Laughing with the Grands

Just to make you smile.....enjoy the day that God has given!

Denay's 1st birthday

Our wee Princess turned ONE YEAR OLD on July 10...and it was a joy to be able to go to the Island to celebrate with her. Even though we do not live in the Island Kingdom, we are still very loyal subjects of the Princess.

Christy did a re-bake of her 1st birthday cake...check out the photo of her and how much Denay looks like her Mommy!

I am thankful to God for His loving care of our family, but am also mindful to constantly be in prayer for these wee families as they carve out their lives.

May God's grace and mercy follow them. Amen.

A week at Grammie's

Shortly after we arrived home from Hawaii, Paul and Shawna flew off to Las Vegas for a holiday without their kidlets. Yippee! A whole week with Grammie and Grampy! Although it was exhausting, we managed to have a ton of fun with these two energetic boys.

Here's a few shots of Cole lovin' on Tucker....you can clearly see how unimpressed Tucker is....

It's all fun and games.....until somebody looses an eye.....

Bath and bedtime.....something to look forward to every day. They are just the sweetest boys. No Bob is not in a coma....he's just playing dead, I think. LOL

A couple of mornings the men folks got up at the crack of dawn to shake up some pancakes. The boys also 'helped' Grammie make some strawberry and raspberry jam.

A good time was had by all, and Grammie and Grampy were left in a crumpled heap at the end of the week.

Would we do it again? In a heart beat!

Another year older...

It was my birthday a couple of weeks ago....for some reason the number bugged me this year. Not a big deal...but 55 just sounds ALOT older than 54! But I have to remember that growing older is much better than the alternative of dying young....so with that in mind...we celebrate, thank God for His mercy and grace, and eat cake, of course.

We started the day by meeting my Mom and going to Tracycakes in White Rock for brunch. The time together was great....the reception and service at the restaurant was underwhelming. But we had a nice visit despite the lack of attention.

Funny, I just noticed you can see the two blondes in the mirror, chatting (and igoring their only customers) just like they did the whole time we were there. LOL

Bob and I then continued to LaConnor for a drive...we just poked around the town and shops. We then met some great friends for dinner in Bellingham. It was a terrific day, and it was just what we both needed.

We have had some difficult days this past month....we would covet your prayers for us and our family.

The birthday celebration continued later that week with a family dinner..of course, Trevor, Christy and Denay could not be there as it was during the week.

Shawna baked the cake for dessert....and OH MY GOSH! It was this FABULOUS recipe she got from Pioneer Woman's blog....it was AMAZING! Thanks, Hon.

As you can see Jacob and Auntie Lindsey have a 'special' relationship....they love each other...ALOT!

I had a terrific birthday week, with family and friends lovin' on me. I am truly thankful for all my friends and family that sent greetings from far and wide....you know who you are.

Be blessed and enjoy the sunshine.

All together

It's not too often now that we can manage to get all together in one place....shift work, church commitments, kidlets, and just living life in general comes in the way of full family assembly....so we are thankful when it happens. This was the week before Father's Day.

Hope you're having a kickin' summer...the weather is fabulous here...LOVIN" IT!!

Be blessed, my friends!

Photo Op

Well, so much for that...better luck next time!

I do love that the cousins can get together as often as they do....it's so fun to watch them interact together.

Well, as you can see, I am finally getting some of my posting caught up....stay tuned...I have a ton more to come.

Thanks for those that bugged me to get with it....it is nice to know that I'm missed.

Blessings to you and yours!

Just because...

it's SO cute.....baby butts....gotta love 'em!!

Sorry it's so short...but repeat a couple of times....just for fun!!

This is the first time a video has worked for me...YIPPEE!

Waikiki Recap

Ya, ya, ya....I know...it's been WAY TOO long since my last post. Sorry...things have just been hectic around here, and sitting at the computer has been low on my priority list.

That being said....I love blogging and have missed you...so please drop me a comment to say you were here!

