moving day

I need to applogize that it has taken so many days for me to get back on here and update. How rude hey. I lead up to the big event with days of posts then forget to get back on and let you know how it all went. Obviously it's March and we are all moved in. The actually day of moving went well. We had dad and ray, mom and dad peters, and our friend Dan. Each person played a vital role in the whole day and we couldn't have done it with out each of them. We didn't actually start moving until noon as Ray worked in the morning. Wally and Dad were putting together some final touches before stuff came in. All the big stuff was moved that day and Thursday there was some small stuff that needed to be moved and cleaned up. I was blessed by my dad with a cleaning lady (a friend of mine) which made a huge difference to my week. Thanks Dad. The nice thing about moving next door is that you pick something up and it goes right into the house. We took out the middle step of going onto and off of a truck.

This is Mark. He was also a helper as he took apart most of his bunkbed himself.

This is Ray after the two weeks of working and the day of moving. He fell fast asleep on the couch

Moving???

Seriously are we ready to move??? I can hardly believe the move day is tomorrow. I can't believe how much has gotten accomplished in two weeks. OK, really it's already today as it's 12:45am and I just said good bye to our cleaning lady for the day. Yes, that's right, my dad blessed me with getting someone to come and clean up after all these Reno's before we move all our stuff in. She did a great job dusting and vacuuming everywhere a good once over everything. Ray and Dad were still working around her up until an hour ago doing more baseboards, touch ups and Ray and Jason put the counter top on. Things look great. of course there is still no toilet seats yet, or towel bars but you can't expect all the details to be covered. I wish we had counted how many times we entered home depot this week. A record I would not want to repeat or try to beat. The carpets were lay ed today, baseboards and trim around doors almost finished, all doors have been painted and I learned how to put a handle on (OK it's minor but I had never done it before so I felt like I contributed too and every bit counts right!)counter top on, appliances arrived but not installed (Terry turned the doors around for me on my fridge), taps finally working (only one toilet is leaking otherwise they did amazing with all that plumbing!) I even got my shelf hung in my bedroom which I have wanted to buy for years. One that is high like the top of a door frame from wall to wall to keep books up on displayed yet not taking up too much space.
Anyways, there is no pictures as it is late and I don't feel like staying up to load them on this blog. I hope to put some before and after pictures on tomorrow. Thanks again for all the help in this project. To people like April and Lisa and Trudy who have taken the kids for awhile to let me help or get stuff done, and to all the guys that have helped with all the little and big projects that brought this to completion

Saturday Feb.23

Today started with the guys going to the men's breakfast at church. They were at work by mid morning though. Lots accomplished again today yet they said it doesn't seem like it. I think things are going to slowly not look so drastically different (until moving day) as they begin working on the finishing touches of jobs. I took the kids to swimming lessons then dropped them off with Gramma (YEAH FOR GRAMMA TIME - IT IS SOOO APPRECIATED). I got to go play for the day at an all day scrap day. It was suppose to be 12 hours but I stayed for 7hrs. I got 12 pages done and 2 cards. And I won a good prize. If you do scrap booking I think you would understand the accomplishment I felt after all that work. I only got to go if I found childcare as there was no way Ray was going to take the day off the house today. Anyways, we're talking about the Reno's here. I got back and Terry had been working on lighting fixtures all day, baseboards were mostly around the upstairs thanks to a new friend Tom. Dad worked on plumbing and doors today and painting closets. Actually, I don't know what all got done today but I know those for sure were done. Things are really coming together. We took a break after supper to go for a well needed hot tub. Kyla had slept 4 hours this afternoon and Mark took a nap before supper so the kids were wired and fun of energy. It was fun to go swimming that late at night and the guys needed that hot tub!! Most people would call that a night and come home to watch the hockey game or news but not these guys. I don't have pictures to post right now 'cause they're still working. I'll post some in the morning or tomorrow. I have laundry to fold and dishes to put away and it's already 11:30pm.

Friday to Friday

Thursday pictures...

Now that it is Friday...

