{Birdbrain}

2012

2012-01-15T21:00:00.000-08:00

welcome new year, i hope you are better than that last year we just put up with
i hope to be healthier and more focused in this leap year
late in 2010 i had a pretty brutal car crash, then in 2011 i was fortunate enough to overcome bronchitis, kidney stones, norwalk virus, physiotherapy, crying children, going back to work, cystoscopy, grumpy husband, sleep deprivation, sinusitis, breast feeding, colds and flu, postpartum depression, psychotherapy, babysitters, kidney infections, pneumonia and i plan not to have so many adventures this year.
perhaps if i pay more attention to my own nutrition, exercise, sleep, rest, time for myself and support then perhaps i will weather another year better!

my fabulous first daughter in grade one in her school photo

she loves dancing, drawing, painting, reading, cousins and her brother...

the baby!

fabulous daughter number one again who loves the photo booth on the computer also

totally accidental!

baby with me and daughter number two

marvellous marvin!

my strong sister in law with asia

manong with a crazy look

meow

dressed as snow white with so much energy and constantly chattering, curious, and sweet

tired mama

Summer was good!

2011-09-24T20:11:00.000-07:00

Here's a few photos from our summer adventures. M went to Camp Wolf Howl for a whole week with Cub Scouts. We also had Camp Summer Lovin' with Trisha and her gang and then we went with Phil's fam to Camp Jubilee for their 25th anniversary celebration. They had yurts! The best part of the summer with our family was hanging out locally enjoying the wildlife and parks in Queensborough. We planted a garden, went to the water slides, entertained cousins and E is growing like a weed, a pretty one with flowers on it. Fastest year we ever had! Lina and Asia couldn't get enough riding in the bike trailer around here and P worked like a dog all summer long. To finish off the summer we attended Bumbershoot in Seattle and made it all about the children and their experience there. So we didn't see any big name bands but we went and we enjoyed. We had a lot of flat tires over the summer and didn't keep up with the housework!

quick post

2011-06-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

daddy loves his baby

Cards for Cancer Class July 2011

2011-05-15T18:48:00.000-07:00

We always have so much fun! A great group of ladies gather in South Surrey, British Columbia and spend the day stamping away making pretty cards with a variety of techniques. It's mostly seniors so it's always a pleasure to see the smiling ladies who love to make cards and the snacks and prizes are always fabulous. The cost is $25 donation to Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and with a $10 fee for supplies and believe me it's worth it. If you want to attend or donate prize items you better act fast because it's on Wednesday July 6th and i know the cards have been in the works since the beginning of the year so the anticipation is part of the excitement. The grand prize this year is a 5 piece set of lovely luggage. R.S.V.P. is an absolute must www.newwestmommmy.stampinup.net
Additional events can be held for large groups wanting to support this cause.

choose to BECOME

2011-05-10T06:59:00.000-07:00

Saturday was wonderful as well but details will have to wait because I have food to cook, floors to sweep, diapers to change, laundry to fold, lego to play with, dishes to wash, snot to wipe, hair to brush and goals to fulfill.

Summer Mini catalogue

2011-05-08T20:35:00.001-07:00

Ready to Order!

Seattle Weekend for Me

2011-05-06T23:33:00.000-07:00

*A*L*O*N*E* in the U.S.
Well almost! I rode with a good friend who was kind enough to pick me up and take me away from my children in the afternoon last Friday. She brought us south of the border where I have not been for quite some time. My passport had never been used until….TOFW gave me a really good reason to visit America. I love Seattle and the event was held at the Benaroya Hall which was lovely. Many times I have heard and read John Bytheway so it was a really pleasure see him and listen to him. He is a popular speaker and has warm humour that keeps your attention and keeps you smiling making his inspiring talks memorable. One book by him i particularly enjoyed was
Five Scriptures That Will Help You Get Through Almost Anything
The other speaker that was also fabulous! She was Mariama Kallon picture above as well. I had never heard of her or seen her before. She was dressed in a beautiful African outfit from head to toe! She spoke from the heart with conviction and an accent that reminded us how far she has come and she was so grounded and sincere. As a small girl and youth she saw so many atrocities that she could have chosen to be angry and bitter but she was not. She chose to have a good attitude and made us laugh and touched our hearts with her testimony. She was raised in Sierra Leone in Africa. 'Soon after witnessing the violent murders of parents and siblings and spending her youth fleeing from rebels, she was introduced to the gospel of Jesus Christ and found hope in God and peace in a knowledge of eternal families. She was given a humanitarian kit by the Church which became a treasured symbol of hope that she used to bless the lives of many as they again fled for their lives. After returning to her town, she was called on a mission to the Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission, and wept in gratitude to the Lord as she visited the place where her precious humanitarian kit was made. Today Mariama stands as an example of the divine purposes of humanitarian work and tells her story to numerous audiences, urging them to participate in this work. She currently resides and works in Salt Lake City where she attended LDS Business College.'
There was also a wonderful singer who played piano and introduced the other speakers. His name was Michael McLean and I have enjoyed performances by him before. Toiletries were also collected to make Possibility Packs for a local women's shelter so it was fun to include service in the event as well. I was glad I could do a little something for women in such dire circumstances. Sometimes I feel as though I cannot do so much service even though I am serving my family and serving the Lord each and every day raising my children and trying to teach them to be good people and not kill each other before they are grown. I work diligently to show them how they can take responsibility for their choices and to learn to become independent of me and still rely on the Lord. I hope and pray they will look back on their childhood fondly and know all they need to to become happy and successful in their lives. I am learning a boat load in the process and didn't expect to be loved back so fully and just now have realized I am so important to them. Now they can tell and show me that and it gives me an inkling of how much our Heavenly Father and Saviour must love each of us.

so much fun!

2011-04-14T22:52:00.000-07:00

he's holding a candle

birthday girl

snot

asia

what happens when your nine year old BOY gets a hold of the camera!

me & my cake

daddy

daddy plus

cake on my face

This year has been challenging to say the least. I got in a car accident crossing the yellow line and barreling into a semi truck coming off the #1 getting on to the #7 on my grandmas 101 birthday December 9th so although my knee is better and i can walk and kneel without pain now my neck and upper back and shoulders are not as good. I am however turning a corner so to speak at physiotherapy and will soon not be spending so much time with that. In the beginning of February I had some kidney stones in both kidneys and was whisked into hospital for a few days. Fortunately they were able to remove the stones quite easily and quickly and i was able to have my sister in law help with the children while i was in RCH and pump lots of milk for my baby. Unfortunately they left in a stent for over a month and that caused quite a bit of discomfort and pain. I am grateful to the wonderful friends, sisters and neighbours and relatives for all there care, attention and help! Shortly after the stent was removed I turned 41. That was exciting! We all passed around sniffles and conjunctivitis and then the children got fevers. Then i got the Norwalk virus and began feeling pretty awful and now i am recovering from Bronchitis! Wow if things come in threes i have a few more to go i guess. Yuck! The sunshine helps me keep things in perspective as do early morning walks! I know there are many people with health problems more complicated than mine but i do need a break right now and I am so glad FINALLY there is no snot in my home except when accompanied by crying! Almost everybody got haircuts today and have been waiting since the beginning of the year at least! I got out the six month baby clothes even though she is over 7 months old now and am slowly rearranging my kitchen cupboards, storage and basement. All the Christmas decorations are all together but not yet put away. Some are still in the living room but the tree isn't. My children are healthy and didn't get as sick as myself and i am so so so glad my husband escaped it! He cannot take time off from work and coughing makes him so cranky. Also he cannot put the vacuums and the dirt in front of cartoons and feed them cheerios for lunch if he isn't feeling too good! Also I was able to read three books! Fight Club, The Alchemist and The Host! Amazing and still fit in time for scriptures and some sanity! Go super mom! Don't tell anyone that sometimes my children forget to brush their teeth and hair {if it isn't totally obvious} and that they sometimes travel to and from the school in their pajamas, not the ones attending!

February 2011

2011-03-13T06:18:00.000-07:00

sitting up baby!

sleeping babies are always good...

aunty jessie loves to read stories to the girls and we love our aunty

Happy New Year!

2011-01-13T01:22:00.000-08:00

Ella 4 months old!

L-R-Asia 5, Santa ?, Ella-Jean 3 1/2 months, Avalina 2
Below-Marvin 9

smiles a while ago

Anastasia in September

I haven't had a chance to think about what I can change for 2011 except for... Try to have more patience with self and family. Try to be more understanding towards the children. Increase scripture study, don't eat a lot of corn dogs, stand up straight...O.K. maybe i have thought about it some...Things at our house are moving so fast and there is always so much to do and a shortage of time and energy for all of it but somehow we seem to laugh and smile through it all and get small bits of things done and find a little room for things we want to do as well as the things we should do. I love living in Queensborough and walking around here. Now that we are short a vehicle I haven't had a choice and while it sometimes gets tedious going back and forth to that school three times a day with two children in a stroller and a grumpy one that wants to be in a stroller, when it's dry I really enjoy it! especially when nobody is crying! This week we saw tons of ducks and a heron. It kind of makes my leg hurt but it also takes my mind off the pain in my shoulders and collar bone area. Thank goodness for tylenol/advil and the power of prayer right now! Marvin is working hard to keep from getting detentions for blurting out and laughing and such and is making some progress. He is back to Cubs this week and starting an all boys gymnastics class today! Thank-you Canadian Tire and the Jumpstart program! Anastasia is always carrying her baby sister and just cannot leave her alone! She's enjoying Kindergarten so much I wish she was in the full day program. She has really come out of her shell going to school! She is pestering me to let her wear make up (yes at 5 years old!), to bake with her, teach her sewing and watch more ICarly. She continues to love painting and drawing and is always sketching dresses and accessories. Avalina is such a chatterbox! She constantly talking and asking questions and is so funny! Ella-Jean is a happy baby when her gums are not bothering her and when other people are not waking her up! She's realizing that she has hands and laughs with a deep voice. She's sleeping more at night but Avalina is still waking up so that is hard for me. Sleep deprivation makes me so scattered and forgetful and I can get overwhelmed and discouraged more easily but I am hanging in there. I really miss my coworkers at the hospital and being there but I also really like being home with my children. I can teach them so much more about important things this way too! There's lots more to report but i have to sleep now before someone else wakes up!

