When did Christmas become less than a week away?

Here's the rest of the photos I promised. Took a while but I like I said Christmas is in 6 days!Yikes! Enjoying a visit with Jay, Mel and Derek!

Great to see old friends! Jenn, Amber and Carmen

Um Alex and Bonnie you guys look good as parents. haha no pressure!

Liam, Me and Lyndi (Hey Woo I can see why people think we're twins)

Catching a ride with Great Grandma Robertson!

Hopefully I get a chance to post again but if not. We hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and a safe and exciting New Year!

Love,

Monique, Matt and Liam

December...I'm still on my to do list from October!

So I have been told by our loyal blog followers that I have not updated in a while. Well, the truth is we got back from Edmonton last Tuesday and it has seriously been a whirlwind ever since. Who knew December would get here so quickly and then Christmas 12 days away! What?!!

Here are some more photos from our trip back to Edmonton. Not all of them are here but I will post more tomorrow. I'm wiped...I going to finish this blog, write some christmas cards, watch some Laguna Beach (I'll admit it) and then call it a night.

Recap:

Yummy Mummy Fitness Class - Liam and I were able to join my friend Kristina's class, that she runs, for a morning. We had a great time especially since most moms there had kids that were over 20 lbs so I didn't feel like a tool only being able to do less than 10 squats with Sumo Boy aka Liam. The music was awesome and the kids were able to run around at will. Great exercise had by all.

Mom! Dance faster will yeah!

Annual schools I've worked in visits:

I had a chance to stop by Ainlay to see some of my favorite collegues from my first years of teaching. I was just a 21 year old kid when I joined this staff and I am proud to say that these teachers made me the teacher I am today. I had a million mentors and staff that really took me under their wings. Great memories!!

Pat, Liam and I

The last year I taught I was at Britannia in the west end. Loved the kids, loved the staff and made some truly long lasting friendship. My friend, Kirstin, was generous enough to host a brunch at here house for us. Completely kid friendly and once again I look back at those times and realize how good I had it.

The ever growing Britannia crew

I have always had wonderful experience at school for the most part. Really the only time I cried was when I was leaving the school for the summer or when we moved away.

Pilgrimidge to the Pedalhead bike store

It's a rule when in Edmonton must visit some of my most favorite guys in the world!! Liam loves these guys and had a great time trying to demolish their new store. We miss you out in the 'Wack!!! Good luck with the new store and see you in the New Year!

Da' Boyz

That's all for tonight! I'll post tomorrow with more photos. Until then have a great evening.

See yeah later suckas!!!

Love,

Mo, Matt and Liam

It's a winter wonderland!

Explain to me what is happening with our weather systems! Now Liam and I are in Edmonton for 10 days so I fully expected minus 20 something weather but the day I leave Chilliwack we had a front lawn full of snow and since them almost 50 cm of snow has dumped there! Wow so really I can't complain because at least I remember how to drive in Alberta snow and the cold temps are cold but it's nice to walk into a place for a nice hot cup of cider.

The view from the upstairs window.

Since it has been too cold for Liam to be outdoors (did you like my excuse there for staying indoors) we have been busy around Grandma and Grandpa's house running, playing with toys and being hopelessly spoiled.

You can imagine how many times Grandma has put these dishes back already.

We've been to the Royal Alberta Museum to take in the Bob the Builder interactive display where Liam burned off a lot calories running from station to station then back again. You can actually get a season pass to go to these exhibits everyday...and you could tell which parents had been there everyday. Key signs: glassy eyes aimlessly staring at the Bob the Builder video that is most likely memorized in their minds, not really caring where their child was...probably hoping they got hurt somewhere so the next morning the kids would awake saying 'I hate that Bob the Builder!'

Bob told me to go down the slide this way!

We've even been to the YMCA here. A beautiful facility with an indoor playground complete with a woman who leads songs, plays with a parachute and let's the kids go wild. For a fairly busy place I have to say it was peacefully quiet and Liam never got pushed off a slide instead there were about 5 different slides that he didn't even know what to do with himself. We were lucky enough to meet up with one of my dearest friends, Chloe and her husband, Felix, and her sons Rueben and Levi. They kept insisting Edmonton would be a great place to come back to. Hmm we'll see...don't miss the weather so much as the people. Thanks Chlo for the the wonderful visit!!

Chloe and the men in her life!

We have a week to go in Edmonton and many more people to see. So until next time stay warm!!

Love,

Mo and Liam

'The Day I turned into a Monster' written by Liam

It was a grey glooming day in November when I turned into a monster. I am not sure what came over me but after November 19 I have never been the same. I am now a monster dressed up in a little fat kid's body.