Wow one week in and there has been sooo much accomplished. Huge thanks to Ernie (dad) and Wally (dad) and Ray for all their work. Also to all the others that have come and put in time and helped too. All lino flooring is finished. 90% of the painting is done, 90% of laminate flooring is done, 90% of kitchen is in. 90% of electrical work that was to be done is done. 90% of Ray's face has hair growing on it. One curtain rod is up, baseboards are painted but not installed, and lighting fixtures are purchased waiting to be put up. The list is long for tomorrow and hopefully more help is coming (as I'm going scrap booking for a couple of hours hehehe). As we have found so far, each step is depending on another and as each step is done the next is waiting. It is so impressive how much has been accomplished all ready. Each day Ray, dad and I sit down and write up the list for the next days jobs and the ongoing list to purchase stuff and each day it is exciting to see that most if not all things have been crossed off. Of course we're not ready to move in until after carpets are lay ed and appliances arrive (Tuesday) and we've done some major dusting!!!

Baseboards all painted in a row...

The lino floor brings out the colour in each room that it has been lay ed in - red in the bathroom, grey in the entrance, and green in the laundry room. Yeah it's beautiful!

The bathroom down stairs walls are even the same as the ceiling and I love it! They are a pale blue almost white with a touch of colour. The bathtub and surround look very white and crisp but the picture does not do it Justice.

Day 4 &5

Sorry I didn't get a post in yesterday. Ray felt it was a day of fiddling and driving but those days will happen. Dad got lots of painting done which was great - both bedrooms are done now. He spent time switching many plugs out too. Time consumming but necessary. We could never have expected the amount of electrical work needed until we got in here. Mostly it was electrical and plumbing issues for Ray but now that the tub is in place he seems more relaxed. Dan came with his truck to pick up/drop off the kitchen and Jason was in both nights placing the cabniets in place. Shinny was back both days working hard on the patching and sanding which was great but means we are still behind with painting the kitchen which means we still havn't started flooring but that's ok. My anal retentiveness wants them to stick to the "schedule" but I know realisitically it was only an outline. Anyways, I can't complain much since I'm hardly over there. I have been childminding kids again today and now Kyla is throwing up so it's not fun. Mom was here helping with supper and with kids - thanks I needed that!! I got to take a few door hinges off today and paint part of a wall. My biggests thing was buying all appliances today - YEAH!!!!!! That was fun and even better that we got upgrades without the extra costs. Ray got a deal on his lino today too but that won't go in for a few days. Anyways, lots accomplished in the last two days but not many pictures to show.

working hard, or hardly working?

This morning we went to church which we actually walked the 15mins up the hill to get to. Yeah, that means it's spring and walking has begun. We try to walk 75% of the time from March to October so it's nice to start earlier. There was more accomplished today but not alot of pics to show for it. Cleaning up, more mudding and drywall fixing, bathroom flooring removed upstairs, ceilings painted and 2nd coat on the kitchen. The little things still take time and each step needs to be done before the next.

Here's a cute one of Kyla taking her "coffee"/ water break



Ray and his brother working - so nice to have family helping.












but don't worry it hasn't been all work today.











We took another break this evening to celebrete Grandpa Wally's birthday so there was time to play too. The 5 grandkids put on a "play" for Grandpa this evening. A first of many cute preformences I'm sure with Auntie Lisa directing.

end of second day

The pile is growing by the hour. It is sort of crazy how fast things come out of the house and how much junk is in there. I don't know if you can see Ray in the left corner but it's almost chest height.
This is coffee break time. Lunch was outside on our patio today and now it's infront of the two houses. I tried making the Tim's coffee from a can but obviously not as good as going to get a real one so I've been told. Thanks to all 9 guys who worked today and the 10th who came with his van to take the pile to the dump this afternoon. Yeah for family and friends. I can't show pictures of everything but there was alot accomplished today. Wall gone, flooring out, bathrooms gutted (Karl did a ton of work with that wall of tile in that bathroom and it took 3 of them to remove the bathtub). Ceiling smoothed out and patched, kitchen painted, and a lot of electrical work. Anyways, we appreciate all the big and small jobs that everyone did and it's looking very different already.
Smokey blue colour - same colour we used in Wpg.
Bathroom down stairs -YIKES!!

end of first day

end of first day the living room wall is part way gone and the kitchen cupboards have been removed!! YEAH for starting a day ahead of schedual!!

