. My aunt and their boys didn't fly out and my kids were really disappointed to miss seeing their cousins (well they are my cousins but young so....it gets complicated :)) Okay...are you all still there? Awake? Loving the play by play?

Next event: Opa's 80th birthday party! The whole Klassen gang gathered in the basement of a local church for a wonderful supper, dessert, visiting and a few speeches. It was wonderful to honor my Opa and I could see he thoroughly enjoyed himself.

So as you read, it's been go, go, go....I almost look forward to work tomorrow where I can relax and sit in one spot for a few hours!

60 is the New 40

One of the better parts of yesterday was that it was my Dad's birthday. A big milestone of 60 years! My mom treated our family to Chinese food and then we all went back to their place for some delicious homemade black forest cake.

My dad's two most very favorite grandsons!

My dad's two most favorite children!

My dad's most favorite dessert and wife!

Opening up his gift from us.....we got him a new CD player component for his stereo system.

I Wish It Had Only Been a Joke

I got a call today at work....a call I really didn't want to get.

Keith called to tell me that my parked car had been hit and the back end was smushed!

I do have to park far away from my office and it's a nasty street we call 'the ghetto'. It's more like an alley and it's smelly, lined with garbage bins and more than a little scary. I was parked along the side of the road....the last one in a long ling of cars. Some stupid woman was picking up her puppy who was with her in the car and swerved into my car, the car in front of me, which in turn hit the car in front of it! This lady caused damage to THREE cars with her careless actions. She is young and actually had a suspended license. Grrrr! Thank God she had full insurance though. ICBC has to assess the damage. We are just hoping they can fix it and not have to write if off if the body is twisted.

I am now driving a tinny and tiny rental Hyundai until we hear further. Yeah.....what a total pain in the arse!!!!

Slowly But Surely

Why does it seem like spring is taking forever to arrive this year? I know that technically it's spring but with the recent snow flurries and cold temperatures it's quite hard to believe. My flowers are trying hard to grow but they are definitely late this year. My neighbor is mowing his lawn as I type and it sounds so summery!
Things are well with us. One thing that is growing fast is my waistline. In the past few days my clothes have become decidely uncomfortable. Specifically my beloved jeans. I guess I'll have to face reality and enter a maternity store! Egads.
I want to thank you for all your input on the vaccination issue. It's a HOT topic for sure! Wow....I did ever receive some passionate views on both sides of the issue. Doesn't make our decision a very easy or clear one. At this point we are leaning towards a delayed vaccination schedule. So we will vaccinate but when the child is older. Kind of the best of both worlds. I still have some books on hold at the library on this topic so we could swing either way yet!

Looking for Personal Opinions

Topic: Infant Vaccinations
Issue: To get them done or to not get them done
Cons: many stories emerging about links to austism and immunizations (among other horrible side effects)
Pros: these immunizations have stopped the spread of many previously deadly childhood illnesses

Keith and I want to make an INFORMED decision in regards to our new baby and immunizations. We are currently researching both sides of the issue.
I want your stories....both sides of the issue appreciated!
And by the way, both of our boys have had their shots. No side effects that we are aware of.

Just a bit of Easter

You will find me lazing about on the couch much more often these days!

A belated birthday cake for Nathan at Keith's parents

And never too old for an Easter egg hunt. Lucky for the boys this year......I am not wanting anything to do with chocolate so their stash is quite safe from me!!

Baked Goods

I spent a lot of time in the kitchen this Easter weekend!

Lemon Squares

Chocolate Marble Cheesecake

Paska

Northwest Cheesecake

Easter

This is copied directly from my dad's blog. I could not have said it better myself!

As followers of Christ, we are not specifically asked to remember Christmas, but we have turned it onto the biggest production on the calendar. It has been secularized, watered down, and commercialized to the point where it is palatable to the politically correct world. Take Jesus out, turn it into 'goodwill' and 'peace on earth' and Santa Claus and there is something for everyone. This process is not that easy with Easter. This is the most important 3 days for Christians because through the death and Resurrection of Christ, our sins were forgiven, our future was secured, and we have promise of Resurrection for ourselves. This is not politically correct because these benefits, although free gifts for the asking, are exclusively for true believers. This weekend is not as well observed and celebrated by the masses because it has not been that easy to take Jesus out of Easter. And maybe God knew that when He instructed us through his word, to remember. We cannot blame non-Christians for not observing Easter, it means nothing to them, unless they celebrate new life in the form of bunny rabbits and freshly hatched chicks. In the next few days, let us remember, and then examine our faith. Do we really believe, and if we do, how is that impacting our lives. Easter is ALL about Jesus and no amount of Easter Lilies or chocolate can ever change that!

Yesterday

In this picture you can see that the gorgeous mirror I got for my birthday is hung and looking very nice in my livingroom. Also, the vase I received from my employer is looking mighty fine with flowers in it! Thanks to my cousin Kerry for lovely bouquet! What a thoughtful surprise.

