Our Family Blog

Happy 30th Lori, Happy 7th Hayley!

2008-05-04T21:01:00.007-03:00

We had many a birthday celebration last week and into this weekend for Lori's 30th and Hayley's 7th birthday (both April 30th). Here are a few photos from Hayley's party at Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon. Victoria had a BLAST!!

The girls on the Merry-Go-Round

Emma & Lori
Victoria & Hayley on the roller coaster.

They went on this ride at least 15 times!
The girls acting silly and eating their cake! Victoria & Hayley doing 9 holes on the mini putt
Ethan decided that he would fit nicely in the storage lockers!
Victoria on the bumper cars .... note the lovely neon green socks which Victoria insisted on wearing due to the fact that they "matched" her outfit. They go so nicely with the pink crocs!
Victoria & Hayley on the bumper cars

Yellow Striper!

2008-04-17T22:37:00.004-03:00

We are so proud of Victoria for passing her first belt testing in Tae Kwon Do yesterday!! She did so great!!!! It was very difficult for her to get up in front of all of her fellow classmates, three black belt instructors as well as parents and onlookers to do her testing! She was a bit nervous but she did SO GREAT!!! We are so proud of her! She practiced really hard to get all of her moves down pat and she received a yellow stripe (first level passed) on her belt! Here are some photos of her receiving her stripe and comments from her Master.

Before the class

Receiving her stripe

Handshake to congratulate
Showing off their stripes Lori, Hayley, Victoria and Josh!

update

2008-03-26T00:56:00.002-03:00

We hope that everyone had a great Easter weekend. We were over to PEI for the weekend which was a nice break from things as we have been so busy lately! We played lots of Rook!!

Victoria was to the dentist today and got a clean bill of health. She did great! She has been off school since last Wednesday as there were two days tacked onto the Easter weekend for PA days. She's had lots of fun having sleepovers with Hayley! We are all looking forward to spring and getting a break from this cold!!

Love to all,

Victoria's First Skate

2008-02-07T11:02:00.003-04:00

Here are a few photos of Victoria's first attempt at skating.
She has been going once a week since after Christmas.
This was her first time out.

Mamy's 75th Birthday Party

2008-02-04T11:14:00.000-04:00

We had a fantastic weekend on PEI for Mamy's Birthday!!!!! Uncle Steve flew in from Ottawa on Friday and we picked him up and went to PEI early as Matt got off work a few hrs early. Luckily Uncle Steve got ahead of the big storm and he made it on time! Mamy had no idea Uncle Steve was going to be with us! It was a great surprise. My mom was here from England all last week and was with us on PEI as well. We had so much fun! We went out to dinner with the entire family on Saturday and we played games until 4 AM on Saturday night!! Mamy did not know about the party we had planned on Sunday or the dinner we planned either. When we told her she was a bit worried as she doesn't like to be unprepared for things. After the party yesterday she was soo happy and thankful and said she will never forget it! We had a great time! We played music and sang all afternoon. Our family all pitched in and got Mamy enough money for a trip to England, a passport and some spending money! That will be a wonderful experience for her!!

Here are a few photos I took of the weekend and party.

Guest Book Mamy
Flowers that Mamy received
Mamy as we sing Happy Birthday to her

Mamy's cake

Victoria learning to play the mandolin
Dwayne teaching Victoria Jennifer & Mamy
Jennifer & Uncle Steve smiling really big

Winter Storm Photos (by request)

2008-01-08T14:28:00.000-04:00

Over the holidays we had quite the weather! We endured four storms in six days!! The first storm we had was the night of the 27th. I'd guess we got about 20 cms. The second storm was the 29th and I would guess we got about 30+ cms. The photos below are on the 31st, New Years Eve at Uncle Glenn's. I'd say we got 25+ cms.

Here is Victoria outside in the snow on the 31st at Uncle Glenn's with Cassie who you can't see.