Reno's first day

This is the front enterence with nice old smelling carpet. Remember this is the same layout as our house but in reverse. The house smells a bit but I'm sure glad they didn't leave us a mess to clean up before the renos started. The kitchen was the first to go - Thanks to Ray getting the extra day off Friday. The first impression is - smelly, dirty, cat hair everywhere, old and ugly.

This is the kitchen with the ugly uppers that block you view into the dinning room.

This is the bathroom with a lot of tile to be removed and the lovely green that we have enjoyed for the last two years at our house. Thank goodness ours were in better shape then these. We are SOOO happy dad has flown in to help with all the work and lookforward to all the help on Saturday with many others coming.

Valentines Day

We are not usually the typical Valentines sort of people. I could care less if I get something that day. Ray has known this from the beginning. I would rather do stuff for eachother throughout the year. I do appreciate the flowers I usually get, but I appreciate more that Ray usually (and again this year), gets the flowers earlier this month rather then right on the day. Somehow it is a nice surprise still as to when they'll show up. We also hate trying to go out on the actually day with everyone eles trying to go out then too. I do try to make a nice dinner though. This year I tried cooking crab legs for the first time. The leg was as long as my own arm. We think it must have been from a Spider Crab. Atleast, it was something that Mark could relate to after seeing them in Oregan this last summer. I LOVE the fact that our kids love fish and seafood. Mark tried crab at one of Costco's snack counters in a wrap, and has loved it ever since. Anyways, it is actually a nice fancy dinner with the kids this year and it went over great!

Grandma going to China

It was nice to get two days with my mom before she flew to China for 5 months. It will be a great experience for her although I'm sure it will be hard being so far away at times. What an adventure to tell your kids and grandkids about, as well as many friends. The kids have been learning about China since the last time she went (Nov. only for 1 month). Looking at the globe, seeing maps, learning what kinds of animals live there (Kyla loves her new book "Panda Bear Panda Bear, What do you See?") and all about different cultures. The last night mom was with us we had Salmon and rice for dinner using Chopsticks - forwarning to other parents about the mess with rice and chopsticks. Make sure you don't care before you start the meal there really is no getting around it at 4 1/2 and 2yrs. We love you mom and lookforward to hearing all you stories and calling you while your there.

SOLD

In case you havn't heard yet, we sold our house Jan. 8th (conditions removed). We don't take posession of the new place until Feb. 15th. The biggest frustration (to me is) that the house we are buying is sitting empty and we can't get in to start the reno's.
The 'house' is actually the end unit of the same 4 plex.
We plan on all major renos within the last two weeks of Feb. before having to be out of here.
Pray for us. That's a lot of work and until then there is lots of decisions to be made.

Hockey

Hockey is a sport that we don't get to go to very often. I remember going to many games in Calgary days and Ray remembers going to many Spartans games with Graeme years ago but since then we've done one Moose game together, and Ray has been to a few here and there with friends. Today was the first hockey game we went to as a whole family - Mark's first time watching a live game. It was fun. Ray's cousins were in town and their 15 year old son was playing in a Major midget league. He's been drafted for WHL for next year. A bit of a rough game but so fun to watch not only the game but also Mark's reactions to all of it - watching the puck, cheering for Taylor, and the Zamboni. The first time brings so much joy and excitement!!

This 2ND cousin he didn't know about, was suddenly famous to him. He was cautious not to get too close for a picture afterwards though and I asked why...."He's too stinky!!"