Christmas Love

2010-12-26T14:10:00.001-08:00

Things change in the blink of an eye...

2010-12-21T09:07:00.000-08:00

On December 9th I destroyed our car while bringing Ella for her three month check up. She had it in the trauma bay at Royal Columbian instead. As I was coming off Highway 1, getting on to the Number 7 my car started sliding on the United Blvd overpass. Before I knew it I lost control and slammed into an oncoming semi truck. Luckily my car was equipt with seat belts, air bags and the like. As I looked around the vehicle for my glasses and realized what had occurred my thoughts only went to my baby's safety. Out the window through the dust and debris I could see the front of the huge truck and nothing else. I could not get the door open and realized my foot was still jammed on the brakes. I called for help for my baby and myself and fortunately a nearby construction worker came running to my aid and was able to pull open our doors and cut the seat belt holding my dear baby's car seat in the middle in the back. A nursing student stopped to help and checked over the baby who was crying and still amazingly had her binky in her mouth. more to follow....

2010 is coming to a close...

2010-12-21T09:04:00.000-08:00

Everyone is getting so big so quickly!
There's hair on Marvin's legs. He's interested in developing and bearing his testimony. Having some trouble not getting detentions, good thing Cherry likes him so well.
Anastasia is reading small words. Who would have know she would love kindergarten?
Avalina is saying her own prayers. She never stops talking and is still breaking things. Her honesty when she gets into mischief always amazes me. She unabashedly announces, "It was me!"
She looks and acts so much like Betty-Ann when she was a girl.
Ella is grabbing on to things and smiling and lifting her head and Daddy got some chuckles.
Pat is still working like a dog as the best janitor in Whiterock and finding energy to spend time with the children and small moments with myself.
Grandma David turned 101 a few weeks ago and is residing at Kiwanis Care Center. It is so much better than Carlton Gardens. If she cannot be in her little house at least now she is close by and somewhere pleasant that doesn't always smell like pee. Most times she seems to know us but she's often cranky. I hope i do not live as long as her because i am already tired. Wish I could make her smile and laugh as easily as she used to. She is much quieter now that my dad is gone. I don't think it's nice to outlive your children.
My mom is plugging along as best she can and has been giving herself the blood transfusions at home for one year now. She is still volunteering at the Family History Library and working with Victim Services at NWPD. She is an inspiration to me constantly and I do hope in some ways I become my mother.
Lalaine is still with us but helps Patrick clean during the week and hides out at my mil's on the weekends.
Lolo is done with the chemo and radiation therapies which seem to have significantly shrunk the tumor. He says the Lord has healed him but we all know it will inevitably return in time. For now he can see and hear and eat with his mouth and try to enjoy his children and grandchildren with a better quality of life than before the therapy. God Bless him. He needs our prayers and so do his children.
I know God loves us and wants us to be happy. He provides so many tender mercies to bless us through our trials on this earth. Jesus Christ lives and loves us too. I am very grateful for my knowledge of the gospel and happy to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. I hope many of you have had a chance to feel of his love.
Merry Christmas!

Christmas Love

2010-12-11T22:50:00.000-08:00

Rememberance Day

one of Ella-Jean's first smiles

Avalina is so much like i was as a little girl

Moody but Marvelous Marvin

Everybody loves their Auntie Jessie

gotta get those teeth fixed

anastasia loves her new sister and is getting used to her glasses but loves kindergarten

Our family is getting ready for Christmas and working hard to keep it simple this year. With a new baby and three other children I really need to keep it from getting to hectic. It's already total chaos the minute my children start waking up and it doesn't seem to let up until they are all asleep. It's our first year in our own house so I think my husband wants to make it special. He's already invited all his siblings and their family over for dinner. There are at least 15 of them. My husband brought home a huge tree today. He wants to cook turkey and roast beef. Also he's planning for pies and cakes! I am not sure he's on board with my keep it simple idea so far! I would love to be baking and making and decorating up a storm but i can barely keep up with feeding and cleaning around the house and their little bodies and clothes right now.

BABY is sleeping through the night!

2010-11-23T17:22:00.001-08:00

Unbelievable! None of my other children did that at 9.5 weeks old. Ella-Jean is a wonderful addition to our family! We are so blessed and love her so much!

BABY +

2010-09-22T18:04:00.000-07:00

big news

2010-09-08T15:28:00.000-07:00

We had a baby girl september 6th at 01:33am weighing 7lbs! Her name will be Ella Jean Manghi

Photos April/August 2010

2010-09-03T13:26:00.000-07:00

Loaves and Fishes

2010-09-03T13:19:00.000-07:00

September is here already! Asia is starting kindergarten and my son will be in grade four! I will be walking to the school with a two year old and a new baby three times a day! If that doesn't help get some baby weight off I don't know what else will. It will be challenging but I am looking forward to it and trying to clear my plate of everything else until I can get into some kind of routine. The gradual entry program at our local school seems way too gradual for me but perhaps it will be a good thing if we don't even get there until the third week when the full days start. It seems like a minute ago it was only half way through summer! I have been feeling so fortunate to be home on maternity leave early and spend so much time with my three healthy, happy, energetic, sometimes annoying, exhausting, beautiful children! As I anticipate the birth of our fourth and final child I find myself desperately trying to get as much done as possible before we are all consumed by sleep deprivation and the wonder of a newborn baby. Some would call it nesting but that seems a little out of reach. I am almost packed to go to the hospital when it's time but so far the baby only has a hat and a blanket to go home in. Also a clean with the cover and canopy repaired carseat thanks to my mom. Finally today I was able to find my zero to three months clothes! Marvin helped me get down into the storage unit and find the right bin. I have been busy cleaning out the girls drawers, taking all the clothes that are too small out and packing them away for whoever they will fit next. I will be in big trouble or buying a lot of boxes of blue dye if this baby turns out to be a boy. Also I we have been getting all my son's warm clothes and school supplies ready, organized and labelled or repaired. Whew what a relieve! I kept imagining being in labour and Marvin going to school with ripped jeans and only a backpack and a pencil in hand on the first day. Patrick reminded me that he was perfectly capable of purchasing them and spent all day Monday running from store to store gathering what he needed and getting tons of groceries in case we wouldn't have a chance later. Also he has been baking banana and zucchini breads like a fiend and putting it in the freezer. The children say it's his new hobby and he can barely keep up with them wolfing it down baking and baking and baking. I wish I had the energy to do that! Yesterday he went to Steveston and got 5 huge salmons and spent the evening beheading and gutting and filleting and chopping them so we'll have a freezer full of fish to eat. So that is what we will be eating once the baby comes I guess, loaves and fishes.

Summer

2010-07-22T13:16:00.000-07:00

Hello neglected blog! I'm in my 33 week now and am trying to get some rest this week while Asia has clown camp and Marvin is at the New Westminster Police Soccer camp but it's not really working. We have been spending lots of time worrying about dad and waiting for more information. A large tumour has been found behind his nose and is pressing on the nerves in his face causing all the eye pain he has been having. I thought if I wasn't working I would not be at the hospital so much. I am glad he is in good hands and we have been saying lots of prayers for him at home and on the road and with him. I am so glad it's not already in his brain so he can still function fairly normally and enjoy some family time. Anastasia has a big Clowning Around show tomorrow and is enjoying learning to juggle and balance with a pretty umbrella and ride a unicycle! Marvin's last day of soccer camp will be tomorrow too and hopefully it will be another lovely day. Today the firemen were bringing their hoses to spray the children down but it's not that sunny unfortunately. I am sure they will have fun anyway! The location of the camps are conveniently located by Amma's house in Queen's Park and it's so nice there! We enjoyed picking some raspberries on the weekend and the Fraser fest fireworks! It was nice to take the children down the road in their p.j.s since the majority of viewers were on the other side of the river at the Quay. Avalina wasn't so scared this time. I am off to try and get a nap before I lose my chance. I'm sticking to bread, applesauce and rice fighting off a bit of food poisoning from the chicken we waited too long to cook last night. I won't listen next time my husband tells me if it's marinated it can hang out in the fridge longer. What was I thinking, must have been tired...

Avalina is TWO!

2010-04-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Avalina is two years old. Where did the time go? She loves to see the ducks in Queensborough and laugh and point. As soon as anyone puts on their shoes at our house I hear, "Where's my shoes?" and "Where's my jacket?" repeatedly even after said shoes and coat are on her body. Although she has a super sweet personality she can be demanding at times too. Her favorites are her Sock Monkey Book, her Knuffle Bunny, Dora pajamas, and playing with trains or babies. She is certainly different from the rest in so many ways. I hope she stays this sweet and that the terrible two's are not too difficult for her. She is full words and beans on most days and spends a lot of time singing and talking to no one in particular. She still seems so small to me until she wants to be carried, then she seems heavy! Our 4th baby is on the way so i am looking forward to being home with Avalina and the new one since Asia will be starting school in September. I think I forgot how challenging it is to be pregnant. I am not so far along right now but I know what is coming. I have often wondered if having children in my 20's would really have been any easier. I am thinking physically because during that time of my life i did have so much more energy and was able to stay up late at night and just keep going, working like a fiend and when i am feeling especially sleep deprived it makes me wonder about that....

Happy Birthday to Me!

