A Laugh For YOU!

I've been working on a sidewalk...

Where we live, we're quite close to a fun park. We really enjoy taking a family stroll down and letting Jericho loose to play on whatever his little heart desires. The only problem we have is in walking to the park we encounter a VERY busy street with no sidewalk. People speed down this road and rarely slow down when they come across a little family with TWO strollers. My sister in law, Sam, suggested that I take it up with the city and see if I can make something happen. Being skeptical of political red tape, I still have my doubts - but the wheels have been set in motion. I spoke with my friend Ernie, who happens to be a council member, and he gave me an email address. This is the email I sent, and the prompt reply:

Gentlemen:

I was given your email addresses from Ernie Daykin. I was speaking to him about how I have two very young boys (18 months and 7 weeks) and how my husband and I love to walk from our house at 230th and 126th down to Maple Ridge Park. The issue we have is in walking to the park, we need to walk beside a very busy road and potentially put our young family at risk. More that half the vehicles along 232nd travel above the speed limit. What do I need to do to have a sidewalk put in along the road? I think it would really help my peace of mind, and maybe more families would be more active and walk down to the park. We may also need a crosswalk next to the park so we don't endanger those who need to cross... What do you think? Do you have suggestions for me? Is there a reason this won't work?

Please let me know,

Sara




Hi Sara,



There are several options available to advance a sidewalk. Perhaps you would like to meet with us to discuss? I will ask Cheryl from our office to set up a meeting.



Regards,

Frank


UPDATE

15 minutes after I posted this, I had a phone call from Cheryl and a meeting with Frank set up for May 13th!

Words Words Words

I love the urgency Jericho has when he speaks sometimes. It's like if he doesn't say it enough, it doesn't exist. He will repeat it and repeat it and repeat it until someone concludes that yes indeed, he was heard and understood. Even though he's adorable when he says 'puppy', I sometimes wish he only said it once and moved on. Today I asked him what his name was and though he usually says "Dare-dough", today his name was "Puppy" for a few hours. He even was barking and panting like a dog at dinner.

He knows more words than I can remember and sometimes it takes him saying it a few times before I realize what it is that he said. There are also some words he says with a funny expression on his face. Like when I ask him where someone or something is and he doesn't know, or he knows they aren't around... he scrunches his face into a half sad-half smiling expression and says "Bu-Bye". In fact, when Nate and Jericho went to Starbucks the other morning to let Kai and myself sleep in, they ran into a gentlemen who had a moment of panic after speaking to Jericho. He asked him where his Mommy was and Jericho replied, "Bu-Bye" with that token sad/scrunchie face. The poor guy thought I was dead. Nate quickly calmed his fears by saying that no, I was just sleeping in.

He also loves to come up when I'm feeding the baby and point out certain body parts of mine that only come out during that time. He says it quite clearly and will repeat it until I agree with him, that it is indeed what he says it is.

Hopefully he will use a lot of words when he sees Grandma and Grandpa in Minnesota in a few days. We leave on Saturday and will be gone for a week. Nate and I have spent most of tonight trying to figure out what we're going to bring and how to not over-pack or under-pack. I'm worried about the latter and he's worried about the former.

Even though I complain about the words, I thank God for a healthy son who likes to communicate with me. I also thank God for an adorable new son who I LOVE.

One Year

I am sad.

This Sunday marks one year since my Uncle Robin passed away. One year. The entire process of saying goodbye was an emotional one. I don't think I've ever been more drained in my life, but it was a good feeling to know I had a great family. The day after we got together and erected a flagpole to put a flag up half-mast in his honour. We played "Go Rest High" and each shoveled some dirt at the base of the flag.

I cried a lot. I also brought tulips from my garden, beautiful orange ones with fiery red tips. I gave some to his young grand-daughters. They won't know their grandpa like I did - it doesn't seem fair. I kept thinking about Uncle Robin as I saw my tulips starting to come back. I thought about going back and placing them at the flagpole. On Sunday the flag will fly at full mast, but my tulips won't be there. I think an animal has eaten the tops off - either that or someone stole them.

But I bought some from the florist today - they'll be delivered to my Aunt tomorrow. My aunt who has a gone a full year with no husband. I dread that day.

The light at the end of this sad day? My Uncle got right with Jesus before he went Home. He's resting high, with his cowboy boots still on.

What We Do All Day

We had a few visits with Nate's brother Greg while he was in town. He brought Sam & Ashiah and Jericho was able to play with his favorite girl cousin. She's 8 months younger that Jericho and 8 months older than Kai. Let's just say God knew what he was doing when he made that sort of age gap improbable. We had tonnes of fun and I'll put pictures of us playing at Granville Island as well as simply hanging out at our place. I'm glad they came... it was fun!

I also have pics from Kai's baby shower last Wednesday I'll post as well. That was such a sweet gesture made by some awesome friends. I had a great time just talking and eating with people who there to celebrate my second son. Thanks to everyone who came! It really was more special to me than you know.

13 days left til we leave for Minnesota! YAY Nate!

Jericho Colours and Malachi Smiles

Kai has been smiling for awhile now. I just can never catch it with the camera... until now. It's not even the best shot... but it's still cute. Jericho has been into colouring lately. We bought some of those Tadoodles for him and his first attempt was, well.. messy.

An Ode to the Birthday Girl

When I think of you, I think of Spears
She sings so nice, and likes the shears

You are far in that Big Apple City
There are lots of lights, they are so pretty

But today you turn another year older
Does it make you feel warm or make you feel colder?

Nate has the camera, so I can't send a song
And I won't dance, it's just plain wrong

I sent a card, but it wouldn't fit bacon
I meant this to be short, but long it's takin'

I hope your day is Amy Grant sweet
Writing this was no easy feat.

Happy Birthday Tahnee!!

This is Jericho and his cousin Charlize. It was taken a little while ago while we babysat her. Kai wasn't around yet... but I thought it was cute. I'll have more pictures later. We might be getting a new camera as Nate is using mine a lot for work and I have my sons to photograph! Speaking of Kai - he now weighs 10 lbs 12 oz. and is growing quickly. Jericho has been sick and due to a nasty ear infection had a few nights where he wasn't sleeping well... but he's back to his sleepy self.

We'll all be traveling to Minnesota in less than 3 weeks so Nate can defend his thesis! He's FINALLY done! This process of him getting his Masters has been ongoing since we got married and I'll be happy when it's over. I'm very proud of him and happy we all get to go so we can meet up with grandparents!