Here is the snow in front of our house and our unplowed driveway after three storms in five days had passed. It's hard to tell just how high the banks were. The tree that is nearly burried and Matt's truck might help.
You can see the banks are as tall as Victoria. We walked into the house in snow up to our waist to get in. Fun times.
Here is the 4th storm, the 2nd of January. The worst one of all 4. We got 30+ cms and had very high winds blowing all of that snow all over the place!! Here's our back deck. The snow bank is as high as the door handle. How will Cassie go to the bathroom now?? haha
Looking outside our bedroom window Jan 2nd
Where is the driveway?? Matt plowed twice in one day just to get out the next morning.
There you have it!!

Christmas Photos 2007

2008-01-03T03:45:00.001-04:00

Dinner @ Dad & Marilyn's

Visit with Other Mamy

Opening presents after church

Opening presents @ Dad & Marilyn's

Christmas Eve

Christmas Party Photos part 2

2007-12-20T17:52:00.001-04:00

Here are a few more photos from the evening.

Thanks Mom and Al for the comments. Nice to know you are seeing the posts. :)

Aunt Judy & Cassie

Mamy Janelle & Lori

Our tree. Not too many presents under there yet!

Dad & Matt. We did exchange Christmas gifts (we did exchange ornaments) and put all of our exchange gifts under the small tree! :)

Our Christmas Party

2007-12-19T00:02:00.000-04:00

We had a great night at our party and I think/hope everyone else did also. Thank you to everyone who braved the storm warning and made the drive! I was too busy hosting to take many photos but here are a few...

Photos from Matt's Birthday :)

2007-12-12T00:51:00.000-04:00

Help, it's starting already!

2007-12-05T20:01:00.000-04:00

Victoria's friend Josh and his little sister Gracie and baby brother Ethan were over for a visit with their mom Tracy today. Victoria and Josh are in the same class and have become great friends. Josh's family just moved onto our street a few houses down.

We are having a Christmas party on December 15th andTracy & her husband Rick are going to come celebrate with us. We are looking forward to spending a nice night with family and friends before Christmas!

Santa is coming soon

2007-11-18T14:19:00.000-04:00

Things have been pretty busy lately. I've opened my business and it's been a very hectic couple of weeks! I had to do a lot of waiting for registration and name searches and all of those fun things before I could publish my website and start advertising. Kiss The Bride officially opened on November 8th and things are really going well. I have had two potential clients and one who has hired me. I am very pleased with that outcome considering it all happened within the very first week of my opening. My website is www.kiss-the-bride.net for anyone interested in checking it out. It's a fairly amateur site as I did it all myself and have never created a website before!!

After we were snowed on last weekend and it was instantly winter, this past week was very warm and it became autumn again! Today we were sitting around listening to Christmas music together and drinking hot chocolate and decided that Victoria would write her letter to Santa. So I have posted it for all to see. Pretty cute. :)

wedding photos

2007-10-27T21:35:00.001-03:00

Here are a few photos of the thousands and yes I really mean thousands of photos we have of the wedding. I realized that not everyone has facebook (where I have 5 albums of photos posted) so I am putting them here for your viewing pleasure :)

grade one - first report

2007-10-25T20:42:00.000-03:00

victoria with hayley relaxing and watching tv

hello. just wanted to let everyone know that we went to meet victoria's teacher last night for the first parent-teacher interview of the year. she said that victoria is doing extremely well and is a joy to teach. one of the two teachers we met has been focusing on reading and writing and she showed us some of victoria's work and explained that two months ago victoria could print 14 words correctly off the top of her head and now she can print 39. we are very proud! tonight victoria and hayley are having a girls night in and just finished watching a movie together and now they are reading in bed. the girls had no school today or tomorrow. we are looking forward to a very busy weekend also as victoria has swimming lessons on saturday and has been invited to a hallowe'en party on sunday afternoon. she is very excited! :)

House Warming Party Saturday Sept 29th

2007-10-01T21:37:00.000-03:00

Here is a photo of Mike, Jacqueline and Lori. Jacqueline was the previous owner of the house. Her husband refinished the entire house himself. He did all of the hardwood floors and all of the ceramic tile. All of the details were done by him. Sadly he passed away in April. Here is Jacqueline giving the keys to a very emotional Lori and Mike. We have all become great friends with Jacqueline who has since moved to France to be with her family. She is such a sweet lady!
She has promised to visit in the spring. :)

Here is Jason & Emma. Jason, Becky and Reece came from Halifax for the bbq :)

Their new living room :)

Here are a few people enjoying some chatting and munchies in the huge kitchen :)

Hayley posing in her new dining room!

