Movie Night

So we had a great time at the outdoor movie night in White Rock. It was so much fun and I am glad that Stella and Jack were able to join us. Its always so much more fun with friends. Since we arrived early, there really wasn't a need to use the VIP seating that I won. We were able to sit closer than the spot they had. I did however also get some prizes including passes to Science World, Splashdown and a CD of songs from chick flicks. Haha. The promotions lady also gave Ariel a balloon and of course she was won over. Every time she saw that lady, she wanted to hold her hand. Too cute!













It was a very cool setup. The screen was inflated, and they were using a video projector on top of a car. Mind you it was the biggest projector I have ever since. Compared to the one we have at church, this one was the mother-ship!

They had lots of fun free things for the kids. They had 2 bouncy castles, which Ariel tried out with Aunty Stella, a face painter and a clown making balloon creatures. She made Ariel an Elmo hat. That was the funniest thing ever, and she got many laughs from the crowd.


Ariel enjoyed playing with the traffic cones and dancing to the live band they had playing. She even got to meet her first RCMP. I told him the picture could be 'baby's first bust' and he joked he should have gotten out the handcuffs for the picture. Lol. He has a 6 month old daughter, so he was sharing stories of how she was born several weeks early and how amazed he is of her. Its so cool hearing other first time parents glowing about their kids.













As it grew darker, Ariel grew more fussy and ready to sleep. Stella got her to crash in her arms and Ken held her for the whole movie, which she slept through! I can't tell you how much I love Grease! Its just so much fun and the music just makes you happy. The crowd was singing along and doing the actions to the dances. These kinds of movies are so much fun with lots of people, it just adds to the experience.

We got home shortly after midnight and had a great sleep. Bless Ariel for staying asleep and even letting us sleep in till 830am. I guess that was her anniversary gift to us. After a lazy morning, Nana came to babysit so we could go see the new Pixar film 'Ratatouille,' which is AMAZING!!! All the reviews are right, this is an amazing film... and understand when I say FILM! Its not just a movie for kids, its not your 'quick turn out the crap' kinda cartoon, it has an amazing story and its just glorious to watch from a filmmakers viewpoint. When it was over I just wanted to stand and clap, and even was a little choked up at the end. I love cooking and this film captured the passion of the kitchen and presented it in such a way that moved me... not to mention the rat was SUPER CUTE! (I am in need of a little rat toy now - hee).

We chatted about spiritual connections like we always do after a movie and Ken has some thoughts for a Hollywood Jesus review and linking it to a sermon that was given by good friend Tom early this month. Should be interesting.

Came home to a happy daughter. We took her for a walk, ran into several friends from church, got some watercolor paper and came home for take out dinner from the boot. Yum. Ken is now crashed on the couch with Ariel, so I should go get them both into bed... as tomorrow is CANADA DAY! Yay.

Happy 6th Anniversay Ken!

These days I feel a change, All the patterns rearranged
Though I can't explain, I know I’m not afraid
Now I realize all good things can be supplied
And they come from you

This feeling that I've found, like sleeping on a cloud
Smiling at the sky, Not even knowing why
Strange how things work out, I know without a doubt
That it comes from you

Break me out of emptiness, Lead me to your light
Anything worth having is worth some sacrifice
Laid too long in lonliness, This world was made to change
Half an hour of sunshine is worth a week of rain

Air is flowing free, it's a little easier to breathe
This soul unbound, was lost and found
No reason left to hide, I feel a light inside and it comes from you

It's all brand new, and it shines right through
Shines Right Through Me
I look at you and you, and it shines right through
Shines Right Through Me

-Shines Right Through-

by Great Big Sea

from 'Something Beautiful'

Grease is the word!

As of 1130pm last night, our home was again complete. Ken got in from his adventure at the animation festival (you can read about it on his blog- see side list). Anyhoo, I was up working for the client so when I finished, we chatted a bit before crashing for the night.

