Playing Catch-up!

Seems like I am typically trying

to accomplish what should have been done

yesterday or the day before!

 

...

Such goes my life - so instead of apologizing for

it or saying it is going to change (because it probably wont!!)

- I am just going to relish in the fact

that I can admit to my weaknesses

and soldier on!!  :)

 

Yesterday, it was brought up by 2 special people,

that I have forgotten to blog on a few important occasions!!

(thanks hubby and sis!)

Ben - he will forgive me when the mail arrives

and then I can share my surprise with you all...

a father's day surprise!

Finished and ordered... a little late but better than never!

but apparently I still should have blogged!! xo

Love you Ben!!

 

Warm summer evening walks/bike:

 

 

 Falling off bike comforting...

Love working at your side... so many projects to do around here!

Raised beds, gardening, picket fence...

I love the days we work side by side!

 

You are a fabulous Daddy - the kids adore you (me too!)

We love you to the moon and back!

 

A few birthdays to mention...

On Sunday, Chris turned 29 and Opa Lindhout 75!

Opa's first grandchild was born on his birthday - he is so proud of that!

(and over the years 2 more also share their special day!)

Monday we all gathered at the school to celebrate!

So nice to have everyone together!

A little story behind this gift... just over a month ago Opa asked me to please

watch Craigslist for a camera... he says his was no good anymore but Oma

was not letting him buy a new one cause he has 5 already!

(to Oma nothing is garbage till it is broken into pieces!!:)

So I talked to all the teen and older grandkids if they would like to pitch

in and buy him a new one!!  He was SO pleased!!

but with the shake of the finger I was called a 'dirty bugger' for

organizing a gift like this!! love it!

(and around noon on Monday - just before party - Opa phoned me

to see if I had found one yet, so I said no but I would keep looking :) 

LOVE you Opa!

 

Opa also got a new trailer for behind his lawn mower from his kids...

Aunt Wendy - playing with Cody... just heard yesterday that

she is an Oma again!!  Tom and Janice are expecting!!!

SO SO HAPPY FOR THEM!

 

Mom doting on Owen... love to see this!

You are such a fabulous Oma!! LOVE YOU!

 

Chris is such a great dad... also present with his kids,

quick to lie on the floor and join in their fun!

He recently started a new job which he is really enjoying...

working together with farmers daily - right up his alley!

 

Yesterday, Ivan celebrated his 18th birthday...

such a charming, loving uncle and brother!

Has a little temper but usually keeps it in check :)

Him and Ranen having this things going - making up

and saying a select few unique words like

meshi, mahaboni, chicolza, bababopie, formadubly....

 

Off to help put up the picket fence!!

(IF Dad and Ben knew I was finishing this blog quickly -

was waiting for pics to upload - I don't think they would be impressed!! lol)

 

 

 

Check it Out!!!

A great giveaway

from a FABULOUS photographer!!

 

Urban Fig is celebrating it's 1st birthday

so she is giving away something big!

 

Check it out!

 

 

Can't wait to see the family pictures

she hopes to be taking of us on July 13!!

 

xo

Ivan's Grad Banquet!

 

All of your Grade 12 year,

and maybe more, you look forward to this

fun and special day!!

A reward for your dedication and efforts,

and thank you to your parents, teachers and school board!

 



 

Ivan chose to have a special girl by his side...

the sweet and lovely Susanna!

 

Looking rather handsome if I may say so!!

 

 

Corsage and Boutonnière made by Susanna's talented mom!! BEAUTY!

 

Their GREAT ride!! 

 

Dad and Mom...

So thankful that you sent us all to this Christian School

Truly is a priviledge!

What a big day... your last one graduated!!

Wow!! Love you!!

Ivan, I wish you well in the future,

that you may follow the path God has for you,

remain with the truth,

and fulfill your calling with dedication!

Whether that means Doctor or wherever else you may be led!

xo

Love you tons!!!

 

 I also took some pictures of my niece Larissa that morning,

who graduated along with Ivan... those pics coming soon!

As well as a few pictures from the banquet that I was

priviledged to attend as photographer!

Ivan's Grad Ceremony...

On Thursday, my 'little' brother

graduated from Mount Cheam Christian School.

 

An amazing day for him!

Wrote his last final provincial exam in the morning,

went through rehearsals and then

was priviledged to walk the stage...

the same stage that all us siblings have crossed!

 

So blessed to have a christian education,

so thankful to our parents for sending us to this

great school!

 

 

Ivan looked fabulous!!

 

I was nervous... I was asked to take pictures for the grad

class, which I readily and happily agreed to!  I really enjoyed

taking the pictures and appreciated the fact that I was able to be more

present at Iv's grad!

Still trying to feel completely comfortable with my new camera,

the first night was slightly uncomfortable and nerve racking

but by the banquet evening I had it mostly down pat!!

It was great!

 

Cap signing:

Our minister presented on "Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned"

and the school principal on the philippine farmer and his ox.

 After that the class was presented with personal Bibles, a biblical book

from the school board and their diploma

 Ivan was chosen as Class Valedictorian

- a true honor...

In my humble opinion I think he did well...

gave the honour to God for sparing them until this day,

thanked those he needed to thank,

personalized his speech as he was asked to,

addressed his classmates

and what can I say...

he made me proud to be his sis!!

Then the scholaships and bursaries...

Ivan has busted his tail off trying to keep his marks high

and it paid it's rewards...

He received the $1000 scholarship for highest marks in 5 academic courses

-a $500 citizen award which is given to a student who is diligent, respectful to

his teachers and fellow students, volunteers in and outside of the community, etc

(this year it was given to two students... Iv and Jason Neels)

-the UFV entrance award (first year free studies at UFV)

-the youth group scholarship ($500) for participating in youth functions

and volunteering at the annual pancake breakfast

(given to two students as well - Ivan and Darrin Wisse)

and a $4475 bursary!

Way to go Ivan!



 

 They finished the evening by signing to us their grad song!!

His class of 18...

one of our school's smallest classes - they will be remembered

for their hard work and dedication

as well as their friendly competition which made everyone strive harder!

 

 

Congrats Iv!!!

We LOVE you!!

 

(coming soon... your banquet pictures!!!) xo