Remember I wasn't always this way. Up until this fateful day in November I was a sweet 14 1/2 month old toddler. I never did anything wrong even though those two people that live in my house tell me I do. Apparently, unrolling a full roll of toilet paper is wrong - if it was not meant to be unrolled wouldn't it be simply stacked in a pile? Also throwing my food on the floor is wrong - what do they expect me to do if it doesn't taste good? The reality is I am the perfect child, I go to sleep when they want me to, I play with other kids, I run around the house...what more could they ask for.

However, that Sunday morning the 19th I felt different. Grown up maybe I was only a week away from being 15 months old or I slept in...that always changes your day. Nevertheless, I was different. The day started the same I went to do errands with those people I am suppose to call my 'parents' and came home for a nice 3 hour nap. In the afternoon, my dad and I watched the Grey Cup while my mom baked some chocolate chip cookies (what those are I will never know but they smelt good!!).

As dinner approached I started getting a little bored so I headed into the kitchen to help my mom cook some food. I helped myself to a pot and lid in the drawer and proceeded to push the pot around like a curling rock until I was abrupted interrupted by my mom who took my pot away while messaging her head. So without a pot in my hand I thought about doing the next best thing...
I got in the drawer instead...way more fun anyways then pushing around a pot and lid. I was allowed to play in there for what seemed like 5 seconds and then I received the boot.

Little did they know I would return to cause even more havoc. I have learned to reach things on the shelf and counter by going on my tippytoes. Even though I can not see what is on the counter by feeling around you can almost always find something to play with and today was my lucky day. My 10 pudgy fingers felt along the counter and hooray I was in luck...

Who knew the chocolate chip cookies weren't all for me? Needless to stay I did not get to eat even one cookie instead I was relegated to the living room.

This is only the beginning apparently the monster urges are suppose to get even stronger when you turn 2!! My parents will LOVE that!

Enjoy your week and see you soon.

Liam

Bathtime Buddies

November is always such a blah month. Why is that? Is it because it is in between the excitement of Halloween and Christmas? Probably but it's going...thank goodness.

I thought I would just include some photos of bath time at our house when buddy, Sam, was over a few weeks ago. Can you believe Sam is 7 months old already!! I thought I was writing about his baby shower just yesterday!!

Wow these boys are NOT camera shy!!

Not much to report these days otherthan:

- Liam finishing this set of swimming lessons - apparently he gained so much confidence last Sunday when Matt and I took him to the pool he kept squirming out of our arms only to sink to the bottom. When will this fearless boy learn?

Typical Liam around water - up, down, up, down.

- We went to the Rememberance Day parade with Sheila and Gavin so we could watch Har march with the RCMPs very cool to see him in action but a very moving ceremony. I felt bad admitting that I didn't normally go to any Rememberance Day events other than the ones hosted at the school I was working at.

- Now Liam and I are looking forward to flying back to Edmonton in a few weeks to visit! I am not sure if I am ready to come face to face with snow again but it will be worth it to see our friends and family!

If I haven't got a hold of you yet to meet up please email me!!

Have a great end of the week.

Liam reading Sam a book!

Love,

Monique, Matt and Liam

Motor boat, motor boat go so fast!

Before I get started into this post's topic I have a very important congratulations to do. So first order of business:

Congratulations Kim and Luke on the birth of their baby boy, Trent Luke Van Valkenburg, on October 30, 2006!!! Can't wait to see you guys again!! Will post photos soon.

For the past month Liam has been enrolled in swimming lessons (okay more parent and tots swimming lessons) with his friends, Sam and Ethan. They have 2 more classes to go and then they graduate to elite swimming where they will be swimming up to 4 hours a day, 7 days a week...maybe one day. :)

Mom just let go will yeah?!!

It is a great class where they learn to get into the pool by sitting or standing on the edge, blow bubbles, go underwater, kick their feet, and of course sing the mandatory songs of 'Motor Boat', 'Wheels on the bus', and 'If you're happy and you know it'! The classics!

Sam showing off his swimming skills!

So far Liam seems to doing well - he splashes the other kids, tries to jump out of my arms, hangs on the ledge of the pool by himself and manages to annoy at least one child each class. haha kidding.

Liam flying through a part of the pool called 'The River' - jets on the side propel you through the circular pool

I have been giving him pep talks during the class since his cousin, Matthew, is also finishing up swimming lessons in Burnaby and it is almost time for a swim off!!! The battle of the sumo babies!!

Bring it on Matthew!!!

We have had a busy weekend and it is finally time for a well deserved Sunday rest. So far in my resting I have dug up all the dead plants from this summer, cleaned the living room, made a soup...yep I am well rested. :)

Happy Weekend everyone!!!

Talk to all soon.

