Happy Easter

Well I promised to share the picture I took of the kids for our card this year yesterday and I forgot, oops. So here it is today! Easter Monday, so its still within the right time, haha.

We had a fun and busy weekend filled with church, family, friends and candy! On the Good Friday we went to the service at church which was powerful and always reflective. Ken as an new Elder got to serve his first communion which was special as well. Ariel was excited because her friend from school was visiting our church so she sat with him. I didn't think we had entered that phase yet but more and more she wants to sit with her friends at church.

Afterwards we had brunch at Dad and Rita's with Mike, Jo and Henry. It was a nice quiet morning and we had a nice walk to see the ducks with the kids.

It was around the afternoon that Ariel went down with some sort of stomach flu bug. She threw up twice before sleeping the afternoon away on the couch. Lets just say cotton candy ice cream is gross... but even worse when its barfed up... sigh.


The Saturday morning she woke up perky and wanted to eat some toast but threw that up too. In that time I had an order of 30 hockey puck mini cakes getting picked up and was frazzled. Sadly it was my first ever 'complaint'. When in business it happens and up till now I have had a smooth run so it was time to experience a bump. She said they were dry and crumbly when she got them home, so not sure if it was the size of them, or the fondant sucking out moisture or what but I gave her a refund. Better to suck it up and learn for next time. Frankly I felt odd about the whole order, but then its hockey related so I think anything related to that is evil, haha. She was very nice about the whole thing and all in all, I feel ok. Of course the day of I was sad more so because I felt bad about her party they were for. She did say she call on me again so that was nice. Cake is a fussy thing and you never know what could happen. Back in the saddle I go!

I went out to Costco that morning to get toilet paper and some supplies for my orders this week... speaking of which I have 5! Yes everything from grad, wedding, birthdays and a bridal shower! I have a tight schedule this week but I am ready, so lets get baking!

Sunday was Easter and everyone was better, tired but at least no more puking. We had invited friends but cancelled when Ariel got sick since we just didn't want to chance it. We went to church and enjoyed the uplifting service. Lots of flowers and of course our traditional decorating the cross. Love this!

We also did our 'Easter Bunny' fun with the kids having some baskets of goodies for them. I never get much in the way of candy, Dad and Rita got the kids each a chocolate bunny to stick in the basket. Instead I got Ariel a new dress up Disney Princess gown I got at the consignment store ($10 score!) and strawberry shortcake doll.

Xander got some new hot wheel cars that he was thrilled with! Also a sandwich cutter set to make them into cars, planes and trains, too cute!

After a quick lunch we headed out in the light rain to the park for the town's egg hunt and meeting the Easter Bunny. Ken found out the guy in the bunny suit was a pastor from a local church, so that was funny. He was very kind with the kids and a photographer from the paper happened to get a cute shot of them, so they might be in the paper, we will see. But this is the shot he pretty much got as he was right beside me at the time. Too cute!!!

Came home and got a call from Brenda if we wanted to join them for dinner and an egg hunt, well with nothing exciting planned with family we jumped at it and headed over. The kids had a hoot hunting eggs and got giant kinder eggs! Lucky ducks!!!

Xander was more interested with the soccer ball and was a muddy mess at the door when ready to come in. Haha.

While others watched the hockey game we chatted and then had a lovely lamb dinner. Woot! I found out about a local church's VBS program that Ariel would be old enough to attend this summer so I will be looking into that for her. Also hoping to find out if she can go to dance camp, its for 5 year olds and she turns 5 within a few weeks of the camp so fingers crossed!

Well I have a pile of stuff to do so Jay over and out!

Happy Post!

Its midweek, er less than that I guess since its a short week. I keep having to remind myself its Easter this weekend. Being burried in work does make the days fly by. This week I have a light load, 30 hockey puck mini cakes, so I am enjoying a tad bit of down time before next week... the week of 5 orders! Gack, but more on that later, for now I am on a happy cloud of not thinking about it right now, except the huge supply list I wrote out today in preparation, haha.

