Berekoff kids

What?!!?? It's September already???

2007-09-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

I, like many other bloggers, have been caught up in the facebook frenzy and have not posted for a very long time. I have no idea what happened to summer.... between camping, hockey school, waterskiing, tubing, sewing, beaching, Shelly and Ron's wedding, more camping, canning, an unexpected trip to Saskatchewan, more beaching, hiking, running, etc... the time flew by. Here are a few of our favourite pics from the summer!!

I said....

2007-06-08T21:02:00.000-07:00

Today is a very special day....but I forgot! Not my wonderful husband! Brian has never really been a romantic one...however, when I arrived home from work today, he had a beautiful bouquet of flowers for me! I was flabberghasted! Anyone who knows him, will appreciate this! I said, "What's the occasion?" (really I had no idea!!)
he said, "Twelve years ago today you made a very important decision...one I am glad you did!!"

Then the light bulb went on for me...it was twelve years ago today that he proposed to me!! And he remembered!! I love you Brian, and everyday I am glad that I said YES!!!

Happy Birthday Rachel on May 24th!!

2007-05-28T20:45:00.000-07:00

A few days late, but here are a few pics from her Tropical Party on the Long weekend. Her birthday was a busy day...school (where she had a swimming lesson), dentist after school (note the pictures of Amy--it was her first time!!) and then dance rehearsal. Rachel's recital was this weekend, with a show on Friday night, one on Saturday night and then one Sunday afternoon. I can't believe my little girl is six!! Although with makeup on for the dance recital...she looks so much older!!

Hula!! Limbo and the Chicken Dance!!!

Amy's First Trip to the Dentist...look mom..no cavities!!!

A few pictures from "The Little Mermaid"....dance production!!

What a little princess!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMY!!

2007-05-20T21:27:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe that my baby is three!! On May 18, Amy celebrated her third birthday with a few friends, Grandma and Grandpa, and Baba, Deda and Auntie Lisa. It was a great day and she was once again spoiled!! Amy is so proud of the big girl she has become, as are we. Since she turned three, she has successfully slept in big girl panties and continues to amaze us and make us laugh!! We love you, big girl Amy!!

Mother and Daughter Afternoon!

2007-05-12T22:44:00.000-07:00

Today Rachel and I spent the afternoon together. It was an early birthday present for her...one
she has been wanting for awhile!!

She was so BRAVE..no tears!!

My almost 6 year old PRINCESS!!! I love you!

This is our life...

2007-05-12T22:18:00.000-07:00

Baseball..... two games and one or two practices a week!

Soccer....every Saturday morning 8:30- 11:30 (well I actually don't go until about 9:30!!)

Dance : Rachel is going to be an octopus in the Little Mermaid Ballet (in two weeks, three performances in one weekend!!)

and Amy who will be three in a few days...she cracks us up!! Her latest one liner, usually at the dinner table...."Mommy, did you bring your hollow leg??"

So these along with many birthday parties, playdates, runs and oh yes, teaching full time are the reasons I haven't posted in awhile!! Life is busy, crazy and full of love from my kids... isn't that what every mom dreams of?? Happy Mother's Day to all of you!!

Blessings!

2007-04-03T21:24:00.000-07:00

Last week we headed to my sister's in White Rock for Charlotte's baptism. We had fun playing with cousins and seeing a few sights. But oh the rain....I don't know how you coast folks do it. After only two days of rain I could almost feel my feet beginning to web:) And the traffic.. YIKES! It sure made quaint little Summerland appealing! Here are a few pictures: these first few are from our walk down to Crescent Beach.. in the rain!

Here are a couple from the baptism!

Children are a true blessing.... I sure enjoyed my time off with my three beautiful blessings! This last picture was taken at Science World. We took the kids there on Monday on the skytrain...what an adventure. They were so excited! I am sure we looked like true tourists...complete with the oohs and aghh's of big buildings and other trains. Science world was great.. not many people and lots of fun things to play with. This is a guy lighting a balloon that was filled with hydrogen on fire!! I can't beleive I caught the image!!

