Summer Fun!

Well, Brad is off to Mexico! He's been away 4 days and there has been a few "Where's Daddy?" and particularily "I want my Daddy." from Caedence. But besides the odd blue moment for both Mommy and 'T'aedence, we are doing quite well!

We've been with Grandma and Grandpa (different than Nanna and Papa), in South Surrey for the past couple of days. I have had evening rehearsals for Broadway Pops so they have watched Caedence for me. Last night he also had a special treat when his two cousins 'Dita' (Krystina) and 'Telsey' (Kelsey) watched him.

During the day yesterday we (myself, Caedence, Grandma and Grandpa) headed out to Cresent Beach. Caedence was extremely excited at the prospect of digging for 'cwabs' (or crabs). It was a gorgeous day, but actually a little chilly by the water. We dug for crabs (found and captured 6 babies), made some sand castles, threw some rocks and then ended up sharing some fries!

Before we left I explained that he had to let the 'cwabs' go as this was their house, so Grandpa took him down to the water and put them back in the sand. Good times were had by all!

Thought I'd share a few pictures of our escapade!

Chiuaua: Where the yappy dogs run free!

Tomorrow morning 4:45 am, my ride picks me up, we head to the church to start our day long trek to Juarez, Mexico. We drive to Seattle, fly to El Paso (via phoenix), and drive across the border into Juarez. I tried to convince my ride to go by Tim Horton's 24 hour for a coffee, but no go.
I do not feel completely prepared to leave. I know I am supposed to wait until the end of my trip to be tired, but for some reason, I already feel exhausted (not a great way to start). Also, for some reason I am very anxious about the part I am playing in some of the things we will be doing down there. I'm sure it will all work out, but as for now I'm a little worried.
So remember to keep me in your prayers, and also Lalainia and Caedence as I am away. It will not be easy to be apart.
I kinda love 'em.

Tribute to Laurz

Here is a short post, simply to mention our great affection for our good friend Lauren. She has been a fantastic addition to our lives and we are proud to call her our friend. As she is now off to school in the "really large edible, usually rounded fruit" city, she will be greatly missed. While she is away we will miss her beautiful smile and quirky sense of humour (not to mention her amazing voice). If only she could train herself to speak in her Irish lilt whenever she is around us, everything would be perfect (curse those who made fun of it when she first graced our shores).

Love you girl. Be good to yourself and think good thoughts (you know what I'm sayin')

Almost there!

Well, in two more weeks I head-off for the small village (and I mean small) of Rio Chico, in the north central Mexican province of Chiuaua. I have been brushing up on my Spanish, purchasing my Deep Woods and sun tan lotion, and meeting with my team, making some of the final arrangements. Further to the entire group, I have been meeting with a smaller group with whom I will be running a children's program while there. We are planning for about 200 children to show up daily, ranging from age 3-12. We will be leading them in song (I plan on playing the guitar), teaching bible stories(via an interpreter), crafts, and games. It is going to be a fiesta baby!

Please continue to pray for our preparation as here is much to be done before we leave. I have many exams to oversee at work, an essay to write (I have just started a new course), packing to do, etc, etc. Also, please keep us in your prayers during our trip (June 26-July 10). Pray for our safety, our strength, and our ability to be used for God while in Mexico.

The Event!

Many thanks to all of you who took the time to show up and celebrate Caedence's birthday with us. Who would have thought that time could fly by so fast with 6 or 7 little ones running around our apartment like home. Of course, their minds were entranced by the South American Political poster of El Presidente Caedence (see above).
An extra special thanks goes out to all of you for not purchasing any toys that have "midi" sounds(if you do not have kids get anyone with a 3 year old to explain). The sounds of cars revving, plastic saxophones blasting, even the sweet sound of tank engines "toot-tooting" are welcome sounds in this house.
Besides the reason we got together, it is always nice to see those we promise once a year to "not be like we were last year, when we only saw each other once the entire year." Maybe that is one of the extra "perks" of having children; an excuse to visit with those we love to visit with, but who live "all the way in town!"
On another note, it was good that you all left when you did. Within an hour of everyone leaving, I began to get the shivers and my throat got swollen. Hope this was not the case with anyone else(?).
Please enjoy the pictures above!