A day in the life of...

So much going on

2009-06-18T12:50:00.000-07:00

This school year has gone by fast. Only 1 week left and the kids are keeping busy. Amber went to the Enchanted Forest for her field trip, Braden went to the Chickadee Ranch and golf course, and Ashley went to the rattattack base and airport. They all seemed to have fun.

Today was their fun day, morning filled with team races, hot lunch and movie in the afternoon. Monday they will spent the day at the beach with another hot lunch provided by PAC. Tuesday they go swimming at the pool, Wednesday they have a slideshow of photos taken throughout the year and then Thursday is their last day, dismissed at 10 am. Looking forward to the summer break.

Ashley and Braden have been busy with extra activities as well. They both joined cross country runing with the school and had a couple of months to train then had 3 track meets. The track meets were busy, approx. 900 kids at each meet. They did well and had fun. Braden had to run 1.5 km and Ashley had to run 2.4 km. My hats off to them. Here are a few pics.

The School team

Braden and his age group team mates got first place for the team at their 2nd meet.
Way To Go Boys

Ashley coming up to the finish line at the first meet.

Braden at the finish line at the first meet.

Ashley and Braden both wanted to join soccer this year. They had practices Tuesday evenings and games on Saturday mornings. Braden finished up the season last Sat with a mini tournament (15 min per game). He really enjoyed it, had a lot of fun and it was a great way to release his extra energy. Since Ashley is older her tournament started yesterday and ends Saturday. Her team lost last night 3-2 but did great. She has another game tonight and 1 on Friday night. Then on Saturday she plays a minimum of 3 games starting at 10 am. wow we get to sleep in, her games usually start at 8:15 and has to be there 1/2 hr early, so we had a lot of early morning saturdays. Ashley loves to be goalie and talks about staying in soccer for a very long time.

A few pics from their first games in April.

Braden (green shirt #7)

Ashley (dark green shirt #2)

Amber has really enjoyed kindergarten and even has a boyfriend. Oh No starting already. Her class has gone on a field trip every month. Their field trps included visits to the hospital, fire station, dentist, apple orchard, DeMilles farm, and so many more.

Andrew is looking forward to kindergarten this September. Andrew and Amber will be placed in the same class (it's that or Amber & Braden in same class). The kindergarten teacher thought Andrew and Amber would be better as Andrew will only go Mon - Thurs, half day. This way Amber has the afternoon and Fridays without him. Hopefully things will be ok and they get along in the same class.

Mike and I have started a business. Heff's Carpet Systems. We just started operating about 1 1/2 months ago and have done quite a few jobs so far. It's all in the people you know, esp. when you first start out. So far Mike has done all the jobs, he has done his boss's place, my place of work downstairs and has been rebooked to do the upstairs this weekend. We have done the Cool Runnings store and the owners place of residence. We have cleaned company vehicles and more. So things are going good.

We are keeping busy with wedding plans (September 5, 2009) and of course we are both still working lots.

Till next time :)

Pics to share

2009-01-23T10:29:00.000-08:00

I am so far behind on our blog I thought I should share some pics.

The kids were in Nanaimo for Christmas this year so our christmas pics are from various days.

We had Brodie, Andrea, Carson, Leah and Alex over for dinner, movies and drinks on New Years Eve. We all had a great time, the kids stayed up a long as they could. Ashley was the only one who made it till midnight.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T08:11:00.000-08:00

This post will be a bit different. This year for Christmas My Parents Judy and Dave said all they want for Christmas is for us kids to do something for someone else. So for part of our gift to them is this fundraiser, different yes, but with all the children is this world needing help, this is part 1 of what we wanted to do for our parents and the children. We will be donating to the cause, I am hoping with your help, until our goal has been reached. Merry Christmas to all and don't forget to check back later with the second part of our gift to them, which is more localized and personal. No pics for this post but will be posting some very soon I promise.

The Hefmaks

Been awhile

2008-10-24T18:44:00.001-07:00

All the kids just had to get on the big Machine!

Then They decided to try and push it with all their might.
All the kids just had to get on the big Machine!

We were all a lil tired afterwards. So afterwards we zoned out in motel for a bit. Just before the wedding.

A nice lil family shot. Boy what a good looking family.

Another nice shot of the Hefmaks! :-)

Mike having a lil bit of fun, You know how he can be.....

Till Next time!

Ashley's class wrote and recorded a song

2008-09-25T19:31:00.001-07:00

Yup, you read that right. Today at school Ashley's Class participated in a songwriting workshop for their first Cultural Performance. They worked with singer, songwriter Lowry Olafson. Together they wrote, sang and recorded a song, which they then performed in front of the school. The song is called: My Pets Are On The Loose. If you go to Lowry's website and scroll down a bit you will see British Columbia Fall 2008, look for Salmon Arm - North Canoe Elementary BC 2008 and click on their song My Pets Are On The Loose and it will bring you to the page where you can listen to their song.

