The family that just keeps on growing…
October 16, 2009 By 11 Comments
Last weekend I came for Thanksgiving to an amazing surprise! Well, it wasn’t a surprise per se, since I kind of heard about it a couple of days earlier, but I was excited to see this new addition to our ever growing family! Now we’ve had dogs before, we started with Clara when I was a baby, and we had Clara for about 10 years. Clara was an awesome dog, and was also the child of our Oma’s dog Sammy, who was the child of Oma’s dog Sammy! ( I edited this. Apparently Rags was Clara’s DogOma)
Yes, that is me being puppy loved by Clara and her brothers and sisters! 
After Clara died we had a couple more dogs that we had from puppies, and honestly? Puppies and farms do not mix…and that’s all I’ll say about that.
At Christmas Micaela decided that she wanted to get a dog for Dad. She wanted a DOG though, not a puppy, since we’re not looking to train on our farm. We went to the London Humane Society to look at some dogs in the Fall, but didn’t end up getting one.
Last weekend I came home to a very happy dog named Waldo (aka Wallie, puppy or pappy). Waldo is a 7 year old (we think) Beagle who loves walking outside, cuddling, kissing and teasing the cats. He is very chill and will just wander around our house and sit with us. Mom really likes him because she thinks the cats don’t like her, but Waldo definitely loves her. He whines when she’s not around, and in a big group, he’ll choose to sit near her. He will also let me jump with him in my arms!
Here are some pictures from our Thanksgiving weekend!
Decorations that I made!
Me and Waldo!
Perfectly posing for the camera
This is how d-dawg walks a dog.
Posing with moms Thanksgiving decorations!
What did all you Canadians do for your Thanksgiving weekend?
A Thank You
September 26, 2009 By 10 Comments
I moved out of my parent’s house for University when I was 17, and when I was 21 I took that honors degree and moved across the country with my boyfriend. I have gotten many comments about my situation, some good some bad. I get the whole “You are too young to be living with your boyfriend,” and I often get “Wow, you are so young and so adventurous.” I often agree with both sentiments.
There is one reason that I have been able to have the wonderful adventures I have had in my life – support from my family and close friends. I know I am biased, but I think I have the best friends and family around. Throughout my whole life, and I know my sisters can say the same for themselves (and probably will in the comments), I have felt nothing but unconditional love from my family (including my sisters, parents, grandparents, aunts, cousins, uncles) and as an adult, from my three best girlfriends.
I was talking to best friend/often-mistaken-for-a-sister Stef tonight, and she put it really well – “I love hanging out with your family, it is like a burst of unconditional love.” I love that line, and I love the thought. The love I get from my family makes my heart smile, gives me the energy to keep on keepin’ on, and gives me the motivation to be the best person I can be.
So, to my family and to my friends, thank you. Thank you for encouraging me to leave, for teaching me how to be a good person, for making me laugh and smile, and for always being there for me when I need you (and when I don’t need you). You have all helped me to discover who I am, and because of your help, I really like that person I can call me.
Things to look forward to
August 6, 2009 By 8 Comments
This evening (Thursday night) I am going to the airport, running onto an airplane, bouncing off the walls of said airplane for four hours, and sprinting off that plane into the arms of some people that I love as soon as we land.
My mind isn’t really thinking straight tonight, and likely won’t until I get to the farm, so this is going to be in bullet form. Here are some of the things I am looking forward to while in Ontario for 10 days:
-Standing in front of the fireplace in the kitchen at the farm. Even in the summer when it is sweltering, that fireplace is always the “water cooler” of our home (it’s where all the good gossip happens)
-Tim’s parents 25th anniversary party and his Dad’s 50th birthday party on Saturday
-Going to a birthday party in Grand Bend on Friday with all of my friends from University
-Micaela’s bachelorette shot luck on Saturday
-Laura’s husband’s birthday party on Sunday
-Going to Toronto to finally (finally!) meet Reggy
-Rubbing Kate’s pregnant belly! And finally getting to meet the Razzlebaby that I already love so, so, so much
-Being Mom’s slave for a few days
-Hanging out with two women who I love dearly and I hear make excellent bartenders
-Learning the result of a Very Good interview I had today
-Eating food from the Pub where I worked through University. Also known as Heaven and where most all of my money went while in school.