2010-03-16T22:56:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I am forty. It's very exciting. My birthday was Monday March 15th. I was lucky enough to be spoiled pretty much all weekend by my husband. He took me for dinner and a play and then for a walk and a hot beverage with a pedicure and facial before hand on Saturday. Lalaine was kind enough to care for the children and have them asleep in their beds when we came home even though she hasn't been feeling her best lately and on her day off too. I was totally wiped out after that day and evening being 15 weeks pregnant and still fighting off the nausea. On Sunday he let me sleep in and made waffles for breakfast! Even though I wanted so much to go to church I stayed home and enjoyed my breakfast and family's company. I feel so fortunate. He's not perfect and I growl at him sometimes when I find dirty underwear on the floor and that kind of thing, he certainly is good to me! On my actual birthday my son had an extra day off school and i took the day off work. I also totally forgot to bring Asia to preschool or even call them! How rude. I told the children they had to do everything i said because it was my birthday. Then I asked them to make their beds, something they have to do anyway and much earlier in the day normally. My eight year old said I was taking advantage of my birthday and going a bit too far. You think I would have asked him to scrub the walls, floors and clean the toilets! He did do a beautiful job of it and later watched his little sisters so I could have a 'birthday nap'. Anastasia made me some pictures and glued some of her favourite recent creations to lined paper and stapled it together to make a book and gave me that! It's beautiful.

Welcome 2010 Winter Olympics

2010-02-13T08:49:00.000-08:00

It's finally here! The much anticipated Winter Games! Surrounded by controversy and excitement our city and surround areas is about to be turned upside down. There's a buzz around town and it's furthered by the various appearance of the torch in the communities this week. The Olympic torch came by the local school and right down our street on Tuesday and we are definitely off the beaten path in my opinion. My coworkers have been decorating the work place and started wearing red and white and getting very interested in the goings on around town. There have been so many new additions to our city in anticipation of this event. I hope we get a sudden cold snap and snow storm because it's pretty green around here and the snow on the mountains is melting fast!

2010

2010-02-13T08:29:00.000-08:00

New Year, new job, new baby coming, been so busy, have no chance to blog!
There was a previous post I put in early January but I am still getting used to a mac and i deleted it by mistake.
My 8 year old has started cub scouts and is really enjoying it. Soccer didn't work out much to Dad's dismay but maybe Baseball will work better! He is still reading up a storm! My middle child has started at a local montessori preschool and is still adjusting to that! She is enjoying it but is not as enthusiastic as i had hoped. Our youngest is still so sweet and finally off the boob! I breastfed her the best food for 22 months and now that i am pregnant it's not only uncomfortable but I really need to sleep through the night. I just hope she will stop getting up so early! She wants to be just like her big sister and loves to get a hold of a pen or wear a tutu all day long. Our Daddy is still working as hard as ever cleaning those buildings in Whiterock. He's got some help with his cousin Gina so he can get home earlier now. I am still struggling with my new position having never before had a shift where you have to get a set amount of work done that fluctuates daily. I am so used to multitasking and dealing with things as they come adjusting my speed when necessary. It is hard for me to focus on one task at a time while still dropping everything at a moments notice to add something new. I am glad i will not be working until midnight through another pregnancy but I miss my old job, old coworkers and being so proficient and valuable like before. I work alone for 1/2 my shift and that is kind of nice. The job is tedious and i feel like i am not really using my brain. I am really struggling with morning sickness this time. Big Time!

2009 is almost finished!

2009-12-29T23:00:00.001-08:00

Patrick took the children to Walmart to get their photo taken sans hairbrushing and ditched the matching outfits I put out but they turned out nice anyway especially the sepia ones! I don't know how the photographer got them all to sit still and look so nice but I can't seem to do it with my camera! I sure like those children even though they are exhausting, noisy and rambunctious. Youth is surely wasted on the young.

Love Sparkles

2009-12-21T09:35:00.000-08:00

Tell someone that you love them with this Valentine’s-themed card kit. The custom designed window gable box adds a beautiful touch to this card set.

Date: January 2nd and 9th 2010
Cost: $20 or free with $65 order which includes FREE stamp set choices vary
Location: New Westminster

Please email me to sign up for this class: (stampingbetty@hotmail.com)
Supplies provided

• Stamps: A Happy Heart
• Ink: Pretty in Pink Classic, Rose Red and Soft Suede
• Paper: Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Sahara Sand, Whisper White,
medium Whisper White envelopes
• Accessories: Sticky Strip, Snail adhesive, Stampin’ Dimensionals,
mini glue dots, 2-way glue pen, 1” Rose Red Double Stitched Grosgrain
ribbon, Filigree brads, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, grid paper,
paper snips, mat pack, paper-piercing tool, bone folder, Stamp-a-ma-jig,
Large Oval punch, Scallop Edge punch, Crop-A-Dile, Heart to Heart punch,
Acetate Sheet, hobby blade, cutting mat, pencil, ruler

My Grandma David was in the newspaper...

2009-12-14T00:30:00.000-08:00

Marking a century
The Royal City Record
Published: Saturday, December 12, 2009
Melva Halliday celebrated a pivotal birthday at Queen's Park Care Centre on Wednesday.She turned 100 on Dec. 9, and, to mark the special occasion, family and friends held a party for the centenarian. "She's a very tenacious and very independent woman," daughter-in-law Doreen Anderson says about Melva. Melva had been living on her own at her home in Sapperton up until three weeks ago. She loved her garden in Sapperton, where she grew flowers, vegetables and fruit - once even growing a kiwi vine that produced 400 kiwis. She also enjoys canning fruit and is an avid knitter. Today, Melva is staying at the care centre until she can move to a long-term facility. Melva has lived in New Westminster for 80 years. She was born on the North Shore, moving with her family to the Royal City when she was 15 in 1924.
The family settled in Sapperton, where Melva lived until she married her first husband, Harry Anderson. They raised their three sons in Queensborough. Harry was a First and Second World War veteran, who passed away in 1959. Melva returned to Sapperton when she married her second husband, David Halliday, in the 1970s.
Anderson says her mother-in-law, who has seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, isn't surprised she's lived to 100. "I think she expected it," says Anderson. © The Record (New Westminster) 2009

It's almost done....

2009-11-30T09:48:00.000-08:00

Shortly after the ground breaking my middle child and fiestiest daughter came home and said, "Mommy can we sing the secret duty song?" It took me a few minutes to figure out what she meant and it makes my heart almost leap out of my chest to hear her sing, "I love to see the temple." Now you can understand every word when she sings it since she's four now. Listen to the song here! We have visited the site every chance we get and have only been to Langley once without stopping by to see how the construction is going. Check out the street view on Google maps too! Love it! Vancouver Temple Public House will be Fri Apr 9 - 24, 2010 (Except Sundays) Cultural Celebration: Saturday May 1, 2010
Dedication: Sun May 2, 2010, three sessions (9am, 12 noon, 3pm)
You are invited!

{Thoughtfully}
I love to see the temple.
I’m going there someday
To feel the Holy Spirit,
To listen and to pray.
For the temple is a house of God,
A place of love and beauty.
I’ll prepare myself while I am young;
This is my sacred duty.
I love to see the temple.
I’ll go inside someday.
I’ll cov’nant with my Father;
I’ll promise to obey.
For the temple is a holy place
Where we are sealed together.
As a child of God, I’ve learned this truth:
A fam’ly is forever.

© 1980 by Janice Kapp Perry.
Doctrine and Covenants 124:39–41

Manghi Burger

2009-11-30T00:09:00.000-08:00

I tried to capture the totem pole thing the children have been doing lately and giggling wildly. Marvin is the bottom bun and Asia is the meat. Avalina is supposed to be the cheese but she wouldn't cooperate for the photo of course. That is their version of a burger on the couch. It looks really cute when they are all horizontal one on top of the other. It makes me forget completely that a mere two minutes ago someone was screaming, someone was crying and someone was pushing and calling names and I remember to loosen my grip around their scrawny little necks that i sometimes want to snap like a twig, oops another inner though leaked out. My mother always said, "God makes them so cute so you won't kill them." I must have been very naughty.

Baja Breeze I miss you...

2009-11-29T23:51:00.000-08:00

Here's part of a set I did at the Saturday Crop-A-Lot last weekend in Langley. I love these colours and was delighted to use up the rest of my Frosty Day papers even though I will miss them. Here is what you can do with one sheet of double sided patterned paper and a few hours. I cannot seem to turn these photos because my computer is acting strange but i will post them anyhow. Cock your head to the left hand side when looking at the first two images! Thanks to Lisa for teaching me about the Snow Writer. Thanks to Jessica for showing me how to use the Peel offs. This set was a big hit and so was Roland's carrot cake and pork tenderloin. I used the Snowflake Sizzix Die and Stampin'Up!'s famous Top Note die as well with my Big Shot! On top of the snowflake is white Shimmer Paint. I was delighted to finally find my ribbon box and a roll full almost of Baja Breeze striped thick grosgrain! I am officially out of Real Red grosgrain ribbon. Thanks Karina for using your own on your card! I love the look of the Chocolate Chip Satin ribbon and it's on the Clearance Rack right now! The new Stampin'Up! ornament punch makes quick cards a snap especially when combined with the Delightful Decorations set used in two cards here. The patterned paper I chose for this set has Baja Breeze and White swirly snowflakes on one side and Stripes as you can see on the other. Thanks for looking!

Calendar Countdown with Chris

2009-11-29T23:39:00.000-08:00

Look what I made at Cherish the Thought with Chris! Don't you just love it! I do and it's on my refrigerator at this very moment. I plan to make a few more but not quite as fancy. I better do it quick like before time runs out. I can't believe it's only 26 more sleeps until December 25th! This project has a lot of sparkle and glitter but i couldn't get it to shop up in the photos. Too bad, it's what made me go, "WoW!" when i first saw it and signed up on the spot.