Check it out, I think they did a wonderful job.

Till Next Time :)

Mike's Website

2008-09-20T13:36:00.000-07:00

Mike is now selling a book on how to make money in the real estate world. Check it out on this website.

Slip N Slide

2008-06-11T13:33:00.000-07:00

The weather here hasn't been too great, but today the sun peaked through a bit so the kids got to do some slipping and sliding.

The boys seemed to have more fun though.

Since it was still a bit chilly for them, they hopped into the hot tub for a warm up.

Before and Afters

2008-06-07T12:48:00.000-07:00

We have been quite busy getting things done around the home. We had new windows installed. Mike and Brodie cut down some trees. Got a truck load of rocks delivered.

Here are the before and after on the windows and the tree cutting.

Mike also got rid on those ugly yellow lights and put up new ones.

The start of the rock placement.

We are going to pick up some bigger rocks to finish off the part where the small rocks meet the driveway.

We also are working on the bathroom. The wallpaper is off the drywall mud is up and sanded, need another thin layer though. We have the flooring ready to go. So all we need to do now is prime and pick out a paint color and finish up the walls then lay the floor.

Oh and this is what happens when kids do there own sunscreen. LOL.

Till next time

Mikes New Bike

2008-05-30T08:10:00.000-07:00

Well with having to take the highway into town everyday for work, Mike thought it would just be better to get a new bike strictly for the road. This way the tires won't wear out as fast.

So here is his new toy.

Our new Puppy

2008-05-14T20:12:00.000-07:00

As promised we got the kids and ourselves a new puppy. And a big puppy he is. His name is Oscar and he is a purebred Akbash. He runs like he is galloping, his feet are humungous, his bark is getting deeper, he is pure white. He is a wonderful addition to our family. And he is only 3 1/2 months old.

Next to come are the pic of Mikes new bike and our new windows :)

SOLD

2008-04-07T07:50:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am actually updating our blog. I Know, it's been a long while. What can I say we're busy people.

We bought ourselves a home. Woo Hoo. We bought a mobile home in Canoe and yes we own the property as well. Loving it so far.

We have a few things to do though. I started cleaning up the yard a bit, I think we have a fruit tree, we also have some very very tall hedges that we are going to trim quite a bit. They previous owners started the fence but couldn't get it finished before the snow came. So Mike got most of it done yesterday but then ran out of screws. He did a good job on it.

Oh ya, we have a hot tub too. Mike filled it up Saturday and I think it's almost hot enough to go in. Can't wait.

We also need to redo the skirting and do something with the roof. I need to make me a garden and plants some flowers as well. We will be keeping real busy.

The kids are doing great, loving their new school and teachers. There are so many kids around they'll never get bored.

Now we need to get the kids a dog as promised. We just haven't found one we like yet.

Anyways gonna go, and I'll try my best to post more often but am not making any promises.

Till next time.

If you want our new address just send us an email and we'll get it to you.

Finally a NEW post.

2008-01-03T13:51:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's been two months since my last entry. But now with the holidays over I hope to keep more up to date. Where do I start???

Ashley: Doing great in school, she got eight 4's on her report card (4's = exceding expectations). She was invited to join a friendship club in school as well, they meet every Thursday during school hours. She seems to really enjoy it. She had her Birthday (8 years old already - wow), had a bunch of friends over and had a great time. She is loving the outdoors and playing in the snow.

Braden: Kindergarten is going well He also had a wonderful report card, however, his teacher says he is a very active boy and try's to take charge and take over for the teacher. LOL. We are working really hard with his listening skills. Hard to believe he will be 6 next month. Braden also loves the snow, but unfortunately so far this season he has managed to loose 2 pairs of snowpants at school - nowhere to be found. We are thinking another kids has taken them home.

Amber: Quiet little Amber with a huge attitude. Gotta love it. I have been working with her to practice spelling hew name to get ready for kindergarten in the fall. Registration is Jan. 30th already. She still loves her dolls and books and is overall doing great.

Andrew: Finally got his new AFO's. Trying really hard to get him potty trained, but some days are better than others. He will be released from Infant Developement this month and will probably be released from Physio in a few months. Boy does he love his cars, esp. Lightning McQueen. He asks to watch the movie almost on a daily basis.

Mike: Doing well, however his work is getting pretty stressful.
Me: Doing well also. Working lots and keeping busy.

December was full of illnesses. The kids all got some sort of stomach bug twice, I got it once. Mike was the lucky one and didn't get it.

Christmas was busy. I had to work over the holidays so we had a family get together on the 23rd at Brodie and Andrea's. Dad, Paulette, Mom, Dave, Darcy, Jodi, Peyton were all there as well. It was a great day and the kids and ourselves got spoiled. Mikes Brother and his girlfriend stopped in on Christmas eve on their way to Kelowna and spent the night. They got to see first hand how excited the kids were in the early, early morning.

Ashley, Braden and Amber are currently in Namaimo with Vince to have a Christmas with him.

