Birthday Girls.

We caved. Finally bought Nintendo DSs for the girls. Not for lack of pleading and begging for them on their part, mind you. But in selfish mode and anticipating a long and wondering-how-to-keep-the-girls-entertained flight to Nicaragua this summer, we figured this just might be the perfect gift.

So the presentations were made. Monday morning, 7:00 am. Miss Lannie's actual birthDAY, but Miss KP, of course, had to get her pressie too. Flying tissue paper. Digging deep into their gift bags. And what they found sent them into a frenzy of exhilaration. They were stoked. I don't think I've ever seen such happy little faces at 7 o'clock in the morning! Here they are.. in our bed.. enjoying their first Nintendo moments together.

They've since been traveling everywhere with us... first to Mickey D's for a celebratory birthday lunch (the birthday girl's choice, I know, in the food department we're raising our children well)... then the salon for a Princess Pedicure...

And even to Starbucks, for the birthday girl's favorite Frappe (like I said, we excel in the food department).

I'd say at this point that the Ninnies are a hit. So my hopes are definitely up for some peaceful travel time next Monday. Aaaaahhhh. Nicaragua.. here we come!

Dates To Remember.

I've been taking a trip down memory lane these days, reflecting on historical moments. Moments in our little corner of the world.

June 25th, 2004. A shocking and sad day when Curt was so suddenly taken from us. We still miss him, still talk about him. Still wonder, if he were here, just how he would fit into life with us now. So much has changed in six years. But with joy and tears, we anticipate that glad reunion day.

June 28, 2001. Boy, do I remember when Miss Alana Sharon made her grand entrance and melted our hearts. Tiny little bundle of cute femaleness, joining the then predominantly-male Wilson world. (And for the record, we're ahead in the female department now. Girls are up, 6-5. Haha, who would've thought??!) So tomorrow Miss Lannie turns 9. So tall, so confident, so grown-up. Wow. Simply unbelievable. Happy birthday, lovely lady!

July 29, 2002. The arrival of the naughty little sister, Kayleigh Priscilla. Who now turns 8 in a month and a day. Another wow and simply unbelievable fact. Our little Fidget Midget. A chitterchatterbox, with random facial expressions and verbal outbursts that send us into choking fits of laughter. Love her to pieces. Happy Birthday, Missy Prissy!

July 10, 1998. A Marriage, a Move and a bunch of little Men. Met and married this Stew, the wonderful man who wooed and won my heart... said good-bye to family and friends in Toronto and moved 3,000 miles away to the never-before-visited Vancouver... and inherited four sons to boot. Quite an adjustment, but somehow I've gotten from there to here. Plenty of hurdles and challenges along the way. But for this 12-year learning journey of love and commitment, I have no regrets. Happy Anniversary to my darling hubby. Love you more than you know.

Two or three.

Yesterday was a big day of change for us.

Having fellowshipped for a long while with the Carleton believers, earlier this year we concluded that God was calling us to fellowship instead with the christians at Fleetwood. Our first thoughts of this were a couple of years ago, when we became aware of the smallness of this little group. We prayed for guidance, not knowing His will. In His time, He answered. In some ways, so much clearer than we could have imagined.

So yesterday was our first day of remembering the Lord with the Fleetwood christians. As I sat in the circle, looking across at the other believers, I couldn't help but think of Matthew 18:20.
"For where two or three are gathered together in My Name..."
Compared to Carleton, it definitely felt like there were only two or three in that little group. But the rest of the verse is beautiful,
"...there am I in the midst of them."
How precious, that regardless of how many, His promise is the same. HE is there! What a blessing, to think afresh of Him, remember His love and suffering for me, and be confident of His unseen presence. Even amidst the two or three.

From a human emotion standpoint, it was a bittersweet day. Missed our friends at Carleton, yet we felt so welcomed by our new friends. We didn't say too much to the girls or ask them any questions. But on the way home from gospel meeting, Alana announced, "I like it at Fleetwood." Boom. Just like that. Kind of out of the blue. It surprised us. We asked why. She said, "Well, I like my new friends there. And there are blackberry bushes and bunnies out back." Kayleigh chimed in her five cents worth too. Said she missed Anna, but otherwise all was good. So the transition day ended on a positive note. Thank You, Lord.

Yesterday was also Father's Day. Had a fun family dinner together with the whole bunch, except for Kyle. Missed him. Looking forward to seeing him in a couple of weeks.

Happy Father's Day, Stew... the best daddie any of my kiddos could have!

Baking Up A Storm.

I'm sitting here.. and the aroma of fresh baking is filling my kitchen. Went on a blitz tonight. Created some yummy treats that totally annihilate the healthy eating plans of the calorie-wise. This is the world of sugar and spice, and all things nice.

Lemony crunchy squares.

All the better to pucker up with, my dear.

Found this recipe in an old, old, book that came from the old country. Typewritten. So it has to be ancient. Anyways, I had vague memories of eating these squares as a child.... and they turned out every bit as delightful as I remember.

 


The red of the raspberry.

Raspberry Almond.
&
Raspberry Chocolate.

Divine and divine.

Apples and carmel.

This recipe was a bit of work putting together each layer. Peeling and slicing all those spartans was a messy job, and cookin' them down with the cinnamon seemed to take forever.

But then I had my first bite.










Puffed Wheat revisited.










Don't worry.
Only little bits and pieces were sampled by the on-site residents. A plateful was shared this morning with some folks who obviously aren't waist-line conscious. The rest is on it's way to the freezer.

Milestone Birthday.

This week we celebrated Grannie Wilson's 80th birthday.

Casual family get-to-gether at their favorite restaurant, MeN'Eds.

Best pizza in town.

She was thrilled. Happy birthday Mom!

A Month of Nature, Science, Swimming.

May was busy. Fun, but sure flew by.

Barnston Island is an idyllic, peaceful little place... off the beaten track, away from the humdrum and clamour of the city rat race. Literally 10 minutes from our house, but in the six years we've lived here, have never been. So, one overcast Saturday morning we finally took the tugboat ferry across to Barnston Island. The girls rode their new bikes along the 10 k trail. Untouched, natural charm. So tranquil. Stew and I walked. The sun came out around noon, and provided some warmth. It turned out to be a delightful little outing. Will definitely return.

May was also Space Month in school for Lannie. That entailed completing a planet project for a class presentation. The planet of choice? Mars. In this chocolate-addicted family, why ever not!?

May also began some swimming lessons for the girls.. twice a week for five weeks. We're halfway through the program now, but I must admit I'm done. Done with the extra running and extra laundry. Like I don't have enough already. But the little mermaids are totally enjoying themselves and are very proud of their progress. We are too, deep down. Next swim stop.. Kyle and Ally's pool. Nicaragua.