SURPRISE!

On Thursday Afternoon Ryan took us on a "family adventure" I had no clue what we were doing but he has done this from time to time so I wasn't to suspicious. We began our drive at 2:45pm off we went I was being really good not asking where we were going and just being on board with Ry's creative adventure. But once we were past Abbotsford I started to question where on earth he was taking us. I was concerned because I had a meeting that night to get to and I didn't think we were going to be venturing so far away, my hunchs were mini golf or checking out the waters in mission cause of flooding. Ryan had told me a client of his recommended doing this with our kids, so I had no idea at all. Anyhow were we now in Chilliwack driving down some country road and he goes past a house screechs to a stop as he had slightly passed the driveway as I look at the house there in the yard are four adorable golden retriever pups running about. I looked at him and screamed. See Cara Lee and David had finally found the pup of their dreams and mentioned there were two little brother pups still awaiting homes. I then started thinking wow what an opportunity someone else researched the breeder, good price, good looking dogs, and to get the sibling pup to theirs I mean really all our kids are the same age same gender wouldn't this be fitting? BUT we had not been dog talking at all, so this would be a very spontaneous purchase. Now as I am getting out of the van all these sweet little pups run to my feet and Ryan says now all we have to do is pick one. Everything was racing through my mind, I asked him "are you serious, we aren't just here to look and think about it some more?". Now I am going over all my arguments in my head thinking wow I had no idea I was so convincing, and of course realizing there is no turning back now!!! So we stayed and played with all the puppies got to see the mom and grandma and the puppies all interact. The owners have a whole whack of kids (I couldn't tell how many they kept popping up from around the farm) and we used their expertise to help choose which one ours would be. It was so hard to pick! Me and the kids were drawn to one and Ryan to another. The one Ry liked was so tubby and blonde he was so cute, me and the kids liked the smaller one who was a bit redder in color. And that is how we picked out our puppy 4-1!!

We came home and brainstormed ideas for names and it turns out our very first suggestion is the one that won out. Our puppy's name is Crosby Lu (Luongo) Douglas! He will come and live with us officially June 29th and we can't wait.

Here is our guy Crosby!

Here is a picture of Crosby (connor is holding him) and Rosie (caralee and david's puppy).

princess, fairytales, and tea parties...

Need I say More! This was the girls at Josh's Birthday Party, they found a way to make all the boy stuff work for them....just leave and start your own party! Actually you have two little girls here who are right in there with all the boy stuff and yet still love all the girly stuff too!!

Happy Birthday Josh

Well our little boy is not so little any more he is officially 7 today! I can't believe it has been seven years of course at the same time I can not imagine a day without Josh. We have been celebrated Josh's birthday this past weekend, we started with a Shrek-tastic Birthday Party at our house Saturday afternoon. Josh invited 14 friends and we had a wide variety of activities and games ready to be played. It was a great party but MAN Ryan and I were pooped at the end. After his friend party we had all of our extended family over for a bbq! It was a fun day.

Josh is incredibly creative he has a unique approach on life. Just when you think you have him figured out he surprises you. He has a love for many things art, hockey (playing, cheering or trading cards), video games, swimming, soccer, baseball and making up new games. If you have ever played a game with Josh you can understand how interesting it can be. His mind is constantly thinking so there are always new twists and turns to be added to anything you are doing with Josh.

Josh is a gentle guy he makes friends easily but yet is an individual and doesn't seem to care what others think. He is a smart boy who has picked up reading with ease, has a memory better then me, and seems to flourish in all areas at school.

We are very proud of boy and absolutely just love him to bits!

Happy Birthday Joshie!!!!

TOO long between Blogs!

WOW where has the time gone? I seem to blink these days and a week has passed. We have been busy busy with lots of baseball, ball hockey, field trips and getaways! On the long weekend we headed up to sunny Ossoyoos for a family getaway with the Douglas gang. Grandparents, cousin and Auntie and Uncle. We had a lot of fun but best of all was the sun was shining, it was nice and warm.

So much seems to be going on these days I don't really know where to start or stop, Josh's birthday is right around the corner so we are in the midst of planning. Learning that our schedules are seriously over booked these days. YIKES!

Before we know it school will be out and summer will be here, I can't wait.

A trip to Stanley Park

Where have We Been?

