turns out, i'm not so good with the updates. i think i'm going to amalgamate the blogs.
i figure it must increase the volume by at least 50%??? from now on, please see me at
because family is work and work is family
Monday, October 27, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
cute things
. lately, 3yr old Ryder's fave saying: "Hey Mum, youthinkinwhatIthinkin?"
"No Ryder, I can guarantee I'm not!"
. this morning, Anais motioned to my bed-head, saying "I don't like this so much". "I like it much better when you get up and your hair's already pri-tty for me."
. when I asked Anais if she would just stay home with me rather than go off to school, she hugged me consolingly, saying "no Mummy, I have to go and learn now!"
"No Ryder, I can guarantee I'm not!"
. this morning, Anais motioned to my bed-head, saying "I don't like this so much". "I like it much better when you get up and your hair's already pri-tty for me."
. when I asked Anais if she would just stay home with me rather than go off to school, she hugged me consolingly, saying "no Mummy, I have to go and learn now!"
Monday, September 1, 2008
images of summer
fishing was a reoccuring theme of summer o9
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hiking KCridge w/ Nova Scotian g'parents
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first Anais turned 5 on the Ranch!
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hiking KCridge w/ Nova Scotian g'parents
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first Anais turned 5 on the Ranch!
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then it was Ryder's turn for a Cow-theme;
we celebrated summer b'days in Winthrop
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Jim & I escaped for a RARE couple of days
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Of course we did Winthrop as per usual
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Anais' 1st family portrait
Click on any collection of images to enlarge and/or right click to copy (group)
Sunday, July 20, 2008
i am closer to getting it...
grace, that is.
having grown up in church culture, i have been conditioned to do things deemed "necessary" (teaching, studies, kids' programs, general volunteering - you name it), feeling eternally indebted, if i can say that.
but i have been challenged to question (inspired by the reading of yet another provocative book) whether these programs provide spiritual inspiration or whether they are yet another thing i feel guilty about. since we either live in freedom or we do not.
because i believe jesus when he says "we do", i have had to re-think the way i live my life, church included. i'm still in the process - if you figure it out, let me know.
are you still with me?
did i go to church this morning, yes; i was teaching sunday school:)
but last week i thanked god for my children as i pushed them on the swings at the park.
(ps - the author is jake colson - but he's brought me back thee author and perfector of my faith.)
grace, that is.
having grown up in church culture, i have been conditioned to do things deemed "necessary" (teaching, studies, kids' programs, general volunteering - you name it), feeling eternally indebted, if i can say that.
but i have been challenged to question (inspired by the reading of yet another provocative book) whether these programs provide spiritual inspiration or whether they are yet another thing i feel guilty about. since we either live in freedom or we do not.
because i believe jesus when he says "we do", i have had to re-think the way i live my life, church included. i'm still in the process - if you figure it out, let me know.
are you still with me?
did i go to church this morning, yes; i was teaching sunday school:)
but last week i thanked god for my children as i pushed them on the swings at the park.
(ps - the author is jake colson - but he's brought me back thee author and perfector of my faith.)
Saturday, July 19, 2008
There's just so much I want to post. It'll settle my mind just to make a running tally, even it doesn't include photos at the moment. OK, maybe never:(
. Anais' pre-school wrap-up & thank you to Ilo. Picture of her sunflowers towering over her.
. Fun party @ friends' log home. Millinda's games kept the kids entertained.
. Winthrop 08: could we ever tire of this place? I'll have to make a slideshow here show you how the families have grown.
. newest FRESHwork - just check the site www.freshphotos.ca
Wedding season is in full swing. I still don't employ child-care. And did I mention the in-laws are coming next week? BTW, I'm thrilled about all of the above because it means our life is full of action, adventure and love.
. Anais' pre-school wrap-up & thank you to Ilo. Picture of her sunflowers towering over her.
. Fun party @ friends' log home. Millinda's games kept the kids entertained.
. Winthrop 08: could we ever tire of this place? I'll have to make a slideshow here show you how the families have grown.
. newest FRESHwork - just check the site www.freshphotos.ca
Wedding season is in full swing. I still don't employ child-care. And did I mention the in-laws are coming next week? BTW, I'm thrilled about all of the above because it means our life is full of action, adventure and love.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
I pause, to share the most important part of my trip - words on a page - but perhaps the most important shift in thinking I've experienced in years. From my perspective, the 
critiques & flaws (yes, I thought an element or two was a little hippy-dippy-trippy) take a back seat to the power of "Sarayu".
I have been changed.
I invite you to fight through the "difficult parts" (you know I can't handle gore) to get at the essence of "The Shack". I hope it leads you where it did me - back to my Papa (or, as I prefer "Abba") for I am beloved!