After Science World we walked around by BC Place and GM Place before heading back on the skytrain...around 4:00 pm... yep right in the middle of rush hour. Picture this, Mom, Dad, three small children, camera, back pack...true tourists. Then imagine, youngest child falling asleep on the skytrain (which is packed with business people, students etc) then add two parents who don't realize they have to switch trains to get back to Surrey. (hey, coming in we didn't have to switch trains) So, off we get, carrying sleeping child (AKA dead weight) and towing along two other children, back pack and camera bag. Up one escalator (which was exciting in itself...we don't have any in Summerland!), across the track, back down stairs to wait for the next train. Enter. No seats, standing. Rachel staring up at all the people! Exit next stop to switch onto the train we should have got on. Up stairs, past police officers arresting someone, back onto train...extremely packed...standing room with nothing to hold onto!! Amy still dead weight (thank goodness she isn't that big!) Get off at the Park and Ride and pray the van is still there. It is :) Put Amy in her car seat...sound asleep, doing the wet noodle impersonation. We had to recline the seat to get her buckled in. Off to visit some family and share the adventure. What a great day...although it sure made me appreciate the wonderful environment I have to bring my kids up in.

One goal reached!!

2007-03-21T22:50:00.000-07:00

We are now on spring break.... and so far it has been great!! I love being home. We have been busy so far. Saturday was Delaney's birthday and we enjoyed celebrating with her. Saturday night we went over to bid farewell to our neighbours, the Bordeleau's as they moved to Quesnel today. It was also the beginning of plumbing problems( a whole other story....but one that ended without much damage or cost) that did not get resolved until Monday afternoon!! Sunday night we celebrated Uncle Percy's birthday with dinner at their house!! Yummy!! Monday morning I dropped the van off for a tune up and ran home!! It was hard to get up when everyone else was still sleeping, but I did feel revived after my run!!

Yesterday Heidi and I shopped...and shopped...and shopped!! We had it planned for a very long time..A day in Kelowna, sans children!! I picked her up at 9:00 am and dropped her off at 9:30 last night. There is nothing like a day of shopping with a great friend...thanks Heidi for the awesome company! We both found some new duds and didn't spend too much money!!

Then today it happened. Rachel reached her goal!! Both Cory and Rachel set a goal for spring break.. Cory wanted to learn how to tie shoes and Rachel wanted to learn to ride her bike without training wheels!! Today while Heidi and I were making cards, the kids were riding in the back yard. Rachel came up to the patio door with the biggest grin... I knew right away! She had reached her goal. She was so very proud and so was I! She had done it on her own...no running behind bikes, killing my back!! Here are a couple of pictures I took when she showed Daddy her latest accomplishment!! Yeah Rachel!!

Cory is also loving riding his new bike that Santa brought him...now to work on those shoelaces!!

I am still alive..... and finally some pics of the kids!!

2007-03-21T22:25:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture from one of Cory's final hockey games!! It was a great season and the improvement of the kids was incredible! Cory gained so much confidence, both on the ice and off!! Now it is just road hockey... until hockey camp this summer!!!!

These are a few pictures from the skating club's annual pop concert!! Cory was also in Canskate once a week...he skated to "In the Navy" and Rachel's group skated to Mambo #5!! They were very cute....although by the time we took these pictures, they were freezing!! Can you tell????

And, little miss Amy couldn't be left out!! She is so full of personality, she makes us laugh!! This is one of my favourite pictures of her. She has been loving dressing up lately and was doing some funky dance moves!!! She is definitely our little princess #2!!!

The Toothfairy and Birthdays!!

2007-02-19T18:42:00.000-08:00

Rachel just had to share these photos for everyone to see!! She was so excited to be toothless again!!
The black smile widens!!

Cory had a hockey game in Kelowna yesterday, (which they lost by a long shot) and after going for a great lunch at Montana's with Curtis, we hit Costco and the mall. On our way home Rachel hit her mouth with her waterbottle and knocked the little tooth into an even more wiggly state. So when we got home, I pulled it out! Hers just seem to pop right out!