Dunja's Dasher Class

2009-11-29T23:34:00.000-08:00

Quick, Easy and Elegant is the name of the game with this Dasher stamp for only $10.95! These cards use Old Olive, Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Kraft and Stampin'Up! designer series paper called Merry Moments! Love them!

Easy 5 flower punch Christmas Card

2009-11-29T23:28:00.000-08:00

I used my Priceless Stamp Set and some clear embossing powder plus my Stampin'Up! bone folder and some green Rhinestone brads to jazz up this paper pointsettia.

Alex Waterhouse-Hayward photo

2009-11-26T23:29:00.000-08:00

You can see his blog here!

hmmmm Film Library

2009-11-26T23:18:00.000-08:00

I started a new position with slightly better hours. I miss my coworkers and the job i was good at. I miss being the know it all and hearing familiar voices and dealing with familiar problems. I don't like the stale environment with the tedious work i am hoping to become better at with smaller margins for error and the people who smile and say yes even when they don't understand you. I am having some trouble keeping up. The children love having me come home and are eagerly waiting with stories in hand, teeth brushed, pajama clad under the covers at least until they hear my key in the lock. It is easier to get up in the morning not working so late in the evening. If one more person from ER x-ray hugs me i might cry AT WORK. They have weird snacks in the film library and lots of demands. No time for Facebook, boo hoo. Get used to it. At least i am not far away and I don't miss Jean! 90 days to change my mind if i need to.

November Eleventh

2009-11-26T23:14:00.000-08:00

Pat turns 41
Phil turns 36
we all remember veterans
no work for me today
thank-you to those who kept us liberated and liberated others
Yhong is very pregnant
All You Can Eat at Kingsway Sushi
pretty good
Mom AND Dad came but wouldn't sit beside each other.
Avalina screamed as the good behavior window closed
Anastasia made chocolate cupcakes that didn't get icing on them before they were mostly eaten
Ama had to park really far away
Phil and Pat shopped C&L
Lots of books for presents plus movies too.
another rememberance day over and done with

Heebee Jeebees

2009-10-11T23:19:00.000-07:00

How do you explain that word to a four year old?

Just wait until you see mine! Fabulous Paper Bag Album using Dream Street Products made at Cherish the Thought in Port Moody.

Why oh why do women need to go through this?
I am so pissed off. I am not sure why because I was expecting it to return sooner or later. I got my . after 27 months I forgot how crappy it makes you feel! I am really shocked {into reality} and so don't want to breastfeed anymore. What a big baby. I just want to bury myself in a hole in the ground and cover it with leaves because it would probably feel better than this.
Manong's teeth are really crowded and crooked. Pluse had a root canal and he is only EIGHT! No more juice and now I will be the flossing nazi. He was very brave and squeezed his dad's hand hard. He has a silver crown and thinks there's treasure in his teeth now.
Manang got a new bed today. Let's home she stays in it ALL NIGHT long!
I decorated it with Christmas lights because her brother took the lamp.
We put all the clothes in the drawers below and I realized she has way too many.
Then again she does change her clothes at least 3 times a day. She is obsessed with how things smell. I am going to be busy preparing lotsa foods tomorrow.
Ading is asleep finally and has taken to screaming like a banshee. I didn't know a 1.5 year old could be so demanding. She sounds possessed when she howls and screams "mommy" at me and chases me around.

Look what I made with Jessie at Cherish the Thought! recently
Alcohol inks are where it's at! Can you see the granite like background?
I think we like Queensborough! Imagine, next time my boss calls me Debbie from Queensborough I will tell him he's jealous. I am going 'in to town' now to borrow my mom's roasting pan assuming she is home from the police station otherwise we'll need a bail bondsman.

More soon...poor neglected blog...

Guardian Angels Daycare

2009-10-05T12:07:00.001-07:00

Guardian Angels Daycare is located on the Burnaby/New Westminster border at 10th Avenue & 10th Street and run by my sister in law Gen.
They have a full above ground basement for our daycare with a completely fenced in play area and parks nearby too.
There is room for a few more children part time or full time depending on your needs.
As the owner she is ECE certified and aware of children with special needs and also educated in health issues which of course is on going.
Do you have an active child in need of some socialization, activity and fun while you are otherwise occupied or working?
This is a place where children can grow and learn with quality supervision.
Please call Genevieve 6045243280.

Queensborough

2009-10-01T17:55:00.000-07:00

In September our family finally moved out of our little apartment. Now we are living in a house in Queensborough which I didn't see until we were moving in. I was hesitant to go across the bridge to a community I was less familiar with. It is separated from the rest of New Westminster by a bridge and nestled in between Richmond, Delta, Burnaby and the rest of New Westminster. It is on the Fraser River and until recently there was not a lot of shopping over there. In the last few years a Walmart was built and with it came a bunch of fast food and clothing stores as well as a Best Buy and There is a community centre with lovely weeping willows and plenty of playground space. The schools are centrally located as well but we don't have a grocery store there. I suspect we will be crossing the Queensborough Bridge frequently. My commute time to work has been cut by 10 minutes and I am sure Patrick is closer to his work destinations as well. We like to look out our back window and see the trains. We are right near the Derwent Way rail swing bridge going to Annacis Island. We have ditches with frogs in our front yard. I like the grassy lanes that divide many of the homes backyards. We are getting used to being a bit isolated from our family and all the places we used to frequent. We have met some nice people and are enjoying being in such a large space where the children can play outside!

We moved!

2009-09-21T22:43:00.000-07:00

Finally!

Annual Cousin's Lunch

2009-07-21T22:25:00.000-07:00

Eda's house
Sumas Mountain
Family
Food
Fun
and lots of kittens...

New Westminster's Finest

2009-07-21T22:02:00.000-07:00

My mom was given this lovely framed item from the Police Department for her service in the past year. She also enjoyed a banquet and a night out with her cousin Donna Mae that was put on for the volunteers. She has been doing it for several years now and even though I know she enjoys it and finds it rewarding it can also be difficult and exhausting for her at times. She is fortunate in that they send her to a lot of educational classes for her to keep her skills updated and varied. She is always learning something new or additional that helps her help others. The officers just don't have the time to do it all so one of their resources is the Victim Services staff. I am so proud of my mom for her dedication and caring nature. It is amazing what they all deal with at that station and how they work together helping in our community.

New Car Smell

2009-07-21T21:50:00.000-07:00

AntiJessie got a new car! Here's the girls checking it out!

AmmA is SixtySix

2009-07-11T19:45:00.000-07:00

Stopping to smell the roses...

2009-06-22T22:38:00.001-07:00

June 2009

2009-06-18T10:34:00.000-07:00

Wow, I have been a bad blogger. I didn't realize it's been so long. My poor neglected blog. In March I returned to work from my maternity leave and am currently struggling to find some balance. I don't usually work full time but for the last few months it has been necessary. It would help if someone would buy our apartment. It's a two bedroom suite on the quiet side of the building with one bathroom, fireplace, great neighbors, a dishwasher and insuite laundry. We're still waiting...

Avalina's 1st Birthday

2009-03-30T13:58:00.000-07:00

Look what I got for my birthday....

2009-03-26T01:04:00.000-07:00

...from Patrick.

One Week to my Birthday!

2009-03-08T22:32:00.000-07:00

15 March 1970
The moon's phase on the day you were
born was in its first quarter.

Your date of conception was on or about 22 June 1969 which was a Sunday.
You were born on a Sunday
under the astrological sign Pisces.
Your Life path number is 8.
Your fortune cookie reads:
Decide what you want and go for it.
Life Path Compatibility:
You are most compatible with those with the Life Path numbers 2, 4, 8, 11 & 22.
You should get along well with those with the Life Path number 6.
You may or may not get along well with those with the Life Path numbers 1 & 5.
You are least compatible with those with the Life Path numbers 3, 7 & 9.
The Julian calendar date of your birth is 2440660.5.
The golden number for 1970 is 14.
The epact number for 1970 is 22.
The year 1970 was not a leap year.
Your birthday falls into the Chinese year beginning 2/6/1970 and ending 1/26/1971.
You were born in the Chinese year of the Dog.
Your Native American Zodiac sign is Wolf; your plant is Plantain.
You were born in the Egyptian month of Pachons, the first month of the season of Shomu (Harvest).
Your date of birth on the Hebrew calendar is 7 AdarII 5730.
Or if you were born after sundown then the date is 8 AdarII 5730.
The Mayan Calendar long count date of your birthday is 12.17.16.10.16 which is
12 baktun 17 katun 16 tun 10 uinal 16 kin
The Hijra (Islamic Calendar) date of your birth is Sunday, 7 Muharram 1390 (1390-1-7).
The date of Easter on your birth year was Sunday, 29 March 1970.
The date of Orthodox Easter on your birth year was Sunday, 26 April 1970.
The date of Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent) on your birth year was Wednesday 11 February 1970.
The date of Whitsun (Pentecost Sunday) in the year of your birth was Sunday 17 May 1970.
The date of Whisuntide in the year of your birth was Sunday 24 May 1970.
The date of Rosh Hashanah in the year of your birth was Thursday, 1 October 1970.
The date of Passover in the year of your birth was Tuesday, 21 April 1970.
The date of Mardi Gras on your birth year was Tuesday 10 February 1970.
As of 3/9/2009 12:31:11 AM EDT
You are 38 years old.
You are 468 months old.
You are 2,034 weeks old.
You are 14,239 days old.
You are 341,736 hours old.
You are 20,504,191 minutes old.
You are 1,230,251,471 seconds old.
Top songs of 1970
Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel
I'll Be There by Jackson Five
Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head by B.J. Thomas
Close to You by Carpenters
My Sweet Lord by George Harrison
I Think I Love You by Partridge Family
Ain't No Mountain High Enough by Diana Ross
American Woman by Guess Who
War by Edwin Starr
Let It Be by Beatles
Your age is the equivalent of a dog that is 5.57299412915851 years old. (You're still chasing cats!)
Your lucky day is Thursday.
Your lucky number is 3 & 7.
Your ruling planet(s) is Jupiter & Neptune.
Your lucky dates are 1st, 10th, 19th, 28th.
Your opposition sign is Virgo.
Your opposition number(s) is 5.
Today is not one of your lucky days!
There are 6 days till your next birthday
on which your cake will have 39 candles.
Those 39 candles produce 39 BTUs,
or 9,828 calories of heat (that's only 9.8280 food Calories!) .
You can boil 4.46 US ounces of water with that many candles.
In 1970 there were approximately 3.7 million births in the US.
In 1970 the US population was approximately 203,302,031 people, 57.4 persons per square mile.
In 1970 in the US there were approximately 2,158,802 marriages (10.6%) and 708,000 divorces (3.5%)
In 1970 in the US there were approximately 1,921,000 deaths (9.5 per 1000)
In the US a new person is born approximately every 8 seconds.
In the US one person dies approximately every 12 seconds.
In 1970 the population of Australia was approximately 12,663,469.
In 1970 there were approximately 257,516 births in Australia.
In 1970 in Australia there were approximately 116,066 marriages and 12,198 divorces.
In 1970 in Australia there were approximately 113,048 deaths.
Your birthstone is Aquamarine
The Mystical properties of Aquamarine
Aquamarine is often used to experience love and mercy. It is said to help ease depression and grief.
Some lists consider these stones to be your birthstone. (Birthstone lists come from Jewelers, Tibet, Ayurvedic Indian medicine, and other sources)
Jade, Rock Crystal, Bloodstone
Your birth tree is
Lime Tree, the Doubt
Accepts what life dishes out in a composed way, hates fighting, stress and labour, tends to laziness and idleness, soft and relenting, makes sacrifices for friends, many talents but not tenacious enough to make them blossom, often wailing and complaining, very jealous, loyal.
There are 291 days till Christmas 2009!
There are 304 days till Orthodox Christmas!
Copyright © 2006 Paul R. Sadowski (http://www.paulsadowski.com)