And he is "especially fond of you!"
critiques & flaws (yes, I thought an element or two was a little hippy-dippy-trippy) take a back seat to the power of "Sarayu".I have been changed.
I invite you to fight through the "difficult parts" (you know I can't handle gore) to get at the essence of "The Shack". I hope it leads you where it did me - back to my Papa (or, as I prefer "Abba") for I am beloved!
And he is "especially fond of you!"
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Road trip! Back to Vancouver for some dental appointments (more on that later). But this time we took our time & took photos along the way. The "pocket cam" is proving very fun! 
I had some fun with signs and check out the living comedy with the mini dog in the mini car - something you'll only find in Vancouver - with those gas prices!
before...and after dentist:) seems we'll have to cut out a wee bit of our sugar 
stay tuned for more of our journey including Ryder and his "duunkey" at the zoo:) and our return trip to the land of sunshine!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
No photo edits on the family blog!
It was that tropical-island looking on our day-trip to Kokannee Lake (just outside Nelson) with friends from the TAC family including Kent & Dannette (and fabulous hat-toting kidlets). We were disappointed the travel trailer's up for sale when this long weekend hit and temp's were in the 30's!!!
Anyone looking for a LIGHTWEIGHT trailer to visit us in the Kootenays? Just kidding, you can buy the trailer and stay in our house for FREE! (Maybe a little light reno work here & there:)
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Our slight pinkish-hue attests to the fact that we're well into "bragging weather".
We took part in Trail's Silver City parade for Darcee's "Living with Bears" float. The kids were dressed as bears (A. as Winnie, R. as a panda and Jill as the "Care" variety) and throwing candy from the back of the truck where Alexander followed the entire parade route on 2 wheels! We saw pretty much everyone we know downtown. Question is, was there a huge turnout or do we just know few people? Probably a bit of both.
We also saw our first bear of the season yesterday - skinny & scruffy.
A & I are growing flowers from seed this year. I have seen this experiment go badly but have hope that if preschoolers can do it (they're growing sunflowers in A's class) that I can do it too! Back to the white flower scheme. Can I help it that I love the simple beauty of white? I couldn't have my white couches (people - there's color in my house now!) so I have to have it somewhere. Of course A's flowers are a rainbow mix - I'll have to contain those to a pot!
We took part in Trail's Silver City parade for Darcee's "Living with Bears" float. The kids were dressed as bears (A. as Winnie, R. as a panda and Jill as the "Care" variety) and throwing candy from the back of the truck where Alexander followed the entire parade route on 2 wheels! We saw pretty much everyone we know downtown. Question is, was there a huge turnout or do we just know few people? Probably a bit of both.
We also saw our first bear of the season yesterday - skinny & scruffy.
A & I are growing flowers from seed this year. I have seen this experiment go badly but have hope that if preschoolers can do it (they're growing sunflowers in A's class) that I can do it too! Back to the white flower scheme. Can I help it that I love the simple beauty of white? I couldn't have my white couches (people - there's color in my house now!) so I have to have it somewhere. Of course A's flowers are a rainbow mix - I'll have to contain those to a pot!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
took a break from the camera this weekend but wished i hadn't. we headed off for a little family break. j & i wanted the tropics but settled for spokane. we hit the jackpot b/c it was local and it was also 24 degrees!
. a trip to the park included sunburns
. hotel (or "show n tell" as A called it) w/ pool & hot tub
. kids carnival & mom's 1st ferris wheel (4 yr old A was more brave!)
. good ol American buffet complete w/ ice cream machine
. old old cityscapes for mom
. more bike shops than we could count, for dad
. nature walk under train bridge
. ice creams in the evening
i want to return on a vespa, w/ basket, perusing the eclectic districts surrounding downtown. if i wanted a tattoo, i would get one here! i'll settle for a bad-ass movie at the art deco movie theatre. who am i kidding?? meg ryan doesn't do bad-ass! these great little areas reminded me of that which i love about portland - baghdad theatre and all.
we're able to play tourist again, w/ the kids being that much older...yippee!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
We've gone coastal; where in the world is Carmen San Diego?
Easter eggs & story a la Auntie Jen
playing w/ Uncle on "the ranch"
playing w/ Uncle on "the ranch" a little ladybug contemplation
from moss and fern on the coast to driftwood & seashells on the island 
in giggle galloshes 
little monkeys take II 
feeding pigeons @ Granville Isl w/ G.pa & ma
Monday, March 17, 2008
Because cheese is good for you.
If you're on my email list, you've got my memo. If not, you've got to check out
http://www.hasanyonetoldyou.com/
I emailed it to all 290 people on my list and I look forward to your comments. My accountant has already responded - who knew??? ...now the local pet store owner, another friendly face, and acquiantances alike have written me to let me know it made a difference.
