June Fifteenth..

Wow my little girl is 22 months old, Marvin just turned 6 and today my mom is 64 years old. We took her out for shoes and fish last night. This year she didn't order the lobster. My financial self was glad. My holidays have started and Jessica has graduated. Father's day is around the corner. We'll be cooking up a bunchof ribs and using the barbeque sauce Marvin made at school. Also Patrick has requested a big batch of chocolate chip cookies, the ones that are chewy in the middle. I got some milk and dark Callebaut chocolate so they should be good, just have to find the energy now. Sundays can be busy and tiring depending on the CTR 8s and CTR 7s and their energy level and attention span. I am still wearing my CTR ring too. The lesson is on the Atonement and we'll probably play hangman first. I am not sure if the children know the meaning of the word but we'll see. We also enjoyed a visit from Nathalie and Nathan while they came down for Jessica's graduation. It was nice to see everyone at that time. Wow Michelle is so cute! Also I included another mini album I am working on using double lined doodles set from Stampin'Up!

Jessica

Congratulations Jessica! You are out of high school. We knew you could do it!

Lunch with cousins at Eda's house

Boy was it hot up on Sumas mountain yesterday! It was so nice to see everyone again. There was lots of lasagne and Sandra made HAGGIS! Delicous. Pat was at the barbeque with the chicken wings. I don't know how he stood in front of it for so long in the heat. The children enjoyed the trampoline and freezies as usual. This time there was a kiddie pool and sprinkler for added enjoyment. Happy birthday Steven, that's him on the bottom. It was really nice to see the cousins from across the border again too. So much fun was had by all.

Victoria Day Fun...

...at Stanley Park. What a surprise it was to have such beautiful day. It was good to see those we haven't seen in a while. Sunshine, friends, the beach, the playground, the birds, what more could we ask for except free parking.

Girl with Knives

Untitled

I absolutely love Sundays, however exhausting they may be. I also love my Scrap, Paper, Scissors tote I got in January and am STILL loving, even though there are new colours available. Don't forget to use your 40% off coupon or else it's a bit of a dent. It has so many many pockets and even a drawer in the bottom. My husband doesn't think it will be big enough. Funny. The only drawback, the fiskars paper cutter doesn't fit exactly inside parallel to the bottom. Lately I have been finding I need something additional to carry papers, cutters, and of course STAMPS. Don't forget some of your favorite stamps will be discontinued at the end of June to make way for the new Big Idea Book and Catalog in July. So exciting, but we all know how easily I get excited especially those of you who got the she peed in the potty! telephone call or the ones that come after every tooth or new words pop into or out of my children's mouths, except the vulgar ones of course. As if I have time to get on the telephone now except at work when I more than make up for it answering the phones there. I am offering 15% off all retiring sets and if you twist my rubber arm you can get that discount off the wheels as well. Many of you should be getting your Fall Preview Brochure very very soon. Check your mail boxes and save the date for June 14th for a VERY exciting class you won't want to miss {Hint up top}Whoa... and yes I will be making Father's Day cards. Gotta love my Daddy in Law and he's coming home from the Phillipines today! Glorious I hope it will be sunny! He's tropical you know.

I absolutely love Sundays, however exhausting they may be. I also love my Scrap, Paper, Scissors tote I got in January and am STILL loving, even though there are new colours available. Don't forget to use your 40% off coupon or else it's a bit of a dent. It has so many many pockets and even a drawer in the bottom. My husband doesn't think it will be big enough. Funny. The only drawback, the fiskars paper cutter doesn't fit exactly inside parallel to the bottom. Lately I have been finding I need something additional to carry papers, cutters, and of course STAMPS. Don't forget some of your favorite stamps will be discontinued at the end of June to make way for the new Big Idea Book and Catalog in July. So exciting, but we all know how easily I get excited especially those of you who got the she peed in the potty! telephone call or the ones that come after every tooth or new words pop into or out of my children's mouths, except the vulgar ones of course. As if I have time to get on the telephone now except at work when I more than make up for it answering the phones there. I am offering 15% off all retiring sets and if you twist my rubber arm you can get that discount off the wheels as well. Many of you should be getting your Fall Preview Brochure very very soon. Check your mail boxes and save the date for June 14th for a VERY exciting class you won't want to miss {Hint up top}Whoa... and yes I will be making Father's Day cards. Gotta love my Daddy in Law and he's coming home from the Phillipines today! Glorious I hope it will be sunny! He's tropical you know.

Ronald McDonald House

Everyone who knows me know I like McDonalds too much and that I live right behind it. I even have to drive and walk through their parking lot to get out of mine. Not the drive thru but drive through. I know McDonalds isn't too healthy but when you're a tired mom and you don't even have to get out of the car and drag children with you and keep them calm and seated when you're on the go it is a quick and fairly cheap fix to a few empty tummies. My children are always satisfied by a McDonald's meal and I almost always make them accompany their meals with milk to try and convince myself they are getting some nutrition as well as a lot of salt and sugar. Anyway I am posting this so we can learn more about Ronald McDonald House and the services provided.
Ronald McDonald House Charities, a nonprofit organization creates, finds, and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children through its network of 179 local Chapters currently serving in 46 countries. Named one of America's Top 100 Charities by Worth magazine in 2001 and 2002, the Charity makes grants to not-for-profit organizations and provides support to Ronald McDonald Houses and Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles worldwide. To date, Ronald McDonald House Charities' national body and global network of local Chapters have awarded more than $380 million in grants to children's programs. For more information on the Charity, visit www.rmhc.org.
If you are a customer, viewer or know anyone who would like to share handmade cards WITH envelopes to be donated to our RMH, please email me and I can give you details.
Here are a few other programs that we could use your help with

• POP TAB Program - Collect pop tabs from aluminum cans to benefit our Family Fund
• Donate newborn clothing and baby items for our new parents at the Ronald McDonald House.
• Supply medium size gift bags, small gifts and toiletry items for our parents' and children's "Welcome Bags".
• Provide paper products & non-perishable food items for our families.
• Contribute children's toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss

If any of these appeal to you and you would like to contribute one thing or have a drive in "your" area, send the items to me to take to the house, please contact me!
To learn about the local Ronald McDonald House or for a virtual tour click here.
The house also has a wish list and some of you may have items that could be donated. I can bring them by on my way home from work.

