Father's Day

This is somewhat late, but I would like to extend a Happy Fathers Day to all the dads out there, especially the father of my child and the one on the way. Chris is a great dad.

To me, a great father is:

• Someone who is transparent: Not afraid to show his real self.
• One that says 'sorry' to his kids when he knows he's wrong or reacted the wrong way. 
• One that doesn't consider it babysitting when he's with the kids while mom is out. 
• Quick to give his son/daughter a hug (even a kiss!), not just a handshake or awkward side-hug 
• One who reads and plays to his children
• One who shows his integrity by saying 'please' and 'thank you' to strangers
• One who treats his kid's mom with respect and kindness
• One who is honest
• One who protects physically and emotionally
• One who builds his family up with words of encouragement
• One who recognizes his kid's strengths and challenges them to strive for more
• One who puts down the gadgets and looks his kids in the eyes
• One whose goal in life is to be his kid's hero.

I can confidently say that Chris is all of these things, and so much more! He is the perfect dad to our kid(s). I couldn't ask for anything more! Happy Father's Day, Christopher Doucette. You deserve it.

Father's Day Vol. 2

Last Sunday was the day of the year in which every father is celebrated and given awesome gifts like ties, tube socks, painted rocks and golf-related items. FATHER'S DAY! The day for us started out interesting...Finn had been sniffly the day or two before, and that morning after he drank his milk he brought the bottle to the shelf to set down and barfed all over it and the floor. So needless to stay, he an I stayed home from church that morning. Chris was playing guitar so he went by himself, sadly. However we turned that to our advantage and surprised daddy with an entire big jar of chocolate cookies (which he devoured over the course of about three days).

 Finn made dad a card, complete with his very own artwork.

When dad came home, we presented him with his gifts (the cookies and a 12 month subscription to Guitar Player magazine) and snapped a few photos. He sure loves his daddy! As you can see, Finn had to test out the cookies too.

Not to be forgotten, I had to get in on the action. Happy Father's Day Chris! I hope you enjoyed it. We love you. :)

Rockin' Awesome Easter.

Happy Monday! Don't you love Spring? We went to the park yesterday in the gorgeous sunshine, and didn't have to put on a sweater. Today, it's pouring buckets. I love it all...rain and sun, cold and warmth. :)

Last weekend was Easter and we spent it with my family in Osoyoos. Finn's grandma (my mom) entered him in to the Easter parade contest, where the kids decorate their trikes, bikes and wagons. The judging took place in the Smitty's Restaurant parking lot (I love small towns) and Finn won 2nd place in the Most Creative category! What a champ. (Thanks Papa for helping with the decor...)

 Of course, the parade happened to be smack-dab in the middle of lunch and nap time. Why wouldn't it be? So naturally, Finn passed out in the stroller and we had to wake him for the big debut in the parade. He wasn't too happy about that...

Super cool Canucks jersey from Uncle Chad, Carly, Gigi and Papa!

Alas, the parade was a success and I'm happy for the memories. These photos will live on forever and bring many laughs through the years, I'm sure. :)

Christmas Christmas Christmas!

Christmas was awesome. Holidays with kids are so much richer, and gives it that much more meaning. Finn was so awesome...from Christmas with my dad, my other dad, Chris' dad/stepmom, and finally the trek to Osoyoos to spend it with my mom, he was so good and enjoyed every second.

Opening gifts at GG's and Papa's house. Christmas is all about the kids.

Here are the highlights of Christmas 2010:

My Nanny, dad Marlin, me and Finn.

Grandparents that I had not seen in about 15+ years - amazing reunion!

Dad Terry, and sis and brother Shay and Chad.

Finn playing a little chopsticks on the keys...

Keeping up with the tradition - matching PJ's!

The boys in matching Santa hats...ha. Papa is being cheeky.

Funny face photo - Caitlyn wins.

Waiting for morning!

My ma is a beaut.

People say I look like my mom.

My brother is Chef Boyardee.

Chris wants a ukulele - he plunked on my Papa's all week!

This hood makes his head look huge. And hilarious.

 

 

Little waddler.

Finn's brand new wagon! Wasn't sure about it at first.

This is a beautiful sight every morning!

Oh boy...

Halloweeny

I can't believe this is Finn's SECOND Halloween. It's old hat to him now. Well, sort of. Are we the lame-o parents that didn't dress our one year old up for Halloween and take him trick or treating in a stroller? Yes. Honestly, the reason is, the 25% of me that is Dutch was itching...I didn't want to spend $30 on a costume he would not only wear once, but would only wear once for like an hour. WE'RE LAME, CHEAP PARENTS.

We did give him a nice 'stache and a bow tie. We will say he went as Fancy Finn.

 

Others had some fun with the moustaches as well. Well, some of us did.

Cohen is not a moustache man.

This is Finn and his BFF Cohen. Up to no good already.

Giving Thanks

We had an awesome Thanksgiving weekend. Chris's mom and boyfriend came down and we got to host dinner at our place. It was great - we had roast, mashed potatoes, veggies, stuffing (Chris insisted), and I even made an apple pie. It was a little patchy looking, but the taste was there. Tres yummy.

We also received some incredible news - Finn is getting another cousin! We were so happy. Chris' brother Dan and his wife Christine, obviously, are expecting their first child in June. YAY! I can't wait.

Of course, reflecting on thankfulness is a must nobody can help this time of year. It's kind of in the title of the holiday - Thanksgiving Day. About a month ago I read what Canadian Parliament defined Thanksgiving Day as:

A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed…

I love that. Our country truly has been blessed, and I give credit of every blessing to God. I am blessed to live here, with the freedom to worship God himself, to have a family, to have a home, to have a marriage, to have as many children as we want. It's a blessing that we actually have four seasons - rain in the spring (ok, let's face it, year round), warm sun in the summer, snow in the winter, and my favourite, autumn, with the gorgeous colours and crisp air. We're minutes from beaches, cities and country. There is so much to love! So, this Thanksgiving I give thanks to the Almighty for everything in which we have been given. Every good and perfect gift comes from him.

Finn was fond of Mike! New buddies.

The fam - mom to be in the middle!

Finn loved eating with everyone!

I promised my mom a picture of my roast. Here it is...almost forgot.

Grams brought presents for his birthday. Peter the Pirate jack in the box!