Leaving on a jet plane....

Well, just geting the last few things packed tonight for our big trip to T.O. Ryan seems to be real excited. I hope he still feels that way when we get on the plane.

I still need to do a load of laundry and have a shower and pack the last minute toiletries, but everything else is ready to go and in the van. There is a lot of stuff! I hope I don't forget anything.

Oh well, hope everyone has a nice couple of weeks and I will try to update my blog while I'm at my sisters. I'll call you all when we get home on the 12th of July.

Just some recent card creations...what do you think?

On these two top cards, there is a wheel that spins, so the picture in the circle changes.
In this last card, you can't really see it, but there is an embossed purple swirl design up the side.
Tell me what you think, and of course which one you like the best.

Finally, I can upload pictures..check out the video!

Here are some of Ryan's classmates
Emily, Ryan, Colton and Shaylana.











Here is Madison, Jacob, and Brody.












Colton, Shaylana, Mathew and Megan.

The rest of the kids' pictures, I can't remember their names, so I won't post.




Video Hosting - Upload Video - Video Sharing

Ryan's Graduation Day!

And what a day! From the start of our day at 6:30am right until bedtime, was non-stop go. We left the house at 9:15am, stopped at Tim's for coffee and then to Preschool for Ryan's graduation ceremony. We brought a meat tray with olives and buns for the little lunch afterwards.

The whole thing was fantastic. Very well done. All the parents were seated and Mrs. D. ushered in the children all wearing their "Caps". They were the cardboard type, but ever so cute. The 18 children of Ryan's morning preschool class proceeded to sing several songs for us. Ryan didn't sing much but he did participate.

After the singing was done, Mrs. D. and Mrs. Isaac called each child up to get their "diploma" and Mrs. D. introduced each child and gave a few details about their likes, pets etc. When Ryan was called up, Mrs. D. introduced, "This is Ryan, his favorite food is sandwiches and milk, his favorite toy is his firetruck and his favorite toys to play with at school are the trains and blocks to make roads for the cars." Then he was handed a book, (this had this very important information in it) as well as the skills he mastered during preschool and a great photo of him with his cap on the front cover.

We then watched a great DVD that Mrs. D. put together with all the pictures she had taken over the course of the school year. Chenoa and I were talking and she is going to borrow the DVD and copy it. I'm going to give her a recordable DVD so she can burn me a copy as well. We then had a quick bite to eat and then that was it.

After graduation, we drove to Abbotsford to surprise Ryan with a visit to the Fish Hatchery. Shane had fallen asleep, so I stayed in the van while he slept and Dave and Ryan headed in. A guy who works for the hatchery took Dave and Ryan to the back ponds where Ryan learned how to cast a rod and actually caught a rainbow trout. Of course, I had the camera in the van, so unfortunately, no picture of him with the fish. Shane did wake up about 1/2 hour later. I nursed him and headed in but they were just heading out. I missed it, but will for sure do that again as it's free. They offer a 4 hour tour which is only like $5.00.

After the hatchery, we headed home. Dave had to go back into Abbotsford for his physiotherapy appointment with Rachael. While he was in Abbotsford, he bought Ryan a brand new soccer ball as a graduation present. When Dave got home, they kicked the ball around a bit. I put Shane in the swing for the first time. He loved it! I then started dinner. We ate. Finally put the kids to bed. Have already been upstairs once with Shane. Now am just trying to tidy up a bit as Debby is coming for Ryan's last Speech Therapy appointment tomorrow. I'm bushed, but it was definately a fun day! I still can't believe school is done already. Where did that time go? Anyway, night to all.....

Happy Father's Day

I just wanted to wish Dave a Happy Father's Day! Both my dad and Dave's dad are gone, but we remember them on this day. I got a new wheel barrow for Dave. He has been expressing that he wanted one for a while now. Unfortunately, when I bought it, it didn't come assembled.

I picked up the wheel barrow from Canadian Tire after the birthday party on Saturday. When I pulled in the driveway, Dave was outside and immediately came to the van to help me unload the kids. So, of course he saw it right away, but didn't say anything.

I offered to put the wheel barrow together for him, and he said, "what, you don't think I can put it together?" I said, "no, I know you could put it together, but as part of your Father's Day present I will put it together for you." He thought about it for a minute and decided ok. He then said that he would go outside and erect the old swing set from the old place. So, now the swing set is up too. Dave was impressed with the wheel barrow. Now he wants to create a project for it. We'll see what he comes up with.