Spring Showers

Rain, Rain go away....We just want to go to the park.

It's really rare that she'll hold his hand

For some reason it is hard to get Anastasia to hold Marvin's hand. She doesn't mind holding mine when it suits her but if it's her brother she thinks it is a game. I am under the weather but on the road to recovery. Can you say snot! My new friend is Otrivin.

April is flying by!

my Birthday!

Wow SO much is happening and so fast. I had a wonderful birthday! March 15th 2007 was my 37th birthday AND the 29th anniversary of my and my mom's baptism to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints! How exciting! Marvin and Anablue and I all had Corn Pops for breakfast, the first time they had a sugary cereal in their lives unless Cherios counts. Some of us liked it and some of us didn't. I also baked a delicious cheesecake, called my granny and actually spent some time on my hair for a change. Things are good! My little girl wouldn't cooperate so my dreams of dolling HER up on MY birthday didn't come to fruition but the little boy let me pick out HIS clothes and style HIS hair to compensate. Marvin and his mohawk, oh boy, that's another post. I had to leave for work at 2:30pm so I didn't have much time with them before hand especially since the phone kept ringing. Thank-you all for the wonderful songs, cards, phone calls, visits and hugs, presents, good wishes. I feel SO BLESSED to have such wonderful people in my life. I was fortunate enough to receive flowers and some lovely gifts! My family and friends are the GREATEST! even the ones who forgot. I love my husband and children so much I feel like my heart is about to explode. I am grateful for the love of my Heavenly Father and Jesus and their watchful, protective eyes.

Myles of Beans, Burnaby BC

My sister-in-law Iris is performing live on Friday March 16th on Kingsway in Burnaby. Hope some of you can come! Here's what she has to say!

Hey Wonderful Peeps,

Are you ready to rock out to some Funk, Rock and Soul on an acoustic guitar tip? Then come on out to my show and Vibe Out, Chillax and HAVE FUN!

Here are the deets:

WHO: MALAYA COOKS

with the mad acoustic guitar skills of Iisak Andreller and Dave Martin

(and the possibility of surprise appearances by my brothers:Pat, Mark & Phil.)

WHERE: Myles of Beans

7010 Kingsway (corner of Greenford and Kingsway)
Burnaby, BC
604-524-3700

WHEN: Friday, March 16th

TIME: Starts at 8:00pm ~ NO LATE 'FILIPINO-TIME' dudes ALLOWED! J

WHY: BECAUSE YOU LIKE ME, YOU REALLY LIKE ME! J

~Cheers~

Malaya

Malaya Cooks
This world rocks man...life is good...enjoy the ride!

We are Family!

I know I am not objective but I think our children are so adorable. I love these black and whites my husband took at Christmas time. These are our favorite photos of the children right now! Now if we could just get them to look this good at the same time in the same photo...

Our plans for today include...

Whopee! Marvin has a proDday!
MOTORING MUNCHKINS (1 - 6 years)
This drop-in play session is your dream come true! With
balls, toys, trampolines, swings and kid-sized play areas,
there is something for everyone. Birthday party activities
can be booked in advance during the Friday afternoon
session. Children under 12 months are welcomed
and free of charge!
Queen’s Park Arenex 604-777-5121
Monday, 11:30 am - 2:00 pm (Gymnastics Style)
Wednesday, 9:00 - 11:45 am
Friday, 9:00 - 11:45 am & 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Ongoing - June 15
Drop-in Fee: $3.25 for parents & one munchkin
$1.00 for each additional munchkin
$26.00 for a 10 session pass
$48.75 for a 20 session pass

This made me laugh...

To my darling husband,

Before you return from your overseas trip I just want to let you know about the small accident

I had with the pick up truck when I turned into the driveway. Fortunately not too bad and I really

didn't get hurt, so please don't worry too much about me.

I was coming home from Wal-Mart, and when I turned into the driveway I accidentally pushed down

on the accelerator instead of the brake. The garage door is slightly bent but the pick up fortunately

came to a halt when it bumped into your car.

I am really sorry, but I know with your kind-hearted personality you will forgive me.

You know how much I love you and care for you my sweetheart. I am enclosing a picture for you.

I cannot wait to hold you in my arms again.

Your loving wife.

January's done

I can't believe january's over! I am excited about valentines. I have a collection of old valentines, mostly children's ones. Will try to post some of my favorites. I am really getting organized at my house finally slowly but surely with Marnie's help. Patrick's been putting in excellent shelves and hooks in our closets. His hair is getting so long. Check out these pictures we took when our family went to Me-n-Ed's in south Burnaby a few weeks ago. It was really good and the kids had a lot of fun. I had not been there for years. We even made some friends, someone recognized Marvin and myself from when we went to Mother Goose in Mount Pleasand 4 1/2 years ago. Isn't that strange? It made me remember some of the songs we had so much fun singing.