-Taking a plane with Tim for the first time
-The Time Traveler’s Wife movie opening
And there’s something else too … I just can’t remember quite what it is. I know that it takes place in Saturday, August 15th … but I just can’t remember what it is.
Oh yea! I have a couple of things to do. I told my Oma that I would help her wash her dog, and I thought it would be a good day to pick out my eyeglasses. I have some socks that I need to mend, and I think I will finally get a start on a puzzle I have been wanting to do for awhile. If it’s nice out, I will lay out with my strappiest bikini and get lots and lots of tan lines. I think it will be a good opportunity to take that day to myself, as I will be very overwhelmed from all of the visiting I will be doing that week. Phewph! What a day I have planned for myself. Oh, and I think I’ll catch the Time Traveler’s Wife while I’m at it.
Mic – what are you doing on the 15th? Wanna hang out?
(Je blague, je blague)
Long time no talk
June 17, 2009 By 13 Comments
The time came and past a long while ago when I was due to update this blog. I’ve been slacking, majorly. What can I say, I’ve been busy with lots on my mind and working hard.
So what better way to come back and win you over then a blog with photos! Because a photo represents a 1000 words and boy I’ve got lots of photos!
On the weekend Erica, Denis, Scott and I went to Toronto to see the Blue Jays play and to visit with Micaela and Kent! First up was the baseball game which sadly they lost. Boo!! But the highlight of the game was when we were on the jumbotron! For all of 5 seconds, too fast for me to take a photo. I think they were spying on me taking photos of Micaela and wanted in on the action.
Next we met up with Kent’s sister and brother-in-law and checked out Woof-fest, a dog festival on the streets of downtown Toronto. There were dogs EVERYWHERE, and dog products everywhere. From dog strollers (???) to dog carriers and toys, to dog photo shoots and paintings. You name it for your dog and they probably had it. Too bad I’m not that big of a dog fan.
After we were sick of dogs we went out for a nice pub style dinner on a patio and headed back to Mic and Kent’s apartment to get ready for our drive home. It was a nice day trip to Toronto.
Then on Sunday I had a very exciting first. My cousin ‘hired’ me to take photos of her and her friends! We went to beautiful St. Marys, had great weather and got some nice photos for them. Here’s a teaser for you Lara!
Kate's life in photos
April 25, 2009 By 4 Comments
1. A picture of you in your room.
Back in university…
2. A picture of you posing with someone you don’t actually like.
Sorry E and D, he just hates me! I can’t believe he let me hold him long enough to get a photo.
3. A picture with a former crush
Before he was my crush and now he’s my husband!
4. A picture of you very drunk.
Halloween 2008. Dressed up as Minnie mouse, riding Mic’s horse Sheila.
5. . A picture of you with a parent or two.
Me and dad being silly.
6. A picture of you on your birthday.
A photo from my 19th birthday. Too drunk to get back into the bar so we waited outside. It’s such a random photo but I love it. This is from before Scott and I were dating (he’s to the right in the photo) {and similar to Micaela’s my shirt is also riding up… oh drunk birthday girls}
7. The youngest picture you can find of yourself in digital form.
Scanned in, but it still totally counts. I’m in the yellow at the bottom. No Lauren yet!
8. A picture of you in one of your favorite outfits.
9. A picture of you making a goofy face at the camera
10. A picture you miiiiiight have edited to make yourself more attractive.
Miiiight or, yea really definitely did…
11. A picture of you and a team or club you’re in.
Since I never got a copy of the group photo… this is all I have of baseball..
12. A picture of you showing off a new haircut (even if it’s an old haircut now)
ooolllddd haircut. But look at how cute it was!
13. A picture of you truly being yourself.
14. The most recent picture of you.
White jacket- walking with the ladies in T.O. on the weekend
15. . A picture of you being absolutely ridiculous.
Being ridiculous being the last drunk ladies at ladies night. Drinking while sitting on the floor.