Well, it's going to be a busy week before I head to Toronto. Monday, I have an appointment with Dr. Campbell, swing by Sport & Spine to pick up my crafting supplies from Suzanne Pennell, who I lent them to to make her daughter's birthday invitations, and then if time permits, to Michaels to get some cord for the pendants that I bought for my sisters and my neice. I'm doubting I'll get the Michael's done, but I'm trying to be ambitious. Tuesday, I have to take Ryan to the Child Development Center for his discharge assessment for Occupational Therapy. Wednesday is Ryan's graduation and final day of school. Thursday, Ryan has his last Speech Therapy appointment. I think Friday I am appointment free. So somewhere before Wednesday, I have to do some shopping as I volunteered to bring a meat tray to Ryan's graduation, and I want to get a gift card of some sort for Debbie, Ryan's speech therapist as a thank you. And in that midst make some birthday cards. I plan to mail my sister-in-laws, Donna, and Lia's while I am away in Toronto. This week is going to fly baby....

Celebrating Father's Day..but first....

What a day! Ryan was invited to Colton's birthday party today at Cottonwood theaters. Colton goes to preschool with Ryan and his mom Chenoa I first had met at the office as a patient. We've gotten to to know each other better since our boys are in school together and we also did a Stampers 10 together. More about that at another time.

The birthday party was GREAT! The kids got to tour the cinema and projection room. Because it was Colten's birthday, he got to actually start the movie. The feature today was Over the Hedge. What a cute movie! After the tour, the kids got to make their own cotton candy to take home and dispense their own pop. (Ryan decided to have peach) So each of the kids got a small popcorn and drink for the movie. Afterwards, Chenoa had made cupcakes and had a fruit tray, and then Colten opened his presents. This event started at 9:45am and we ended up leaving about 1;10pm. I'm thinking that might be something I'll do for Ryan next year. I thought the whole experience was fantastic! I asked Chenoa and it worked out to $10/person. Not bad if you think about it.

On our way home from the theater, we stopped at Safeway to get a few last minute things for our Father's Day celebration and then to Canadian Tire. I wanted to get Dave a wheel barrow for Father's Day. He's been talking about wanting one for yard work for a while. Funny thing is, he has to put it together though. (I'll probably try and do that while he is at work one day) I also got him a new pair of swim trunks. I like those. They are a nice bright blue with yellow piping. Very stylish. Like Dave cares. Ha.

We had Dave's mom over and I did a pork roast on the rotisserie with bbq sauce, garlic etc. Yum, then I sliced it to put on buns. Very yummy. I also made potato salad, caesar salad, a huge veggie tray, chips and shrimp dip (which turned out better than I thought it would) Very Yummy! I stayed up late last night making these cookies that I got the recipe from Suzanne from Sport & Spine McCallum. Milk chocolate chocolate chip, Skor, and Pecan. WOW, are they addictive. Dave wanted to dive in right away but I told him he had to wait. Whatever didn't get eaten today, I put in the freezer so they all don't disappear. For dessert I picked up a cheesecake with fruit on the top. It has strawberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges and red grapes on the top. Now that was good too! I am so full, that I think I'm going to head straight to bed after I post. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures to show you. I was just way too busy. All in all a great Father's Day. I have so much left over, that all I'll have to do Sunday is make breakfast. Leftovers it is for lunch and supper.

Getting to know me....

Everyone has probably seen one of these in their inbox email. I just received this one from my friend Kelli and decided that I would share it on my blog. Hopefully everyone I emailed it to will send it back to me to read. I like seeing how much I actually know about them.


It is fun and easy 48 questions to answer.

1. FIRST NAME? Tara

2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? More like anything....The "Halls of Tara" from Scarlet of O'Hara

3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? a tear or real cry? I get choked up all the time but a real cry...grandma's funeral.

4 DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? when I take my time, when it's messy, it's horrid.

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LUNCHMEAT? Depends on if I have to make it....Tim Horton's is the Chicken Club, but if I have to make it, I like Ham.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?- Of course, I'm awesome....haha

7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? If a blog counts than yes, a written journal no. And Kelli, I'm waiting for your update on blogger......:)

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yup, unless someone took them without me lookin'

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No way in hell...

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE CEREAL? Kellog's Vanilla Almond...I hide it from Dave so he won't eat it all on me.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Not....too far down...

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Mentally or physically? Mentally-yes, Physically-not really.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ICE CREAM FLAVOUR? Tiger Ice Cream from Birchwood Dairy.