funny

2009-03-08T16:44:00.000-07:00

I laughed when i saw this.

Shingles

2009-03-05T20:28:00.000-08:00

Unbelievable! I am about to return to work. I have shingles now. I am very itchy and it is pretty painful but I am hoping it will clear up soon. In the meantime Pat and I have been going to Duffin's donuts!

10 months!

2009-01-29T23:44:00.000-08:00

3 COUSINS

2009-01-29T23:40:00.000-08:00

Wow this picture is of (left to right) Chupee aka Yasmin (4 years old) and Fayth (3 years old) and one of my daughters Anastasia (also 3 years old) but the strange thing is they look like their dads in the photo. Seriously. We just need an Iris child in the photo and it would be complete. The looks on their faces are so telling. I think they are cute little cousins. Thanks for the photo Yvonne.

Phil, Mark, Pat

Let it snow..

2009-01-15T02:09:00.000-08:00

Let it snow!
Let it snow! somewhere else please
I am excited and full of optimism at what 2009 has in store for us!

99

2008-12-29T23:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Gran! Here are some photos from a visit to my grandmother who turned ninety nine a few weeks ago! She still knows how to laugh and certainly seemed to enjoy the company.

Ballet dance to the music

2008-12-21T15:25:00.000-08:00

Everybody wins!
That's what the girls say when they race back to the bar in their ballet class with Miss Alana at the local community center. I had no idea there would be a little show for us at the end of the sessions. Lola, Amma, Uncle Mark, Lalaine and even Daddy was able to come and see. The girls looked so cute! My little girl consented to having her hair braided and wore one of my little friend Chanel's outfit that is too small for her now. She absolutely loved the class and it was a big one too. She enjoyed getting a little love note ready for her teacher. The other little girls were generally decked out and I think some girls just love pink and fluff and delicate things and some don't care if they're dressed up fancy or not. Mine is the former but hasn't quite figured it all out yet. She insists on wearing a skirt or dress almost everyday but doesn't like tights and isn't too big on having her hair brushed and put nicely. I certainly remember having my long hair brushed as a little girl and it was not a nice experience sitting for what seemed like forever in the bathroom on the top of the toilet to get my hair combed and put into braids or pony tails. My middle daughter calls them dog tails because she thinks her fine straight hair looks like puppy dog ears with one in an elastic on each side. Anyway she really enjoyed her first experience of dance and perhaps she will continue. We all enjoyed their twinkle twinkle little star dance. It did not occur to me at first that they would be using music in their classes. I guess I just remembered all the following, instructing, practicing and stretching and forgot about the performing and the just dance part. Although my lessons and participation is fondly remembered I suppose etched in my brain is the do it like this part and the anxious instructors trying desperately to help us perform properly. I do however remember the beautiful and varied costumes. I was once the head penguin but just because I was the tallest of the group not the most skilled. I was possible eleven and had not done the type of ballet where you perform in large amounts with costumes and schedules and practices. Also the ballet I had done was not for a few years and was mainly lessons only with an exciting performance for our parents at the end.

It's been a while...

2008-11-28T00:45:00.000-08:00

I have been helping out the janitor and rereading Secret Life of Bees. We had a fabulous book club meeting with tea, fine china, Rosaleen's fritters, Black Madonna Honey, pretty yellow cupcakes with bees on them and last but not least peanuts and Coke in a bottle. My husband turned 40 years old and his body hurts. I voted and was partially informed. I remembered veterans and ate yummy Filipino foods and listened to good music at just near Remembrance Day celebrating birthdays. The baby is crawling and clapping up a storm with her two little bottom teeth at 8 months old. Asia is learning to verbally assault her brother which is better than fists and feets. She is still getting a handle on her emotions but now that the vocabulary is expanding she is more able to express herself. The boy has a little loose tooth at the front top sticking out to the side because he banged it on his Lord Kelvin cousin's head. It looks so funny with his larger ones up front. He is practicing with a little enthusiasm for the open house next weekend at the Arenex. We are all looking forward to Christmas and I have made some cards but of course not as many as I would like. I have been lucky enough to do some other little craft projects with photos and such. I just love the paper part of Christmas. Christmas wrapping paper, Christmas cards, Christmas letters, Christmas with coupons, Christmas lists, Christmas tags, little boxes, you name it. Part of the family saw the musical Suessical at the Waterfront theater today
In a few weeks my grandmother will be turning 99! Any suggestions?
Also this weekend we will attend the Festival of Nativities where the gym at our church will be transformed into a wonderful display of trees and nativity scenes. There will also be delightful music in the evenings.

Come enjoy the spirit of Christmas with breathtaking nativity displays from around the world. This event is open daily from 10am to 9pm starting November 27th to the 29th. Live musical performances every night from 7:30pm-8:30pm. Admission free for all ages.

Location: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 5280 Kincaid Street, Burnaby BC. Phone: 604-515-1800 email: festivalofnativities@gmail.com
www.festivalofnativities.com

Lucky

2008-10-28T17:03:00.000-07:00

I had HappyGoLucky the cat since the mid to late nineties. I got him from the SPCA in Vancouver. He used to be a good rat catcher, thankfully I live where he wasn't catching any rats. Like most cats he liked to crawl under cars, get underfoot, and go in and out and in and out. He has a loud meow and sharp teeth but rarely scratches. Recently he hasn't been feeling well so today at the veterinary he was euthanized. I really really miss him already but I am glad he isn't suffering anymore.

PumpkinPatch

2008-10-21T22:57:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Patch
This year we finally got to the pumpkin patch and what a lovely day it was weather wise. We all wore boots but lucky for us it wasn't even muddy! There was sing a long ing on the hayride and corn growing, animals, entertainment and lots of fresh air. Anastasia missed her nap so she wasn't very happy and fell asleep in daddy's arms. We got ourselves some pumpkins and they fed us apples too!

Lalaine

2008-09-27T01:59:00.000-07:00

We love her!

1st

2008-09-27T01:34:00.001-07:00

First Tooth!
It has been a long time coming!
Avalina finally has her first tooth!
Yipee!
She is almost 6 months old now!
Our family is so blessed!

Ist Tooth!

2008-09-27T01:34:00.000-07:00

{Swamped

2008-09-20T22:51:00.000-07:00

I just haven't had time to sit down at the computer lately but here's a quick run down of my life lately.
Avalina is almost 6 months and has started grabbing very quickly at the table especially so we gave her some brown rice mush a few days ago.
Maybe I am totally crazy but i find it so exciting even though i was determined to be moved out this little apartment with cream carpeting before I allowed her to eat. So much for that plan, I didn't account for her own ideas. A high chair and baby food and carpet will be challenging as if the whole introduction to food thing isn't time consuming and messy enough!

My mom Abby's leg is still broken but it seems to be healing up nicely. She is still in plenty of pain depending on her daytime activities. She is trying to retire but loves to keep herself busy so that gets in the way of total relaxation. I love and admire her very much.

Anastasia now 3 years old is still being her sweet self one minute and a tornado of anger the next depending on how full her tummy is and how rested her body is as well. Just like her daddy except he doesn't turn into a tornado. Pat is always happier when he is well rested and well fed. The rest part being scarce lately for both of us. Back to Anastasia...She started Ballet for the first time on Friday and the class was large but all the little girls looked so cute! I am enjoying this chance to relive the preschool years through the eyes of a girl this time and forgot what it was like.

Marvin has just started grade 2 and has a wonderful new teacher and plenty of grade 3 classmates in his classroom. He really missed his best friends from the last few years when everybody fit into one class so he is a bit bummed about that. He seems to think he is missing out on everything fun by going to school. He will be participating in gymnastics again and also trampoline. He is still loving to read and just can't keep his nose out of the books. We aren't complaining.