It has been snowing lots here. I took Andrew out to play in the snow today and even after 1 1/2 hours I practically had to drag him inside. He had a blast.

Here are a few pics of Andrew playing in the snow today.

Andrew loved trying his hand at shovelling.

Andrew's now 3

2007-11-07T09:38:00.000-08:00

So with Ashley being contagious and all we didn't have parties for the kids this time. However here are a few pics of Andrew and one of his presents.

Halloween

2007-11-07T09:11:00.000-08:00

What a fun night. The kids had a blast and we did too of course.

Ashley and Braden shared a pumpkin to clean out and carve, while Amber and Andrew tried helping us.

Amber patiently waiting for the next step.

Unfortunately I forgot to take pictures of the finished pumpkins. Ashley drew a witch free hand and then her and Braden took turns carving it. They did a really good job.

Braden went to school as Spiderman but we couldn't find his mask so I ended up doinga few images on his cheeks. Ashley didn't go to school that day (she missed 8 days in all) and we are still waiting for the test results to see if it was chicken pox or something else.

We still took Ashley out trick or treating, we just kept her away from the other kids.

Ashley was spidergirl, Braden was a bear, Amber was a princess and Andrew was a pumpkin.

How the time flies by

2007-10-28T17:49:00.000-07:00

OK where do I begin. Since the last post lots have happened with our busy family.

Ashley and Braden have een busy with school, Brownies and Beavers. Ashley had the enrollment night at Brownies where the new girls officially became Brownies while Ashley and two other girls advanced to second year Brownies and became circle leaders. Braden and Ashley will both be participating in the Remembrance Day Parade next month. After the parade they will go to a local church and have a day of fun and games.

Mike and Ashley playing Strut Miss Lizzy at the Brownie enrollment/advancement night.

Andrew saw the neurologist, all went well. She is referring him to see a pediatric opthamologist in Kelowna. After all these years of going down to Vancouver to see the neurologist we find out that she goes to Kelowna every few months. Who Knew. So on that note she will see us in Kelowna when he is due to see her again. While we were down there we spent a few hours at the orthotists so Andrew could get his new AFO's (Ankle foot orthotics). And guess what she works with an orthotist in Kelowna that we can go see for adjustments. Now why after going down there for two years do they finally tell us this now. Some people huh.

Darcy and Jodi picked up Amber for us in Namaimo when they were there and she spent a couple nights with them. Thanks guys. Amber came back with an uneven haircut and bangs. GRR. She also came back with a nasty cough and runny nose. What's new. Otherwise she is doing good.

Amber's birthday was yesterday, BIG 4. We were going to have a party for her and Andrew yesterday (Andrew will be 3 on Thursday) but we had to cancel it as Ashley has developed some kind of a rash like thingy, almost like chicken pox. Took her to Doctors on last Wednesday, he said not chicken pox but consider it contagious, so she missed 3 days of school so far and has developed more spots over the weekend so back to the Dr's tomorrow. Hopefully we can have their party this coming Sunday.

Mike and I are doing good.

2007-10-23T13:31:00.000-07:00

Make your own slide shows and scrapbooks

Our Busy Life

2007-09-20T14:59:00.000-07:00

I guess it's about time for an update.

Let's start with the parade. Ashley took part in the Fall Fair Parade with the Girl Guides of Canada, they collected food for the food bank. She had a blast. Mike had to work that morning so I took Braden and Andrew to watch the parade and of course they had a great time collecting CANDY!

After the Parade we took the kids to the fair. We checked out the animals and displays but the best part was the west coast amusments.

Ashley and I went on the farris wheel, it wasn't as fun as I remembered. I remember it going around in both diretions but this one only went the one way. However, Ashley loved it, that's what counts right.

Braden and Mike were the brave ones though They went on a ride(can't remember the name of it) that went in circles and spun around three different ways. I got dizzy watching them, they had an absolute blast.

Now on a different note school has started. Ashley is now in grade three and Braden started Kindergarten. They both seem to be enjoying it so far. Keeping my fingers crossed. We meet the teachers tonight.

Ashley started her second year of Brownies last week and she is hoping to be a first or second circle leader this year.

Braden is now enrolled in Beavers. He had his first meeting last week and has another one tonight. He is excited about it and has to sell popcorn already, however it is a bit expensive. But who knows, we'll take him out this weekend to try to sell some popcorn.

My work is going good, my boss has agreed to give me all Wednesday's and Thursday's off to take the kids to Brownies and Beavers. Mike is busy as always at work and doing good.

That's all for now folks.

Demolition Derby

2007-09-08T21:05:00.000-07:00

On August 26th we took the kids to the Salmon Arm Demolition Derby. The kids had a blast watching the cars crash into each other with front row seats. Let me tell you though it sucks when people try to stand right in front of everyone who is sitting. We got through the first three heats then it started pouring rain, so needless to say we didn't stay long after. All in all it was a great way to spend the day.

