Monday, January 29, 2007

To my friends and family

Hello All,

I thought I would send out a quick Richmond update as my inbox was full of messages like "where are you?', "what's new?" "how come you're never home?" etc. ;)

We are in the middle of moving between our two houses. The top floor and our portion of the lower floor in the new place are almost done with the kitchen having been completed on the weekend and the appliances arriving this week. I DO NOT DESERVE MY KITCHEN! It is sooooo beautiful and I can't wait to show you the completed photos (or in person for those of you in town). Although the tiled backsplash may not be done for a few weeks, depends on how tired my tile-man (Darrell!) is. The suite is also coming along and there were 4 people working on it the last 3 days.

Poor Darrell has been working like a crazy-man between his two jobs and the new place, and the kids and I have also been over there every possible minute so it was no surprise that we all caught a cold this past week which has left me without much of a voice (what luck I hear some of you say!). Despite being sick we have been out of the house almost every night last week as there were showings on our current place, along with open houses this weekend and private showings right after. 7 straight hours on one day.

Needless to say, we are a bit tired but looking forward to finally being moved over. The blessing of not having yet sold our place is that we've been able to move things over gradually.

Thanks for all your prayers re selling our current house. With 15 people that went through it this past week we know God is sending the right person one of these days. So, apologies for not having responded to emails, phone calls etc. All will be back to normal in a week or two, and I will then be posting from the luxurious new building that I shall from thereafter call, MY HOME.

Rachel

Friday, January 19, 2007

Visit/House Reno/How she'd do that?/Zachary's school performance

Well, this will be a quick post. Every waking moment is spent packing boxes, taking them to the new house, working at the new house, working at the old house etc.

This week - lovely visit from Leon, Alison & Aria who popped into the office for tea with myself and Jeni. They were only in town for 2 days so it was great to see them so soon after my Calgary visit.

Jeni & Aria with their intense pose:

Next, as promised some more before & after's of the new place, please pray for Darrell - he is working his TAIL off!
Family Room, now minus fan, border & extra sliding doors:


Living Room, newly finished wood floors were a tad dusty that day:


Downstairs Rec. Room, now with wall pushed back 4 feet, new door, paint & Carpet!:

Brooklyn never ceases to amaze with comments, expressions AND positions!
Today we all got to go to the PCS chapel for Zachary's class performance of the Watchmaker. And may I say, my son knew ALL his lines off by heart.....unlike some children......

Monday, January 15, 2007

2006 in Review

So I stole this idea from Alison..... who stole it from Heather......... you get the idea........

2006 in Review

What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before? - Ran my first 10km race, did a Missions trip.

Did you keep new year's resolutions and will you make more next year? - I don't make them, but I always endeavour to get back into shape after Christmas. Which I ALWAYS allow myself to enjoy to the fullest in the culinary department if you know what I mean.

Did anyone close to you give birth? - Yep! Aria was born to Alison & Leon in March, Tatum was born to Joel & Tania in March and Jack was born to Anna and Mike in December. Sorry if I missed any :(

Did anyone close to you die? - No

What countries did you visit? - U.S.A. and Mexico.

What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006? - Less time working, more time with my children.

What dates from 2006 will remain etched in your memory and why? - I am the worst person to ask this - I would like to say the dates of my niece and nephew's birth but I've already forgotten what date Tatum was born. Trust me - I HAVE A BAD MEMORY. But June for my missions trip to Mexico. Mind boggling sights and scenes.

What was your biggest achievement of the year? - Probably the 10km. I'm not usually very good at self-motivation.

What were your biggest failures this year? - Wasting time.

Did you suffer illness or injury? - No, thank the Lord.

What was the best thing you bought? - A new house and all of the fun toys to go in it.

Whose behaviour merited celebration? - Anna's for giving birth.

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? - No comment.

What did you spend most of your spare cash on? - Hmmm..... shoes ????? No actually (see Vicki!) - house stuff.

What did you get really, really excited about? - The trip to Disneyland.

What song will always remind you of 2006? -

Compared to this time last year are you happier or sadder? - Happier, more fulfilled with each year.

Thinner or fatter? - I think the same.

Richer or poorer? - DEFINITELY poorer! (still own 2 houses, waiting for the sale of one of them)

What do you wish you'd done more of? - Giving.

What do you wish you'd done less of? - Working!

Did you fall in love in 2006? - Over and over again with the 3 roomates in my home!

How many one-night-stands? - Well, I once this year dreamt I had a one-night stand..... turns out it was with Darrell !!!!!! (I'm sure psychologists would have a field day with that one......)

What was your favorite TV programme? - ER

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? - No, never.

What was the last book you read? - Ugh......errr......sorry, don't remember.

What was your greatest musical discovery? - My son has rhythm with his new drum kit!

Greatest concert of 2006? - Bryan Adams

What did you want and get? - A New Kitchen (well, will get....)

What did you want and not get? - Under-tile heating in the kitchen and the extra prep sink. ALMOST had em.......

What was your favourite film this year? - Rarely go to movies, not even sure if I saw one in the theatre in 2006.

What did you do on your birthday and how old are you? - Had a wonderful birthday brunch with my family, my in-laws and niece at John's Place. Darrell invited some friends over in the evening and had a divine chocolate fudge cake. I'm 36.

What one thing would've made your year immeasurably more satisfying? - Is it too shallow to say winning the lottery? Because honestly, it would have saved us a lot of headaches :)

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006? - Accessories, Accessories, Accessories.

What kept you sane? - Prayer. Darrell. Zachary and Brooklyn.

What political issue has stirred you the most? - The Poor.

Who did you miss? - My Mum while she was working in Mexico. My family in Alberta and Leon and Alison once they moved. And of course all of my friends who were already in other provinces (Come Back........)

Who was the best new person you met this year? - Wow. We can only pick one? Luke and Helena.

Monday, January 08, 2007

Reunion with Good Friends! And BABY JACK !!

Well, New Year's Eve was a fun night - 8 of us went to the 4 mile pub for dinner and a wee bit of dancing. And most of all - LOTS of giggles! Our good friends Gerry & Sharon were in town so we enjoyed seeing them again.


Then - my lovely husband Darrell sent me to Calgary for a birthday present to see my new nephew. And a big thank you to my dear friend Vicki for her birthday present - babysitting!

Ok - so you know how some babies are cute? Well Jack is STUNNINGLY TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY BEAUTIFUL. And no, I'm not biased. Well, yes I am but he's gorgeous. I spent 4 great days at my sister's place and on the Friday Leon, Alison, Jacquelyn and Aria came over to visit.





I love how when some friends show up you just put on the kettle and sit down to lovely conversation, stories and giggles like they had never left town. It was a great day and it was so good to see them again. I MISS YOU ALL BADLY ! Aria is such a doll, what a well-behaved little muffin she is......

Then on Saturday my brother and his wife and 2 girls came over and we repeated the Christmas turkey dinner. Everything - crackers, turkey, hats and all. It was a precious, precious time as I got to visit with Tatum and Chloe and remind them who Auntie Rachel is. They are gorgeous girls, Joel & Tania are awesome parents.

(My brother doing his best 'Wallace impression!)






Auntie Rachel with Tatum Rachel Turner.

Highlight of conversation: "Chloe, what is Daddy?" "A man" "good! And what is Mummy" " A girl". "Good, and what is Chloe?" Whispered response "A Christian"!!!!

HOW CUTE IS THAT?