Thursday, June 30, 2011

At the beginning...

10 years ago around this time I was waking up, it would be the day that I would marry the boy who had changed my world. Its hard to believe at times it has been 10 years already, but then I look around and I see the effects of time passing before me. Grey hairs and wrinkles I never had before... A scar on my stomach that bears the story of children coming into our life and changing us again from just husband and wife to Mom and Dad... and just growing as people but still very much connected to who we were then that day to who we are now, stronger and very much still in love.


I look at Ken and I see the boy who charmed me with his love of puppets, music and film. I also see the man who stood by me when my world came crashing down and helped me to stand when I wasn't sure I could. A strong man of faith who loves both me and the kids and puts our needs and hearts first. His face is older and wiser, but he is still the scruffy boy I know and love.

Music always takes us back to moments in our lives that remind us of something or someone. The song that played when I walked down the aisle was from an animated movie. When I first heard it I realized it was our story, it was our song and ever time I hear it I am moved to tears thinking of the day we started 'forever'.

We were strangers
Starting out on a journey
Never dreaming
What we'd have to go through
Now here we are
And I'm suddenly standing
At the beginning with you

No one told me
I was going to find you
Unexpected
What you did to my heart
When I lost hope
You were there to remind me
This is the start

Life is a road
And I want to keep going
Love is a river
I wanna keep flowing
Live is a road
Now and forever
Wonderful journey

I'll be there
When the world stops turning
I'll be there
When the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you

We were strangers
On a crazy adventure
Never dreaming
How our dreams would come true
Now here we stand
Unafraid of the future
At the beginning with you

Life is a road
And I want to keep going
Love is a river
I wanna keep flowing
Live is a road
Now and forever
Wonderful journey

I'll be there
When the world stops turning
I'll be there
When the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you

I knew there was somebody somewhere
Like me alone in the dark
Now I know my dream will live on
I've been waiting so long
Nothing's gonna tear us apart

Life is a road
And I want to keep going
Love is a river
I wanna keep flowing
Live is a road
Now and forever
Wonderful journey

I'll be there
When the world stops turning
I'll be there
When the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you

Life is a road and I wanna keep going
Love is a river I wanna keep going on....
Starting out on a journey
Life is a road and I wanna going
Love is river I wanna keep flowing
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you.



10 years... its only the beginning. I love you Ken!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Mini Vacation... sort of

Well after several days of Ken being off in New York for business (no I wasn't jealous at all, haha) he returned home on Sunday morning. We stayed home from church to meet him and all head to the potluck lunch together afterwards. He got lots of special treats for the kids who were beyond excited to see him. They went running down the hall and each grabbed a leg, pretty special.

Daddy got Ariel some new American Girl outfits for Julie and Joy and a Disney princess nightgown. Xander got some new Cars 2 toys and Cars jammies, both were thrilled. Mommy got a Sex and the City glass and pocket mirror for my purse... the glass I am using right now... hmmm cosmo!


Ken is now taking this week off as a mini break, and since its a busy one for me leading up to my wedding shoot on Saturday, I am glad to have the help. I baked 100+ cookies last night and got the first part of the icing done today. Hoping to finish them tomorrow and then get them bagged on Thursday for the drop off on Friday.

So while Ken was gone I was knee deep in 5 cake orders and they should all be all up now (hopefully) on my Jaybird site if you wish to see them. Thankfully the weather was in my favor and it wasn't too hot but I did at times had to rotate the cakes in my fridge to keep things cool. At one point I took a picture of the craziness haha.


We managed to finish up some other projects with Kara in regards to the wedding. Programs are done, wine labels done and working on pie toppers (which reminds me...) Kara had fun cooking french toast with Ariel while I worked, it was delicious!


Xander also tried out painting after watching Ariel and deciding he wanted to try.


I love his first masterpiece! Do you see a dragon or unicorn? Those were the big ones spotted from my facebook peeps.


Ariel also finished up her gymnastics class. She was so cute waiting to go in, when did my baby grow up! I had hoped to tape her dance but lets just say it wasn't communicated when it was happening during the practice time and they did it but I thought it was still the practice, oh well. Ariel was a tad disappointed I didn't tape it but it was ok, Daddy had seen it the week before and that was all that mattered. She got a certificate for completing the class and we got some slurpees to celebrate!


Hmmm slurpee kids, haha.