The girls enjoying their burgers and hotdogs :)

We had lots of fun and lots to eat.

Everything went well and now Lori, Mike and family are all moved in.

wedding video

2007-09-27T02:24:00.000-03:00

If anyone would like to see a portion of our wedding video who is not on facebook, they can go to www.steppingstone.ca and at the top click gallery. On the left side under wedding montages you should see our names at the top of the list. Enjoy :)

fun with our friends

2007-09-25T01:38:00.000-03:00

We are really enjoying having Mike, Lori, Hayley, Ethan, and Emma now living in NB. They are only a short drive away. We enjoyed supper at their house just tonight. They take possesesion of the house on Thursday and we are very excited for them! We are throwing them a house warming party this Saturday! Their neighbours have shown them such hospitality as most of you know Mike and Ethan both were in hospital the very first weekend they came to NB. It was a difficult time for them. Here are a few photos of some of the gang out to supper for Mike's 30th birthday on the 14th :)

Lori, Ethan, Victoria and Hayley

Victoria and Hayley

in all their toothless glory

2007-09-10T03:07:00.000-03:00

I can not believe how long it has been since we blogged. I thought I would post a few photos of Victoria's first day of grade one. Her oldest friend Hayley who just moved here from Ontario is in the photo with her. Hayley is in the immersion program so she is not in the same class as Victoria but they are both having a really great time so far! Victoria will start immersion in grade four.

camping trip

2007-06-13T01:15:00.000-03:00

victoria met a few friends while we were there! she had a lot of fun with them!

this was our home and camp site for the weekend
here's a shot of cassie chasing the birds! that was too funny!
here are the seals hanging out on the sandbar!

cutie

our view at sunset

cassie exploring

here we are :)

another action shot of cassie chasing birds!

we had a great time camping on pei last weekend! aside from a few bug bites it was a lot of fun! we stayed at seal cove campground in murray harbour north on the eastern end of pei. victoria especially loved camping. we roasted marshmellows and combed the beach for seashells. we even got to see a bunch of seals relaxing on the sand bar! cassie had a lot of fun too chasing the birds!

great visit

2007-06-06T18:23:00.000-03:00

the photos tell the story. we had a great visit with everyone!

cheryl and matt get surprised

great family shot

walking the streets of saint john

Jenn's surprise shower

2007-05-25T11:45:00.000-03:00

Thank you so much to everyone who put time and effort into planning my shower. I know it fell on a difficult day being Mother's Day but thank you so much for all the gifts and good wishes! It means a lot!

Jenn & Emma Grace

Jenn, Lori & Steph talking about something really funny :)

Carolyn Jenn opening a gift from Mom & Al Jenn decided to make herself look ridiculous before the others did it for her
From Nannie & Bobbie, our first plate! Haha
Jenn's Aunt Bernice taking her turn holding Emma
This is the part where Jenn looks ridiculous ha ha

more photos

2007-05-24T23:56:00.000-03:00

The view of Pickering from our plane heading back to NB

Matt, Grandpa Clark & Jenn

Misty

Bobbie, Nannie, Jenn & Matt

Matt, Nannie & Jenn

the countdown is on

2007-05-24T14:09:00.000-03:00

Well we are back safe and sound. We had a great time visiting with everyone. Thank you to everyone who helped us so much with the Jack & Jill and for all the gifts at my shower. We are so blessed to have such great people in our lives! Here are some photos from the jack and jill! More photos to come :)

Victoria, Tuesday evening, May 8th

2007-05-08T19:23:00.000-03:00

At last beautiful weather! We are loving it! Here is Victoria in our backyard after supper. We were prepping the lawn for some needed care and getting ready to plant our flowers. :) Victoria was putting her new pet "pinecomb" into it's bed. 10,000 toys and she plays with a pinecomb haha.

