Flowers from Bob

I was very surprised to flowers delivered here today from my DH Bob. He has always been very thoughtful and though it's hard to have him away...this made him feel a little closer. Thank you!!

Our 8th Anniversary

Today is our 8th wedding anniversary. I'm trying not to be sad that I am spending without Bob but it's not the same. We met in 1997. My brother, James and Bob's brother, Jay are friends. Bob and I were both new to Calgary and became friends. After a few months, we started dating and were on and off for almost a year. We were both young (I am, and always will be, younger) and getting married was a huge thing. Neither of us take marriage lightly so we didn't want to get married if divorce was ever to be an option (if that makes sense).

Bob proposed to me in Banff in January of 1999. It was a beautiful but cold day. Even though I was expecting it...my reaction was still unexplainable. I laughed. I don't know why. I laughed a lot. He put the ring on my finger anyway. Later that day, over lunch, he mentioned that I didn't respond to the question. I hadn't actually accepted. I quickly blurted out a "YES" or something like that.

The wedding was wonderful. We had many close friends and family attend. We were married on the 7th in southern Alberta and held our reception on the 8th in Calgary. On our trip back to Calgary, the shifter cable in our car broke and we were stranded. We were able to get a mechanic to look at it and we could make it back only if we drove in 2nd or 4th gear. It was a very frustrating drive back and we were late for everything. I had to get dressed at the hair salon. We were late for our pictures and then late for the reception. We had many wonderful friends and family there to celebrate with us. Despite the unforeseeable set backs, we had a fantastic day!

Bob is a devoted husband and father. He is my best friend and I really don't know how I ended up so lucky. It's not very often that one finds their soul mate so young and are able to fight the odds to make a happy life together. I can't wait to write the next chapters of our life together! Happy Anniversary, Bob!

My Favorite Picture of Us

Bob and I in 2003

Year of Color - White

This week I did two pictures. I thought I knew what I going to do but at the last minute another idea came to me.

My plan had been to use the Oreo cookie. I love the middle--the actual cookie part is a waste. I have to force myself to eat it and to be honest, I usually give it to my unsuspecting kids. Unfortunately, they are now old enough to realize that something is missing.

This is the last minute edition. This is Kailyn's baby blessing dress. My nieces Lilla and Zoe have also worn it. I love it because it is long and flowing without being too frilly. It also reminds me of how little Kailyn once was. It seems so long ago now. I was only able to get two shots of it before my camera battery died.

Year of Color - Chestnut

This week the challenge color was chestnut. When I think of chestnut, I think of the piano that has sat in the living room of every home we've ever lived in. It belongs to my Mom and though she never took lessons, she has taught herself to play. I remember being told as a child not to bang on the piano and now I tell my kids not to bang on the piano. Whenever my Mom starts to play, the kids will run from wherever they are to her side and "help" her play.

Year of Color - Back in Black

Yes, I am aware that I am a week behind in the Year of Color Challenge--but--actually, I really have no reason...I'm just lazy. Here is my black picture. They are the newest addition to my ever growing shoe collection. I love black! I think it's an amazing (non) color. It can express so many different emotions: sad, sexy or secret agent sneaky (Amber and Christa love the all black look when they use their binoculars and play PI). When people wear black, they either want to blend in and become invisible or stand out and be sophisticated sexy. They call it the little black dress for a reason. These shoes aren't meant for an evening out as much as they are for everyday...could wear them with jeans and look good...shoes.

Mom's Birthday

This is the next edition of the "I am so Loved" Collection. This features stories, letters and pictures from the life of Margaret (Peggy) Elinor Watson-St. Arnaud-Condron-White. Peggy is celebrating her 65th birthday this year so this is the largest book we've put together. This book pays tribute to Peggy from her family and friends. Thank you to Kati, Kelly and Irene for spending so many hours helping put this together. Happy Birthday Mom!

Jay's Wii

As promised--here are pictures of Jay and his Wii. Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures while he was opening the presents and so we made him open them again. He does a great job of looking surprised!

Year of Color--Granny Smith Green

This week, I've been scoping out different ideas for my picture and I noticed the sandbox after Lukas had been playing out there. He's been playing out there a little but on Saturday he got new toys and had to try them out.

A Week in Review

Things have been really busy this week. It kicked off with Easter--my Dad and Jared came up from southern Alberta and then Jen came down from Rocky Mountain House.

Then on Tuesday, Sarah, Christa and I had Craft Tuesday. Christa did our craft and made a wonderful lunch featuring naan bread with grilled asparagus wrapped in chicken. She did an awesome job!

Wednesday kicked off with lunch at Allyson's--we had my favorite tomato sandwiches on cheddar bread. Then I left there to get ready for pamper night at Amber's. I had a great time. Heather came over to do massages and did pedicures...Amber spent 3 hours baking cinnamon bread, rolo cookies, artichoke dip, skor fruit dip and preparing fresh fruits and veggies. I'd say the evening was a total success!

Thursday I packed up Kailyn, Lukas and Zoe for a trip to the Bunnage house. Kati, Lilla and Izsak met us all there. Kelly, Kati and I spent the day relaxing and watching "The Holiday" or at least trying to relax and watch a movie in between chasing kids, making bottles and keeping Izsak from running (crawling) away.

FRIDAY the 13th! This was a fun day! Kati arranged for us to all go out for Jay's surprise birthday dinner. Kelly and I gathered all the presents from Kati's house and raced over to Chili's. We were seated about 5 minutes before Jay and Kati showed up. Jay was shocked to see us--he wasn't expecting anything because his birthday is next week. Heather and Jacob came next, followed by Richard. The present was the best part though. I gave Jay a new game for a Wii--Jay doesn't have a Wii and though they've been trying to get one, they sell out before they can even be stocked. So, Kati (right on cue) says, "Oh, I didn't get him a Wii. Sorry, I thought you knew I wasn't getting it." I follow it up with, "I'm so sorry--I'm really embarrassed. I thought you were getting one. Don't worry, we can take it back." Then Kelly says, "Well, don't even bother opening mine because I thought you were getting Wii." Kelly's gift was the Wii Numchuk. Things are awkward for a minute and then Kati reaches into her purse for her gift to Jay--BUT she actually reaches under the table to grab the carefully placed present. Jay opens it...and...a Wii!! I think Jay summed it up best when he said the family is full of liars and gullible people. This was so fun!! After dinner we had to head back to Jay and Kati's to hook up the new game and try it out. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAY!!

Year of Color--Tickle me Pink

Better late then never, right? This is my "Tickle me Pink" picture. In case it's not completely obvious to everyone...these are my favorite pajamas. Why I love them:

1. They are pink
2. They are flannel
3. They have Care Bears on them
4. They proclaim my love of hot chocolate

My favorite thing is to crawl in my bed with a book or to watch tv in my pajamas.

Jen & Tayva

Jen and Tayva saying good-bye after a LONG sleepless night...it was great to have Jen come and stay for a few days over Easter. Lukas totally loves Tayva and follows her around everywhere.

Boys will be Boys

Bob & Colin sightseeing--hopefully we'll be able to get some more pictures soon!!