Today I walked Ariel to school and got her pictures paid for. They are very cute, kinda silly pose but oh well, its better than nothing right? I am curious what book she has open, haha. Her whole class photo is really nice too, almost every kid is happy which is an accomplishment to the photographer! Not an easy task.

I had hoped to get my groceries and banking done but soon realized my wallet was in the diaper bag at home so we came home and I baked and then left to pick Ariel up an hour early so I could get my chores done. Ariel had some fun surprises to share when I got her. They had decorated eggs and made little bunny holders to keep them safe. They also made rice krispie treat nests with candy eggs in them. So sweet.... and yummy too!

We came home and quickly changed the kids into their easter outfits to get a quick picture for a card. Nothing like leaving it to the last minute eh? Thankfully we got an ok shot, especially with Xander pretty much ready for a nap at that point. Gack! I bribed him with marshmallows, haha. Come back on Sunday to see the final shot.

Yesterday Ariel started her gymnastics class at the new facility that just opened in town. Its gorgeous and HUGE! Ariel was so giddy waiting till it was time to go it nearly drove me nuts. She had a fantastic time and it was a nice long class. I didn't get any pictures unfortunately because my dear son was having a huge meltdown that he didn't get to go too. I guess I will need to look into the mommy and me class. Ariel came out wearing a special t-shirt they got the kids to commemorate the opening of the new building, so that was cool. She was all smiles and talked all afternoon about her class. Will take some pictures next week to share... if Xander is happier that is, ha!

Ballet is also the same day as gymnastics in the morning and they are doing a dance this time to a song called 'Here comes trouble'... such a good pick eh? You would think double activities would maybe tire her out a bit... not so much. Mommy however was eager for bedtime, hee.

Tonight I am in mid-paska production. I have the dough rising at the moment, better late than never and it will be ready for our family brunch on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Yum!

Swallowed by Work!

Tonight I finished a HUGE project... we are just waiting to upload it to the printers. Oh gosh I am glad this is done, its been time consuming and detail orientated. I got had to be the point person dealing with all the businesses that had offers in this book when it came to editing their pages. It was an 'interesting' process to say the least. Some were so picky about the strangest things, others very laid back. Either way, I am eager for a break from this before we start the next one, especially with so much I have coming up... can we say 5 orders for cake stuff next week! Wow!!!

During the craziness of finishing this book, I had 2 pretty major cake orders, one which included 70 cookies! First off was a monkey baby shower cake based on the 'Paul Frank monkey'.

Then one I loved doing, WALL-E! If you remember I had a wall-e cake for my 30th birthday, but honestly it was pretty lame, lets just say the grocery store we got it from was really sloppy and its was not that 'pretty'. So this was in a way made up for it, even though it wasn't for me, it was for a gal I went to high school with and that just makes me smile that another grown up is into cartoons. Yay!

Mid-week I got to play 'adopted-Aunt' for a morning at Brenda kid's school for grandparent day. Their grandparents are not able to attend at the yearly event and they asked if I would come and be their special friend! Well, how could I not!!! It was so much fun and the kids showed me all their projects and classrooms. So much fun and I was honored they asked me. Awww.

Ken has been a huge help this past week with the kids with my many projects on the go. He has been enjoying his free evenings again and has been catching up on movies. He made sure to get ones I didn't want to watch haha, makes it easier to stay on task if its something gross I don't want to watch. We did watch 'Girl with the pearl earring' on the weekend though, which was good.

Last Sunday we had our AGM and Ken was affirmed as an elder! Its a huge commitment for our family, but we feel strongly its important and we are all on board with it. He is off at his first board meeting and of course the kids miss him, but Ariel was pretty pre-occupied with excitement as her gymnastics start tomorrow. Haha. She is bouncing around saying I have ballet in the morning and gymnastics in the afternoon! Not to mention she has a fitting with Stella for her flower girl dress. Time to measure her in preparation for sewing it, only 3 months left till the wedding! Wow!!!

Saturday morning we had our family pictures done with Maria for her annual Mother's Day event. It went pretty well, Xander decided to pop out 2 teeth the night before and had little sleep making him somewhat of a grump. He wasn't interested in having his picture with Ariel, lol. He kept pushing her. Its amazing we got a family shot! Haha. Oh well.