Christmas Treats

Christmas is when there are traditions in every family. Some traditions revolve around treats. I love Nuts and Bolts. My mom has always made a gingerbread house with us for as long as I can remember. I must say though, the year we made the chocolate one was my favorite year. Anyways, this year was my first year without my mom here to make it with me. Even though I have been away from her these last two years, she comes just in time to assist me. This year my creation was not as elaborate without her. Mark was very much apart of the whole process which was fun. From the making the dough, cutting of shapes to even deciding on the scene, all the way to choosing the candies and the decorating with the icing. It was fun. The first roof collapsed as the angel on top fell and took part of the roof with her but we fixed it. I would be ashamed to show you all a picture of it, but since it was Mark's creation too, I must be a proud mom.

Some of my other favorite traditional treats are peanut butter fingers, vanilla dipped sugar cookies and poppycock. Why is it that we put all the good treats all at one time of the year? We should spread it out during the year so we don't all get a sugar high at the same time of the year. Just a thought.

There are many traditions in every family. Some having to do with food, some with gifts, or when they're opened, some with celebrations. I love it all. Even family tension could be considered a tradition - think about it...what would a holiday be with a family gathering if someone didn't cause tension at least at some point. Not to be taken the wrong way, nor saying anything about either family I'm involved it, just a thought.

Symphony

This last weekend Ray and I went to Vancouver. It was nice to get away (so thankful for Gramma and Grandpa for watching the kids). It was however not all vacation as I was in a course the whole weekend. It was full of information, great networking, and very practical for my work environment. Some of you know already the home I've been working in will be shut down in the new year, but it was still great to go. I learnt a lot and my supervisor was actually in the course with me and took me to my clients new home which was great for some closure. The course is apart of 10 that I am working on completing for my DeafBlind Studies. I think I am 1/2 done now.

I was hoping to see some of my extended family but as it turned out we didn't get in touch with them. It's hard to fit everything in but hopefully we'll see them next time. We stayed with Ray's sister (and brother-in-law) and did take Saturday night for some fun. The four of us went to the Vancouver Symphony. It was amazing!!! I highly recommend a "Broadway Rocks" symphony, especially to anyone who hasn't been to one before. I think it was one of my favorites so far. It was nice to add something special to a weekend of studies. It's always fun to get dressed up - we looked good too!!!

Take a Break

As Christmas comes closer many things come to an end for the season. This fall I have been very involved in a Ladies morning out called "Take-A-Break". The committee has been a blessing of new friends, supporters and spiritual leaders. Last summer I went back to our church in Winnipeg and was sadden to know that even though I have lived here for two years I still felt like Riverwood was my home church. After prayer and discussion I realized it was my own personal involvement that makes a church feel more like "home". I was asked to be on this committee and knew that was God's calling. I knew very few of them before starting and now it feels like we've known each other a lot longer. There are around 70 ladies that come out every Thursday and my role has been the speaker coordinator. That alone has been fun and a challenge not knowing many people. I meet with the speakers before hand, and again for coffee the week before and the morning of their talk for prayer. The ladies are all in small groups around tables and that also was good this year. My table went for coffee the other night to get to know each other better outside of the Thursday morning discussion time.
Another part of the morning has been blessing a local women's shelter. Each week the ladies are asked to bring one item (toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, pads, socks...). For our final week we brought gift bags and the ladies brought small items to fill the bags. I was blown away by the variety of small gifts and the number of bags that were filled.
This last session has been on "Doors" and I'm looking forward to January as we dive into the "Be Attitudes for Women".

Getting ready for Christmas

We went to get our tree from a Christmas tree farm. The whole decision of fake or real trees is all around us. I know a fake tree would save the enviroment, but it somehow seems ok to get a tree from a farm grown lot specifically for Christmas. Anyways, we did it and loved the experience. Mark got to ride on a sled down to the mini, mini forest while Kyla slept through the whole experience in Ray's arms. She woke up as the tree was being put into our trunk. The family provides hot apple juice around a fire to all of us. There are sheep there as well which Mark got to feed.

Up Your Nose!!!

The never ending adventures of Mark. I think we should write a book some time. Lisa said if we don't maybe she should - maybe not literally.

