Bowen's 12th!!

Yesterday was Bowen's 12th birthday.  I can't quite believe he is 12 already.  Bowen is such a great kid.  He's very animated, funny, smart, clever, kind and quite the talker.  He's very passionate about things he loves and can talk about them for hours - to whoever will listen.

On Saturday Bowen asked 4 friends over for a little birthday party.  I was in charge of food and Bowen was in charge of activities.  They played on the Wii for a bit and then it was time for lunch.  Pizza and chips of course.

More games and then it was time for cake and presents.  Bowen doesn't really like cake but his favourite is chocolate dessert so I made him that.  It was a hit with his friends as well and they all had 2 servings.

Bowen got some great gifts from his friends.  They knew him well and had all bought him Pokemon sets except one friend who got him a gift card - which I'm sure he'll use on a Pokemon set.

His brother and sister seemed thrilled with the festivities.  \

Then back to more games before everyone got picked up.  Bowen had a great time and it was certainly an easy, and inexpensive party to host.

After school and work yesterday we went out as a family to one of Bowen's favourite restaurants, Red Lobster, for dinner.  Then home for presents.  Bowen was happy with his gifts.

Yummy Birthday Donuts!!

Happy Birthday Bowen!  Hope your 12th year is a fabulous one!

Sister Puzey

A couple years ago my mom told me she was wanting to serve a mission for our church.  I must admit I was a bit surprised but so excited for her.  She had a few setbacks in preparing to go including a broken knee.  Six months ago she received her call to serve in the Montreal, Canada mission for 18 months leaving February 2018.

A few weeks ago mom spoke in her ward before leaving and we hosted a dinner afterwards for all her ward members and family and friends who had come to support her and say their goodbyes.  It was so nice to see everyone and for our entire family to be together.

Then it was time for mom to fly to the MTC (Missionary Training Centre) in Provo, Utah.  It was a Sunday afternoon, Dave, Jared and I with our families came to see mom off.  Rachel and her family had said their goodbyes a couple days before.  Mom was quite anxious about flying but was so calm at the airport while I cried like a baby.  We saw her off to security.

Once she was in line and already chatting with the people standing in front of her we headed home.  Unfortunately, we got a call later that day.  After sitting on the tarmac for 2 hours the flight was cancelled due to mechanical problems with the plane.  Back off the plane, picking up luggage, back through customs and back in line to get another flight.  By the time mom was able to book her flight there wasn't another one available until Tuesday afternoon.  Jason and I went and picked mom up and she stayed with us until Tuesday.

ROUND TWO!

All ready to go again.  Jason took mom to the airport and stayed with her until she got to security.

After a short delay of 30 minutes she was finally in the air and arrived at the MTC on the Tuesday night in time for a quick bite to eat and then to attend a devotional.

She then spent 2 weeks in the MTC learning Preach My Gospel and some of the office duties she'll be doing in the mission office in Montreal.  This Friday morning, February 23rd she headed to the Salt Lake City airport to fly to Montreal.  Her flight was to leave at 10:00 am.  Around 11 am we got word that the flight was delayed (seriously).  It was snowing in SLC and the plane was in line to be de-iced before taking off.  Another hour and they were finally on their way.

Of course, because of the delay in SLC she missed her connecting flight in Toronto.  Luckily she was able to book another flight for that night and was able to make the connection.  About 8 pm Montreal time she finally arrived.  

It has been quite the ordeal but "Sister Puzey" is finally on her mission.  We are so proud of her and can't wait to hear all the wonderful experiences she will have for the next year and a half.

Another Year!

In January we celebrated Jason's birthday.  I must admit we usually don't do much for Jason's birthday.  I don't know if it is just because it is so close to Christmas, or because it's cold and snowy, but we usually just stay home.  This year was no different.

For dinner we went out for noodles, and then home for cake.  A Dairy Queen icecream cake.  I always feel weird purchasing one in the middle of winter but Jason loves them!

Jason, unfortunately, didn't have any gifts to open.  He bought himself a new sword online that he got in the mail a couple weeks before his birthday.  I forgot to take a picture.  I think all in all Jason had a nice birthday.

We sure love him.  He is a great husband and father.  We are all so lucky to have him.  He does so much for our family and we know we are his first priority.  Happy Birthday Hun!!  Hope this year is great.

Lover's Holiday

Jason and I rarely do much for Valentine's Day.  Some years we'll go out for a nice dinner, but by far my favourite valentine days are when Jason cooks for me.  Valentine's Day this year fell on a Wednesday and Jason decided to spoil me with a homemade dinner.  I taught piano until 8:15 p.m., so while I was teaching Jason prepared dinner.  As soon as I finished he was all ready.

He even got me some beautiful roses this year. 

The first course was a crab salad in cucumber.  These were so delicious.  I could have eaten a whole meal of just the appetizer.

Next up was a delicious carrot soup Jason made from scratch.

Then an amazing steak oscar.  I love steak oscar!!

And for dessert - sticky toffee pudding.  It looked so good I had it half eaten before I remembered to take a picture, oops!

I love my husband so much.  I am so grateful that we found each other, and that he loves me so completely. I never take for granted how blessed I am.  Happy Valentine's Day my love.