Thanksgiving.

Read this on a blog..."But despite today’s legally mandated annual day of Thanksgiving, genuine thankfulness, though rare, should be much more than a once-a year-event with a web of dubious traditions."

What did this day mean to you this year?

Goin' to the Chapel

Our Easter weekend was enjoyed by attending Patrick & Holly's wedding in Creston, BC. James was right into this:

He got to kiss the bride...

Eat from a chocolate fondue...

Blow bubbles...

and do a few dance moves...

He tried holding a girl's hands to dance but she didn't want anything to do with it! It was soooooo adorable.

Treat with TLC

Today James had his umbilical hernia repaired. We arrived at Kelowna's General Hospital at 6:30 AM and by 12:30 PM we were back home having lunch! The service that we received was top notch. The nurses were kind, the anesthesiologist from South Africa was lovely and Dr. Sullivan was prompt and said James was a real trooper. James loved the 'all you can eat popsicle' rule at the hospital!

If we didn't know he had surgery we wouldn't believe it. He is his happy go lucky self. Parker was a trooper too. It was his first time waking up not seeing mommy or daddy. Our sweet babysitter Amanda was his companion today!

We couldn't ask for a better day!

Flying high...

I'm posting in Calgary!
Daddy surprised me by dropping me off at the airport yesterday like a ton of bricks and said, "See you tomorrow. You're going to Calgary!"
He got me good. I turned thirty something on Thursday and was wondering why my gift was late from Daddy!
The wait was worth it!
I arrive back home tomorrow night to cuddle my three men!

Black History Month

Today at the post office where I was picking up my renewed passport (yeah!) I saw these stamps. I had no clue that February is Black History Month in Canada!

Google was able to educate me about it:

Black History Month is a time to honour and celebrate the achievements of Canadians of African descent and their contributions to the social, economic, cultural and political life. It provides an opportunity to learn about and be inspired by the history, pride and strength of African Canadians.

Statistics:

• 60% of Black Canadians are under the age of 35.
• 60% of Black Canadians live in the province of Ontario.
• There are 20,000 more black women than black men in Canada.
  

The lady on the stamp is Rosemary Brown (1930-2003). She was the first woman of color to be elected to office in Canada! She resided in Vancouver, BC.

Good bye to Our Nephew

We went back to Daddy's hometown in Fiske, Saskatchewan to say our good-byes to our nephew Matthew, who left us after a fierce battle with cancer. Sixteen years of life is too brief. If you meet Matthew's mom than you know where he got his gracefulness and his strong determination. She opens her heart in her website and receives many, many messages of condolence and support from around the world.
We've told the boys that Matthew is in heaven with Jesus. James asked, "Why?" I remember when my Uncle Marc passed away suddenly and I asked my mom the same question. She answered, "God picked him because he was so special. If you were in a flower garden, wouldn't you pick the best flower?" That took away my grief. I was only five at the time but it soothed me. I hope that time will soothe Matthew's parents' and siblings' hearts.

In Memory of Matthew

Our nephew, Matthew Epp
left our world last night:
01/02/09
after a hard and courageous battle with cancer.
I dedicate 2009 to you, Matthew.

"Bring Someone You Love!" Day

James' preschool had a Valentine's Party and he was allowed to bring someone he loved with him and so I was more than honored to be his Valentine. I got to participate in the shortened version of a regular preschool day. Here he is (wearing red of course!) making a beautiful picture with glue and cotton balls! He is quite the artist! He returned home to then figure paint! He appears to enjoy school however I don't think he loves it as much as swimming or playing monster trucks.

Parker's Valentine's Day was very quiet. After just recovering from his first ear infection he is now sick with the stomach flu. We have gone through many diapers and outfits. He has been pretty good and able to giggle and smile here and there. Now the parents are just hoping that their little "gum drop" doesn't have to be sick for too much longer.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Joanne

Back from Our Holiday!

Off to Mexico (Cabo San Lucas) we went last Friday and before we knew it, it was time to pack up those suitcases and say good-bye to the warm sun. James lavished in all the attention he got from the staff and tourists. Not one day went by without James being picked up and his hair ruffled by a staff member! Upon arriving at the airport two young custom officer ladies each took turns holding him. By the end of the week Parker decided to join in the fun and was letting people wow over him too.

Michael and I took turns swimming in the NOT heated swimming pool with James. We tried getting Parker into the water but he did not want anything to do with it. He was content checking all the action from his stroller, that we purchased while we were there at Wal-Mart! Yes, 5 minutes from where we were staying there stood a brand new Wal-Mart!

Our plane rides went well but they really should make those washrooms a tad bigger: trying to change a diaper in there is quite tricky even if there is a change table! James almost jumped out of his skin when he flushed the toilet! We are happy to be back home, though the snow can disappear anytime!

The Boys' First Christmas

We spent our first Christmas as a family with the Epp's in Fiske, Saskatchewan. All 32 of us where there; which included 5 new grand-kids in 2007! It was full of excitement. James loved every second of it and Parker was overwhelmed by it all. The weather was perfect for James to experience his first toboggan and ski-doo ride! He called the ski-doo the 'boat' and loved going for rides with Grandpa. Next year he'll be ready to skate as walking on the ice was too boring for him especially seeing his little cousins zooming by him. Our flight back home on New Year's Eve day was seamless until the last 2o minutes where Parker decided he had enough. 2007 was a magical year for us and we hope that the magic will continue to sprinkle into our lives in 2008. Happy moments to you all in 2008.

Blessings,

Joanne, Michael, James and Baby Parker

We're Back!

Ten days and 4000 km later we are back home safe and sound. We attended Alie's graduation in Prelate, Saskatchewan and then traveled to Fiske, Regina, Saskatoon, Osler and Calgary to visit our families. We tried to see as many people as possible. The boys got to meet their grand parents and 3 great-grand parents and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins! James loved being the center of attention and being showered with gifts. Parker, now at 4 months was a real trooper having to be strapped in his car seat for hours at a time. Here are some pictures of our first road trip!

Mother's Day!

To celebrate Mother's Day was to say the least a great joy! Here are some pictures that capture our fun day.

Easter Weekend & More!

Here are some pictures that capture Parker enjoying his first Easter weekend with some of his Kelowna friends, hanging out with Jordan (6 mo) at Starbucks and him crying after we have exercised his leg.