Just Another Great Day

The day started bright and early for a Tuesday 'day off'.  It was a mad dash to get to the school to be a 'mom helper' and serve the Greendale Elementary students with a delicious pancake breakfast.  Seldom do I get the opportunity to help out with Cayden's school, so I cherish the times when it works out with my work schedule.  

 Peyton and I got some time out to hang out with Brownie and Jack.  Our first relaxing time with them this year!  These guys loved the attention.

After spending time with Brownie and Jack, it was time to get busy.  finally, a nice sunny day to get our garden planted.  I am a fair weather gardner you see, so that's why the delay:)  My little Miss P.  was such a good helper.  Almost a little too good.  I could hardly keep her from ripping all the packages apart and wanting to plant everything. Her way.  Which really is not my way.  But, we got it done.  A nice variety of some nice healthy veggies.  And even some strawberry plants for some delicious desert treats.

 After some time getting the garden in, it was time to weed and rake some garden beds.  Every bit of hard work is worth it as I sit back and look at all our work.  I simply can't help but feel some pride for a weed free back yard that has so much colour and texture to enjoy after a hard day at work.

Scrapping The Weekend Away

At some point, Jeremy and I thought it would be a good idea for him to plan a weekend trip to Alberta.  Just a short weekend.  Over 10 hours of driving each way.  In a small car, and with his mom.  And I would not be along for the ride.

It all sounded good at the time, and then the reality hit me last weekend after just a 4 hour drive to Loon Lake.  I was close to losing my insanity after the squabbling of my lovely but feisty two children.  It was then that I thought to myself, what a terrible idea!  I won't even be there to keep the peace!  

As the weekend came nearer, I packed the best I could to keep kids full of good snacks, movies and reading material.  All those things in separate 'packs' so no sharing would be necessary.  Anything to avoid a breakout in yelling or tears. 

With a hug and kiss, and many reminders to not fight, I got them off on their crazy little weekend getaway.  Keeping my fingers crossed it would be fantastic.  Then... I headed off on my own little weekend getaway with a group of crafty ladies.

Lots of laughter, eating, creating and very little sleep was what the weekend entailed.  I even managed to catch up on a number of my favorite TV shows in between interesting conversations.  The range of topics were enlightening and some were never meant to be shared with the outside world:)

Two days later, I haven't heard from my family, other than a short text announcing their arrival at the final destination.  I am sure hoping that this is a sign of a great trip!  

Look Who Turns Nine!

This boy entered our lives 9 years ago today.  He has brought us so much joy and laughter.  Cayden has always been a happy kid.  Easy to please.  Passionate about the things he loves.  Encouraging and adventurous.  He knows how to be so charming, sometimes just to get what he wants. 

Some my favourite things about Cayden is his keen mind and his genuine love of everything active.  Sometimes this is also my least favorite because it certainly gets him into trouble.   I am proud of Cayden for being a thoughtful boy.  He is kind and courageous and I love him for it. 

I am proud of Cayden's abilities in his sports playing, especially his goal scoring season in hockey.  I cheer the loudest of all the parents:)  I am proud that Cayden faithfully practices piano and is growing as a performer.  I am proud of Cayden for having the courage to help a classmate sing a song in front of the school.  I have so many things to be proud of this guy for and can only imagine that he is destined for great things.

Photo Fun With The Elgersma Family

My little sister, Jolene, encouraged me to get some practice using my camera.  Of course she wanted me to use her family for a practice photo shoot.  The location of the shoot was absolutely perfect!  Right on their family farm.  I only got to a few of the many locations on the farm and look forward to going back and practicing some more.

I know Mikayla and Jordana love to have their pictures taken and could be convinced to let me get some more practice.  John also was exceptional! Always had a smile, was relaxed and always looked in the right location.  Unlike his wife that was far too worried about everyone else and was often the offender of not looking or smiling.  But that's OK.  I'm sure I was the worst offender when I had family pics taken as well. 

I definitely could tell that I am way out of practice.  It seems that my camera has not left it's resting  place in the camera bag for far too long and I was a bit out of my element working with the lighting and sharpness of my photos. 

But it was very fun.  I spent three hours going through the photos, deleting and editing over 400 pictures!  I was reminded how much I do enjoy taking pictures and also how much there is still to learn:)  

Lesson About Force Fields

I took an opportunity to share with Cayden some real life issues that are facing people we love while I was tucking him in for the night.  Floods in the Philippines.  Broken homes of close friends.  And sickness.  My wish wasn't to freak him out, but remind him of some realities of life and how Blessed we are with our lot in life.

In return, I got an education when his response was, "I wish there are such a thing as Force Fields."  Say what?  I had to ask what he meant as I had no clue.  His response that it was a bubble that protected us from the bad things in life.

Of course I took opportunity to remind him that God is our Force Field.  The difference was that sometimes it was His wish to not protect us so that we learn to rely on Him.  I just love these opportunities to open up about Faith and how truly Blessed we are.

Hockey Night In Chilliwack

 What a night it was for Cayden.  His first official hockey game of the season and the excitement of it has been building all season.  It was also the first game my dad, brother Cody, Hailey and Anna have seen of his, so the pressure was certainly on to perform.

Only a few shifts in and Cayden scores his first goal of the season.  I cheered and he cheered.  Wow, was I ever proud of him then.   The game shifted in favour of the other team quickly and by the end of the second period the other team was up 4-1.

Only minutes into the final period of the game, Cayden scores his second goal!  The first time he has ever scored more than one goal in a single game.  Again, I cheer and he cheers.  And then we were joined by our family, with Cody being the loudest.  Now I was even that much prouder.

The Panthers continues to score.  Then, they tie the game up.  Another rush down the ice for Cayden and he scores yet again!  His first ever Hat Trick!  What an accomplishment for our boy.  We were all so happy for him and couldn't believe that the Panthers went up on the Coyotes.  

The game was over and Cayden could hardly contain his excitement at his three goals.  He wasn't only proud of his first Hat Trick, but also for how loud he cheered.  What a game. I am so looking forward to the next game to cheer him on again.

Anxiously waiting to get on the ice. 

Took time to pose prior to the game with one of his fans, little sister Peyton.

Proudly supported by Opa, Anna, Peyton, Anna, Cody, Hailey, Jeremy and Nanna

Peyton Turns 3

Our dear little girl has officially left the my favorite stage of life and become a 'big girl'.  So sad for me as a mom.  I know that every age has it's perks but that still doesn't mean I'm ready for this.

Peyton is such a bright little child.  From the early age of 2, she was talking, counting, and had her ABC's down pat.  She knows how to make people laugh.  At almost everything she does.  Almost everyday I wish that her life could be recorded on video.  I know that just watching the replay's would become everyone's favorite thing.

She loves to play. On her own or with her friends.  I love that Peyton plays with both Barbies and Hot Wheels.  She's really is a girl after my own heart.  She also really loves to go to 'school' with Anna.  She often found singing and dancing around rooms and in coffee shops with no worries, making up the words along the way.  They songs never really make any sense, but it never matters because it is so enjoyable to watch her in her happy place.

We sure are enjoying everything about our precious little Peyton and am so looking forward to many more years of her filling our lives with joy.