Love,
Mo, Matt, and Liam

Dalai Lama in Chilliwack

Okay, okay, okay Halloween was 3 nights ago and the photos are only going up now. Cry me a river I have been trying to post these photos since Tuesday night but no luck until *tada* breakthrough. Can you sense my frustration through writing - argh!!! Take a deep breath and okay all better.

So after a great amount of discussion for the last month about Liam's costume the following suggestions were made:
- Curious George (vetoed since the movie came out this year and who knew how many George's would be out there)
- Max from Where the Wild Things Are (unless you read the book who would know who or what he was)
- Little Sprout from Green Giant (Did Green Giant last year need to be more creative)

However, after we gave young Liam his haircut the comment we kept receiving was 'Wow, he looks like the Dalai Lama!' So we took it as a sign and waaalaaa this year we introduce the mini Dalai Lama. I want to thank my neighbour Tracey, second year in a row, for sewing the outfit.She is a sewing master! Thanks Trac!

Now here's a photo of the Dalai Lama for those that may not know who he is.

Less talking and more photos so here is Halloween night 2006. We went Trick or Treating with Gavin, Sheila and Har. Young Gavin is dressed like his daddy - an RCMP mountie!! They had a blast and raked in some serious treats as well.

Little Lama himself!

Dalai Lama being served tea at Playcare.

RCMP Kheleh and the Dalai Lama in their high security vehicle for the evening!

After a hard night's work the two men shared some drinks and some laughs!

The Lama disrobed!!

Another successful Halloween! We hope everyone had a great night too. The Mini Dalai Lama and I will be visiting Edmonton later on this month so get your tickets now (translation: let us know when you're available so we can hook up)!

Love,

Mo, Matt and Liam

Here's Liammina!

Liam looks good with long hair eh? This is what Liam and I did this week as he was home sick. I know he looks like he was having a great time but let me tell you the virus he had made him so irritable and feverish. A nasty combination!

So while I was a shut in at home we played with lots of the toys, made some Halloween decorations, watched some dvds from the library - the great thing about the libraries here is that you can request relatively new movies so instead of renting it's freeeeeeee, and had a good love/hate relationship with one another (Example: play together for about 15 minutes then realize that we were sick of each other so ignored one another for 5 minutes then back together again). Oh the fun of being a stay-at-home mom!

Among other things we had a brief visit from Uncle Cam last week, as he was doing some work out at Manning Park, so he joined us for dinner one night. He spent some time with Liam and even got him all ready for bed.

Uncle Cam and Liam - Book Buddies

Liam explaining to Uncle Cam that the correct way to read a book is upside down.

While we have been home Liam has seriously gotten addicted to tv. I hate to admit that but he loves his cartoons. We have set some groundrules with how long he watched for and that he needs to be sitting on his double pull out couch (which is a good distance away from the tv). The following photo is a great representation of a typical Liam tv moment - notice the apple juice next to him along side the bowl full of goldfish crackers...I am already imagining this 20 years from now but replace cartoons with hockey, juice with a beer and the crackers with...the same.

MOM!!! Out of the way Dora and Boots are about to find the missing cookies!!!

Have a ghostly week everyone!

Love,

Matt, Mo and Liam

Sleepless in Seattle

Finally the photos downloaded onto blogspot...sometimes this website drives me CRAZYYYY!

Last weekend, Matt, Liam and I all headed down to Seattle to partake in Matt's Residents Retreat. Unfortunately, the weather was less than wonderful (I've never been so whiteknuckled driving on the highway but when you can't see the car in front of you because of rain it's scary.) so it kiboshed our plans to go to the Six Flags/Enchanted Village Amusement park but we filled in time with many other fun activities.

Liam chillin' in the hotel room.

On Sunday when we arrived ,with Chauntille and Sian entertaining Liam in the backseat, we met up with the rest of the residents and headed out to lunch at a very nice Italian restaurant. Liam passed the time playing drums with the breadsticks and we actually got a chance to talk with some of the residents and their partners. It is pretty exciting to know this new crop of residents are keeping up the baby count as two more are due this coming year!!

As the others headed on The Underground Tour of Seattle that afternoon - Matt, Liam and I headed out on the road to visit my cousin Kim, her hubby Luke and their baby due in less than 2 weeks out in Covington (approx. 45 minutes south of Seattle). It was a great time driving out to a place you've never been and I must say the landscape of Seattle is pretty nice.

Kim and Luke's place in Covington is wonderful with all the amazing work the two of them have put into the place over the last two years. I loved seeing my cousin and her big belly ready to pop. Can you tell I"m excited about other people having babies!!!! We spent an awesome afternoon catching up and I love the fact that Liam has another new cousin coming up. Kimand Luke thanks for your wondeful hospitality and we can not wait to meet the new baby. Maybe Liam and new baby can also be best buds!!!