Another big event was the opening registration for Imagine That! We are moving right along and had a nice strong opening. Looking forward to the summer... really not that far away. If you are interested in the camp, there are still spots available!

Well I hope to make some paska this week... hmm paska! I can't believe its Easter this weekend! We have Ken's co-worker and his wife coming and joining us at church and lunch. They are an Indian couple so this is new experience for them, so that will be fun. Trying to decide what to make for lunch... hmm.

I'll leave you with Xander excited about his popcorn... yeah, he is awesome! Oh we get Ariel's school pictures this week, they are cute, will share on Wednesday! Maybe I'll have our family picture proofs to share then too. Sorry this blog was kinda boring... I promise Easter fun next time! Yay!

Sniffle Snort

I am sitting here, somewhat resting, but at home none the less. I was to be out tonight at the concert happening that is donating proceeds to our Imagine That Summer Arts camp but on Friday night I came down with a cold and wanted to lie low so I could get rid of it. Thankfully my throat is much better after one rough night, so maybe its allergies? Either way, I was miserable and cranky, haha.

The past week has been a blur for me. So much going on and yet so much more coming. Gack! When we last left off we were on a sad note of remembering my Mom. So I will keep things upbeat this time. On the Saturday night Dad and Rita treated us to a fantastic buffet dinner and Opera night at the Pan Pacific. Dad really wanted Ariel to come along too because he knew she would love the music... and the food. So we got all dressed up and headed out, leaving Xander with Stella for the evening.

Oh my goodness, it was as wonderful as I remember... I had come once before YEARS ago with friends for a Christmas buffet. Ariel kept exclaiming, 'I get to eat 5 times!' to everyone who was in ear shot. Her favorite was the pasta station, creating an interesting combo of chicken and ham with artichokes.... and yes she did eat most of it.

The desserts were to die for, although poor Ariel somehow got one laced with alcohol. Oops! She made a face and went on eating everything else. She LOVED the opera singers, believing the lady in the poofy dress was a princess.

At times we caught Ariel 'singing' along. When Rita left with Ariel after our meal she curtsied when thanking them, much to the singers amusement. We left with 'fat tummies' and a special memory, thanks again Dad and Rita.

Monday came and Ariel was back at school after spring break. It was nice to see everyone again and princess was glad to back! During school I took Xander to our swim class and had the fun surprise of finding out cousin Henry is in our group too. Will be nice to see him and Jo regularly, yay.

I spent the rest of the day finishing up the Imagine That brochure and posters as they had to be in for printing. A tad stressful trying to make sure it was all together, but Brenda and I got it all done and in, woot! I also got our Easter stuff up, much to the kid's delight. Our favorite stick is back as the tree, haha. Tried a new look this year, and I love it. Less is more these days.

Tuesday ballet started up for our last set before summer, hard to believe! Ariel was VERY excited for this class to be going again, she missed dance a lot! Later that day I got a call with some good news. We are getting a gymnastics building by our local pool that will be opening later this month. I had picked up a brochure and saw a great class that was a combo of gymnastics and dance. When I went to register Ariel, since it would be a great filler for dance when it ends, but it was wait-listed. So I took a chance and added our name and suprise, we got in! Yay! Ariel's face when I told her was so priceless, her jaw dropped... I get to go to gymnastics? Its not just a birthday party? Haha, too funny!

Wednesday is when things got crazy. I have been working on this tourism book and we are in crunch time. Lots of emails, changes, and work. I love it but its tricky with the kids. Thankfully they were so accommodating to wacky mommy's workload. However when Mommy is busy things do happen that I don't notice. Needless to say one of our wii remotes is toast, thankfully under warranty so off to the repair shop it goes. It was possessed and started shaking on its own... creepy! Not sure which one did it, I think they both kids had a role...and I think water might have played a part too. Speaking of trouble, Xander's new 'thing' is taking off his pants and eating on the coffee table... yep, he is crazy!

That night I got my hair done, back to my dark locks. Love it and I think I will be keeping this for a long time, woot!

