Life, as seen by our camera

Today is my last chance to increase our average from two posts/month to three. I haven't had much to write about lately, thanks to writer's block and poor short term memory; but reading all of your blogs has motivated me enough to put something up. Luckily, our camera's infallible sandisk memory has preserved some of the events that I had forgotten. So here is a quick trip through time via floating-gate transistors:

I had heard on the radio that the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra was presenting "The Planets" which would be accompanied by projected pictures of space, taken by the Hubble telescope. I thought it would be a great learning experience for everyone so I announced that there would be a special surprise on the weekend. I should have checked ticket prices before making the announcement. The prices were still good... just not for a 7 year old, a 6 year old, and a 3 year old that was probably going to fall asleep halfway though anyways. As the weekend drew near, I felt a little bit like Michael Scott from the episode of the office when he announced a big surprise at the end of the day and then failed to think of anything. I didn't want to be left at the last minute, making drum rolls with my tongue to try and buy time for an idea to pop into my head. The idea that I finally came up with was bowling at our local 'alley.




As you can see from the scores, the best to worst bowlers went from youngest to oldest. I'm not sure how that happened exactly, but the kid's had the advantage of using a steel tube ramp to aim and then roll their ball off of (totally cheating). Also, I obviously really suck at bowling.





Having done our small-town excursion, we actually did make it to the symphony a couple of weeks later - this time was just a dress rehearsal. It was still a fantastic, horizon-expanding experience for everyone, and it had the further distinction of being most cultured venue that Tyson has ever fallen asleep in - thank goodness we didn't pay $55 for his ticket.





We finished off our big-city experience with a walk downtown and a visit to a pizza parlor that served excellent by-the-slice pie. We watched the hustle and bustle of traffic outside, and what appeared to be a real-life street person inside.





I don't always take pictures of our food, but the camera revealed that I must have been pretty excited about naam tok one day.




So excited that once the naam tok was ready I obviously forgot all about taking a photo of it. This steaming khaw niaw sticky rice is the closest I got. Heather has been planning to blog the recipe, but we keep eating it all before we can get a picture to accompany the post. Next time, I promise.





Oh ya, and we have started a new tradition - we are having perogies for our meal every Fast Sunday. One night I told Heather about how our dad used to take us to the Cedar Gardens Restaurant every Fast Sunday for the Chinese food buffet. I thought this tradition would work equally well in our family, especially given the fact that we drive past a Chinese restaurant on our way home from church. Heather shot down that idea pretty fast; apparently keeping the Sabbath day holy is more important to her. I don't disagree with that, I just thought it would be OK because, a) it would only happen once a month and, b) it was a totally awesome tradition.

My second suggestion - perogies - got a better reception. We serve them with the same toppings that dad did: cheese sauce, mushroom soup sauce, sauteed onions, and chopped bacon. Before we met, Heather had only ever put sour cream on her perogies. She also didn't know about pouring milk over chocolate cake or calling Coke "rootbeer" to fool the kids. In all seriousness though, I am grateful for her constant good example.

Didn't have the camera out on Fast Sunday but here is a picture of taco night - every time we have this, I point out to the kids how lucky they are that their mom makes home-made cornmeal tortillas, instead of store-bought ones.





We also spent time playing in the snow. When I shovel, I end up doing our sidewalk and the four houses closest to our's - just because we know the people and it feels kind of rude to stop at their property line. This past week provided a couple of big workouts and now I am very careful not to make eye contact or acknowledge anyone else on our street - I can't afford to make any more friends here. However, on Sunday I got the van stuck in front of our house and three other neighbors came over and pushed me out - dang it.





Weather like this is not the way I would choose to end the month of March. But at least I managed to end it at 3ppM.







- C

Name vote please

For those who haven't heard, Heather's latest ultrasound has revealed that the new baby will be another boy. Our let's-have-another discussions were prompted by my admiration of the relationship that my sisters have with each other. I have become keenly aware of the fact that Heather and I will not be around forever, and ensuring our children have close relationships with each other has been a real priority for us. I think it is the best thing we can do for them in our absence.

My sisters are my oldest friends and we share some of the same memories. Jewel and Tanis, and Crystal give me a feeling of security and continuity. They are my link to mom and dad and to my life growing up. They know what I have gone though and they went through it with me. But as close as I am with them, I still understand that there is a special bond just between sisters. I wanted that for Ella.

Oh well, I guess deep down I always suspected that the birth order of our kids would be an only, eldest daughter and three younger brothers - the reverse of my sisters and I. We have decided that we will just spoil Ella and let her know how valuable she is as our only princess. My hope is that she will grow close to her sisters in law and that they care for her the way that my sisters care for Heather.

Whew, sorry for rambling. The real reason for this post is that we are having a hard time deciding what we are going to name the new guy. We have narrowed it down to:


Kade

or

Deacon


Deacon is my favorite. I like it because it is not very common and because it is masculine and would sound good along with Mason and Tyson. However I realize that it might be too clergy'ish or Priesthood'ly for many people. I also accept that some of my past name suggestions have not been the best choices... so I am definitely capable of making a mistake on the subject.

We also really like Kade, but to my ear it sounds a bit curt compared to the two syllable names of the other kids.

The middle name will be Roland because that is The General's middle name and I think he has probably already noticed that Mason Randall and Tyson Henry were named after patriarchs on my side of the family. I guess it's his turn.

So that brings us to my request. Please post your favorite name, or thoughts (or suggestions on other names) in the comments section. Post anonymously so that you can feel free to say what you really think, and also so we don't feel awkward if we end up picking a name that one of our good friends didn't like. Any input is really appreciated!

Thanks,


- C

A Couple Things I Love

It actually is nice here so I decided I needed to grab a quick photo of this before the snow is all gone and I have no reason to get Tyson all dressed up in his winter gear. I've been meaning to do this for a long time, but it just hasn't happened. I haven't done this as much as I should because of the cold weather, but when I have, I have loved getting out and walking to school just to watch Tyson run ahead of me. For anyone that doesn't know, Tyson is cursed with Jensen legs--short and stubby! However, how I cannot think he looks cute like this, I don't know! My mom got both Mason and Tyson a new toque and a new winter coat for Christmas. The coats are still a little big, so that means extra cuteness when you get them all bundled up. Tyson's legs are even shorter and puffier with snow pants and a coat that comes to your knees! Anyways, it is just one of those things that is hard to explain, but it just makes my heart melt. He is growing up way too fast and days like this won't last, but we'll enjoy them while they are here!

Another thing...



So this is horrible. I'm sure we've got a better picture of Chad somewhere, maybe. He's always the one behind the camera. I really need to learn! Anyways, guess it doesn't matter how big/small or how great the picture is--he still looks great in it and the point is that he is one of the things I love. I just have to publicly say it. On Monday, he made me dinner. I thought it was the sweetest thing ever and definitely the most delicious! Thanks so much sweetie!

- H