So on to the vacation shots......we decided to go to Waikiki instead of our usual Maui. Price being the biggest factor. I wasn't too sure we would enjoy it (the last few times we've been there it was not what we were looking for in a vacation) But I was pleasantly surprised, and we had a wonderful, restful time. We stayed at the Ilikai at the north end of the beach....it was quiet, but close to the action if we wanted it. Our room was lovely...on the 20th floor with sunset views....we would highly recommend the spot.

(click on the photos for a closer look)

We rented a car for a couple of days and drove around the island....again, just so relaxing. Stopped at Turtle Bay Resort for lunch.

Hanama Bay to snorkel.....although snorkelling in front of our hotel was just as fun and alot less busy. On the days we didn't have a car, we took the city bus....to the Aloha Tower and Fisherman's wharf, Honolulu downtown and Chinatown. We drove to the Punchbowl on Memorial Day.....there were flags placed on every single grave...I love how patriotic Americans are.

A fisherman just up from the Ko'Olina Resort

We rented bikes and had a great time riding along the Ala Wai Canal, the beach and Ala Wai Park. Top left photos is our spot on the Lagoon in front of our condo...overlooking Diamond Head.

One of the old grand, stately hotels....The Royal Hawaiian

Roger and Vicki flew over for the last 10 days of our holiday.....we actually the ones to 'crash' their holiday. They won the airfare from Westjet, so we decided to co-ordinate our time with theirs. We always have a great time together. This photo of the four of us was taken in the 'before'....

Our nightly walk through the hotels and along the beach

We found some great spots that, even though we had been to Waikiki, were new to us, and then, we went back to some old familiar spots that we always enjoy. Top left is a sunset from our lanai.

We toured the island with Roger and Vicki....this was in the 'after'.

Okay so the story of the "before and after"....Three days into R&V's stay, they went for the day to the Polynesian Cultural Center. While walking through the buffet line for dinner, Vicki was struck in the back by a rolling/falling 8x6 ft lattice wall. It dropped her to the floor, and although no broken bones she really got hurt. Argh! So that was it for the holiday as they knew it....she couldn't walk for long, couldn't sleep laying down, couldn't swim, couldn't sit for long....it was so disappointing for them! The Center was really good, but nothing could really redeem there holiday back....they made the best of it though, and Vicki is not one to complain so we all just tried to adjust and accommodate what would work for Vicki.

She has been suffering alot of pain since then, but is slowly on the mend. And, yes, they are working through a lawyer regarding some compensation.

Vicki was such a trooper....she still made the best of our time together.

Our last night along Waikiki

There is just something so restful about the surf, sun and sand....I am truly thankful for the times we are able to spend in Hawaii.

God is good. All the time.

Thanks for stoppin' by, my friends, please let me know you've been here....it is encouraging to hear from you!

I've still got tons to catch you up on.....stay tuned!

Happy Birthday, Jay!

This train is for a VERY special boy! Since we are away, and I have no recent photos of the birthday boy on my laptop....I thought it fittin' to send Jay a photo of the object of his affections of late.

Today is our biggest grandchild's birthday....Jacob Christopher is 3 years old! He has been a delight to us in too many ways to count.

Wishing you a wonderful day today, Jay....Grammie and Grampy LOVE you to bits! We look forward to celebrating with you just as soon as we get back home.

We're off to rent bikes and ride along the Ala Wai Canal....be blessed

DYI - revealed

A few months ago we started this project...it has been finished for a while but it has just taken me some time to get around to posting photos.

So here's the story....we had a guest room that was seldom used (we have a suite in the basement that is well used) and Bob and I have been under-closet-ed for years. The plan was to turn the bedroom right next to ours into a closet/change room....since we are by ourselves for the most part, it's really not a big deal to cross the hall to our closet. The room isn't very large, and the Ikea closet systems are...so it took a while for us to decide if this really was a good idea or not.

Before After

But at the end of the day, we are very pleased with the added space....and with the added space comes the bonus of greater organization....I know at a glance where everything is.

Before After

I found this adorable chandelier at Home Depot....I wee bit glam for Bob, but he's manly enough to get over it.

We took down the bigger antique ironing board, and bought a smaller one to hang on the back of the door. Bob rigged up the iron on the side of the cabinet, away from sight but ready to use at a moment's notice.