14. SHOE SIZE? 8

15. RED OR PINK? Red.....yuk pink

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVOURITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My weight.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My Mom

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Definitely, love reading about everyone and praise myself on how much I actually knew about them.

19. WHAT COLOUR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? blue shorts and bare feet

20. LAST THING YOU ATE? Supper, steak, mashed potatoes and carrots.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? the hum of my computer.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Blue

23. FAVOURITE SMELL? Shane's head

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Kelli

25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? their height

26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Of course, we've been friends for like 20 years. I think I'm getting old....

27. FAVOURITE DRINK? alcoholic or non-alcoholic? I like Coke, but rarely drink it, and I like Belini's but rarely drink those either. I do like my Decaf Timmy's double/double.

28. FAVOURITE SPORT? to watch or play? I love watching hockey, but don't really play sports, I like riding horses, does that count as a sport?

29. EYE COLOR? Brown, and you know what people say about people with brown eyes............

30. HAT SIZE? I agree too.....dumb question.....

31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? nope, some people believe I should......:)

32. FAVOURITE FOOD? Mexican/Greek it's a tie

33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? won't watch a scary movie to save my life....so I guess happy endings.

34. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? light blue

35. SUMMER OR WINTER? neither, i'm a spring or fall girl myself......

36. HUGS OR KISSES? -Hugs

37. FAVOURITE DESSERT? Sex in a pan.....I know what you're thinking.....

38. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Cassandra

39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Jo

40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? None, don't have time to read. Unless you count blogs, I like to read blogs.

41. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? drop of water

42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Canadian Idol/CSI which I missed the very end 'cause Shane woke up.

43. FAVOURITE SOUNDS? my childrens laughter-I'll go with Kelli's answer........

44. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? Beatles, they were mom's favorite.

45. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? Which is further? Toronto or California?

46. WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? Setting the VCR

47. AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Burnaby

48 WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Kelli

If anyone wants to copy and paste....feel free.

Pictures from the weekend...

Blogger is giving me grief. It won't let me add pictures to my blog, so hopefully, I can show you some from here.

Here is the rainbow that I made for Ryan's wagon for the Yarrow Days Parade. It turned out pretty good if I don't say so myself.

Here is the rainbow on Ryan's wagon. He was a little grumpy. He didn't want his picture or and video taken at all.

This was taken at the MB Church at the end of the parade route. This is the preschool's float and some of the participants. Very colorful!

This is the prize that got away.....Poor Ryan.....after being lucky enough to win it, mommy didn't secure it well enough to the stroller. It flew up up and away......I think I was more upset than he was.

Poor Shane, here's a picture of him with a high fever and just all in all out of sorts.

Kaitlyn getting ready to open her birthday presents. Her cousins Brandi and Kirsten at her sides.

This just in....

It's official.....

Leap for Joy Preschool took FIRST PLACE in the Yarrow Days Parade for Best Float!

Way to go gang!!!!!

Yarrow Day Parade and Kaitlyn's Birthday-All Together.

Saturday June 3, 2006 was a very long day. Let me take you back. We all got up early and loaded up in the van, Ryan, Shane, Kaitlyn, Brandi, Kirsten and myself to drive to Abbotsford to pick up Oma at 8:30am. The first Saturday in June is always the Yarrow Days Parade. This year, Ryan was apart of the parade with his Preschool - Leap for Joy. They had a float, kids could ride their bikes, walk or use a wagon. If your child was on the float, there had to be an adult with them. Well, I decided that with Shane that would be too difficult, just in case Dave had to work. I opted for buying Ryan a wagon. That way, dad could pull him and I could push Shane in the stroller. I figured Ryan would get tired if we made him walk, and he doesn't even peddle a bike yet. Wagon it was. So, in my infinite wisdom, I decided that we should decorate this wagon. I decided to make a rainbow. I couldn't just get some felts and color in a rainbow, oh no, I decided to glue squares of streamers onto some poster board. You'll see what I mean when you look at the pictures. I would say it took me about four hours. I took pictures of it in progression. Then the trick was figuring out how to stick it to the wagon. John helped me with that. I also hung streamers from the stroller. I parked the van at Charmaine's and John's house and Dave pulled Ryan in the wagon and I pushed Shane in the stroller down to Yarrow Elementary where the Parade started. Emily was also in the parade with her ballet group. There float was on a 53' semi trailer. They followed the preschool in the parade.

