A Very Merry Christmas! ... and birthday wishes

Happy 27th Maria! We were so glad you came home to celebrate with us.  (These are the necklace and earrings Ardie and I lovingly made her for Christmas)

Christmas morning was nice and relaxed. The boys slept in until 6am... this is their normal wake up time but I was REALLY glad they didn't rise earlier. We spent 2 hours looking at our stocking while we waited for everyone else to join us. 

Ardie, Sarah and Maria joined us for Christmas. It's so fun to have so much family around during the holidays. (Notice all the snow outside... it's a winter wonderland here. My dad says it's the first all white Canadian Christmas since 1971! )

A special little Christmas dress and hat for Greta's first Christmas from Uncle Dan and Aunt Sharon. Greta wasn't super keen on Christmas partly due too the fact that we woke her from her morning nap of which she had only been enjoying for about 30 mins.

Back Home!

The kids and I have just returned from a trip down to Utah to spend some time with my sister and her family while she had surgery. We really enjoyed spending time with the Dushku's. We sure do love and miss you all.  The cousins couldn't get enough of each other.

While we were there we were also lucky enough to see the Kapps, Larsens, Linc Burnham Family, Spencer Burnham Family and Greene's. 

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I haven't sent out any Christmas cards yet  as we didn't get home till late monday night.  We were truly blessed to have made it home between storms. Thank you Ryan for driving all the way to Seattle to pick us up. And a big thanks to our new Honda Pilot for getting us home safe.

Look at those Legs!

Thank you Auntie Ashley and Uncle Bud for the leg warmers. We looooooooovve them!

Greta wore the red striped ones to church today. HUGE hit.

Weekend in Review

This afternoon we headed up to the Burnham's to build Gingerbread houses. Ardie is babysitting and spent most of the day preparing and baking the gingerbread. We found the most bestest icing recipe and we were ready to create our masterpieces.

Each child had their own bowl of candy to place on the house.

Joe and Ted's house began to collapse under their enthusiastic efforts to press (hard) the candies into the icing. We jokingly called it our Gingerbread shanty.

Our shanty adds character to the minimalist house of Elijah and Victorian style of Rachel's house.

The finished projects! 

Weekend in Review cont.

One of the charms of living in a small town is the local festivities. Last night main street was shut down for the Christmas light up. There were llama's, Santa Claus, singers, crafts....

Pony rides... the pony's name is Muffin. 

Cotton candy... ( that's Greta in the stroller not a huge blob of cotton candy and you may have noticed my sister Ardie with Rach and Elijah)

And roasting marshmallows over an open fire. 

The kids all sat on Santa's lap, had their picture taken (for free, I know, it just doesn't get any better) and were given a huge bag of toys. Our whole evenings entertainment cost me a grand total of 5 dollars. The memories.... priceless!

Edwin asked Santa for Star Wars toys, Greta just stared at him and Joseph thought hard then replied that for Christmas he would like, "a ticket to Hawaii". Yes please! 

Thanks for the visit!

Ryan's mom came for a visit this past week. We didn't do much of anything special but we sure are glad she came. Thanks for coming. We miss you already.

A fly on the wall

This morning my boys were playing with their "favorite cousin".  As usual I heard the boyish sounds of Star Wars blasters and play fighting. 

Then one child... not sure who... suggested they play house. My ears perked up...  boys playing house? Should I be worried?

Edwin complained that he didn't want to play house. (plenty of testosterone in that one) Then Joseph explained how to play. "So, we all have super powers and our parents are dead and we have to save the world." 

Whew! Glad I don't have to worry about them fighting over who gets to be "mom" or "sister".

Someone's 30!!!!

I am happy to announce that Ryan has finally left the youthful 20's behind him and become "middle aged". As of Wednesday he's 30 years old. This gives me great pleasure as I crossed over to this dark side a year and a half ago. I hope I looked this good when I was only 30!

We love you, Ryan. 

Pumpkin!?!

I know that Halloween is long gone but I just had to post a picture of the pumpkins that stayed on my front porch until last week.

I'm sure I could win a contest. You choose the award... scariest, grossest, vilest, oozingest, diseaseiest.... I'm sure you get the idea.

I had no idea that pumpkins could have the bubonic plague.

A few more days and this one could have oozed it's way down the stairs.