I loved this one: THE TANK

Let the smash up begin.

Lac Le Jeune

2007-08-26T14:49:00.000-07:00

We went on our first annual family camping trip Aug 17, 18 & 19th. We got there after 8pm Friday night and met up with Dad, Paulette, Darcy, Jodi & Peyton. After setting up camp we relaxed with a few drinks and roasted marshmallows.

MMM gotta love the marshmallows.

Relaxing and visiting.

Saturday we were joined by Ma & Pa, Brodie, Andrea & Carson. Ma brought tonnes of prizes for the kids and the fun and games began.

But first it was breakfast.

Then the treasure hunt with Ma & Pa's metal detector.

The only brave souls that went into the water. It was chilly.

Let the games begin...

Run, Braden, run. Beat those slow grandpa's. LOL.

Let's roll.

And another fun race, hold hands at all times.

After a late lunch early dinner the chocolate came out. RUN...

Later there was some fishing off of the dock and playing at the playground.

Saturday night Braden got sick, threw up in tent UGH. Sunday morning was poring rain so we left early. Once we got home the kids slept almost all day.

Here are some random pics.

All in all we had a great weekend. Thanks everyone, can't wait to do it again next year.

Fletcher Park & Water Park

2007-08-10T20:10:00.000-07:00

We went and picked up the kids on Monday. It's great to have them home again.

This evening we took them to the new park and water park. Tonns of fun was had by all.

The kids loved these chairs. They spin in circles.

Here comes the WATER...

If you want to see the rest of the pics check out facebook.

Our Journey :)

2007-08-04T12:15:00.000-07:00

Mike had a week of Holidays and I had 5 days off so we had a spur of the moment trip to Grande Prairie and Edmonton to see Mike's brother and sister.

We drove to Hinton the first day and grabbed a hotel for the night. Our real adventure began the next morning. Andrew slipped in the bathtub and got cut right above his right eye. We found the only walk in clinic and the Doctor put on some steri strips and covered it. Off we went to Grande Prairie to see Mike's Brother and his girlfriend.

Once we got there we had exhausted our CD's so we decided to go and buy a satellite radio. We did a bit of shopping then headed over to Paul's. Had a great handmade hamburger BBQ and a great visit as well.

Next day: Edmonton. What a boring drive from Grande Prairie to Edmonton. It was so flat you could see as far as the eye could see. Once there we went to Mike's sisters. He hadn't seen her in 15 years. After visiting with her for a bit we took a drive to the neighbourhood where he lived for 4 years. He actually knocked on the door of their old home and took a look around. Spent the night at his sister's and got up at the crack of dawn.

Wednesday we started the long journey home. A trip well worth the while. It was great to just pick up and go.

Here are some pics of our journey.

Check out the face on the mountain.

I know lots of pics, but I like to share. We took over 150 pic's.

We took Andrew's dressing off last Saturday and lo and behold he woke up with a nasty rash on the right side of his face. By Monday morning his eye was so swollen that he could barley open it, so off to the Dr.'s again. The Dr. put him on an antibiotic for skin irritation. So with the med's and hydro cortisone cream he is getting better. He finished his meds yesterday, the rash is still there but it looks so much better, so we will continue with the cream. Oh and his cut is all healed. What next?

Off to Vancouver tomorrow to pick up the rug rats for Monday. We actually have to take the horseshoe bay ferry over and pick them up on the island it's going to be a long day so we are leaving tomorrow after I am done work. Probably around 12 - 1 pm.

More updates later.

It's about time for an update...

2007-07-07T12:34:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe how time flies when you are busy busy busy.

A lot has happened since our last blog entry. School is out, Ashley will be going into grade three in the fall while Braden gets to start Kindergarten. Braden will be in a morning class as the school is making another kindergarten room so they can have two morning classes instead of one morning and one afternoon class. He is excited.

Andrew has been discharged from occupational therapy and will most likely be discharged from physio therapy in the fall because his therapist is going on maternity leave and there are so few physio therapists in the area. So since he isn't considered at high risk for it, they will discharge him.

Nothing really new with Amber. She still loves her dolls and her cousin Carson. She is a true sweetheart with an attitude.

Mike is keeping busy at work, he now has to start at 7 am instead of 7:30 so he can open up and keep everyone happy. He has another week of holidays coming up in August, which he needs. He has been working extra hours.

I started a new job. I got back into the health care field. I am now working as a Care Aide for Arbour House here in Salmon Arm. I only work the evening shift though so we only need a babysitter for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. So now I have to update my first aid since I let it expire. I am taking the course again on the 19th of this month.

All in all things are going pretty good. Ashley, Braden and Amber are with Vince for the month and we promised them that when they come back home we will all go to the waterslides. They had such a great time last year that we will do it again.

Here are a few pics of the kiddies.

Amber wearing Ashley's paperbag creation.

What's up Andrew?

Cousin Love!

OK Ashley we'll do what you say.

Silly Andrew. LOL.