At first she didn't want to put it out for the tooth fairy, but then decided she should. She thought the tooth fairy would make the water yellow, but as you can see it was orange. Cory has a theory that the tooth fairy changes the water to all the colors of the rainbow!! We'll see....

She was also very excited to find a loonie in there!!

I also had a great day today!! My husband surprised me with some daffodils (a true sign spring is almost here:) and an iPod for my birthday!! The iPod wasn't really a surprise, but I am thrilled to have it. Now I just have to figure out how to actually load some music onto it! That is my next project after this post!

Heidi also brought me a great present at work today! She is so crafty and made one of her beautiful frames...check out her page for one similar! and also some Tim's Gift certificates :) Friends are true gifts...and having ones that we can grow older gracefully with is even better! It is even better when they are older than you!!!

I have never really been one to make a fuss about my birthday, but Angella inspired me this year and made me realize that it is a special day. One about me!! So here it is...a list of 34 things that I have accomplished in my 34 years!!

1. Married the best man in the world! I love you Brian!

2. Had a very sweet little boy (who is already 8!)

3. Had a princess whose giggle can make you smile on your worst day

4. Had another princess, who can make you laugh for no reason at all

5. Went to university to get a teaching degree

6. Taught a different grade almost every year since

7. Made a difference in the lives of many students (I hope)

8. Had 3 wonderful best friends at different stages of my life

9. Learned to speak French (although I have lost some of it now)

10. Developed a relationship with Jesus

11. Graduated with honours from high school

12. Learned how to parent from some of the best (Thanks Mom and Dad)

13. Made many mistakes, but learned from them

14. Lived in many different places, and learned it's not the place, but what you make of it that makes it feel like home!

15. Learned how to run and love it!

16. Travelled to Mexico with a bunch of crazy university girls and lived to tell about it

17. Learned how to drive a standard from a parent (not recommended!)

18. Bought a house

19. Renovated a house, marriage still intact

20. Went to the provincials in field hockey and badminton while in high school

21. Followed my heart

22. Taught my children to love each day

23. Learned to love each day myself...and appreciate the little things

24. Had three children

25. Lost all the baby weight (and then some!!:)

26. Became a pro at multi-tasking (mom of 3, full time teacher, wife, daughter, etc...how can you not??)

27. Perfected the art of procrastination.... isn't that what blogging is for?? (especially at report card time!!)

28. Set goals and didn't stop until they were achieved

29. Made many lifelong friends(some of whom I have lost touch with...it is a goal of mine to get better at keeping in touch:)

30. Been inspired by the determination of my sister

31. Learned that I can't do it all by myself

32. Learned that it is OK to ask for help

33. Travelled to the happiest place on Earth..twice! I love Disneyland!!

34. Realized that getting older really isn't that bad... and gray hair can be coloured!!

Wow, as we age, we sure do learn a lot!!