Victoria and Co

2007-04-23T14:44:00.000-03:00

Here are a few shots of Victoria last weekend outside. She had made a snowman with the snow that had fallen. Don't worry its all gone now and we've had a beautiful weekend! Today is 20 degrees and Victoria is playing dress up with her friend Abby. They've become quite close in the last few weeks and play together nearly every day. It's really cute!

wow

2007-04-13T11:15:00.000-03:00

Mother Nature is not only confused, I think she may have had too much to drink. It's snowing AGAIN this weekend and we are supposed to get 20 more cms on top of the 20+ we got last weekend. Although most of it melted over the week, we are certainly getting it as I write this now. School was cancelled today and I am not sure if I'll even be working tonight. Victoria and I have tickets to see the Big Comfy Couch tonight at the theatre at 7 and we'll have to check to see if that is still playing! Matt & I also have planned to start the first of two classes in our marriage course tomorrow morning and my Dad is coming over from PEI this evening to stay with Victoria while we are there. That may not happen as I can't imagine the roads are too good!

Here is the view from the back of the house. It has only been snowing for maybe 3 hours! It's supposed to go well into tonight and tomorrow. Yikes!

easter photos

2007-04-10T23:59:00.000-03:00

Victoria playing at Mamy's on Easter weekend courtesy of Aunt Judy.

i think mother nature is a bit confused

2007-04-10T01:25:00.000-03:00

Well we had quite the weekend. A huge storm paid us a visit this weekend and dropped about 20+ cms on us. Not fun to drive in on the way home from work but Matt & Victoria who were on PEI this weekend with my family were stuck there for most of the day on Sunday. They got home around dinner time that day instead of morning as the weather was horrible! Sure made things interesting! The snow was so high in our driveway, it was up to Matt's waist. It's funny that the biggest storm we have all season is in April!

Our prayers are with the fallen soldiers today. Five of the six who died were from the Maritimes and a small town very near us, Gagetown. It's all very sad :(

Happy Easter

2007-04-09T00:10:00.000-03:00

Wishing you all a Happy Easter weekend!

Hula Girl

2007-04-03T11:51:00.000-03:00

Here is Victoria after her party on Sunday. It was a Hawaiian theme so she got a grass skirt and the whole shebang and decided to give us a dance! She had a great time.

Then she dyed her hair blonde haha

nothing new

2007-03-28T14:13:00.000-03:00

It's been a while since our last blog, but that is because there is nothing much to report. We are both working all the time and are working hard on the wedding plans and the plans for the jack and jill in May. Victoria is doing great. She is still going to sparks and swimming every week. She has two birthday parties this weekend so go to so she'll be having a great time no doubt!

Take care all,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2007-03-21T00:05:00.000-03:00

Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Al (or should we say Anne?)!

Happy Birthday to you!!!

We hope you enjoyed your day yesterday!!

Sorry this birthday wish is a day late on here but I got off work early tonight so I was able to get some stuff accomplished!

Glad to hear you got the card though!

Love,

Matt Jenn & Victoria

it's a girl!

2007-03-16T01:48:00.000-03:00

Here is my best friend Lori last week with her son Ethan. TODAY she had a baby girl!! YAY! (can you tell I am excited for her?) Emma Grace was born Thursday morning weighing 8lbs 4oz. Congrats to Lori and her husband Mike. I love you both dearly! xoxo

back to business

2007-03-15T01:22:00.000-03:00

Victoria and I are back from our trip to Ontario. It went by so quickly! We really enjoyed ourselves. We had good weather for the most part, only mild snow in some areas on our trip to Ontario but the roads were clear for all of the travelling we did, so we cannot complain! Thank goodness for ipods, that's all I have to say! I had written a long blog talking all about our trip but the power went out and I lost it all. So, you are getting the readers digest version. HaHa! Here are a few photos from our visit with Lori (my best friend) and the kids. Victoria had a BLAST! She and Hayley were inseparable for the whole visit. It was really nice to spend time with them as we are never really able to visit with them when we are in Ontario because they are so far away! :(