Well needed stretch.

Pictures

2007-06-12T20:12:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics I forget to share of Mike's 30th.

Amber

Ashley pouting and Mike imitating.

Andrew and Grandpa.

BRADEN is that a beer your grabbing!!

Just Kidding. LOL. Sure looks like it though.

Amber, Grandma and Grandpa.

New Toy.

2007-06-12T19:49:00.000-07:00

So where do I begin...

We bought a new bed and it was delivered last Wednesday, it is so comfy. Plush pillowtop. That was the beginning, on Saturday we finally bought a Wii. What fun it is I tell you. It can definitely give you a work out though, especially if you do some boxing. So those were our special purchases this month.

Mike took Braden's training wheels off of his bike today and he can ride a "two-wheeler". Woo Hoo. He has a bit of a hard time starting but once he does he's pretty good. He had no fear and learned by himself.

Only a few more weeks of school left. Ashley's class went to Sorrento yesterday to spend the day with their pen pals.

Nothing new with Amber and Andrew.

Good news though. We have the kids for an extra month.

Here are a few pics of Ashley and Braden riding their bikes today.

All is good

2007-06-03T19:34:00.000-07:00

Monday we went to Vancouver for Andrew's Doctor appointment. His doctor said things look great, and then he got new molds made for new AFO's (Ankle Foot Orthotics) and $1500 is being covered by medical so we only have to pay about $200, which is good since he outgrew his last pair in less than a year. So now we need to go down there again for him to be fitted. In the mean time they added some stuff to his right shoe so his foot will get some added benefit. His doctor also said he still has showing evidence of the Transverse Myelitis. His right eye droops a bit, his right foot is still weak as well as his right arm.

Mike has been on holidays all week but unfortunately has to go back to work tomorrow. Ashley had a blast getting a ride to school and back on the bike.

Ashley has started swimming lessons in school and she spent this weekend (fri - Sun) at her last Brownie event of the year. She had a great time at camp but is covered in mosquito bites despite the use of repellent.

Braden had his needles (getting ready for kindergarten), Mike took him and it was a good thing he took him. Braden freaked out. All is good now though.

Amber is well Amber, sweet on the outside but then the temper and backtalking comes out. LOL.

Here are a few pics.

Happy Birthday Mike!!!

2007-05-27T16:14:00.000-07:00

Mike has now reached a new decade. 30 years old today!

Yesterday we went to Kelowna to celebrate Mike's B-Day with his Dad, Pauline, Paul and his girlfriend Janelle. The kids had a great time as well as the adults. Yes drinking was involved but all went well. Mike and Paul got a bit, shall I say, "Tipsy". We spent the night and came back around noon.

All for another trip to Vancouver tomorrow for Andrew's doctor appointments.

Have a great week everyone.

Enchanted Forest

2007-05-27T14:45:00.000-07:00

On Monday of the long weekend we decided to take the kids to the Enchanted Forest, which is about halfway between here and Revelstoke. We were there just shortly after they opened and spent the morning and half the afternoon having fun.

What a place, a definite must see if you have kids.

It all started with a trip into the castle and dungeon.

Then it was off to visit the "Three Little Pigs"

The straw house...

The stick house...

And the House made of bricks.

There was an old woman who lived in a shoe...

The home of the seven dwarfs...

A visit with Winnie the Pooh and Friends...

Then it was off to "see the wizards"...

Shortly there after Ashley (Goldilocks) checked out which bed was just right...

It was long before Braden (Hansel) & Ashley (Gretel) were locked up...

Next was a ride in the boat...

On our way out we ran into the friendly giant...

And through the cave we went...

What a great day it was for all of us. If you want to see more pics of our adventure and who else we met through the way drop us a line through email and we shall share more.

However I can't leave out my favorite of all ♥

A day of hiking!

2007-05-22T20:08:00.000-07:00

Sunday was spent at Coyote park and another nature park here in Salmon Arm.

We were bored. We went out. Here's the day!

THE HIKE...

Checking out the "you are here" map.

THE NATURE WALK...

What a way to start a long weekend!!

2007-05-22T17:27:00.000-07:00

Well on Thursday morning the van broke and toy got stuck in the toilet. Yup the fuel pump went this time, ended up having to get it towed on Sat. to the Ford dealership to get fixed. Luckily they were able to get it back to us by the time they closed so we could enjoy the rest of our weekend.

While the van was getting fixed we had a nice visit from Darcy, Jodi and Peyton.

More of our weekend to come later when I have a chance.

Mother's Day Weekend!

2007-05-15T20:59:00.000-07:00

Mike had to work Saturday morning and as soon as he got home Ashley and I were off to "Sparks Spree/Brownie Revel", which was held at Haney Heritage Park/Museum.

It was an afternoon spent with Sparks and Brownies from around the Shuswap/Okanagan Area, and a bonus for Ashley was that she was allowed to invite a friend to join the fun with her. She wanted to bring her friend Emma from school who met up with us there.