16. A photo that you are tagged in that you aren’t actually in.
I’m not actually tagged in this one… but it was my profile picture at one time. I took it last spring.
17. A picture of a time in your life that’s over, but you wish it wasn’t.
Leah and I at the RANCH!
18. A picture of a time in your life that’s over, and you couldn’t be more thankful that it is.
The wall of fame and shame on our university townhouse wall. It was fun but I’m so happy to be living at home now.
19. A picture with your oldest friend.
21. A picture of you when you were anything but happy, even if you were smiling and did your best to hide it.
I remember being so mad that we had to climb this tree to take a darn family photo… looks like Lauren wasn’t that happy either!
22. A picture of you that you had no idea was being taken.
I’m not sure if Mic even knew she was taking the photo! New Years 2006
23. A picture of you when you were a different person than you are now.
24. A picture of you in a fashion “DON’T”.
After jumping into a huge mud puddle from the play centre. Mom made us hose off outside.
25. A picture of you in a swimsuit – whether you love it or loathe it.
26. A picture of you taking a shot / chugging a beer / downing some sort of mixed drink.
At the Chicken Run party- a party in a chicken barn!
27. A picture of yourself that you hate.
It’s probably wrong to hate photos of you from your own wedding, but I really don’t like this one.
28. A picture of you with someone you love.
29. A picture of how you’d like the world to see you.
30. A picture that describes how you’d like to spend every day.
Trying new things, driving fun equipment!
31. A picture of a time when everything was changing.
University graduation.
32. A picture that makes your heart hurt.
But in a GOOD way! You know, the achy I’m in love feeling way.
33. A picture that makes your heart smile.
A photobooth picture we took for dad when he was in the hospital over Easter a few years back. Translation: We Love You!
34. A picture of one of the best nights or days of your life.
My Life in Photos
April 23, 2009 By 15 Comments
It takes awhile, but it’s worth it. Try your very best to find all of the pictures asked for… use facebook or the pictures stored on your computer. If you can’t find one, that’s okay, but leave all questions in the survey for others to find. Tag the people in your photos, and anyone you think may be interested in completing this.
1. A picture of you in your room.
Katelyn took this when her and I used to share a bed for a few months.
2. A picture of you posing with someone you don’t actually like.
3. A picture with a former crush
He was friends with my friend Amanda and I met him on campus with her and thought he was awesome, and basically arranged it so that we became best friends, by telling him that I wanted to be his best friend. We went from not knowing each other to being best friends, and it worked out very well as you can see here! He had a long term girlfriend so our friendship never progressed past the proposal on the dance floor.
4. A picture of you very drunk.
We weren’t actually kissing, just opening our mouths really close to one another.
5. . A picture of you with a parent or two.
My and my momma dancing, years and years ago.
6. A picture of you on your birthday.
You can always tell the birthday girl because she’s the one with the horribly riding up shirt, and wearing a hat. You can always tell the boyfriend of the bday girl because he’s the one who was forced to drink right along with her and is probably off biting someone’s ear.
7. The youngest picture you can find of yourself in digital form.
8. A picture of you in one of your favorite outfits.
Lately I’m very into colourful dresses that have regular, thick straps.
9. A picture of you making a goofy face at the camera
10. A picture you miiiiiight have edited to make yourself more attractive.
Morning after Kate’s stag and doe… nuff said!
11. A picture of you and a team or club you’re in.
Katelyn and I making funny faces with our Brownies last year.
12. A picture of you showing off a new haircut (even if it’s an old haircut now)
I don’t know really if it was new! But I imagine we got our hair cut for family pictures.
13. A picture of you truly being yourself.
I’m a true Dutch girl.
14. The most recent picture of you.
This was taken last weekend at Erica’s bachelorette.
15. . A picture of you being absolutely ridiculous.
Shaving my legs for a talent show.
16. A photo that you are tagged in that you aren’t actually in.
Our friend Laura’s wedding.
17. A picture of a time in your life that’s over, but you wish it wasn’t.
Snowboarding with Leah in the mountains in February!