But don't we all need to know!
If you're on my email list, you've got my memo. If not, you've got to check out
http://www.hasanyonetoldyou.com/
I emailed it to all 290 people on my list and I look forward to your comments. My accountant has already responded - who knew??? ...now the local pet store owner, another friendly face, and acquiantances alike have written me to let me know it made a difference.
But don't we all need to know!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
It has occurred to me that there are 2 kinds of momma's: the kind that give the glares & the kind that get 'em! You know, when you bring the apple beverage rather than the pure stuff to preschool and you get the looks. This happened to a friend of mine. And I think there's an article here. Email me if you've been at either end:)
Thursday, January 31, 2008
A updates:
. wants daddy to build her a stage to dance upon. I'll be happy to keep her off the tables!
. is talk & skinny; not like the P-side:)
. is now requesting that God take away the snow so we can go back to the beach. Amen!
. said she was going to California to see Grandma & pa
R updates:
. has decided he doesn't want to wear big-boy underwear after all
. doesn't care to play with others - let alone play WELL with others
. has a new fave word besides "no"; it's "NEVER"
hazards of renovating with preschoolers:
*1/2 set drywall mud makes great tracks when a 2yr old drives his train through it!
* pink insulation looks (but does not taste) very much like cotton candy, as our youngest discovered. "Skusting!" he said as he feverishly rubbed his mouth. He's our "stories boy". At this rate, we'll never run out!
. wants daddy to build her a stage to dance upon. I'll be happy to keep her off the tables!
. is talk & skinny; not like the P-side:)
. is now requesting that God take away the snow so we can go back to the beach. Amen!
. said she was going to California to see Grandma & pa
R updates:
. has decided he doesn't want to wear big-boy underwear after all
. doesn't care to play with others - let alone play WELL with others
. has a new fave word besides "no"; it's "NEVER"
hazards of renovating with preschoolers:
*1/2 set drywall mud makes great tracks when a 2yr old drives his train through it!
* pink insulation looks (but does not taste) very much like cotton candy, as our youngest discovered. "Skusting!" he said as he feverishly rubbed his mouth. He's our "stories boy". At this rate, we'll never run out!
Friday, January 18, 2008
the cat-lady in me
so we've moved in!
after a year in our 109 yr. old (smaller) home, we've finally unpacked. i am so sorry to those that helped us move (thankfully, most exclusively related) because we're "unloading" most of those boxes on new friends here, or good ol' sally.
but a thought came to mind yesterday when jim "encouraged" me to tackle the basement: where would i be without him? likely not rossland but that's not what i mean. more like...who would i be?
i like to keep things...a lot of things...useless things. there's a little cat-lady in me, i discovered. scary thought.
and ryder's starting to potty train
after a year in our 109 yr. old (smaller) home, we've finally unpacked. i am so sorry to those that helped us move (thankfully, most exclusively related) because we're "unloading" most of those boxes on new friends here, or good ol' sally.
but a thought came to mind yesterday when jim "encouraged" me to tackle the basement: where would i be without him? likely not rossland but that's not what i mean. more like...who would i be?
i like to keep things...a lot of things...useless things. there's a little cat-lady in me, i discovered. scary thought.
and ryder's starting to potty train
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Christmas snapshots
A. taking part in Rossland's annual Reindeer Prance. We loved sharing our town w/ Mom & Dad who came for a "surprise" visit.
Santa took the opportunity to go crazy with the decorations Christmas eve with twinkle lights fastened to (unfinished) ceiling, curtain rods, fireplace etc, snowflake "curtain" for kids to enter living room, and doo-dads affixed to every square foot of living space. Had to get it out of his system before the reno's done and Mom forbids the sticky tape.
A. kicking back with a little Charlie & Lola after an exhausting morning of present-opening
Christmas brings out the princess in all of us! Check out his earring and Miss America smile!
playschool concert with fellow diva girlfriend M. Seems A. quite likes the stage as demonstrated by both Christmas concerts. She was miffed that she had to settle for being a sheep while the 5 yr olds got to play angels!
Santa took the opportunity to go crazy with the decorations Christmas eve with twinkle lights fastened to (unfinished) ceiling, curtain rods, fireplace etc, snowflake "curtain" for kids to enter living room, and doo-dads affixed to every square foot of living space. Had to get it out of his system before the reno's done and Mom forbids the sticky tape.
A. kicking back with a little Charlie & Lola after an exhausting morning of present-opening
Christmas brings out the princess in all of us! Check out his earring and Miss America smile! playschool concert with fellow diva girlfriend M. Seems A. quite likes the stage as demonstrated by both Christmas concerts. She was miffed that she had to settle for being a sheep while the 5 yr olds got to play angels!
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