Tonight, all 3 of us are going to the outdoor presentation of Grease! WOOT! I got the info via my radio station's facebook page. Its such a neat thing, just like a drive in but minus the cars. Its a family event, so kids of all ages are welcome and no alcohol or smoking allowed, which is always nice. They are planing several of these, so try and get out to one if you can. They are in White Rock, and the biggest plus, FREE BABY! Woot! So I said I would come, and thus got entered into a draw and won a spot in the VIP section for me and 3 others. Have invited Jack and Stella, so hope they will come. Ariel is excited. Her first big movie experience, and its GREASE! Hehehe, I am so giddy. Whee!

If you are interested, here are the other movies playing this summer.
* Raiders of the Lost Ark on Friday, July 20th
* JAWS on Friday, August 3rd
* The Goonies on Friday, August 17th
* E.T. on Friday, August 31st
When I was telling Ken about this over the phone this week, he nearly died of excitement too. This is like a top 5 list of his favs. Click here to get to the web page for more info if you want to look into going.

As for past few days being solo mommy, its been tough. I never realize how much I need those few hours when Ken gets home to rest and unwind. Yesterday wasn't much fun because while Ariel was napping, the kids who are moving out, were running in the halls and banging on things and thus, woke up Ariel who was freaked and was SCREAMING!!! Poor girl. I had to get her up since she refused to go back down. She was then out of sorts until bedtime. It made it really hard, and my patience was starting to waver. I ended up going out and telling the kids to stop the running... of course I waited so I didn't bite their heads off like I was originally feeling. Always good to count to 3... in this case, try 50.

















Birthday dress is coming together. I spend a few mornings at Stella's getting some help assembling it, since having Ariel under foot makes it hard to concentrate. I am finished the hand stitching in the lining so all thats left is attaching the trims. I am also doing that by hand, frankly since its relaxing. In the pictures, Ariel has her first fitting, the the second one shows the trim pinned on. Will post the completed dress soon...

So, thats the recap... tomorrow is the big 6 year anniversary. Yay. Gotta love getting married on a long weekend, and I know a few people who will be sharing the day with us as they tie the know tomorrow. Happy happy, joy joy. Ok, off to sew, then to prepare for Grease... hee. "Summer days driftin' away, to uh-oh those summer nights."

Photo Progression of Trouble

Here is a small sampling of the events earlier today at Nana's house. I believe they speak for themselves. Had a good day, but don't have much time on here, so expect a full update as soon as I get a moment.

Just the two of us...

...we can make it if we try. Hehe. Yes, today marked the first of several day of which I would be a solo parent. Ken has gone off to an animation festival for work, so he will have a good time.

This morning we were going off with Stella and Kara to do some shopping. Whee. While getting ready, Ariel has figured out the toilet. After watching us flush it, the girl reached up, pulled the handle **FLUSH** and giggled and crawled away. Pretty funny actually.

After a brief moment of confusion of who was to meet who, we got on our way to the lot to drop off Stella's car to be fixed so it won't explode. This was my understanding anyways, heh.

Hit the fabric store and found some original strawberry shortcake flannel. Gonna make Ariel a new stroller blanket, since she is growing and needs something a bit bigger. Ariel was making friends with another little girl baby in the store. She is such a ham sometimes.

Had a good time at Linens and Things, got some new towels with a birthday gift card I hadn't used yet. Yay. Trying to lighten the look up a bit. Been searching for new towels for a while, and since I am pretty picky, I was very happy to find something that worked. Also got new pillows for our bed, 2 for $10!

Had lunch at the Pantry, yummy. Had a really good chicken burger. Ariel ate her jar of apples and oatmeal, a few cookies and about 6 mashed fries. Crazy. After some funny pictures of her and Kara with over sized fruit, we headed off to pick up Stella's car from the lot.

After splitting into 2 cars again, Kara and I decided to head to the mall for further shopping fun since Ariel was sleeping. We hit a few baby shops and found some good deals. Lots of sales on, always a treat. I got some nice things for next summer for princess.