TGIF

2007-02-09T20:52:00.000-08:00

What a busy week!! Last night was Show and Share at school..you know the time when the children show their parents all their wonderful work. I know the parents love it, but from a teacher standpoint...it is very tiring!! Two late nights at school in a row...the day before was a staff meeting!! So today, after being on duty, I picked up the girls from daycare and headed straight to Walmart with the 3 kiddies. It really was the last thing I wanted to do, but we needed valentine stuff and I thought if we did it tonight I could lounge around tomorrow morning! The kids were awesome..we found some cute valentine stuff, wandered through the toy aisle and found some great deals. My birthday cupboard is stalked once again and the girls both spent some money they had received for Valentine's day! Cory, only wanted to look in the sports aisle...and found nothing of great interest. He decided he'd save it...he is so much like his dad!!
By the time we were out of Walmart, it was supper. So, off to McD's! Not my choice, but it was delightful. We talked all the way there about what to order. Rachel said, "If its a good toy I want a happy meal, if not just a cheeseburger and root beer!!" well after looking at the toy, she decided it should be "just a cheeseburger". I ordered and Cory, being the little man that he is, organized his sisters. He found a place for us to sit, got some straws and handed them to Amy so she felt she was helping too!! Rachel helped Amy get settled in her seat and then proceeded to help Cory carry all the little ketchup containers to the table. We had a lovely dinner (well, conversation wise) and then headed out for the rest of our shopping. Watching my kids helping each other and not whining when I said no playing in the play area, really was what I needed tonight! They were so sweet!
Then..off to Shopper's Drug Mart in search of hockey valentines. First I thought I'd pop into the dollar store to look for some valentine pencils for my class. While looking around, Amy runs to me..."Mommy, I have to pee!" I asked the two young clerks if they had a washroom...."No, the closest one is in Safeway!" obviously, neither of them had any experience with a two year old...when they have to pee, you don't have time to walk across the parking lot to another store. I went directly to Shopper's next door, where although they dont' really have a public washroom, they are at least empathetic to the needs of a two year old and her mother!! peeing done, successfully!! Hockey valentine's, no such luck. Then Cory remembers that Daddy said he had seen some at London Drugs. (why didn't he buy them then????) so, back into the van and off to London Drugs! Success...hockey valentine's and he also found something to spend his valentine's money on!! A new laundry hamper! I am not kidding!! His choice...of course, it is a very cool Canucks laundry hamper, that just happened to be on sale for 50% off!! happy children make for happy mommies!! We came home, unloaded everything and then raced over to the curling rink..... yes, if you are wondering where Brian was this whole time...he is curling this weekend in a bonspiel. The kids wanted to kiss him goodnight, and he wanted the van as he is supposed to be providing a taxi service to the hotels later tonight!
So, after I got the kids to bed, I sat down to begin this post! It had been awhile...when all of a sudden, BANG! BANG! BANG! iceballs hitting my front window. It scared the heck out of me!! I looked out the window only to see another iceball coming toward me!! Three young pukes took off....I opened the door and yelled at them. Probably not the smartest thing to do...but it made me mad. Then I called the police...and asked them to step up patrols. My neighbor then called me and said they had done the same thing to her house. Where are these kids' parents?? I really think it is more a parenting issue than anything. Shouldn't they know where their kids are and what they are doing? If I knew who they were...I would've called. As a parent, if my child were out roaming the streets making trouble, I would want to know. So to everyone out there with kids... watch out and let parents know when their kids are doing wrong..it is not ratting them out...it is caring for them!
I am off to bed now...less grumpy than I was before. My kids showed my tonight all that I have to be thankful for! which truly is a lot!

Hockey Day in Summerland

2007-01-21T21:44:00.000-08:00

My baby is almost 8!! Today Cory had his birthday party..his actual birthday is on Thursday, but we celebrated with his school friends today!! As you can see from the pictures, it was all about hockey!! This was the first year I bought a cake...ever..for any of the kids! Cory is part of the CForce Junior Canucks fan club at Save on Foods and when he saw that you could get a Canucks cake..well that was it!! I must say, I missed making a fancy cake, but also enjoyed the ease of just picking it up..no fuss, no muss!! Rachel and Amy also joined the ranks and sported their hockey jerseys for the occasion!!

It started with mini sticks in the basement...

And then we laced up all the skates and headed out to the Berekoff backyard rink..where they played hard for an hour and a half!!!

Then it was inside for cake and presents...it truly was the easiest birthday party I've ever done.

Happy Birthday Cory... it is hard to believe that almost eight years have passed since you surprised us as a January baby!! You have grown up so much from a 5lb 12 oz peanut to a tall, confident, smart young man!! I am so very proud of the person you have become!! We love you!!

Finally...it is here!!