We also picked up Ariel's kindergarten schedule and supply list for next year. We found out that she will be in the full kindergarten class vs the kindy/grade 1 split. We were fine either way it went, figuring she would love the challenge of being with older kids or being in the class with the kindergarten teacher we hear so many great things about, so we got the later and are pleased as punch! Ken couldn't believe kids in gr 1 need a flash drive! Oh how the times are a changing. We of course were in the time when computers were just being introduced to schools. I remember the big day in grade 4 going to the lab and getting the run down on floppy discs, haha. Now my nearly 2 year old can run my iphone!

Speaking of my phone, I love it! I don't know what I did before, it makes my scheduling, organizing and keeping things running smoother than ever! Not to mention if I forget my phone I can capture moments like this.... mc rib is back! A joke between Ken and I, haha.


Or my sweet kiddies having a picnic together...


...or Grandpa and his boys Henry and Xander being crazy.


or finally capturing Xander at his first movie! Cars 2, meh, that is all I will say about that, haha.


If you notice my anniversary ticker we are nearly at the big day, 10 years! Eek! I promise a special post will be made on the Thursday so tune in for that. I am off to work on wedding cookies! Bye!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Vancouver on the Map

... but for the wrong reasons. If anyone caught the big Stanley Cup final game between Boston and Vancouver they know the winner was overshadowed by the actions that followed in moments after the clock ran out. Much like 1994 when the Canucks lost game 7, a riot broke out... this time it was far more planned and frankly left most of BC in a state of disgust and embarrassment.

We were on every tv station across the world... and you know you hit an all time low when you show up on TMZ!



We happened to have a student over for dinner who is attending our church, and we all sat on the couch stunned at the events. Of course with social media no one can hide anymore, and people are getting caught daily!

People have also reacted in ways of grace as well... going down to clean up the mess and write messages of thank you to the police who had to take on the ordeal. I am still upset about it, but I won't let it define me or my country!

This week my baby girl finished preschool... sniff. She got her little diploma that I stuck into her school memory book. She seems so grown up, when did that happen?


I did the annual first day and last day pictures to see how much she grew and changed in a year.


During the final week we had a park party and an outing to the bird sanctuary. Lots of fun and kinda sad too since lots of her friends will be headed to different schools.

Yesderday Ariel and I went over to her dance studio to register for fall! It was picture day so we got to see all the older kids in their costumes and oh boy they were pretty! Ariel was excited to know she would get her own costume next year, eek! We signed up for pre-primary ballet and beginner Jazz. After a short visit with some friends we saw there, we headed off to pick up Daddy's Father's Day gift.

I caved and got us iphones! We had been taking about it for a long time and with both of the kinds of jobs we have that it would be a good idea but I convinced Ken not for awhile, in hopes of surprising him. He of course was thrilled and feels like one of the cool kids now, haha. I am so excited to have all my work related emails, contacts and schedule with me to look at anytime, especially when out getting supplies, as my Mommy brain tends to kick in and I forget stuff all the time.

Time for some crazy Xander cuteness. His smile, oh boy is he gonna woo those girls one day, haha.


The past few weeks I had lots of orders but the highlights were a 25th anniversary...


... and a gala event.


This week week I have have 5 orders, 2 of them are large 3 tier cakes, the rest are smaller but still detailed. Looking forward to them since there are some fun things coming up.

Its strange that we are on 'summer schedule'. Ariel's last gymnastics session is this week, so look for a video performance of her dance coming up. I am looking forward to the summer activities starting soon, but first we have to finish up everything for Kara's wedding which is quickly approaching. Ok, time to finish some emails and get to bed.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Dancing Through Life

Tis the blog about Ariel's ballet viewing and our date to see Wicked (hence the title of the blog, its one of the songs from Wicked, if you didn't know)

First up was our sweet girl's last day as a 'kinderdancer'. Next year she will be in 'pre-primary' ballet and joining Jazz as well which is exciting! Ariel is beyond pumped and is eager to be in the 'big girls' classes.


Daddy was able to join us as he is teaching again this semester so he could move his schedule around as he would be staying late. He is always excited to see her dance, and as usual she was amazing to watch. Miss Julie had told us how good her coordination has continued to be, and her timing and following the music is just wonderful.


We taped a most of the show, but here is just a sample.

During the week I had 2 orders, one for a Mario themed cake...


the other a jazz dance cake (which I booked while in the bathroom at church, lol, probably the most interesting place to do business. Ha!)


Then on Saturday Ken and I left the kids and went to see probably my new favorite musical, WICKED! It was beautiful, from the costumes, music and visuals, we were spellbound! We were in row 4 up front, amazing seats but then it was a present for our 10th anniversary this month! Whee.