When we went to take the elevator back up to the upper level of the Bay to get to the car, we soon discovered we had moved, but the door hadn't opened. Strange. Kara pushed a few buttons, nothing.... uh oh. After a brief look to each other of, hmmm. We got the elevator going down again, but then only opened a few inches. We weren't even on the floor, but slightly under it by a foot. Kara pushed the door open enough for us and the stroller to get out. Upon telling an employee, we were allowed to take the service one up. Cool. That was the adventure of the day and frankly I was glad I had Kara with me, nothing worse getting stuck in an elevator. Ugh.

Came home, played, watched people move out of our building, had dinner, went for a big walk, home again to bath and bed Ariel. Now its time for some tv. Good night. Day 2 of solo parenting tomorrow, wish me luck!

Seven years later... the chapter is closed

So today was the day... we buried my mom's ashes. Some of you might be surprised at that, but I don't want to go into the why it took so long, but more so that the chapter is finally closed, and how good it feels. After my letter was read at church, it kinda finally felt like I was free again. When you carry such a heavy burden in your heart, it makes it difficult to sometimes grow and change. I have done so much growth since Ariel was born, that it was time to face things that weren't dealt with years ago.

In the past few weeks, I was taking care of things in preparation for this day. Finding a vessel for her ashes, flowers, picking a spot for the burial... all things that in a way got me thinking about what she might have liked or wanted. I wanted it to be about her, and have it mean something. After meeting with the funeral home people, it became apparent that I wanted to go to Granville Island, one of my mom's favorite places, and buy a blue ceramic container. She loved pottery and it seems so simple and suiting for her. It was amazing how beautiful it looked today with the sun hitting it. How it looked so much more that a simple pot, and yet it was no match for any of those overpriced urns. It had character and a story. It was made with the hands of an artist, as a vessel to hold the remains that was also the work of the ultimate artist.

The cemetery was beautiful. Not something you might say about such things. I had never been in a more peaceful place. It was warm and when you walk in, it feels right. Off to the left, a tree with an eagles nest. Enough said. I look forward to many visits up there as a place to remember and reflect. A place where I can leave my burden and walk out the gates with hope.

The flowers were lovely. Seven white roses, one for each year we have missed her. One little pink rose with a ribbon lay on its own, from the grand daughter she watches over. It was so nice to have so many friends come out. It was simple, sweet and at times funny. We sang a few songs, and the rain stayed away, except for a few sprinkles.

We gathered for tea and goodies afterwards. Rose and Lori were so kind in putting it together, and it was a real treat. Its so nice to have friends. We laughed watching Ariel eat several pieces of water melon and a whole scone, that girl can pack it back! Then came the thunder and lightening and downpour, very thankful that held off during our ceremony.

But for everything that when right, there always is an oops. It came this morning at church in our bulletin. There was someone filling in this week in the office, and the note telling people about the service today had a few mistakes. One, her name (AGAIN) spelt wrong, not really a surprise, but getting a little old now. Heh. The big mistake, instead of saying that we were interring her ashes today, it said we were incinerating them. Oh good grief. Kinda the wrong word... but I guess nothing can be done now. Oh well. Might be good that is explained at some point so that isn't done again, as its somewhat upsetting.

Ken is leaving tomorrow. I am REALLY gonna miss him! It could be a long week. I have lots planned to keep me busy, so it should help. Then on Saturday we will celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary. Crazy.

To sum up the weekend, here is Ariel laughing. As Martha says, 'Its a good thing.'

Ariel loves Aunty Kara!

Since I am having a somewhat off day, I figured I just share some fun pics of Ariel's morning with Aunty Kara.































At some point Ariel lost her pants and did a dance.
























This is what happens when you leave the camera behind, funny self pictures. Hee.































Ariel LOVES this horse. She is the rodeo queen!

Oh, Ariel won her first photo contest on facebook! LOL. Thanks everyone who voted for her. Well, back to birthday crafts! Bye.