Kim, Liam and I

Apres our afternoon in Covington we headed back into Seattle to meet up with the gang for dinner at a Chinese Bistro called P.F. Chang's. Liam had a crazy napping schedule Sunday so I wasn't sure how he would be in a crowded restaurant but little Budda stuck again. Liam had a fantastic time being passed from resident to resident and he made some new friends...the servers and kitchen staff. Liam spent most of the evening standing on my hands trying to peek into the glass kitchen only to be entertained by servers who were playing peek-a-boo with him through the glass. At one point Liam was having such a good time jumping up and down his pants fell off...yep you read it correctly his pants fell off. Only Liam...

Liam and his new friend

Hey where did you guys go the parties just starting!

The Gang

The next morning we visited the standard Pike Market as the group split up to see the Dead Sea Scrolls at the museum, Experience Music Project, shopping at the Premium Outlets, we headed off with Amy to see the Science Fiction Exhibit. Very cool especially if you like seeing the original costumes and set from famous sci-fi movies like Aliens, ET, Star Trek, etc.

Finally on our way home we stopped at the Premium Outlets in Tulipa (30 min north of Seattle) and had a grand ole time. The shops are great and it is a well laid out outlet so next time you visit we'll have to go!!!!

Sorry it the end of the week and I"m just updating. I promise I will do better!

Love,

Mo, Matt and Liam

20lb turkey plus a 25+lb boy equals trouble!

Hi everyone I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving...we do have so much to be thankful for! :) We hosted a turkey dinner this year with some of Matt's collegues and their partners. We had a nice dinner for 8 - Sian and Derek, Chauntille and Justin, and Paul and Joni...actually we had dinner with 10 if you include Liam and Paul and Joni's baby due in February! I was hoping to get a photo of all of them together but hey I was worrying about cooking a super large turkey, keeping track of a crazy boy monster, and my usual type A craziness for anyone that knows me I have. However in the end it all worked out and we sat down at 7 for quite the feast.

Liam and I trying to clean the house before our guests arrived.

Derek and Sian relaxing after eating the 20lb turkey!

On Thanksgiving Monday Matt, Liam and I needed to work off some serious turkey weight so we did our typical hike up Teapot Hill. Once again a beautiful day and Liam got some good exercise riding on Matt's back.

I know you see this photo a lot of Liam in his backpack but whatever he looks cute in it.

Since then we have been slowly getting back to normal. Yet we have had some setbacks:
#1) Liam has decided one nap is good enough for him so trying to adjust his schedule to this new transition has made for some stressful days with someone not napping long enough making the late afternoon quite crankiful...not a word but you can only imagine.

My mom's lying I'm NEVER cranky!!

#2) Oh yeah Liam has started to put 10 - 12 steps together so we basically have this Frankenstein child lumbering around trying to avoid table corners, miscellanous toys scattered like land mines in his path and the constant reaching for the next set of legs to hang on to. I may not sound too excited by it but I am. However other parents told me not to wish for walking too early because life changes after that...yep it sure has...for the better of course!!

Nighty nighty everyone!

We are off to Seattle this weekend for Matt's Resident Retreat where we will be taking part in team building exercises like going to the outlet malls to shop and of course going to six flags amusement park. Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

See you next week!

Monique, Matt and Liam

More cute or less cute?

I don't know what brought on this insanity this sunny Wednesday afternoon but Matt came home early from work and simply stated, "It's time to give Liam a haircut." Now I know we have discussed this in the past and even made a deal with Sheila and Har to shave Liam and Gavin's heads when they both turned one...but we chickened I'll admit it. So now here we are a few days after Liam turned 13 months and well we shaved his head. For most of you that know Liam is usually is a big ball of sunshine but let me tell you that little Charlie Brown cloud was over his head as we shaved his head. I really have never seen him so upset with Matt and I...I almost yelled stop and Liam would have been walking around with a mullet. Since we do live in the 'Wack he would have fit in well with part of the population here but Matt kept going until the job was done.

My initial feelings of horror have been replaced with I can get used to his hair and it was always grow back. I just liked his baby fine hairs and how his double swirl made a Ed Grimly cow lick on top. However, the hairs are gone and we now have a toddler no longer a baby. Let us know what you think because as the winter approaches I can make sure he wears a hat all the time! Kidding...kind of. Seriously let us know what you think.

Now don't be shocked...

Just Kidding! This is Liam's buddy Samuel showing off his new sitting skills!

Liam's happy little self minutes before the razor came on. Let's just say this smile didn't last very long.

Finished product. Liam drinking a well deserved bottle of milk for a job well done.

Oh thought I would add a photo of our crazy garden. Who knew those little itty bitty plants would turn into this!!

Thanks for listening everyone it has been a trying afternoon. :)

Love,

Mo, Liam and Matt