We came out of the theater at 5pm to the city filled with crazy Canuck fans! I would have loved to take a picture but I didn't bring my camera, felt like holding hubby's hand instead that day, whee! But to give those who don't live, here is an idea of how crazy downtown is when its the playoff finals... this sums it up.


Xander outgrew his soft sole shoes finally, his big toe actually popping out the front. Since he is starting to be more active outside I felt it was time for his first runners. So off to the shoe store we went and came home with these! He LOVES them, and gets excited when its time to put them on his feet, a good sign I guess. Can't believe my baby will be 2 soon!


Wow, I started writing this on Monday and its Friday... yeah, it was busy, and I PROMISE next week I will catch up on everything. But for now, happy Friday everyone and Go Canucks... yeah, I will cheer for the home team, even if I don't care much, I care for everyone who does. Woot!

Monday, May 30, 2011

Wedding - Indian Style!

Wow, what a weekend! We experienced our first ever Indian wedding, and it was fantastic! My friend from high school Ann got engaged to Teddy back around Christmas time. I decided early on if we were going to go we had to dress the part, seemed fitting and Ariel was insisting on it once she saw the outfits, haha.


So earlier in week we had our friend Pooja take me and the kids off shopping for Indian outfits. We did have a place in mind but ended up at another shop by accident, but it worked out well. We found a perfect outfit for me and he threw in Ariel's outfit for free! Now if anyone would like to borrow it, please let me know. Its too beautiful not to use as much as possible!


Ariel's was a tad long so I had to hem it at home, taking 10 inches off the bottom, gosh she is tiny!


The Friday night Ariel and I got invited to the henna party at Ann's house. When we arrived the artist was doing Ann's feet and oh it was simply stunning!


Ariel LOVED it, although she thought when it was drying on her hand it looked like 'poop'.


We all got to have a little henna done on our hands. Such a pretty design and I keep getting many complements on it.


Ken picked us up to take Ariel home to bed and dropped me off at the movies as our book club was having its last meeting before summer. We had just read Water for Elephants and went to see the movie, but since we waited the only time it was playing was 930pm, so a late night it was! I enjoyed the movie but seeing animals hurt is really hard for me.

Saturday morning I worked for 3-4 hours finishing Ann and Teddy's wedding cake. Each flower was cut out, shaped and attached to the cake by hand. The finishing effect of adding some simmer powder to each flower made it sparkle in person and it was done! I was so happy with it, my first wedding cake! Woot!


Ken was out all day at an open house at the school so when he got home we took the kids to the May Days for rides and dinner. I had my annual corn dog, haha. Ariel road 5 rides and enjoyed probably the roller coaster the best, again like last year. I am amazed she is my kid, I don't do rides at all! I think her face says it all!


Xander got a kick out of watching her fly by, wonder if he will be like her wanting to ride those things!? He also had his first taste of cotton candy, he wasn't impressed.


Next morning we were up early, dressed and ready to head to the temple. We dropped Xander with Brenda who was going to have him in the parade for our Imagine That camp float. We got to the temple and found my other friends and made our way inside for the tea they had for us. It was a nice little breakfast of veggie pakoras, a few other things I wasn't sure what they were called but they were yummy, fruit and sweets. Ariel discovered how sweet Indian sweets can be, haha.

Then we went upstairs for the ceremony. Ann had given us an email run down of how to come in and do things before taking our seat, men on one side, ladies on the other. Ariel enjoyed the music, even though she was confused that it was in a different language. They did have the words in english on the screen too so that was interesting to know what they were saying. We watched Ann come in with her parents, she was so cute, totally smiling and eager to see Teddy.

They did the walk around several times and then it was pronounced they were married. Yay!


Before we went up for our picture with them, some of the men of the temple came around with large bowls. One of the ladies sitting by us explained it was a sugary paste that they would give us like a blessing. They dropped a handful into our hands and we ate it. Ariel kinds freaked that it was warm and needless to say we took 'her blessing' home in a napkin in my purse. Haha. It kinda tasted like super sweet and sorta the consistency of instant oatmeal. I actually liked it.


Then it was downstairs for lunch! Lots of veggie curries, fruit and roti. Yummy! Then said goodbye to everyone until later, and we headed home for a rest.

When it was time for the reception we had changed as it was SUPER HOT, really felt like summer! Not to mention I was worried about tripping and dropping the cake I worked so long on. Brenda drove me and the cakes as Ken followed us out to Vancouver. It was a beautiful hall and they had appies ready as we came in.