Ariel vs Spaghetti

Not sure who won, but I think it was a tie. Either way, it was a great picture moment. Hehe

Had a lazy day, if there is such a thing. Had a late start to the morning and didn't go out to the store until 11am. Wandered around the store too long, as they are moving everything. Ack. Not sure if I will shop there until its done, as its a little nuts. Finally found the spaghetti noodles and headed home.

Decided to swing by the water park to see if it was on yet for summer. It was and ended up running into Brenda and her daughter's class who where having a field trip to the park. Got to visit with her and Wendy while a large number of grade one kids splashed their teacher. Haha. A little cold yet for me, but Ariel seemed keen to get in there. I guess we will have to round up the babies for a water day.

While there, Ariel got hungry and got a few cookies and some watermelon. Oh did she love that. She was so into it, that she tried to eat the green part. Poor girl didn't give up either, as she was convinced like most foods, it would soften eventually. She wasn't impressed when it went in the garbage. Oh well.

We came home and had some lunch. I went to the kitchen to get a rag, and came back to a sleeping baby. Guess she was tuckered out. She slept a good long time and I got to then wash the kitchen floor. Oh boy!

We played with the pool for a bit and made dinner. Daddy came home and Ariel watched him play pac-man. Apparently, she thought that was pretty funny.

Now she is bathed and almost ready for bed... in fact, I may be too.

Morning Quiz

This was on Kelly's blog and she wanted everyone to do it, so here goes nothing...

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yes, Janet was after the red headed tour guide on my parents trip to Scotland (not so much after her, but they liked the name after meeting her) and my middle name Frances is after a family friend

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? 2 weeks ago I think...in regards to my mom's memorial garden

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING Sure

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? I really don't care for lunch meat, but if I had to pick I guess ham

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? 1 daughter

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Sure

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo, 'note the sarcasm' Actually, not so much these days, more so when I was a teen

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yep

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Hahahah no

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? ooh I have lots, these days its corn flakes, special k or rice krispies... yes they aren't that exciting, I like plain things

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Never, what a rebel eh?

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Yes

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? chewy chocolate

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Eyes

15. RED OR PINK? Red for me, Pink for Ariel

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My baby belly (c-sections are not that kind)

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Mom

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Not so much send it, but post it on their blogs, so yes, everyone!

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? brown dress and barefoot

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? taco salad and black bean burritos

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? The View on tv

22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Aqua

23. FAVORITE SMELLS? summer rain, vanilla

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Stella

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes, actually its helping me get to know them better too :)

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? hate sports, but ice skating is cool

27. HAIR COLOR? Brown mostly, have some natural red coming through these days, and a bit of *cough* grey.

28. EYE COLOR? blue with fire as Natalie says

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? nope, but I don't need glasses either

30. FAVORITE FOOD? pizza

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? um, I think it was the Dixie Chick Documentary - Shut up and Sing

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? not wearing a shirt... but my dress is brown

34. SUMMER OR WINTER? both, but maybe winter a tad bit more

35. HUGS OR KISSES? both

36. FAVORITE DESSERT? chocolate cake

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? not sure, maybe Dianne, she likes these things

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Mike, he never blogs anymore - boooooo

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Nothing major, some parenting books, but the new Harry Potter is coming soon, eek!

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? The mouse, duh! Actually, its just a plain black one

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT? Half of Jon Stewart

42. FAVORITE SOUND? Ariel laughing

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME??? Michigan I guess, not much of a traveller

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I like Kelly's answer of procrastinating, I might have to say that too, hahah

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Richmond, BC

47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Everyones! Don't fail me people.

New Pool

I found a slightly larger pool for Ariel today at London Drugs. The nice thing about this one is that it has a bit of protection from the sun, and on our deck, we need that. Bonus, it was cheap and she loves it. Since I have nothing else exciting to say, just enjoy some summer pics of a day pool side with the princess.