Pat is working so hard and is very tired! He is longing to spend more time feeling rested and pain free and listening to music instead of putting out fires.

I am happy to be walking quite a bit more, getting more fresh air as well as exercise and eating more healthy foods. We are thrilled to have Patrick's cousin Lalaine with us since labour day. She came from HK and loves our children. She is a particular about the foods she eats but willing to be adventurous with so many other things. She has been a Godsend to me as far as helping with the children, husband, organizing, meals, house keeping and my mom. This gives me more time not being stressed and enables me to find what I need quickly. It is difficult to be overwhelmed when you have an extra pair of hands. She has a sweet spirit and is full of faith. She has brought more laughter into our home.
I am working hard to be more punctual! A wise man once said, "If you can't be on time, then be early."
I started doing some yoga again and am still Stampin'Up! a storm when I have time.
Lucky's health is declining slowly.
Our children are growing and we will grow old! It's so exciting.

coming soon...

2008-08-26T11:00:00.001-07:00

Holiday Mini 2008 valid October 1st - January 18th

Avalina! She's 4 months!

2008-08-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

Three's company...

2008-08-07T10:40:00.000-07:00

We are so out numbered by children now and tired but it's all {almost} good. These children are beautiful, healthy and intelligent teachers and very precious to us but they didn't come with instruction manuals so we are winging it. I had absolutely no idea how much of an adventure it is to have this size family. There are so many things I love about being an only child but now as a mother to more than one I get a chance to experience a family life where there is more love, more fighting, more fun, more frustration, and more laughs between mom and dad than ever. All my wildest dreams have come true because we have to buy 8 litres of milk when we shop! If I knew myself and I was myself as someone else I would think I was crazy and then go take a nap. Remember Mr. Roper saying, "Two girls, (with super wide eyes) You live with two girls?!",] as he smiles a big wide smile. Some days Pat walks around saying "Two girls, you have two girls!" eagerly attempting his often done Mr. Roper imitation. Remember everyone assumed Jack must be tired from trying to keep up with two women. Ok now this is sounding perverted but he doesn't mean it that way at all and it doesn't come off that way.

Sixty Five !

2008-08-07T02:39:00.000-07:00

My mom turned 65! We had Root Beer Floats at Queen's Park with Dogs and Friends and balloons. She loved it! What a great day! We are SO glad we kept it simple! Thank-you Carol for taking these photos with my camera!

Memory

2008-08-01T17:08:00.000-07:00

I remember as a child I liked to think I had a very good memory, like a trap. I was convinced I could remember everything. Well since I have started having children it seems my memory power has drastically decreased. I think maybe my brain became so filled up there wasn't room for much else and that I had a lot of clutter in there that got in the way to let in the new information. I wasn't sure how to clean it. I tried some yoga and stretching and meditation and prayer but I am not sure how helpful that was. I am still trying those things anyway. I don't mean to brag and say my head is full of so much knowledge that there isn't room for more. On the contrary I would love to fill it with only wise things and leave all the junk out of it but with the world the way it is and the exposure to so many types of things these days we do not always control what we see and what we hear. Perhaps I can work on what is significant and meaningful and sweep out the rest. It is funny to me how a memory can swirl around to the front and I suddenly remember some person or place or time I thought escaped me before having little recollection of previously remembering it. That may not make too much sense to the rest of you. I am really terrible at remembering things and my husband always teases me about it. I forget dates, appointments, names, where I put things, to lock the doors and have disappointed myself remembering things just a bit too late too often. A giant calendar of the whole month we made for the refrigerator is helping me as is a date book. We seem to have so many appointments and there are more than just ourselves to worry about these days that frequently I can't keep it all straight. Sometimes I show up on the wrong day at the wrong time for things but most often I am late because I just cannot get a grasp on the concept of time and I am spreading myself so thin. I came across a passage in a book I am reading that I found interesting. The book is called After Dark by Haruki Murakami and was given to me by my husband for an fourth wedding anniversary.
from page 205...
"...All of a sudden out of nowhere I can bring back things I haven't thought about for years. It's pretty interesting. Memory is so crazy! It's like we've got these drawers crammed with tons of useless stuff. Meanwhile, all the really important things we just keep forgetting, one after the other."

quote

2008-08-01T00:09:00.001-07:00

"Sometimes the bitter things in life render the sweetest tastes."
- Tracy Winger

I promised me...

2008-07-26T01:27:00.000-07:00

...but it's all about her right now!

Summer Fun

2008-07-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

She's growing so fast!

2008-07-18T11:42:00.000-07:00

Avalina is almost 4 months old now!

2008-07-14T23:37:00.000-07:00

Wow time flies when you are having fun! My daughter Avalina is smiling and cooing and so responsive to our voices now. She's also swiping and grabbing and biting. I think she is an early teether! There is drool galore and all the other signs too. How exciting! Anastasia will be turning three years old shortly and is becoming more and more of a high maintenance gal. She loves the playground and trying to push her brother's buttons. I think this two bedroom apartment is getting way too small for our growing family! Those children really need an outside to play in and their own rooms. Every time I get busy with baby they are fighting like cats and dogs. Marvin's hair is getting really long because he refuses to get a haircut and I choose my battles. It looks kind of cute actually and I am sure it drives certain mothers crazy . He signed up for the summer reading program and started helping his dad at work on Fridays. It's a great experience for him. My mom turned 65 and wants to retire. Pat's dad just turned 69 and moved in with Uncle Rudy.

Scrapbookers Garage Sale

2008-07-07T21:18:00.000-07:00

Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou

2008-07-05T01:34:00.000-07:00

25 LIVE CONCERT

I just came home from a phenomenal concert at GM place! George Michael was amazing and so was the stage! I just loved it and had a great time with my friend Dunja! Even though we were both exhausted from running our homes and raising our children today we had a great time dancing, singing, and yelling. O.K. maybe I was doing the most yelling but that should not surprise you.

Still no photos of me...

2008-06-24T12:12:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to get others to take photos of me so I will have some but I have not been too successful. Those children are just so cute so I keep taking photos of them. We celebrated my mom's 65th birthday on the weekend at Queen's Park with Root Beer Floats. That part was so easy! We just got a huge bucket of ice cream at Costco along with cups, straws and the A&W Rootbeer. We had some of her friends, neighbors, clients come by with their dogs close to the off lease area. It wasn't huge but it was really nice and my mom definitely had a good time. I didn't realize how many dogs that I knew so well but didn't really know their 'people' if that makes sense. Most of the dogs had hung out with each other at her house. We brought a tablecloth, balloons, an ice cream scoop a few signs and were so glad we kept it simple! I can't believe she's 65! I hope she really retires! That way I will get to spend more time with her.

Where's me?

2008-06-14T11:06:00.000-07:00

Wow it's hard to find photos with me in them. Here's some photos of Marvin playing baseball, Anastasia at the playground, my niece Jessica with Avalina just before I backed into the van at church, and all the children when they met for the first time almost three months ago. I guess I need to give someone else the camera for a change. Last night I attended a class at the church given by Doreen Kennedy. She is a super neat lady, good speaker, interesting and a retired English Literature teacher. Her class was on writing fascinating personal stories. She gave us a variety of exercises and it was really fun. I am not sure I could write a fascinating story of my experience but it got me to thinking and reminded me that I may not be the only one reading my journal especially when I am dead. I have not been keeping my journal up to date recently. It is so much easier and faster to do this and I can include photos for myself and others to see along with the text. However it is not as private so I am less likely to share all my feelings and inner most thoughts. I don't want to say that my father in law is causing trouble or how my mother and I are getting on each others nerves sometimes. I am hesitant to share details of Anastasia and Marvin fighting although not as bad as Cain and Abel or Laman and Lemuel. I don't want the whole world to know I just can't keep up with my laundry. I have no problem washing it just folding and putting it away. As if the whole world really cares or pays attention to me anyway. Right now the baby is asleep in the stroller and Marvin is at baseball while Anastasia is at Lola's playing with her cousins Fayth and Yasmin. Patrick is working with Josip so I feel like I am all alone for just a few minutes. I really miss being alone and spending time with myself. Being an only child I do enjoy doing things with just me and not having anyone else around. I don't ever feel lonely just alone. Right now the only times I get are usually in the car or at the grocery store just before midnight. I guess I had my chance to be in my room reading or listen to music or napping as long as i liked with no interuptions or company. I guess I won't be doing anymore trips to Vancouver Island or even the library with just me and my own thoughts. I guess I don't really mind that if i want to be alone it has to be in the bathroom with the door locked. One day when my husband is dead I will be alone again because in my mind I am planning to outlive him even though he is healthier than me I think. I always imagine myself living longer than him, not in a morbid way but just because. I see my grandmother who is 97 now and see how she spends so much of her time content, staring out the window, listening to the radio, wishing she could do more but feeling too tired and old. I know she is pleased when she receives a phone call or a visit. I know she feels useful and isn't tired or bored much. I had better think about getting over there to keep her company, turn her world upside down with noise and children, wear her out, see how she is doing and if we can do anything for her. One day she won't be there anymore and then I will miss her even when she's cranky.