Thursday we had our friend's boyfriend Jug come by with daughter Kaelyn for a playdate. Jug was needing to borrow our computer with my design software to finish a project to help with his portfolio so we were happy to help. In return he took us for lunch, yum! The kids had fun playing... eventually. Ariel was a crank that morning and after a few timeouts we got a pleasant girl. The big Ariel line of the day was following Xander doing something naughty. She turned to me and said, 'look what your son did!' Classic!

Friday was more school, more work and lots of sun! I got a visit with Stella which was nice since I hadn't seen her in felt like ages. I also spent time sketching out a picture for a commission I got. A friend from high school emailed me saying his mom had passed away from cancer and he wanted a painting of her and the family dog. I am nearly done painting it... maybe a few more touch ups and its good to go. I was honored he asked me, but its still heartbreaking knowing I have another friend who has lost a mom too. Sucks!

That leads us to now, and a day of sniffles and editing. Tomorrow is our church AGM and Ken should be (if all goes as planned) affirmed as Elder of evangelism in our congregation. Will keep you posted how it goes, but I am so proud of him! Speaking of Ken, he got to speak at ACTS Seminary at their chapel service and is now being approached about developing a course possibly for next year on faith and film. He was so excited so I hope it comes together.

Ok... time to pack it in for the night... zzzzz.

Mother to Mother

As I grow into my role as a mom I am often reflecting on what my own mom might have said to me. When Ariel does something naughty, would she laugh and say 'payback!' When Xander smiles his coy grin, would she hug him and say 'I see you in that look'. When Ken and I celebrate our 10th anniversary this summer would she smile and say 'I knew the moment I saw him he was the man you would marry.' Honestly, I just wish sometimes I would hear something rather than the empty silence that follows my thoughts.

11 years seems like forever, and yet its truly only a small fragment of time. Moments fleeting and changing as the world around us moves on. My heart still aches for a person that can't be replaced. Daughters need their mothers... and this scared child is still looking for her hand in the night. When I watch my children sleep my greatest fear is not being there for them one day.

I am jealous of those with a mom... those that can call or stop in for visits at any time. Those moms that come help with a newborn baby, that give advice no matter if you asked for it or not and that prepare you for what is ahead that you don't see coming. I have lots of friends in my life who are walking the same road as me... I am blessed to have them and as much as they say 'I am helping them,' they are really helping me.

My mom struggled for many years with health issues. It was hard to understand, watch and help. I remember when my mom got her scooter. It was a life changing moment for her and for us. We had to learn to pack it into the car, those batteries were a workout for sure. I never did understand how much it changed her until I got to see this article. When Pastor Dave was packing up his office he came across it and gave me a copy to have. I vaguely remember this and I am happy to have it. I felt the timing couldn't be more perfect as its the time when I think the most about her and yet I feel like it gave me a lot to think about as a mom and caring for my family.... and the day when I can't do that anymore.

The Road of Life - 'From my scooter'

By Vickie Worth

Come along with me as I motor along in my new life aboard my scooter! Christ has revealed many truths as I follow his map for my life.

My life has always been one of organization, involvement, strength and the desire to care for others through Christ's love. There wasn't a challenge too hard or a job too big that I didn't feel I could take on.

One day two years ago, I became ill and I didn't get better. I felt as if my life had ended. No more running from job to job; I was bedridden. Unable to care for others, I felt so useless and empty.

The Lord came alongside and cared for me and told me 'It's time to be still.' 'But, I want to be well Lord, I have much to do.' He patiently reminded me there was much to learn. 'Learn?' I said. 'Yes, about yourself!' 'I will be fine if you just get me out of this bed so I can start caring for others again.' 'Vickie, today is the beginning of a new life for you, it will be painful but I am right here beside you.' 'Lord, I liked my life the way it was.' 'Sometimes, we don't get to choose, are you willing to trust me?' 'Yes Lord.'

'First, we will start with the anger in your heart. Aren't you running from your disability from the polio? You know, you don't always have to be strong for everyone, start treating yourself with some care and love.' 'Lord, thank you for helping me face those truths.' 'I want you to relax in my arms so I can heal that anger.' 'Thank you for the peace you give me Lord.'