One of my favorite features is the pant hanger thingy....it holds almost 30 pairs of pants/skirts/capris/shorts....and rolls out for you to see them all....LOVE IT!

The closet in the new closet room was my 'Martha gift wrap closet' but we've transferred that to another room, and now I have a closet designated only for my shoes.....I know it looks a wee bit excessive, but some of these shoes are more than 10 years old, and I still wear them....that is almost down right frugal, don't ya think?!

My entire inspiration for the room was this poster I found on line. I don't know what it is about it....maybe it's the leopard print wrap, or the big bed, or even the name 'Dressing Bunny'....but I just fell in love with the print.

I had the yellow leather cubes in the family room, but they are perfect for this space.

I found the perfect spot to hang a trio of loveable G-kidlets...I think it just finished off the space.

Well, I'm off to Honolulu tomorrow....I'll try and post from there when I need a rest from the beach (like that's gonna happen!)

Be blessed where ever you are, my friends.

Mother's Day re-cap

We enjoyed a great brunch at the Fort Langley Golf Club....it's the best kept secret so it's not as busy as most places on Mother's Day. We've been going here for years now, and it has yet to disappoint.

I missed getting a shot of Jay....as the waitress was coming around to refill our coffees, he quietly held up his cup to be included in the offerings....the waitress played along and poured a drop in his cup, cream was added...he sniffed it (he sniffs everything!) and that was that.

A shot of all of the Mainlanders....the Islanders were having a Mother's Day celebration of their own, since this was the very first for Christy.

While everyone else was finishing up their desserts, Shawna and I took the boys outside to run off some of their pent-up energy....they went running off down the hill, with Shawna in hot pursuit. The next thing we knew they were crossing over to the pond....and Cole didn't even break his stride...he walked right into the water and began to paddle.

All participants and spectators responded in an expected fashion:

I did what any good G-ma would do in a similar situation.....I screamed.

Shawna did what any good Mama would do in a similar situation....she stepped in and grabbed him in one fell swoop.

The golfers sitting out on the patio did what any good sportsman would do in a similar situation...they applauded.

And Jay did what any good big brother would do in a similar situation....he tried to keep a closer eye on his wayward brother the rest of the afternoon. (muttering under his breath...No, Cole; No, Cole.)

After our brunch we headed into the Fort town for a walkabout...we checked out the vintage cars, window shopped, and sat and waited for the train....

We climbed around the old caboose and jusst enjoyed each other's company.

We live in a beautiful part of the world, and I must make a point of taking more time to enjoy it with my family more often.

The sweet smell of lilac

This reminds me of the song...He, the pearly gates will open, so that I may enter in, For He purchase my redemption, and forgave me all my sin

Bob and I had a wonderful time with my Mom on Saturday morning, and had a visit with his Mom later in the afternoon on Sunday. We are thankful for both our Moms (they are in their late 80's). We pray that God continues to bless them and give them peace.

Hope you had a great Mother's Day.

PS: Just need to be honest here and let you know that even though I choose to write about the brighter parts of my life, does not mean that everything is rosy, all the time. I have, over the years, had really crappy Mother's Days.

Sometimes it was because of my unreasonable expectations, or that I failed to communicate my needs to my hubby in a timely manner. (Like a year in advance, with friendly reminders leading up to the day.) I have also had poor responses to my Mother's Day plans for my extended family, and have been disappointed time after time.

I remember one Mother's Day when Shawna was just 6 months old. We had decided to have a quite celebration lunch with just our wee family. We went to a family restaurant and from the moment we sat down, Shawna ( an ALWAYS happy baby) cried, and cried, and fussed, and cried. The only relief we got was when one of us would take her into the washroom. We finally figured that the restaurant wall colors had set her off (they were orange and bright pink) and the washrooms was in brown tones. Needless to say, it was not the lunch that I had envisioned, we ate in shifts, and left frustrated.

All that to say, we all have a choice on how we set ourselves up for disappointments. I am still learning, but think that I have grown over the years to really try to accept with a thankful heart what blessings come my way, and to not give too much attention to the storm clouds that always seem to gather at the edge of my most joyful and sunny of days.

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heard

Psalms 37:4

Be blessed, and thanks for droppin' by