And here's the birthday boy. As you may be able to tell he's a bit teary eyed. Not from the aging process but because he didn't like the cake I made for his birthday dessert. I came home from work and thought I had a chocolate cake mix in my pantry but only found a butter pecan mix. Nate took one bite and started to cry. I asked him why the tears and he said: Mom! I want to like it but I just can't. I think he felt bad that I had gone to the trouble (not like a cake mix is trouble!) to make a cake and he didn't like it! I'll make it up to him this weekend.....his favorite cheesecake will be made!!! After dinner we took the boys to see 'Horton Hears a Who'. It was very cute.

I Have a TEN Year Old!!!!!

Happy Birthday Dear Nathan!
Hard to believe you are 10 years old today. You are such a delight and we love watching you grow up to be such a kind and caring young man. Nathan means 'God's gift' and that you certainly are!!!

Here I Am

The emails, cards and letters just keep on coming. I do have the most thoughtful family and friends a girl could hope for! Thanks to each and everyone of you who have sent me words of encouragement.
I would have posted sooner but there really hasn't been anything of interest happening to write about. I don't want this to turn into a 'listen to my symptoms this week' sort of pregnancy blog yet at the same time it is taking over my life and that is the reason I don't HAVE a life at the moment. This first trimester is sucking every last bit of energry from my body. I have just enough 'oomph' in me to work, made a meal, do minimal housework, grocery shop and keep the family's head above water....just! I am falling into bed around 9 pm each night which leaves little time for anything else.
On a very positive note the morning sickness seems to be a thing of the past. I almost hestitate to write this but it's been almost a week now. I do have moments where I don't feel well at all but it's not 24/7 anymore. In the few minutes before I go into a coma every night I read a few pages from the pregnancy books my cousin has loaned me. I have discovered that I may not eat feta cheese anymore. I DO NOT LIKE THIS NEW RULE! Another thing that was a bit distressing is that Advil is off limits. Only Tylenol may be used for headaches and whatnot. Of course I have a Costco size bottle of Advil in my cupboard and not a tablet of Tylenol to be found at my house. Oh well....minor adjustments really.
I am looking forward to spring break which is fast approaching. It will be so nice to have a little holiday from making the kids lunches and driving to school.
Well....there you have it! I'm here, I'm alive, I'm upright (at the moment:)) and will try and post a bit more regularly!

Super Blogger Prayers?!

I don't know what did it but for the past two days I've felt MUCH less sick. I almost hesitate to type this because I don't want to jeoporadize my new 'almost normal' feeling.

Prayers? 10th week of pregnancy? I don't know but it's most wonderful.

There are moments in the day where I feel it's all coming back but mostly feeling okay.

I'll take it!!! And I'm sure I'll report back if I regress :)

Was at the doctor's on Thursday. Unfortunately for me I have already packed on a good amount of weight. All that eating (carbs mainly) to quell the nausea has 'stuck'. Bummer.

What's been really neat is every night when I tuck in the kids they tell me just how excited they are to have a new brother or sister. I would have never imagined in my wildest dreams they would be so thrilled! We will find out the sex of this baby so they are anxious to attend the 3D ultra sound we'll be getting in late June. There has been some great progress made in technology since Chad was born!

The Gory Details

So, first of all thank you to each and everyone of you who has emailed, left a comment, messaged me on Facebook or called. Your support means so much. I am feeling every emotion in the book these days and your kind words ground me.

I love hearing of stories of other 'after-thought' babies or woman who find themselves pregnant at an 'old age'! They are encouraging.

I am still in shock....really. Processing this major life change is taking me a lot longer than I would have ever thought. Some days I'm in denial, some days I think I can do this and others....well they are dark.

We found out I was pregnant on Jan 31st. One of my first thoughts was our pre-planned October trip to Disneyland with the boys. We had been planning this for at least four years and it gutted me to think that it couldn't happen now. So Keith and I quickly called our offices and worked on getting some immediate holidays so we could leave in February instead. It turned out well in the fact that Nate was still nine and qualified for lower prices on everything. Once a child is ten they are up there with the adults prices at parks, restaurants and all that.

We did have a good time and I did my best to put on a brave face but I was awfully queasy the entire trip. There was one day I could not do any rides at all. But mostly I just went on them and then took lots of deep breaths of fresh air! I think the cool weather helped....it was refreshing and if you've ever been in this predicament you know that fresh cool air is wonderful when you are feeling 'green'.

We are due October 5th if all goes as planned. I do realize that anything could happen....I am 'older' now so the chance of miscarriage does rise a bit. I have been feeling quite queasy and am so hoping I feel better soon. I have a feeling I will feel a lot better about this entire situation when I feel good again.

There you have it....the story....the drama.....the 'reality' show that is MY LIFE!

Unplanned Parenthood

PS. Prayers offered up for my emotional well being are being gratefully accepted.

Paska Time

Oh, I had a craving for this stuff the other day! So I set out to make a batch this morning with my breadmaker. I have the BEST recipe from my aunt. It makes the softest, most lovely tasting paska ever. We almost ate one whole loaf already and I brought the other one to my parents. So I suppose that means I'll have to make some more!!!