During the event the girls made crafts, went on a hike, tried their hand at gold panning, made butter and bannock, then they went trading some crafts with other girls. It was a fun afternoon.

On Mother's Day we took the kids to DeMille's to see the animals.

Amber and Braden are home :)

2007-05-15T20:51:00.000-07:00

Amber and Braden came home Monday the 7th, boy did we ever miss them.

So here are some up to date pics of them having fun in the sun.

Lego Galore!!

2007-05-15T20:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday the 5th we went out to Ma & Pa's for a visit. While we were there we went to Tranquille lake to try out their metal detector. Ashley and Andrew had a blast finding mysterious treasures. They collected lots of bottle caps, nails, "hidden" money and a few "hidden" toy trucks and cars.

While we were at Ma & Pa's we got tons of LEGO for the kids to enjoy.

So on Sunday the LEGO came out.

Here is Ashley's Police Station...

Andrew's "house mover"

Mike's rocket plane

and our Space ship house

Thanks Ma & Pa for the lego and wonderful visit and dinner.

April has come but now is gone (for another year)

2007-04-30T18:37:00.000-07:00

Woo Hoo, Mike has today off. They are done setting up new shop so he took a day off.

Not too much happening around here, besides the norm.

We took a few pics of the kids playing, so I shall share!

Our Nephew Carson

April 22 already

2007-04-22T18:28:00.000-07:00

It's been a little while since we made a post. So here it is.

Since the last post, Mike went to Langley for management training for 3 days. Their store is finished with their yearly audit, but now they are in the process of moving to a new location. Mike has been extremely busy setting up new shop so he is quite tired and drained. Hopefully they will be in their new location by next week.

While Mike was gone I went with Ashley to the mall to help the Brownies sell their cookies. Andrew was sick, fever, throwing up, all that fun stuff for us parents right. Not. He still has a cough but other than that seems to be okay.

We finally got a hold of Andrew's Orthopedic Surgeon. After several attempts with leaving messages with her office I finally emailed her to find out what's going on. Well she had some secretarial issues and all is good now. So the appointments are back on. The next one is May 28th.

Ashley and Andrew went to the dentist this past Friday and Ashley will be needing some kind of orthodontics. But not until at least her next visit near October because the dentist feels she is still a bit young for it. It won't be braces to start with so maybe spacers or who knows. All I know is that her teeth are crowded and has no room for her adult teeth to come in.

Andrew has an appointment with the speech therapist this Friday. Not quite sure if he still needs it though, sometimes he talks better than Amber. We shall see.

Braden and Amber are still at Vince's, but they are doing great and having fun.

And now here I go with a few pics.

Easter at the OLE FOLKS

2007-04-10T20:01:00.000-07:00

On Sunday morning the kids woke up to Easter poops everywhere and a basket as well.

After the morning sugar high we headed off to Kelowna for another wonderful Easter Dinner. When we got there the kids were greeted with yet more CHOCOLATE! While we visited with Dad, Paulene, and Paul, the kids played with the all famous rocks, paper airplanes, tennis balls all the while trying to sneak up on us.

Till next time.

Easter at Ma & Pa's

2007-04-10T19:36:00.000-07:00

This Easter we went to Kamloops and then to Kelowna.

On Saturday we went to Ma & Pa's for Easter dinner and extra fun, which was celebrated with Ma & Pa, Brodie, Andrea & Carson, Charlene, Shannon, Noelle & Dawson. It was great to see everyone. I can't believe how big Noelle and Dawson are now: we really need to see them more often.

The day was spent decorating Easter Eggs, making Easter crafts, a scavenger hunt, lots of visiting and a fabulous lunch and dinner. Denise, Dan, Bill & Jeanette were also there for Dinner and visiting.

So again here I go with pictures of the start of our Easter weekend.

McGuire Lake

2007-04-03T20:16:00.000-07:00

We went for a walk around McGuire Lake after dinner. Ashley and Andrew threw some crackers for the ducks and seagulls, however there were more seagulls than ducks.

We took tonns of pictures and had fun.

(Note Braden and Amber are not in the pics because they are at Vince's)

This one is my favorite.

Feeding the birds!

Up Close Shots.

Ashley on her bike!

Mike on the bike!!

Tree Fun!

And one final photo. For Now!!

Tomorrow is Girl Guide Cookie selling with Ashley. Yum, can't wait!

Just an update of our life...

2007-03-25T20:18:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we decided to go to Vernon for an Oil Change that was overdue, but half way there the van lost drive and overdrive, so we babied it the rest of the way there only to find nothing open. So we babied it on the way back, going 60 on the Hwy. After we got back we took a walk downtown, got some treats, kids got slushies. The way back home was all up hill, Amber was pretty tired by the time we got home.

First thing Monday morning we took the van to the transmission shop only to find out that they couldn't do anything because the van was back to normal and no codes went off. So I took the kids for an hour drive to try to get the van to act up, but nothing.