Mather's Cousins Lunch

2008-06-08T00:29:00.000-07:00

Today was the potluck picnic at Eda's house on 'the mountain' Sumas to be exact. Unfortunately the weather wasn't ideal so it wasn't as large as usual and it seemed weird to be in the house. Anastasia fell asleep in the car just before we arrived so she slept for most of it. Marvin was in his glory exercising his corpus callosum and running outside with his cousins, climbing on gravel piles and chopped up trees, picking up chains, jumping on the trampoline, digging up leeks, and eating way too many cookies and then freezies. Marvin just loves hanging out with Eda's sons and their sons. Avalina was passed around and introduced. Too bad my mom couldn't make it this year, there wasn't anyone for me to ask people's names if I couldn't remember and my memory isn't too good. It was such a delight to see so many relatives I had not seen for so long, most of them I had not seen since last June. The food was plentiful, varied and great as usual. We brought the Sex in the Pan and it was gobbled down pretty quickly. By the time we arrived everyone was ready for desert! I really missed being outside and wandering and exploring her yard but I got to do a lot more visiting with people being inside this time. Usually it's very sunny and hot. We hung around until dinner time because we wanted to see Steven and he was on his way home from Scotland arriving with coffee in hand and jet lagged around dinnertime. Eda told us how she used to milk the cows two times a day. They had 18 of them and it was her job to milk 7 with her father doing the remaining 11. She said cows are smelly especially when you have your face right next to them and after a while your arms get sore. They didn't have a refrigerator in those days either. They grew a lot of their own food and nobody had any money at that time. After we noticed that mostly everyone had left or was leaving, we got back in the car for the long drive home, filled up the gas tank at the super deal of $1.29 per litre, and got those children of ours into the bath, pajamas and bed as soon as we could. It was like a mini family reunion and so much fun. Those Mathers are a pretty nice bunch!

hit from behind again

2008-05-30T01:27:00.000-07:00

Oh no! My husband was rear ended again for the second time in just over a year on his return commute. Fortunately his car wasn't damaged much but his body is another story. He'll be back to the doctors, massages, physiotherapy, chiropractor and we are getting out the ice pack and heating pad more than before. He has no choice but to work through and with the pain.

if it isn't one thing it's another isn't it?

2008-05-28T16:46:00.000-07:00

Well we are having a rough time of it lately. I somehow hurt my back and can barely move! The pain is excrutiating. I visited Dr. Deni Cortese, my Italian Chiropractor this morning and that helped some. He advised me to ice it 5 times a day. Wish me luck with that. Anastasia and Avalina and myself have ubersore throats and fevers developing into a cough and congestion AGAIN!
She's only 8 weeks old for goodness sakes. Marvin is on a strict improved handwashing program inflicted upon him by his father. Here's a photograph of my beautiful sister in law Yhong who came here from the Phillipines in December. Her hair is blowing in the wind at the baseball field. Also dad came home yesterday and he is looking well. He didn't go home but he's planning to roam the streets of New Westminster with his Ipod and broccoli until the weather turns cool again when he will again cross the Pacific.

it's all about avalina

2008-05-26T13:38:00.000-07:00

family and more

2008-05-23T13:55:00.000-07:00

These are for Daddy's Dad's side of the family to see and save.

What I am reading right now...

2008-05-22T00:36:00.000-07:00

recommended by my husband's father's sister's third son
more to follow...

Flatulence Sounds with your Armpits

2008-05-21T23:38:00.000-07:00

Oh my, oh my, Girls can so make these noises too. My now Seven year old has been trying and trying to get his armpits to make disgusting noises like other boys in his class can {see previous post and pick out the most innocent looking boys and THEY are the ones who can do it the best} Of course our Two year old girly girl has to do EVERYTHING he does. Tonight she learned how to do it properly while she sat naked on the potty. I didn't think girls could do it but apparently they can and sometimes better than their brothers. She was quite pleased with herself as she usually just hops around flapping her arm and giggling insanely. I was so surprised! She imitates her brother constantly and follows him around incessantly even though he finds her quite irritating. I am having so much trouble keeping our home peaceful with those two now that I am busy with baby they are left to their own devices quite a bit more. I have even tried belting out Love at Home and Families are Forever at the top of my lungs but that just scares or wakes up the baby and the selective listening kicks in on the children's part and they just ignore me and continue fighting. My son is so good at waiting until I am out of earshot or not looking.Suddenly I then hear a blood curdling scream/yell of his name from the self proclaimed big girl followed by more yelling or the big brother crying out in pain. He's constantly provoking her and teasing her whenever possible. At first I told them to work it out themselves or I would make them sit together and hold hands but unless I get out the rope and duct tape that just won't happen and I am afraid it would lead to more fights from the close proximity. It isn't enough that Anastasia has a terrible two year old temperment anyway. We used to call her 'Mad Baby' when she was so small because when she cried she sounded so annoyed and angry. Yes we had multiple tantrums today again, in the car, outside the car, half in and half out of the car, in the apartment, in the hallway, at the park, in the elevator, at Amma's, in the parking lot, in the courtyard, the list goes on. But now I also have a Seven year old that loves loves loves his new sister, to carry her around and oogle her, cuddle her and kiss her but has forgotten he liked the first sister and thought she was cute too. I remember we had to keep telling him to stop crushing his sister when she was a newborn. Maybe the age gap {4 years 3 months} is too wide for them to be sharing a room but for now we are stuck in this two bedroom apartment. I don't have ANY brothers or sisters so I just don't get the laughing one minute and crying the next and then friends again two minutes later. Why do they bicker? Why do they provoke each other? What is the deal? My husbands best friends are his siblings. Why can't I get my children to be kind to each other? Helpful, is that too much to ask of them? It's been pretty brutal lately plus we're all feeling the squeeze of being in such close quarters and kind of getting in each other's way. I am really glad I have more than one child but I wasn't prepared for the dynamics which isn't really as bad as I am making it out to be but I am feeling frustrated and still adjusting. 'Stop, breathe and think.' Anastasia always says when she hears the word frustrated. Maybe I will try that next time I hear the blood curdling scream or the 'Mom she's hitting/pinching/kicking/throwing blank at me.' I don't want to encourage them to physically let the other have it but have been tempted. My grade six teacher loved to tell his students to take it out in the hallway, that he'd clean up the blood later. We do have a hallway but i don't think that would be a good solution. I just found a bug on my arm biting me and have no idea what kind it was but am totally grossed out because i crushed it and i don't like to touch bugs of have them touch me ever. I am really curious where it came from and what it was though. I guess I reacted too quickly. Maybe it came from the pile of strawberry leaves left by the laptop on top of the strawberry juice stain now on the desk. Finding that really tries my patience. I know exactly who did it too! Well I better quit brewing and stewing about this sibling rivalry thing and get some sleep. Oh is that what it is? Now I have a name for it and can do some research. I am so happy. As previously stated I better get some Zees before Avalina wakes. She's been hungry every hour today seems like, must be a growth spurt. I actually felt human today because I got four straight hours last night {pumped milk, compassionate daddy}! G'nite

Mother's Day and Class Photo

2008-05-12T22:09:00.000-07:00

Marvin's writing skills are really improving. They studied Jackson Pollock earlier this year and each did paintings in their class. Miss Crew is such a great teacher! She has so much patience with her grade one class. We teased Marvin saying he must be holding her hand in the class picture. I am glad most of the students were looking at the camera and smiling. The class looks quite small in the photo but there are twenty
four children.

Avalina's One Month Old!

2008-04-30T13:36:00.000-07:00

It's no wonder they call her Marvelina at Lola's house. She really looks a lot like Marvin did as a baby. In the last photo you can compare the brother and sister and decide for yourself who the baby looks like. Patrick thinks she is the spitting image of me. I can't see it but how often do I look at myself.
They're warming up to the idea of having a baby sister.
They seem to like her so far even though she is taking up a lot of Mommy's time and energy which used to be focused on them and herself! Well, it won't last before we know it she'll be talking and walking.
She's already supporting her head some and turning it to look at the other children. Babies are so amazing! It's great watching them grow and develop and exciting when they hit those milestones. In the second photo Avalina looks scared. I am sure once Patrick sees this photo he will laugh and remind me that when I try to force a smile in photos like for ID cards I usually end up looking scared. When his sister saw my driver's license she burst out laughing and asked me, "Did you make that face on purpose, It's hilarious." I was clueless and replied, "What face? I am just smiling at the camera.

More of the Same....

2008-04-25T00:56:00.000-07:00

but different....
Here is even more photos of Avalina!
Anastasia has changed her attitude and her mind about her little sister. She no longer says, "I don't like the baby." She helps with the diaper changes by getting everything ready and getting right in there during the actual change. She is constantly telling me that Avalina needs her diaper changed. I love to hear her say, "She's rilly cute mommy." over and over. Then there's the accompanying statement with almost everything: "Not for babies. Right? Only for big girls." Any kind of snack or meal is not for babies because they don't have any teeth. Any kind of toy is not for babies, just for big girls. All the little things we do together is not for Avalina because she's too little. Shoes are not for babies. Helping Mommy is not for babies. Using the telephone, watching a video or dvd, putting on her shoes, drinking out of cups, using the potty, eating ice cream, going to the playground, checking the mail....
All of it is not for babies, just for big girls and mommies and daddies and Marvins.
Some things are also not for cats because they don't have any hands, just paws.
She is so set on determining her role and what is for her and what is for babies.
I guess she's trying to find her place and the baby's place in all this transition.
Tantrums are getting better or at least a bit less frequent now.
I love it when Anastasia kisses Avalina's head, even when she's asleep or crying or feeding. It's usually accompanied by the exclamation, " She's ears are really tiny, Mommy." or " She's hair is really soft, Mommy." or "She's happy Mommy."
Marvin likes to hold her even when she's crying. Imagine he's almost SEVEN years old. How did that happen. I keep forgetting I have T H R E E children. Unbelievable, I am unbelievably lucky.

When the children first met her....

2008-04-22T10:17:00.000-07:00

Here's a few photos from the hospital when Anastasia and Marvin first met their new sister Avalina.

Black and White First Photos

2008-04-12T18:31:00.000-07:00

Avalina

2008-04-12T00:18:00.000-07:00

Avalina's First Moments

Yipee!

2008-04-01T10:02:00.001-07:00

T H E M I L K I S I N !