Guess who's 4!?!

The day you were born, we held you close to our heart and that is where you will always remain.

By the time you were one you had already conquered us with your winning smile. 

When you reached the age of 2 your joy for life and vital spirit were abundant.

At the age of 3 your tenderness and gentle heart brought us much joy.

And now that you are 4 today there are no words to describe our growing love for you. Each year you endear yourself more into our heart. Edwin, you are precious to your Daddy and me. We love you so very much. Our family wouldn't be complete without you. Happy Birthday our sweet little man.

Tae Kwon Do

The boys took a month of Tae Kwon do and really enjoyed it. They wanted to sidekick and palm strike everything and everyone. Here they are working on their moves.

Lovin' Fall

Chilliwack

We made a trip to the coast this weekend to visit our friends The Timms. While we were driving through Chilliwack I was suppressing my gag reflex (those of you who have driven through there know what I'm talking about) when Joseph piped up and asked, "what smells so bad?"

Edwin replied, "it smells like someone pooped their pants."

I could help myself. I burst out laughing.  That's exactly what I've always thought of Chilliwack's odour.

Build-a-bear

Ryan's mom built him a Dentist Bear for graduation. The boys would really like to play with it but Ryan wants it to be at the office. 

Joseph asked me, today, "why does dad want a teddy bear at the office?"

Without waiting for a reply he said, " oh, I know. Then he can show the little kids the bear and say, 'I know I'm a bear but I'm not going to eat you... just give you a root canal.'"

I love that he knows dental terms... not sure that he knows what it really is though.

Wise beyond his years!

This is a conversation I overheard between Joseph and Edwin regarding who gets to say family prayer:

Joe: But, Edwin, I don't like it when you have to say the prayer too. I only want one prayer and it's my turn.

Edwin: Heavenly Father says "pray always", Joe!

Joseph couldn't refute that logic. 

For Grandma Kilistoff

Here's your only granddaughter being a girl. 

Pumpkin Paradise

Last friday we went to the pumpkin patch out near Armstrong. Ardie appropriately named it the "Charlie Brown Pumpkin Patch" because they had some bad weather and most of the pumpkins were rotten.  BUT they were all free too. We found 2 huge pumpkins in fairly good condition and had a great time too.

Edwin really has a future with GQ, don't you think?!
My little pumpkin on a pumpkin.
The world's greatest boys!
"This one's barely rotten!"
It's hard work finding the perfect pumpkin.

Front View

Ryan was disappointed with the photo I posted of his baby. I guess her rear profile isn't as pretty as her face. So, here she is... Ryan took this photo so he better like it. :)

Dancing Update

I WISH.....

i could tell you that i've improved so much in my dance class that they have made me the instructor

i could remember the steps we learned 30 mins ago

i hadn't just stood there with a blank expression on my face for about 20 beats of the song

i had taken dance as a child so i'd know what they are talking about when the say "1st position", "mambo" etc

i didn't use the excuse that "i didn't take dance as a child that's why i'm so bad at this" 

gaby weren't so good :) total dancing queen!

it were next thursday already so i could go back to dance class! 

What are sister's good for?

1. Putting up the storm windows you were too scared to pull out of the shed by yourself because of the spiders

2. Harvesting the grapes you were too scared to pick because of the spiders on the leaves

3. Juicing the grapes you weren't getting around to 

4. Harvesting the garden and helping to eat the 30 rows of chard Dad planted

5. Cleaning up your dinner dishes while you put your kids to bed

6. Watching your kids while you run errands, pick up older siblings, take a shower etc...

7. Going for hikes with you... that turn into car rides

8. Watching "The Office" with you because you want to see it AGAIN

9. Singing in choir with you and others thinking that you are the one that sounds good

10. Being a best friend

Glad you are back, Ardie!!!

Mrs. Clark's House?!?

When Ryan and I moved here in the spring the house next door had been demolished and this is what is now in it's place.

Gorgeous Greta

I believe it is time to post a couple recent photos of Greta. She was rudely past over in the last few posts. 

At six months her favorite "word" is da-da! Ryan is absolutely thrilled. She's always a pure joy and literally a head turner. I can't go anywhere without someone being completely charmed by her. 

I have to add that Edwin took the first picture. The kid has talent.