Ariel and Alasyn had a great time hanging out together and eating the little Indian crackers. They eventually set up the warm appetizers as we waited for Ann and Teddy to arrive. Lots of tasty things that were complemented both cultures, egg rolls, samosas etc. At the table they had fortune cookies and chopsticks. The cookies had a game inside them and Ariel won a dvd! She was so excited!


Ann and Teddy arrived and they went into speeches, the tea ceremony, first dance and then...


...cutting the cake! She even had them announce I made it for them, so that was so special! They were so cute, asking where they should cut into it. Haha.



Then there was dancing before dinner, and oh boy did Ariel LOVE that. She was loving the dancing lights and disco ball. Plus the mix of top 40 songs and Indian music was keeping her moving.


Dinner was served and it was butter chicken, soooooooooo good! They had a sweet table and a candy bar. The servers were taken with Ariel most of the night and one of them went to the candy bar and brought her a full plate of treats! Spoiled rotten! Haha.

Sadly I was getting a migraine and we packed it in around 10ish. Ariel cried of course because she didn't want to leave 'the best dance party ever!' Xander was asleep before we left the parking lot and we came home and crawled into bed. It was a wonderful day and I am so happy for my friend and her new adventure in life! Congrats again!!!!

Then today was Ariel's ballet viewing but since I have some work to do it will have to wait till later this week! Got lots of graphics stuff to get caught up on, a photo shoot to edit and some cake orders this week. Busy busy busy! Oh and there is a postal strike coming... not too pleased about that.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Sick Bugs

Well that wacky spring cold/flu finally hit our house. After a fun start to the week with school and a dress fitting for Ariel's flower girl dress for Kara's wedding, things slowly went down hill. By Tuesday for ballet Ariel was acting not her self. Xander had a terrible Monday night of crying almost all night, nothing comforted him except me holding him. By the time I dropped Ariel at gymnastics, she was saying she felt cold... I thought it was at first because she was in a tank top but I soon saw by the end of class she was running out of steam.

I brought the kids home, got them into their jammies and they both crashed on the couch. Super cute but I felt bad for my babies.


Wednesday morning I made the call to keep Ariel home. She never really got 'sick' like Xander did but her lingering on and off fever made me just want her to rest. I had an appointment with our new family doctor! Yes after 2 YEARS! I found a doctor who has room to take us in her practice... the downside, its in White Rock. However, this woman is WORTH the drive. I use to see her before she went on maternity leave, she was a fellow doctor at my old clinic. So I am happy that we get to see her. She is just so caring, gives the time to each patient and great with kids. So I had an appointment to get acquainted mainly, but one concern I wanted to get checked out.

Xander has one dark black mole on his upper thigh. It popped up sometime after his first birthday and because its dark its one we need to watch closely. Me on the other hand, I have millions of moles all over and had a few I was concerned about but I was put at ease that they were fine. Yay. So with that, we left feeling fabulous that we once again had a doctor, amen!!!

The drive home was eventful to say the least. Shortly after we started driving Xander started puking... like full on projectile puke. Lovely eh? Ariel is freaking out that he is going to get it on her and Xander is totally confused about what just happened. I find a spot quickly to pull over, a Fatburger. Ariel has decided she is hungry and I can't justify using a bathroom and not getting something, sooooooooo I got her a snack and clean Mr Man up. Thankfully no more puking the rest of the ride home. The rest of the afternoon we rested and chilled... Xander discovered a new way of napping, what a boy!


Thursday is our lazy day already, so I baked for my week's orders and the kids hung out. I had 3 cakes this week, all for kid birthdays which is always fun for me. First was a flower pot for my friend Kelly's daughter Taeya...


...then a 1st birthday cake with a baby dino theme. So cute, I really liked this one...


...finally, a cake that was big and colorful - Sesame Street! (Go to my Jaybird Creations website for extra pictures of all 3 characters on this cake)

However by the time I was working on Sesame Street on Saturday my body was starting to feel lousy. Ken was out at an Elder' s retreat most of the day and I had awoken up with a migraine so it was a rough day. I was happy when the cake was finished and more excited with how it had turned out.

Now its Sunday again and we all stayed home from church to rest up. I had a rough night with on and off fevers. My stomach has been bugging me and I just needed to rest. Glad its a long weekend and Ken is home tomorrow. Yay!

This week is a wedding cake week! My good friend Ann from high school is getting married and I get to do her cake, so I am super excited - plus we are attending the wedding so its going to be a blast, just need to get well! I also have a large family photo shoot on Saturday morning so hoping the weather is good.
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