Well I have an excuse! On April 22 my wonderful husband sent me away. He sent me to Oceanside California, ever been? Well if you haven't it is BEAUTIFUL! Don't worry he didn't send me by myself, he sent me with my sister and my mom. My parents had rented a condo for a month my dad stayed for 3 weeks then me and my sis went down to spend the week with my mom. We had lots of fun, many hours spent laying on the beach or by the pool, long walks every morning with the ocean in full view and of course TONS of shopping!

This is where we stayed.

The condo we stayed in was very nice, but the best part of it was the ocean right out our window. It was right on the water, so every morning and evening we spent most of our time on the balcony watching surfers, beach volleyball and the waves.

our view from the condo.

our view out on the pier.



all those black dots are surfers.

Now the downside to the condo! Yes we had the beautiful view of the ocean but along with the beautiful view of the ocean came a not so beautiful view of a homeless man. This homeless man with a baby buggy strolled all around the beach, we only got to see him on what was apparently cleaning days. The public washroom was very close to us and a shower to rinse of sand, do you see where I am going with this? My mom had warned us, but really nothing prepared me for what I was about to see. I think it was around lunch time and I was eating my sandwich out on the deck noticed the homeless man sitting at one of the tables. As I looked closer I saw that he was taking off his socks. Once he did that he had a bucket and filled it with water I thought hmmm maybe he is going to wash his socks....um nope. He continued to gear down to his undies, walk over to the shower with a bar of soap and wash himself. It was more then I could handle he washed EVERY part! It was so horrible, my lunch was finished very quickly. The next day the police were talking to him I think asking him to move along and that he did.

There was one more oddity about the condo. We were upstairs which was great never heard a thing from any of the neighbors, but oh my goodness you should of seen one of the neighbors. This guy was so strange. Mom warned us about him too, but again nothing truly could of prepared me for what I saw. Now we were above this man, so often when we were sitting out on the balcony he was below but we could not see him, we could only see the strange look on every ones faces as they would walk by. Let me tell you why their faces looked so strange. Everyday from about noon on this guy, currently named Cheech compliments of my dad, would sit out on his deck and soak up the rays. Doesn't sound to odd does it? Here is the catch, he would sit out there with his accessories which consisted of bubbles, windmill, whistle and those really large sunglasses that big bird wears on sesame street. Do you have a picture yet? Every time someone would walk by and if he was pleased with them he would whistle with his train whistle, if he was not pleased with you he may yell out some nasty word. We haven't figured out what made him choose yet, but once when I walked by I didn't' get the whistle!! He seemed to favor animals and occasionally we would hear him bark at the dogs walking by. He gave us many hours of entertainment. I didn't get a great picture of him as I think that I lost whistle privileges after I attempted to snap this one of him.

We had a wonderful time and I am so thankful for the chance to go away with my mom and sis. This was a surprise gift from Ryan with a little help from my mom and dad. He became Mr. Mom, while I was away, maintaining the house, his job, the kids busy schedules and even making Avon deliveries for me!

On the last day Cara Lee decided we needed to do something adventurous so we rented a cobi bike, it is a seven seater bicycle. It was indeed adventurous, I attempted to video us for full action footage, and it turned out to be a great way to see where we were!!!

Today He is 5!!!

Happy Birthday Caleb Jackson!

Our little Red head is no longer 4! Actually there is nothing little about Caleb. His energy and enthusiasm are enormous. When Caleb is excited about something his eyes become wider then saucers and his grin is ear to ear. When he tells you a story it is so animated with continued interruptions of giggles from the story teller himself. Caleb is so much fun to be with, he is pretty easy going. He loves Sports and is always chomping at the bit to play one thing or the other. Right now Caleb is in his first year of baseball (t-ball) and second year of ball hockey. That is just the current status of his schedule, in the fall/winter there was soccer, hockey, skating lessons and swimming lessons. We can't seem to tucker him out!

Well today April 18th is a very special day, 5 years ago on a Thursday morning at 10:55 we met the most adorable 10 pound baby EVER. He has been such a blessing for both Ryan and me, we thank GOD every day for him.

Round the Table

Groovin to the tunes!