This afternoon as the cousins were hanging out they each got to choose one Halloween candy. Little did I know the candy bin actually contained a variety of candies from Halloween to decorating candy from the baking cupboard. Mark was being silly and decided to put one small pea size hard candy into each of his nostrils. "look at me" he said and I yelled "Mark, get that out of your nose right now - you never put things into your nose!". Well, no sooner had I said it, Mark flicked one candy out but put his finger into the other pushing the candy further up.
Seriously - who does that? - or should I ask isn't that normal for a boy?

Blowing his nose didn't work so I called the Health line. They told me what to do and that didn't work. By this time Ray had shown up at his brother's house and took Mark to the walk in clinic. Now, don't think the story ends there as that would be boring...

The doctor tried a few things but couldn't get it out either and sent the two to the emergency. They did try a few things and took an X ray. They even stuck a catheter up his nose and inflated the balloon hoping to pull it out. The ENT doctor said that usually works 99% of the time...not for Mark...

Next they put Mark out using an IV (They had numbed his hand an hour before inserting the IV - good thing as if you know Ray he would have passed out at that stage if there was any pain/blood). While he was out they used a scope and discovered they couldn't find it anymore. More X rays and finally Mark was labelled clear for discharge.

A small candy snack turned into almost 6 hours (3pm-8:45pm) of adventure. As much as we never want that to happen again, it's not likely we're really going to prevent everything from happening in this boys life. The RN nurse in the emergency room actually was telling the other nurse all the different things she stuck up her nose as a kid - from peas to mashed potatoes. I guess girls do it too - lets hope not!!

STAY TUNED FOR MORE MARK ADVENTURES RECORDED ON THIS BLOG....

October

Story time each night is a special time for Ray and I and both our kids. I love the chance to sit with both of them on my lap, or lay on our bed like we are here, and on the rare time they will both be on their bunk beds listening while we sit on the chair. For some reason I still treasure the cudding on the chair while we still all fit. This particular story time we were listening to a story on tape. Even though Mark is not quite 5 yet we have already started reading short chapter books, as much as we have looked forward to the longer stories with a bit more meat to them, they are above Kyla and she won't sit that long. On the nights that I'm at work I hear that there is a lot more animation to the stories from the comments like "that's not how Daddy reads it".



Instead of Halloween, Mark had a NOAH'S ART party at school. For the second year in a row Ray took the kids to the school's Halloween alternative that night. As much as we don't like this holiday the kids can at least get to dress up and go to the school's party. This way there is some candy too but not a whole lot. Somehow I didn't get a picture of Mark's caterpillar costume or Kyla as a Rabbit. She was an elephant first then decided to be a Rabbit instead for that day. I was so happy to get the Mouse costume from Dad last summer for my childhood cabbage patch kid. Here Kyla is an elephant holding her little mouse.

Our kido's

Our kids are growing and it's time for an updated photo. This was taken at Thanksgiving. We actually had all 5 kids (cousins on Ray's side)matching for an updated cousin photo shot. As hard as it is to get all 5 kids under 5 smiling and looking at the camera at the same time, somehow we think it's worth it. We think this one of Kyla and Mark is super cute but if you look closely you can see the tears in Kyla's eyes. As Uncle Don says "she always has a precious moments tear drop".

Fall Pumpkins

Pumpkins...I just love my picture here of all the pumpkins. (reminds me of something Shelley would take). I love harvest and all that it brings. I love all the colours everywhere. The kids love the day that we go to the farm and pick out our pumpkin and they are so fun to watch too. The field that we go to here is about an hour drive away. The patch is on a hill and if I could do video on this blog I would show you all the rolling pumpkins coming down the hill. I think it was 2 years ago - our first time here that Mark almost got run over by one. We all go in apple crates for a tractor ride to the patch, come back to see the animals and take a taste of apples or something. There is a playground to play on and this year instead of a sandbox the kids found the corn box - full of corn kernels. Thanks Grandma for joining us on our day adventure, I'm glad we waited for you to be there too.