random

2007-02-27T22:11:00.000-04:00

Here are a few photos of Victoria being silly. We met with her teacher yesterday and she had lots of great things to say. She showed us her spelling and writing from the beginning of the year and what Victoria has been doing lately and the difference is amazing! She said she's a social butterfly and is chatty (gee who knew?) but that she's doing great. The class went skating today and she was pretty excited about that too. :)

its been a while

2007-02-26T01:20:00.000-04:00

Well, my new job is going well. I'm putting in a lot of hours as I am working 6 nights a week. The people I work with are really nice and they are fun to be around. So far I am enjoying it. They opened on my birthday so I didn't do much on that day. Matt and some of my family bought me a Canon 8 MP digital camera (the same as Aunt Marion and Uncle Gary) so I was pretty excited about that to say the least!!!! Matt also had a gorgeous arrangement of flowers sent to my work (I was so surprised!) for my birthday. All together now, awwwwwww. Victoria had her third swimming lesson this last Saturday and she is doing really well. She loves it! She is also reading quite well now. There are a few books that she brings from school that she reads to me at night before bed. It's amazing!
Below are a few shots with the new camera!! Lucifer and my flowers from Matt :)

zee blizzard has left zee building

2007-02-19T14:17:00.000-04:00

We got quite a bit of snow last night. I had to shovel my way out to pick up Victoria from school. Not that it mattered at all because I got stuck on the way back in anyway. All of you people who are basking in the sun right now, STOP LAUGHING!

Here's the pooch playing in the snow. Notice how her entire legs are missing?

My Painting

2007-02-16T15:42:00.000-04:00

Here's an oil painting on canvas I did a few weeks ago on PEI. I painted it from a picture on a birthday card. I haven't signed it yet cause I don't have the right brush to sign it but it turned out pretty good for my first painting :)

Grey's Anatomy is the greatest show on Earth

2007-02-16T00:03:00.000-04:00

Just thought I'd clear that up incase there was anyone who didn't already know that.

So, we did end up getting a bit of snow and very high winds but it turned into rain, got really warm and all melted. School was a go. Apparently I am starting my new job this weekend. Just sittin' here waitin'.

Prepare to get snowed in!

2007-02-14T14:42:00.000-04:00

Apparently we are going to get the remains of the storm that just went through Ontario. I'll bet school will be cancelled tomorrow!

Victoria had a great time at school today for Valentine's Day. She came home with bags of cards and candies. She has sparks tonight so she is hoping the snow doesn't come until after 7pm!!

Matt was out to the WildCats game last night. The guy who lives beside us asked him to go. So he was able to get out and do something which is nice. Such a shame that Moncton lost to PEI 4-2! Woohoo PEI! Matt's got a new pair of glasses too. They look great. We'll have to take some photos and post em.

I am waiting impatiently to hear when I am going to start my job! I am hoping for this weekend. There is a Bridal show on Sunday that I am planning to go to and another one next weekend in Halifax. I've never been to one so I am looking forward to that!

Photos From Christmas & New Years in Ontario

2007-02-11T23:40:00.000-04:00

Matt, Sienna, Jenn, Erin & Mark - January 1st, 2007

Jenn & Cheryl The beautiful Sienna!

Sienna getting attention from Uncle Matt & Poppa

Santa in the flesh!! Shandra & Matt Nothing like ending the night with a few poses!

Photos from Christmas on PEI

2007-02-11T22:42:00.000-04:00

Victoria thought she would join Katie for a nap in Katie's bed!
The entire gang from Christmas dinner!

Four generations of girls (one person missing from this photo, my MOM to make 5 generations) & Matt :)

Victoria's favourite gift!

Victoria opening gifts from Santa!

The pups are pooped!!

Blogs all over!

2007-02-11T22:39:00.000-04:00

After uploading new photos from Christmas, I was just about to send them off in an email and realised what a pain that is. So, here I am starting ANOTHER blog. But, it's so true that it is so much easier than huge emails and hoping not to leave someone out and uploading and downloading pictures bla bla bla. So, here is our new family blog. Enjoy.