Here's our Cam

I have to even the score and do a post about Cam, who turned 9 at Christmas. It has taken Cam years to find something to call his own, in the way of sports or groups. Sarah has always been a dancer, but Cam has struggled with all sorts of things. He has tried baseball, rugby, karate, swimming and yes, even dance. We have always given him the opportunity to try new things in the hopes of finding him a 'passion'. Cam is a great younger brother, he supports Sarah in everything she does and attends all dance performances and horsing events. He usual does it without whining too!!

Cam now is in BMX racing and is loving it! Finally something that makes him do his homework and calls on his 'passion' side! He has been racing since December when we bought him a new bike for his birthday (apparently the wrong one, but I'll explain that later!!). He raced in the BC Cup a couple of weekends ago and placed 2nd and had two 3rd finishes. He practices 2 to 3 days per week and usually races on Friday evening and Sunday's around noon (if you're ever in the area!).

This is one of his favorite pics as he was going so fast it looks like there are flames coming off the back! Cam's race number is #222

So now about the bike. Dwayne and Cam went bike shopping as a birthday gift and having not attended any of the races (don't do it that way!) they bought a BMX bike, complete with rear pegs. We arrived at the first practice and found out that pegs weren't allowed and the boys had purchases a 'park bike'. We didn't know the difference and much like CA's and CGA's, they don't mix well! We will check out a second hand bike at the upcoming Nationals, being held at Abbotsford Indoor on Feb 17 and 18, as many people use their bikes for one year and move up. Given the enormous bill of $1000 for a starter race bike, we'll go 'new to us'!! The racing bikes are so light they can be lifted with an index finger, no kidding!

Enough about that! Our last pic is of Cam on Christmas morning with his new pair of racing pants from Sarah. He is well outfitted complete with a new jersey and body armor (that sounds so cool!).

Here's our Sarah

Here is our girl (for those of you that haven't seen her in awhile)in Whistler last summer. We had a fun time at her party and last night with family for cake. She appeared this morning with her mascara on and ready for school. I have decided to embrace the make-up and teach her early how not to look like a "chick on Davie St"!! I remember the racoon-eyes of Grade 8 and laugh out loud when I see people who haven't figured out that it's not the mid-eighties yet!!

Here are Sarah and Scout (the pony) getting ready for a dressage event. Scout was very good and Sarah and he even came in 8th out of 20 for her first event!!







This is Sarah and her bff Taleah (Sarah is in the light blue with the white purse). Sarah and Taleah were off to Jenna's birthday party dressed for an Oscar Event. Aren't they lovely!!
(BTW, I made both of these dresses!)

That's it for now, I will get some updated pics on as soon as I find the proper cord. Enjoy the pics today!! I will try to find something else to talk about tomorrow...maybe pics of Cam doing his BMX Racing!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY !

Today is the 12th birthday of our little peanut, SarahElizabeth!! Our beautiful girl is getting so big and is acting so mature (most of the time), when did that happen, where did the time go?? Sarah is a great person with amazing vision for what she wants in the future (and that includes getting Emma to dance!). She is caring, helpful, motivated, enthusiastic, understanding, polite (most of the time!), loving and generally wonderful. This is a very exciting time for our family as we celebrate this day!! Anyone up for cake?? Tomorrow night at 6:30...just let me know!

Ahh....family day!

Today is a great day. Yes, it's a rainy one but that allows us to hang out as a family too. Cam didn't have a race today so it allowed us to go for breakfast this morning after chores. Sarah and Cam are in the hot tub and I have taken a few minutes to sit quietly. We have an upcoming family airhockey tournament and then the boys will be playing a game of pool. Sarah, Cam and I are working on a puzzle. Now even at 12:51pm I am in a quiet house with happy kids. Only once in a while do we get to have a day at home to even become bored!! I like days that could possibly be jammie days. Can't wait to have an afternoon nap!!

Being a grown-up stinks sometimes!

Today, I actually had to make some serious decisions. I usually have decisions to make but not life altering ones. You see, my dear friend and horse (the same thing here), Blondie, has been diagnosed with cataracts. I found out about this about a month ago and at first decided that I would have to put her to sleep. With some contemplation, I decided to go through everything I could to save her life. Today, Dwayne and I loaded her up (she hasn't trailered for 5 years, since the day I got her) and travelled down to Lynden for her opthomology appointment. Sadly, after all of that, she is not a candidate for the surgery and will remain my friend and a companion for the others until she can no longer deal with the situations at her home. I am very happy that I went through everything to find this out, as I think I would have regretted not knowing, forever!
Bright note, she was so happy to get home and played and rolled with the other horses. She still has a great quality of life, and I will continue to do what we can to keep it that way. The vet says that her sudden condition is likely a result from the major trauma she suffered a year ago.

Soooo, take care of your pets, friends and 4 legged family members (unless they're of the rodent kind!). They will stay by you through thick and thin and trust you! Dwayne has been especially amazing through all of this. My tears, my fears...I guess that makes him the grown up right now! Dan listened to my fears and troubles and he and Kathy B. advised me to do what I needed to do get to the bottom of things. Thanks friends for listening to me blubber!!

I feel so much better now, thanks for listening. We are off to the Heart for Hospice fundraiser tonight, so I better go and put the cucumber on my eyes and even have a shower...novel idea!!

Quick blog today

The kids and I have been enjoying watching our favorite web cams of late. We have checked out Rome (as my parents are there), Hawaii (where the Langs were) and our absolute favorite, the Nkorho Pan web cam. It is a cam overlooking a natural watering hole in South Africa where we were on Safari. Last night we watched giraffes and elephants. Due to the time difference their daylight is in the evening or morning for us. Check out http://www.wavelit.com/ and click on the african web cam. You can also check out the bears on Grouse Mtn hibernating on the same site. ENJOY the trip to South Africa and Kruger National!!

Sunshine!

What an amazing day! The sun is bright, with not a cloud in the sky. We live in the most beautiful area. How lucky are we? The ocean to the west, mountains all around and lovely farm land just a quick drive away. Hmmmm...it's a good day!

Dwayne and I even got to meet for lunch today. Not a usual thing and it makes me smile all day when I get to see my sweetie in the middle of the day. Our days are so busy that we don't take time to do the small things.

As I sit typing this Sarah is at dance (again!) and Cam is playing with the mega amount of GI Joe's at Mom's house. He is just making all the little noises and is absorbed in his own world. No bickering, no whining, no demands....It's a good day!!