Avalina

2008-03-30T14:18:00.000-07:00

We had a baby girl and brought her home! Her name is going to be Avalina and she was born on Friday morning weighing 6lbs 10oz. She is so tiny and has a lot of dark hair and was hard to get out! We went to the hospital about 3:30 AM. It was an amazing experience. The power of prayer is phenomenal! So are little tiny babies as was our patient nurse, my family physician and my husband! He likes to think of himself as the male doula. I really want my mom to see the baby now. The other two children are crazy about her, details to follow soon...

Inspired by...

2008-03-06T22:17:00.001-08:00

" A great attitude does much more than turn on the lights in our worlds; it seems to magically connect us to all sorts of serendipitous opportunities that were somehow absent before the change." Earl Nightingale

Children

2008-02-19T21:03:00.000-08:00

Our children when they're happy.

My name is Betty.

2008-02-16T13:46:00.000-08:00

Bosses retiring.

2008-02-11T22:05:00.000-08:00

The bottom photo is Maureen by far the most supportive, encouraging, boss I have ever had. I can't say enough good things about her. That is her below on the left with Kore one of the co-workers who helps make even the busiest shift filled with the crankiest demanding people bearable. I met Maureen when I was about 19 but I only really got to know her and find out how amazing she is when she was my shift supervisor for the last couple of years. Short but sweet. Up top is Rae, she was the supervisor in the Switchboard and left without a word in July but her retirement has now officially been announced. She was very 'by the book' when it suited her and had a fun sense of humor. The way she left shook up the department and left us in limbo temporarily, with a lot of hurt feelings, but we are off to better places now, hopefully, finally with a permanent replacement. I will be going on maternity leave shortly. I will have to be brought up to speed when I return as the technology in radiology is rapidly changing. That will be exciting.

Beloved Church President, Gordon B. Hinckley, dies at age 97

2008-01-27T23:20:00.000-08:00

SALT LAKE CITY 27 January 2008 President Gordon B. Hinckley, who led The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through twelve years of global expansion, has died at the age of 97.
President Hinckley was the 15th president in the 177-year history of the Church and had served as its president since 12 March 1995.
The Church president died at his apartment in downtown Salt Lake City at 7:00 p.m. Sunday night from causes incident to age. Members of his family were at his bedside. A successor is not expected to be formally chosen by the Church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles until after President Hinckley’s funeral within the next few days.
President Hinckley was known, even at the age of 97, as a tireless leader who always put in a full day at the office and traveled extensively around the world to mix with Church members, now numbering 13 million in 171 nations.
His quick wit and humor, combined with an eloquent style at the pulpit, made him one of the most loved of modern Church leaders. A profoundly spiritual man, he had a great fondness for history and often peppered his sermons with stories from the Church’s pioneer past.
He was a popular interview subject with journalists, appearing on 60 Minutes with Mike Wallace and on CNN’s Larry King Live, as well as being quoted and featured in hundreds of newspapers and magazines over the years. During the Salt Lake Olympics of 2002, his request that the Church refrain from proselytizing visitors was credited by media with generating much of the goodwill that flowed to the Church from the international event.
In recent years, a number of major developments in the Church reflected President Hinckley’s personal drive and direction. In calling for 100 temples to be in operation before the end of the year 2000, the Church president committed the Church to a massive temple-building program.
In 1999 — 169 years after the Church was organized by its founder, Joseph Smith — the Church had 56 operating temples. Three years later that number had doubled, largely because of a smaller, highly practical temple architectural plan that delivered these sacred buildings to Church members in far-flung parts of the world. Many more Church members can now experience the sacred ceremonies that occur only in temples, including marriages for eternity and the sealing of families in eternal units.
President Hinckley was the most traveled president in the Church’s history. His duties took him around the world many times to meet with Latter-day Saints in more than 60 countries. He was the first Church president to travel to Spain, where in 1996 he broke ground for a temple in Madrid; and to the African nations of Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Cape Verde, where he met with thousands of Latter-day Saints in 1998. In 2005, he traveled nearly 25,000 miles on a seven-nation, nine-day tour to Russia, South Korea, China, Taiwan, India, Kenya, and Nigeria.
At a general conference of Church members in April 2001, President Hinckley initiated the Perpetual Education Fund — an ambitious program to help young members of the Church (mainly returning missionaries from developing countries) receive higher education and work-related training that they would otherwise likely never receive.
Closer to his Salt Lake City home, President Hinckley announced the construction of a new Conference Center in 1996 and dedicated it four years later. Seating 21,000 people, it is believed to be the largest religious and theater auditorium in the world and has become the hub for the Church’s general conference messages to the world, broadcast in 91 languages.
Even before his term as president, President Hinckley’s extensive Church service included 14 years as a counselor in the First Presidency, the highest presiding body in the government of the Church, and 20 years before that as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
President Hinckley was born 23 June 1910 in Salt Lake City, a son of Bryant Stringham and Ada Bitner Hinckley. One of his forebears, Stephen Hopkins, came to America on the Mayflower. Another, Thomas Hinckley, served as governor of the Plymouth Colony from 1680 to 1692.
President Hinckley’s first job was as a newspaper carrier for the Deseret News, a Salt Lake City daily. After attending public schools in Salt Lake City, he earned a bachelor of arts degree at the University of Utah and then served two years as a full-time missionary for the Church in Great Britain. He served with distinction and ultimately was appointed as an assistant to the Church apostle who presided over all the European missions.
Upon successfully completing his missionary service in the mid-1930s, he was asked by Heber J. Grant, then president of the Church, to organize what has become the Church's Public Affairs Department.
President Hinckley began serving as a member of the Sunday School general board in 1937, two years after returning home from missionary service in Great Britain. For 20 years he directed all Church public communications. In 1951 he was named executive secretary of the General Missionary Committee, managing the entire missionary program of the Church, and served in this capacity for seven years.
On 6 April 1958, while serving as president of the East Millcreek Stake in Salt Lake City (a stake is similar to a diocese), President Hinckley was appointed as a general authority, or senior full-time leader of the Church. In this capacity he served as an assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles before being appointed to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on 5 October 1961.
President Hinckley received a number of educational honors, including the Distinguished Citizen Award from Southern Utah University; the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Utah; and honorary doctorates from Westminster College, Utah State University, University of Utah, Brigham Young University, Southern Utah University, Utah Valley State College and Salt Lake Community College. The Gordon B. Hinckley Endowment for British Studies, a program focused on the arts, literature and history of the United Kingdom, was established at the University of Utah.
President Hinckley was awarded the Silver Buffalo Award by the Boy Scouts of America; was honored by the National Conference for Community and Justice (formerly the National Conference of Christians and Jews) for his contributions to tolerance and understanding in the world; and received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. In 2004, President Hinckley was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush in the White House.
In March 2000 President Hinckley addressed the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. He also addressed the Religion Newswriters Association and the U.S. Conference of Mayors and twice addressed the Los Angeles World Affairs Council.
President Hinckley wrote and edited several books and numerous manuals, pamphlets and scripts, including a best-selling book, Standing for Something, aimed at a general audience. In it he championed the virtues of love, honesty, morality, civility, learning, forgiveness, mercy, thrift and industry, gratitude, optimism and faith. He also testified of what he called the “guardians of virtue,” namely traditional marriage and family.
President Hinckley married Marjorie Pay in the Salt Lake Temple in 1937. They have five children and 25 grandchildren. Sister Hinckley passed away 6 April 2004.

Real Canadian Superstore

2008-01-23T22:57:00.000-08:00

Huge shopping trip we don't usually do. Not sure why I had my camera that day but I did. Marvin sure knows how to ham it up for the camera!
It's good to have him back in school. They are studying Salmon and Owls at F.W.Howay. He has his cousin Darius straight from the mountains in the Ifugao province in the Phillipines there with him now so for him every day is even more of an adventure! He
s also taking swimming lessons on Friday evenings and starting up with Yoga after school again. He wants to do more but we figure that is plenty. He sure gets going easier in the mornings now that he knows his cousin will be at the door any minute. He's even getting time to eat breakfast hot and at the table instead of the usual dawdling and morning protest to greeting the day. That is working in our favor. Anastasia is loving every minute of every day and wanting to not nap. Life is just too exciting for her and if you're around you hear all about it. You may not understand a word but you will get an earful! Her vocabulary has exploded and that is helping her temper too. She is more able to express herself, with phrases like, You go away, I hate it, I don't want it, It's my favorite, I want pink and the like. Before our new addition comes there will be 10 more weeks of huffing and puffing and barfing and wiggling. I can take it right, I've done it before, right? I'm not sure if I am trying to convince you or me. I'm just starting to think about what my labour might be like reality is setting in. How hard can it be, I did it a couple of times already right? R-r-r-r-right...For updates on the pregnancy part check one of the other blogs by viewing my complete profile.

Long time no blog...

2008-01-23T05:49:00.000-08:00

Happy 2008!
Our cat Lucky is finally back to his old self which means purring, ripping up children's left on the floor drawings and eating them. Also sleeping in the beds and shedding again and just generally being more friendly and wanting to be around us. Recently I was sick in bed with a nasty virus for longer than anticipated and it brought me so much joy that he actually jumped up on the very high bed once and slept beside me with his purring on. What a relief to have him back to normal. Now he lets the children pet him and tug on his ears a little and chases their shoelaces and those kind of things instead of keeping to himself under the table all the time. Thanks must go out to my husband who has been diligently cleaning up after him and making sure he gets his medicine and meals regularly. I think Lucky is growing on him finally after all this time. Well maybe that is going a bit too far but it warms my heart to see them liking each other a little.

Christmas Concert

2007-12-28T18:05:00.000-08:00

December 15th 9am
I didn't get too many photos and the first photo may help you to see why.