'Next, how about your pride? Let others car for you as you have cared for them.' 'Lord, that's too painful and emotional to let people come so close right now when I'm not in control.' 'Yes, but you're not in control - I am, so let me bring those who need to draw near.'

'Lord, sometimes I get so tired of having to ask for help, even to go outside or to go shopping?' 'Well, why don't you get a scooter?' 'Those are for people who need them and are disabled.' 'A little denial perhaps or pride?'

'Would you look at me Lord, I'm free. Such fun and such a view as I motor along and see your creations all around me. The fresh air feels so good, I feel good and for the first time, I feel me!'

'Thank you Lord for my new life. I don't know what tomorrow will bring but I'm trusting you. Oh, by the way, watch your toes, this thing really moves!'

'Me, mom and the famous scooter'

So it was a gift to have that... I will put it with the few things I hold on to now that were pieces of her. As Ariel grows each year she is asking more and more about the wonderful woman she never met... or has she? Ariel is CONVINCED she met her... to the point where she was crying that I didn't believe her. I kept saying, 'do you mean Nana?' 'No no no...don't you remember mommy, Grandma Vickie loved me and I loved her... I miss her.' I couldn't say more after that, if she truly believed that they met, then I believe it too. Who am I to say... I remember my dream of Nana holding Xander before he was born, so perhaps my Mom and Ariel had a moment like that too... either way, I hope it stays with her...

Together as a family we all journeyed to deliver her annual white roses. Xander raced along the path with his gift... I see her in his eyes. I am so thankful for my sweet boy.

Ariel drew a card for her, of course with the famous eagle...

...and a picture of Grandma Vickie with a rainbow. 'God's promise' Ariel is always quick to tell me.

Guess who was also hanging around as usual... the eagle himself.

In closing I wanted to share this picture... it is why the white roses are so much a part of who she was. Her wedding bouquet was to be of full white roses, but sadly they were tightly closed and sorta green. Auntie Fran worked hard to make them open up and they did look better than they did, but it began the on going joke of getting her some for her birthday that were always full and white.

When the kids and I stopped into a floral shop to pick out our roses, I let Ariel pick them out. The fellow brought out a bunch of tight closed roses that had a green hint to them and some beautiful full ones that were bright white... she chose the 'slightly green ones'... I think my Mom would have laughed.

I love you Mom... always,

Jay

Ultimate Blog Party 2011!

Welcome here happy party bloggers! My name is Jay and welcome to my family blog, 'This is the Great Adventure.' My blog is a mix of stories about parenting, creativity and faith. So without further ado, lets meet the cast of characters!

My world consists of my wonderful husband Ken. He is an animator, author and drinker of coffee. He is always surprising me with his many talents, and I am in awe of his love for us.

Our first born, Ariel, who is 4 and a half. She is spunky and full of determination. She loves dance, music and making us laugh. She is extremely smart for her age and of course this keeps us on our toes. Her goal at the moment is to grow her hair as long as Rapunzel's... wish us luck!

Then come our son Xander, who is 1 and a half ball of crazy! He loves to jump and climb on everything and yet stops and comes running when he hears music. His smile just makes you melt, making it hard to get upset at him when he does something wrong. His latest trick, finding a way to get all his hot wheel cars inside our couch... seriously, I had to cut a hold on the bottom to get them out. Good grief!

Lastly there is me, otherwise known lately as the crazy cake lady! Just shortly before Christmas I started up a small at home business in graphic arts, photography and cake decorating. Little did I know how it was going to take off! Before I knew it I was booking up into the summer months and finding myself balancing a part time job with my regular duties at home with the kids. Its been a challenge at times but a great chance to grow. I love creating stuff and its a wonderful outlet for me. Check out my business page 'Jaybird Creations' if you wish to view my stuff.

Since you all came for a party, I better have some cake, especially if I am the crazy cake lady. Well you are in luck! Today is my Dad's birthday, and I made him a special cake... I am sure he wouldn't mind if you had a piece. So enjoy some 'Yellow Submarine' and come back again soon!