Last Weekend Josh participated in the KIDS church production "Living What Jesus Spoke Of".It was extremely entertaining!!! The songs they sang were all parodies of 70's hits, like Stayin Alive or shall we say Paying your Tithe. YMCA was Why not today, La Vida Lo ca - Living What Jesus Spoke of, and a few more. Our Children's Pastor Ingrid did a fabulous job she created the performance, putting the songs together and incorporating scriptures and biblical principles we should all be living by. I took a ton of pictures we will see if I can make a video, but for now have a look at Josh and his hippy friend Emilee!

BIG WEEKEND!

This past weekend was a HUGE celebration. Not only was it Auntie Natalies 28th Birthday. Josh and Caleb had their Wee College Graduation Ceremony! Caleb is officially in the sophmore class no longer a freshman. Josh has completed his third year and received his degree. In this program they learn so much about the bible. Each year they learn 13-15 memory verses which inlcude Psalm 100, The Lord's Prayer, Psalm 150 and many more. So not just little verses they have learned some big ones too! And can actually recite them. Caleb can recite all 13 verses his class learned this year along with many songs. They are taught about the divisions of the bible, many stories from the bible it is such an amazing program. In Josh's Graduate Class he learned and can recite the 12 disciples, the books of the bible, the ten commandments, Psalm 150, and the fruits of the spirit along with his 15 memory verses too. He is very excited about completing his 3 years and looking forward to joining Good News Bears, he tells me that is where ya go once you are finished Wee College. Caleb will start his Sophmore year in October.

Way to go BOYS!!!!

Happy Birthday Little Brother!

That is right today March 23 Shane is a whole year older! He has entered his last year of his twenties. I did that 2 years ago, don't worry the thirties are even better.

You are a great brother, wonderful Uncle and I hope you have a fabulous Birthday!

Everyone's Parents are Rock Stars....Right?

I wonder how many of you knew that my parents just recently released a cd? I know you all repeatably tell me about my astounding singing voice and endless music capabilities (note the sarcasm) therefore assumed I must be the product of two talented musicians. Well guess what I am. My Mom and Dad are part of
The Knitting Club
Gene Murphy and the Knitting Club to be exact. Just before Christmas they released their first CD titled Travelers on the Black Line.

You can hear for yourself they have a website and myspace.


http://www.myspace.com/genemurphyknittingclub


http://www.bluesrock.ca/KC.html

Bountiful Babies!

Today at our Mom's Playgroup baby Kaitlyn was ready to meet all of her new friends. Look how adorable all three of these babies look in their car seats. They are all born within 4month of each other. We also typically have Ruby and Ben that make the baby collection complete but they were away today.

Abby was in her glory FINALLY meeting Ka- issa and Batt's baby. She didn't want to let her go! Good thing cousin Jacob was there to fill her need to mother the young.

Cole was there for Abby to dress up....what a good sport!

Her friend Sam was here today too and they played amazingly together but of course I couldn't move fast enough to capture the two of them on their many adventures together!

Bikini's and Boots

Some More Favorites

MK originals

I love this picture!

Josh Soccer 2007
an MK original

Busy Weekend

Our Weekend was jam packed full!

We started out with a birthday party for Carissa. We had a great time eating, playing games and just hanging out with close friends. I still say Ryan shouldn't of put Canary for his first pet....I mean really.

Happy Birthday Carissa we hope the year ahead is better then you ever could dream. For those who don't know Carissa she is ready to pop and anytime in the next couple weeks her little girl will come out to meet us!

Saturday was Sports Mania. Caleb was first with his final session of soccer. He is grinning from ear to ear while playing. I have to admit he is fast and really show drive and determination. His biggest weakness is his size those darn feet just can't keep up to the rest of him. Josh had his little tournament of games. Game 1 he was into it running keeping up with the play still preferring to be in net (thank goodness they rotate), Game 2 he found the middle of the field and pretty much just hung out. Game 3 he was back and making purposeful passes and attempts it was great to see!

After soccer we race off to Hockey. The boys are in Fun Hockey and that is just what it is. A time for them to develop there skating skill and hockey skills through fun drills and games. They both have improved leaps and bounds with their skating.

After hockey off to have lunch with Daryl and Janelle to debate the differences between soccer and hockey through the eyes of the spectator parent. I see many a days in my future to be in a rink. I don't mind that part it is getting all the gear off and on....YIKES. Brainwashing and bribery are in the works to get hockey on these boys minds and trust me it is NOT their Moms doing this.