Mike was also named manager and will go to Vancouver in April for some training. He has been working lots this past couple of weeks and will be this coming week to get ready for their yearly audit. Mike has been put in charge of it this year so he has been very busy.

The rest of the week went by good.

So on Sat. we decided to go to Vernon again to get the oil change done. We made it no problem. Got the oil changed, tranny flushed, and fuel filter changed. Today Mike decided that he would give Ashley a ride on the bike, seeing that her feet can reach the pegs this year. They did a little trial run to make sure she could hold on good enough. She did great so off they went downtown and gave the bike a wash. Ashley had a blast and can't wait for it to warm up a bit so she can get a ride to school one day. "It's funner than the van!!"

Well spring break is over and Ashley can't wait to go back to school. With two weeks off I'm wondering how she is going to handle two months off in the summer. We shall see.

Braden is now registered for kindergarten. WOO HOO!

Well that's it for now.

Till next time...

Hair Colouring Fun!

2007-03-13T20:37:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday when we went shopping, we let the kids pick out a 1 night wash out hair colour. They picked a coppery colour. Here are a few pics of their hair colour makeover.

What will this week bring?

2007-03-03T17:26:00.000-08:00

Wow! Last week was busy!

Started off with Ashley at a Thinking Day Sleepover with Brownies, Sparks and Guides.
While she was there she earned some badges for her Camp Blanket and Sash. They girls were all put into small groups and learned about international travel. They had passports with stamps everytime they entered a new Country. At the end of the camp the individual groups put on an improv skit. She had a great time.

As for the other kids, Braden is as devious as ever. Everytime he does something wrong or bad, he immediately comes running to us with specific details on what happened and who the culprit was.

Amber, well what can we say. She's undecided what see wants, always wanting and doing something different. However, she loves to take her cousin Carson by the hand and lead him everywhere like she's his mom. (It's so cute)

Andrew, Andrew, Andrew. Enough said!

As for Mike and I. I have decided that I am going to look after our nephew Carson for the time being. And who knows maybe I'll even get another kid for the day and then I won't have to go to work right now. Besides he's great to look after (Yes, he is great for us Brodie and Andrea), and it's nice having all the kids together. As for Mike, he tried going back to work full time this week but soon realized that after his bandage change he was not as strong as he thought he would be. So he did 1 full day, 1/2 day, for the entire week as he gets em changed every other day. Great news though, The V.A.C. came off on Friday so Mike doesn't have to lug a machine around anymore. But now I have to change his dressing's. Man I pity him.

If you want to know what Mike is going through check out this link. WARNING Not for the weak stomach!!
http://www.worldwidewounds.com/2003/december/Miller/Pilonidal-Sinus.html

So we wonder....
WHAT WILL THIS WEEK BRING?

Braden and Amber are Home!!

2007-02-20T20:52:00.000-08:00

Braden and Amber came home today! This past week was busy as ever. Mike has to get his dressing changed every two days. He is slowly healing but it will still be a long process. Ashley has missed four days of school in the past two weeks due to some stomach virus.

Anyways since Braden wasn't here for his birthday, we had cake and presents for him tonight. Hard to believe he is five already and starting kindergarten this year.

The kids had to play one of the games that Braden got for his B-Day.

And the big kid had to have some fun too!!

What a week!

2007-02-08T20:00:00.000-08:00

Well where do I begin.

Braden and Amber are at Vince's and he called here because he coulndn't find their care card numbers. He took the kids to the emergency at the hospital because they were not able to keep anything down. We called them tonight and all is good. They just caught a bad bug but they are better now.

Ashley missed school Tuesday due to fever and stomach ache and her fever has been back and forth since. Today Andrew started with the fever.

Also Mike went in for surgery this morning. We were there for 8:30am he went in close to 10am. I was told it would be about 3 hours. 6 hours later (4pm) he was able to come home. He will be off of work for 1 month. Within that month our days will consist of twice weekly appointments at the ambulatory nurse clinic, every few day visits at the hospital, and appointments with the surgeon.

Also in between all that Andrew has appointments with physio therapy, occupational therapy, infant development and speech therapy. So needless to say we have cancelled Andrew's appointment in Vancouver with the orthopedic surgeon. I think we will be busy enough.

Braden's Snow Woman

2007-02-01T10:28:00.001-08:00

Last week while Ashley was at school, I took the kids out to play in the snow. After we had made the snowman Braden decided that he wanted it to be a snow woman. So he made it boobs. Boys will be boys huh. Amber was mostly interested in eating the snow while Andrew took to the slide.

How old are we?