Sweet ride...

We have recently acquired a new vehicle, a '09 Honda Pilot. It's got all the bells and whistle. XM Radio, leather interior, a little camera in the rear view mirror that pops up when you put it into reverse...quite the cool feature when hooking up the boat. But best of all it has seating for 8. No this is not an announcement that we are planning to fill everyone of those seats but rather that we have room to give you a ride now. :)

Ashley and Spencer are the ones that first turned us in the Pilot direction and we thank them. We'll have to come down soon for you to check it out.

Here she is:  Hard to keep the exterior clean with the construction next door.

Trambampoline!

The boys just adore the trampoline. It's such a great toy... they can jump on it for hours playing Star Wars and I can watch through the kitchen window while I make dinner.

Edwin is learning to flip. I have to admit that he's already better than me.  Sometimes it's a little lopsided but I'm totally impressed with his athleticism.

Smaller than he thinks...

Edwin loves playing with his older cousin and older brother. I think he thinks that he is at least 6 years old.

Last week was full of bruises and bumps for the poor boy. On our way to swimming he trip and scraped his chin and knees... yes, not his hands because he had them tucked into his vest playing "no arms boy". He would press the button at the crosswalks with his nose.

Then this weekend while pillow fighting with the big boys he fell against the marble hearth and bashed his right temple. He has a nasty gash and bruised eye.

The next day he was playing Kung Fu Panda or Karate or some kind of fighting game. Again, he was pushed over, bumped against Joe's back and somehow tore his frenum.(sp? the little flap of skin that attaches your upper lip to your gums. Of course I had no knowledge of this until he complained that eating was hurting. I lifted up his upper lip and saw the detachment. The next day his lip was swollen and there was some bruising under his eyes.

Crazy little guy thinks he's so big and tough.

Joseph Impresses

Last night was parent/teacher interviews at Joe's school. As some of you may know we put him into French immersion this year. I was much more nervous than him the first day of school... sending him to a new school, no friends, new language. But he is remarkable.

Madame Kanester couldn't believe that he had no previous experience with French. He is understanding and using his new language at school and at home. The other day when he finished vacuuming the living room he came to me and said, "Mama, J'ai finis!" 

Not only is he excelling with the language but he is also making many new friends.  This boy never ceases to amaze me.

Scriptures Edwin Style

"....when the light rested upon me, I saw two persons and ages whose brightness and glory defy all the scriptures  standing above me in the air..." 

Who doesn't remember a time you can finally read and realize you had no idea you didn't know what you were saying. No wonder it made no sense. 

"Humiliations Galore"

My fun and talented sister-in-law, Gaby, somehow convinced me to take a STOMP/ Hip Hop class with her this year. I'm sure any of you that have seen me dance are already laughing. 

Anyway, it's really fun but entirely embarrassing. Between trying to figure out whether it's a step- clap-step or grinding my hips and head bobbing, I'm having a blast. I kind of look like I'm  special needs with turrets, I involuntarily burst out laughing or grunt or say oops! Needless to say I'm sure you'll all be wanting tickets to the recital in June. :)  

Ardie, I look just like that lady we were laughing at last recital. Carma!

Why I love where I live...

Who else was out waterskiing today? No? Well, I was. The weather forcast is sunny and hot for the next week at least and Gaby, my sister in law, and I have plans to indulge in a bit of time out on the lake. It's amazing! No boat chop from the horrid tourists. Ahhhhh! I'm going to be so sore tomorrow.

Grade 1

When did my baby boy get so grown up. Joseph had his first day of Grade 1 today at his new school. He is going to French immersion and we believe he will do wonderfully. 
Joseph's favorite thing to do this summer was take the boat out and jump off it into the deep water. This is a picture of his first tube ride. He loved it.

Edwin

Our Edwin is a fun mix of mischief, sweetness and athleticism. He's a real treasure.

Almost 5 months

Our little beauty is getting more lovely and more delightful each day. We love our little girl!

Tribute to Summer

Goodbye Summer! We have enjoyed every fun filled day basking in your sunshine. We will miss the sprinkler on the trampoline...
Fudgesicles with our cousins...
Staying up late to save the world...
Gorging ourselves on cherries while lounging in the tube...
Playing at the park and so, so, so much more. We love you Summer!