18. A picture of a time in your life that’s over, and you couldn’t be more thankful that it is
I do NOT miss climbing up a skinny hydro pole like structure (but much higher!) standing on a tiny plank, then jumping off into thin air at a camp last summer.
19. A picture with your oldest friend.
Michelle and I – best friends since grade one.
21. A picture of you when you were anything but happy, even if you were smiling and did your best to hide it.
Tequila shot on my last birthday. Tequila is NOT my friend.
22. A picture of you that you had no idea was being taken.
In class with all my teachers college friends last month. I’m in the green.
23. A picture of you when you were a different person than you are now.
.
This was Erica’s halloween costume when she was a kid, and I loved wearing it for Halloween a few years back.
24. A picture of you in a fashion “DON’T”.
(No offense mom! I’m sure it was cool at the time!)
25. A picture of you in a swimsuit – whether you love it or loathe it.
(love it)
26. A picture of you taking a shot / chugging a beer / downing some sort of mixed drink.
27. A picture of yourself that you hate.
28. A picture of you with someone you love.
29. A picture of how you’d like the world to see you.
30. A picture that describes how you’d like to spend every day.
This was a perfect snowboarding day.
31. A picture of a time when everything was changing.
The day we got engaged! (The pics are stuck together.) Can you tell the ring was a few sizes too big?
32. A picture that makes your heart hurt.
Our Opa passed away about ten years ago and we still miss him. And how cute are Erica and I, thinking that we’re being helpful, and the fact that I’m doing barn work in my little dress!
33. A picture that makes your heart smile.
Basically any pictures from when we were little make my heart smile.
34. . A picture of one of the best nights or days of your life.
Take a guess!
Tuesdays with Micaela: Easter weekend in Ottawa
April 14, 2009 By 9 Comments
Over Easter weekend I travelled to Canada’s capital city, Ottawa to visit my babiest sister Lauren with Kent, Erica, Denis, and our parents.
Here’s a little photo recap.
We took our friends dog, Eve out for a walk:
Coolest house on the block:
On Easter Sunday we toured the parliament. Lauren and I love the parliamentary library so much that we almost bought library shaped earrings at the gift shop.
Kent in front of the parliament:
Erica in the parliament’s Peace Tower (highest building in Ottawa):
We slept over at Lauren’s place. I’m sure you’ll recognize it even in this small picture as a typical student house. This is where we had sleepovers and watched way too much of My Super Sweet Sixteen.
Funny story: Lauren and I had the tv on Mean Girls when we left with mom to go shopping. Our dad was staying behind and when I asked if he wanted me to remote to switch the channel he said, “No, actually can you turn the volume up?” Despite spending a large portion of his life living with six girly-girls, my dad has managed to remain surprisingly manly, but even the manliest dad has his weak moments, apparently.
After Erica, Denis, and Kent left us on Sunday we visited the Nature Museum. Lauren and I had so much fun with all the interactive games where we got to tape ourselves making chimp calls and bird sounds.
Our not-so-blonde momma (don’t tell her that though):
Me, hanging out in a tree:
The photo ops really were endless:
After the museum we had some snacks at a market/bakery where apparently Obama had recently enjoyed some a cookie. Poor Obama probably felt like he had to order a Canada cookie to show his pride, even though the cookies looked pretty unappetizing and everything else there looked soooo good! At least he’s a good sport. Now they’re milking these cookies for every penny:
Thanks for being so much fun, Lauren! I LOVE Ottawa and will definitely be visiting you next year when I’m living only four hours away instead of nine.
That was our nontraditional Easter weekend, a far cry from our usual which always includes a 9am Catholic mass and way too many Easter dinners and easter egg hunts. I did make Kent an Easter basket though. I couldn’t help myself. I “apparently” didn’t warn him (ie. he didn’t remember me warning him!) I didn’t care though, I love giving him holiday gifts even if I don’t get any in return. My parents have always made us Easter baskets (and gave the three of us plus the two boys one to share this year) and later Kent was very apologetic and decided that he liked the basket idea so much that it will be a tradition from now on. Starting new holiday traditions is my favourite.
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