After lunch. We had a yummy dinner at my parents house. It was wonderful for all 14 of us to get together. My mom used to have us all on a weekly basis, nothing like cooking for 14 once a week(she didn't seem to mind). But with the busy school schedules we have not been able to do that.

After family dinner it was time for bed...I would like to say everyone slept like a baby but our baby sure didn't. Abby was up for 2 hours last night beside herself screaming. If anyone figures out what her problem was feel free to let us know.

After the night came morning an early one at that. Off to church for a very special Sunday. Our littlest nephew Jacob was dedicated today. We kept our kids in the service so they could be apart of praying for him. Abby was quite cute when she saw her Auntie and Uncle go to the platform she figured she should go too, I managed to distract her. Then when they were stepping off the stage she cheered and clapped saying yeah uncle Marc. Very cute.

In a nutshell that was us this weekend.

Our Prayers Worked!

We found out today that Jake does NOT need surgery, but does have a bad bad break, and dislocated his elbow. He has a SUPER cast on that should fix everything. He has been such a trooper! Your cast looks very cool Jakey!!!

Jakey

Yesterday we went over to Suzy's house to play a very common thing for us to do. Our kids love each other and play so well together which is really nice because Suzy and I are really close friends, it sure wouldn't be as much fun if our kids didn't get along. We had just arrived Suzy and her three little ones were already playing outside. It was beautiful outside, we jumped out of the van and the kids right away were wild running screaming so excited to see one another. The extra energy boost was that we had my nephew David with us so all the kids were extra enthusiastic having some new blood around. There house backs onto a huge green field at the end of the field is a great park. Seeing how much energy was flying around we set our target on the park. The kids were there not even 10 minutes when Jakey jumped down from the ladder and landed on his arm. It was not a far jump the ladder was only 4ft high, but he looked hurt. Suzy got him cleaned up brought him to the bench. After we saw that he was not returning to his normal self, we returned home. Suzy called her doc, and her hubby. Suzy then took Jakey to the doctor, her husband Jason came home from work, I stayed until he got there and off we went. Later that evening I got a call from Suzy and Jakey DID in fact break his arm, quite badly too. Potential for surgery and pins. All from a little fall from the playground, really it didn't look that bad. Poor Jake he was really brave and very tough though! So remember to pray for him that he heals well and the pain is not too bad for him!!!!

Today was more challenging then I ever dreamed it would be. I left this morning for Wee College everything was great, it was picture day I had everyone dressed great and we were on our way nice and early. On our drive into Coquitlam it began to snow, by the time we reached the hill it was completely covered in snow. We managed to avoid many minor fender benders as my stress levels rose, every muscle in my body was tight and fear was beginning to overtake my usually calm cool and collective attitude. I had two small kids with me and cars sliding everywhere. I said to the boys in the back "Oh boy this is crazy" "Oh man I am getting stressed" " Oh no I think I am going to cry". The replies from Connor and Caleb were "Oh are we going to be late" "is it my turn to play game boy""What is the problem do we have a flat tire?". I was in good company! After detouring around car pile ups I ended up on Panorama...I think that is what it is called. I was moving slowly but surely until all traffic came to a stop! This is not good for me in the van, basically we stop we don't go again. Which is exactly what happened I was stuck, any attempt I made to move resulted in me sliding all over with cars beside me and behind me. All I had left to do was abandon ship, but really where was I going to go, two kids, no cell phone and heels (it wasn't snowing when we left). I threw the hazard lights on and began to pray! Four fireman came to my rescue pushed the van up the hill and into the culdesac. A firefighter informed me that I would not make it to my destination as the roads were not safe, I should sit tight and wait for the salt trucks and head home! Hmmm ok! Well much to my surprise as I looked up I saw a beautiful lady in the window of her house...a ray of hope in my desperate attempt to make our picture day at wee college. It was our Pastors wife Susan! I ended up in their culdesac!! Thankfully she welcomed us into her home, and rounded up a ride for us. Rick better known as Ben's Grandpa came to our rescue in his truck. He picked us up drove us to the church and we made it in time for our pictures!!! What a morning! Thank you to Susan and Rick for coming to our rescue!!!

Here is a look into what my morning felt like...although it really wasn't as bad as this:)))