2007-01-12T17:58:00.000-08:00

Our Busy Life

2007-01-10T09:04:00.000-08:00

Well we finally got a call from Physio after being referred and put on a waiting list. Andrew finally gets some pysio for his feet again. They come to ourhome which is always a bonus when you have kids. His first appointment is Jan. 22. Ashley gets to go to Jungle Mania with her Brownie group tonight, she has been waiting for this day to come for 3 weeks now. We took the kids sledding on New Year's Day. Amber and Braden had a blast and coundn't get enough of it, but we cut it a bit short because Andrew and Ashley had little to no interest in it. Andrew I can understand since he is a bit young and I just figured it just wasn't Ashley's thing. We are hoping to take Ashley and Braden skating and take all the kids to Jungle Mania. Hopefully we can get that done by the end of the month. Mike see's the surgeon on the 19th and we are heading back to Vancouver on Feb. 12 for Andrew's regular appointments with the Orthopedic Surgeon. Sometimes it feels like there is just not enough time for everything when you always have appointments and other activities going on. Anyways that's it for now.

Christmas Photos

2007-01-01T10:03:00.000-08:00

The kids spent the first week of Christmas holidays with Vince, so we had our Christmas with the kids on the 31st. Here are some pictures of them opening presents.

Christmas Ornaments

2006-12-27T20:50:00.000-08:00

After the kids had their surprise visit from Santa they made Christmas Ornaments. Here are a few pics. Enjoy.

Thanks everyone for helping the kids.

Santa Surprise Pictures

2006-12-27T20:40:00.000-08:00

New to us vehicle and Santa surprise.

2006-12-19T08:45:00.000-08:00

Well after all the driving we do, our van finally reached 300,000 kms, so we decided it was time for a new one. We went to the auction in Kamloops and traded our van for a new one plus we paid extra of course. We ended up getting a 1996 Ford Windstar. Ya, I know a FORD. While we were there the kids went to Ma & Pa's where Santa stopped in for a surprise visit. Once I upload the pictures I will post some with the kids and Santa.

Ashley's Birthday

2006-12-19T08:08:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pics from Ashley's Birthday Party. She had a couple of friends who could make it. They decorated little flip flop boxes, make necklaces, ate, had cake and of course opened presents.

I've been tagged!

2006-12-14T08:05:00.000-08:00

Thanks Jen.

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Santa likes to wrap them here.
3. Colored lights or white lights on tree/house? White on the tree, coloured for the house.
4. Do you hang Mistletoe? No, don't have to hang this year. YET.
5. When do you put your decorations up? 1st weekend in December
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Christmas breakfast special.
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Havin gthe dining room table filed with goodies to eat.
8. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes.
9. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? What do you mean the truth about Santa?
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? White lights, a bunch of mix an dmatch ornaments - some from when I was a kid, and red bows.
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Love the snow, hate the freezing cold
12. Can you ice skate? Yes
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Roller blades.
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Family and friends.
15. What tops your tree? Currently an Angel but we are going to buy a new one that lights up.
16. What's your favorite holiday tradition? Christmas morning Special.
17. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Giving, love to watch the kids get all excited when they open the gifts.
18. What is your favorite holiday dessert? Shortbread cookies and Nuts N Bolts.
19. What is your favorite Christmas song? Grandma got ran over by a reindeer.
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? Not my favorite
21. What is your favorite Christmas special/movie? Too many to choose from.

Now I tag Andrea and Jodi.

Our weekend away

2006-12-04T19:55:00.000-08:00

We finally got to go somewhere without the kids. This past weekend we went to the coast for Mike's work Christmas party. We had a great time, ate some dinner, drank a little, bid on a silent auction, drank a little more, won a drill and tool box from the silent auction. Had a blast. And of course did a bit of shooping as well.

Andrew stayed with Ma & Pa, while Ashley had a weekend Christmas Camp with her Brownie group, and spent some time with her Uncle Brodie and Aunty Andrea, where she made a card with some of Andrea's craft stuff.

We are going to get Braden and Amber on Saturday after their extended visit, can't wait to see them and have them back home.

Anyways got to go put the kids to bed, have a great night and week.

Winter is Finally Here!!

2006-11-27T18:34:00.000-08:00

Wow what a dump of snow!!!

The snow did not stop falling till this morning!I woke up super early so that I could get the van all warmed up and ready for the cold 5 minute drive to work.

But what can you do? We are not used to this much snow and all the hills. We went to Canadian Tire and had to buy some winter tire chains as our van is not able to climb these steep hills even with good winter tires.

So instead of buying new tires we just got ourselves a set of tire chains. Take a look at the pictures. You can see that we needed them.

Have a great day to all!

A few pictures to start.

2006-11-22T09:47:00.000-08:00

First Post

2006-11-22T09:35:00.000-08:00

Well, here goes. I thought I would try out the blog thing. I will try to keep you all updated on the kids as well as Mike and myself. Currently Braden and Amber are in Cranbrook so not too much to report on them at the moment. Andrew, well he is currently developing an attitude and temper. He is doing good though. Ashley has Brownies tonight, something she always looks forward to. Mike is keeping busy at work and he has started to do some side jobs for a local electrician. I am doing good besides the fact that I went to the dentist yesterday for a filling and came out without a tooth. Yes they decided to pull it. Ouch!!