Turned out to be a beautiful day for our parade. However, poor Shane, he has been out of sorts since last Thursday with this teething thing. Saturday was like the height of it all. He had a fever, and crying, sensitive and tired. There was no consoling him. I carried him in my arms for most of the day after the parade was over. The parade ended at the MB Church on Yarrow Central. Mrs. K. (The new owner of the preschool) was dressed up as a frog and announced to the children that they would get a participant ribbon and a goodie bag at the end of the parade. The child with the green frog in their goodie bag would win a special prize. You're not going to believe it. Ryan won! He won this gigantic, beautiful helium filled dragon fly. Unfrotuantely, mommy didn't tie it to the stroller good enough, and after I took a picture of Ryan with it, it came loose and floated away up into the sky. Ryan was sad... Dave and I barked at one another as we always do during 'outings' like that. Kaitlyn, Brandi, and Kirsten were with Oma and when we met up with them, we told the girls they could go and do their own thing for an hour or so and that we would all meet at the Yarrow Deli at 12:00pm. Dave decided that he would go back to Charmaine and John's house to get the van. I told him that I left the keys in the van. Problem was, when John left the house, just to be safe, he put the keys inside the house. So Dave called me on the cell to ask where the keys were, which I didn't know, and had to wade through the Yarrow crowd to find him. He was in line for some food, and after he got his food, before he could even eat it, bolted home to get the keys for Dave. He could have at least ate his lunch with his family.

Dave picked us all up and we headed home where birthday festivities were to begin. I made it as simple for me as possible. We were going to have bbq'd burgers and hot dogs. I made potato salad, caesar salad, had chips and salsa, punch, coke and sprite. Charmaine brought soup that I requested, ( which I got to enjoy all by myself) It was delish.....!!!!!! Where was I...oh and of course birthday cake from Costco. It was a real pretty cake. It had a nice sunshine on it with flowers and the two cutest bees. John took a picture of it for me, so when he emails it to me, I will post it.

Brandi and Kirsten (and their parents) gave Kaitlyn $40. John and Charmaine gave Kaitlyn a gift card for the book store which was right at the top of her list. I like the fact she likes to read. Funny anecdote. Her list included a Lemony Snicket book written in Latin, and also a Latin/English dictionary. I asked her if she had the Lemony Snicket book in English? Well, she does. I asked her, "wouldn't it be easeier to translate from book to book?" LOL. She shrugged her shoulders and said she still wanted the dictionary. I don't get it, but whatever. We had gotten her a bucket of gel pens which she had seen at Costco. 81 pens in the set. A canuck t-shirt which she had ordered with her dad and had totally forgotten about. We also got her the latest Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire movie, and the piece to resistance, 2 Lemony Snicket movie posters. They were pretty cool. On one side of the poster, there was your typical movie poster, but on the back was like seeing through a window. Everything was printed backwards. Bizarre. She went nuts over them. I had also handmade her a card with a Lemony Snicket theme. If you check my past posts, it was the same format as Jacobs card only it was black and I had printed some charactures off the internet of the characters from Lemony Snicket's books, series of unfortunate events. She went crazy for it. I was shocked! But very happy she liked it. Oma got Kaitlyn the greatest pair of black jeans. They fit her perfect. They made her look so tall and thin. I wish I had a pair of jeans that did that. I think you need to have the figure first. HaHa. Oma also got her a new pair of sandals. Very nice. She got her a couple of other things which escape me at this moment. Anyway, all in all, the day was ok. Except for poor little Shane. All I could do for him was cool him down with a cool cloth and cuddle him. I felt so bad for him. Ryan never teethed like that. His teeth just popped in, no problems.

Because Shane was under the weather and demanding of my time, Charmaine and John did most of the cleanup work for me. They brought everything inside for me and wrapped everything up and put it in the fridge. I'm very thankful to them for helping me out like that. After they headed home, Oma and I were chatting and she stood up and said she wasn't taking no for an answer, she was going to do the dishes. I didn't put up much of a fight as I was terribly pooped and still holding Shane in my arms. I forgot to mention that for the first time since Dave started with Yarrow Water, he was called out. He went into Yarrow to do a shut off and then came home only to be called back to turn the water on again. After that, he drove Oma home. It's really all a blur after that. Oh, the girls watched the Harry Potter movie. I kind of watched it here and there. Good flick. If you like that sort of thing. Sunday was boring in comparison to Saturday, so I'm opting not to continue. I'll just add some pictures for ya and until next time.....

HAPPY 15TH BIRTHDAY KAITLYN!!!!!