Joining the Club...

This past November, I turned the big "4-0"

My husband did his best to plan a "surprise" party...but I knew all about it :)

We went down to Sumas to "El Nopal" for Mexican food and karaoke.

All the people who mean the most to me were there (minus my boys)...Here are a few highlights...

The rubber chicken provided a little extra entertainment...

The Cottage Chicks...I work with a great bunch of gals!

My bestie and I :)

Sonya and Gary drove all the way down from Kamloops just for the day for me...aren't they the greatest?!

My BFF's hubby, Gary...who is like a big bro to me.

Sombrero time!

My Dad and Chris :)

Not sure who is enjoying my party more....

After dinner, it was time for karaoke. Sonya and I had to sing our fave song, "Living on a Prayer," by Bon Jovi. We have had lots of practice but never in front of an audience. 

My bro and I sang his specialty, "Ice, Ice Baby."  He claims he is shy and did this just for me but he's looking pretty into the groove here....

Can't remember what song we are singing here, but I'm sure we had a blast! 

I have to admit...I found it hard to think of turning forty, as I've never felt so great in my life, but now that I've had a bit of time actually being forty, I think I can get used to it :)

Not a Teenager Anymore...

Where have the last twenty years gone? This cute little guy has gone and grown up into a charming, handsome, respectful young man. 

We are so proud of you Christopher and can't wait to see where life's journey takes you! 

Grandma Klassen

Grandma and Grandpa Klassen at Christmas in the 70's.

A year ago today, our family lost our very special mother and grandmother.

I just found this picture the other day and am so thankful for it. Somewhere in my grandparent's home is a red Christmas ball with my name on it, as there is of every grandchild. Those Christmas balls make me think of how Grandma always told us that her and Grandpa prayed daily for each one of us by name. What an incredible feeling! 

My Grandparents prayed for and with everyone...in the prayer room at church, with their M2 person at the jail, and on their knees in their home. 

My Grandma was also a wonderful hostess. She prepared so many wonderful meals with her hands for us with love. She was an awesome cook and baker! She could make something beautiful out of nothing. 

Grandpa and Grandma In recent years.

ThIs is how I have come to remember my Grandma...with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. She loved to play pranks and games and smiled and laughed often.

This picture was taken of me and my Grandma about a week before she passed away. I am thankful for every minute I got to spend with this wonderful Godly woman. 

This verse was read for my Grandma at her funeral and is an honour to her memory.

"She is clothed with strength and dignity,

And she laughs without fear at the future.

When she speaks, her words are wise,

and she gives instructions with kindness.

She carefully watches everything in her household 

and suffers nothing from laziness.

Her children stand and bless her.

Her husband praises her;

There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,

but you surpass them all!

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;

but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.

Reward her for all she has done,

and let all her works bring her praise at the city gate."

The Annual Larnder - O'Donnell Camping Trip

This year's camping trip adventure started early in the day, before everyone was set to meet up. We hadn't reserved a site this year, so decided that we would camp local so that I could run out and save us a spot. Chris and I had actually tried to get a spot the day before, but the campsite was totally full. We noticed that quite a few people were set to leave the next day, so I got up early and was there when the campground opened. I noticed that people were starting to circle the campground, so I staked out the site I wanted and didn't budge for a few hours. The people in the site took their time packing up, but I was happy with my score once they left.  

 

This is a pretty typical picture of when Chris and Gary get together. There is always something to figure out.

 

Spending time chillaxin'

 

A man and his BBQ

 

Love my reading time :)

 

Almost the entire weekend is spent playing card games

 

Love that the teenagers still join us and have so much fun together!

Even Christopher showed up...not that he looks thrilled about it in this pic.

He had us on the clock and stayed pretty much exactly 24 hours and then was out of there.

He is definitely not a camper, so I appreciate the effort he made for dear ol' mom and dad.

 

Every good camping trip involves yummy drinks. This year I had bought a pail of dacquiri mix...you just add your liquor and freeze. This was perfect since we did not have electricity at this site.

We enhanced the drinks by adding strawberries left over from the Larnders' breakfast.

Perfect! 

 

Besties! 

 

We went for a short hike to a waterfall one morning

 

The guys like their frisbee time down at the lake

 

The kids were determined to try the floaty in the lake

 

More card playing at the park near the lake

 

My beautiful friend!

 

Campfire time...

 

There was a campfire ban on so our gas fire bowl came in super handy!

 

In the evenings, we often end up with the adults in one trailer and the teenagers in the other.

The adults can do their share of acting silly...

We all had a great time and have already made a few plans for next year!

See you then!

The Package Tour 2013

It seems like every few years our fave band from when we were teenagers rolls into town, and it's a night down memory lane that we just can't let go of.  This year Sonya's daughter, Paige,  joined us for her first concert ever.  Our adventure usually begins on the skytrain and then we quickly head off in search of food.  We grabbed a quick slice of pizza and then it was off to snoop around General Motors Place to see what we could find. 

Three Beauties!

      

                                                                                                              

We found the tour buses....

Paige's first concert!

Bestie photo-op :)
 

Acting silly and getting a bit giddy...

The first act of the show was Boys to Men. These guys still have got great harmony!

Next up was 98 Degrees.  I don't recall really being into them and Paige thought they were creepy old men...time to get on with the real show please...

                                                                                                                           

And here they are...NKOTB!!

The next generation?

      

The boys always end the show with two things...Boston jerseys and the song "Hangin' Tough".

 

Another great girls night! We have decided that we can't let our tradition die and will be going back for more the next time the  guys come back to town.