2007-01-17T21:48:00.000-08:00

I am sitting and typing this post on my new computer!! It is very fast :) I haven't had much time to figure it out, darn, work always seems to get in the way!! It arrived yesterday via courier, and I was actually home. Amy had been sick Monday night. A high fever, which prevented her, and thus, me from sleeping. I decided that rather than her passing it on to the rest of the daycare, we'd stay home.
I ran to the school at 6:30 in the morning to prep quickly for a sub and then came home and slumbered in jammies for awhile after the rest of the gang headed to school. We snuggled and watched a few episodes of Dora, played a couple of games and napped together. Around 1:30 the man came with the new computer...so very exciting! Sleep over took, though, and we napped on the couch. I only napped until Heidi dropped Cory and Rachel off, however, Amy slept for 2.5 hours. I knew she wasn't feeling well, as I can never get her to nap at home!! Brian took Cory and Rach to skating and while they were gone..yet another delivery man came..this time with my ottoman that I ordered on line. I was meant to stay home yesterday.
Today, Amy was fine and back to daycare. I was back to work. The UPS guy came by with my chair today...I guess I'll have to go pick that one up!!
I haven't yet tried downloading any photos, but hopefully this weekend!! Cory is having his birthday party on Sunday, so I will try to post a few pics of the boys on the outdoor rink!! For a hockey loving child, a January birthday is a good thing!!

Toothless in Summerland

2007-01-04T21:58:00.000-08:00

Last night I was brushing Rachel's teeth and took a look at the recent wiggly one. It seemed very strange when on Christmas she complained that her tooth hurt. I didn't once suspect it being loose, as Cory was well into Grade 1 before he lost any teeth. After wiggling it slightly, she was convinced it would come out that night. Well, just one week later, she was begging me to tie a string around it like we did with Cory's. So out came the dental floss and I wrapped it around and gave a little tug. It pulled it a bit and with one more wiggle from mom, out came a little tooth. She was beaming...so excited to loose her first tooth! I couldn't believe that my little girl was old enough for that.
We had to call grandma and Grandpa and Baba and Deda right away..news like this had to be shared. At first she wanted to keep the tooth for a day and show Avery, but quickly changed her mind and set it out in a container of water for the tooth fairy. This morning she bounded into our room with her blackened sweet smile and container of red water from the tooth fairy. When she takes the tooth, she magically transforms the water to a new colour and leaves a toonie!! She was sure to show off her water, toonie and sweet toothless smile to her best bud Avery today!!

A few more pictures to enjoy...

2007-01-04T21:50:00.000-08:00

I think I may have figured out what I was doing wrong on the last couple of posts and why I could only get a few pictures in them....regardless, they were published. I have just a couple of more snow pictures that were taken yesterday of Cory and Amy. Rachel was having some "issues" outside....imagine that a five year old that wanted a camera and diamonds for Christmas having issues...man I am in trouble in a few years!!! We sure have enjoyed the snow!!

More photos...why couldn't I get them all on one post????

2007-01-04T21:42:00.000-08:00

I am going to try again to get this adorable Christmas photos up!! Sometimes computers can be frustrating....
Anyways some pictures of the kids on Christmas eve and Christmas morning. Cory got a new bike, Rachel a digital camera...and for Amy it was a Dora filled Christmas!!

Long Awaited Pictures....

2007-01-04T21:05:00.000-08:00

Well, today my dear sweet friend Heidi downloaded my pictures and emailed me a select few so that I could blog them....Brian is in charge of ordering our new computer. Please God, help him to do it quickly!!! The pictures...

These pictures melt my heart..Amy singing Away in a Manger at the Church Christmas concert. She is definitely the performer of the family...we are still constantly hearing the other song..Jingle, Jingle Happy Bells!! Pure innoncence.

The passion of the men in my house this holiday season has been hockey. Cory and Brian have spent hours in the back yard skating on our own version of the true Canadian winter tradition. It isn't often that an outdoor rink lasts a long time in Summerland, but this winter the weather has cooperated and fun is being had by all. Amy also loves to skate out there, but doesn't last too long. Although Rachel has the stance of a goalie, I will not be encouraging her!! The one picture is of Cory at one of his recent games...He loves his hockey!!

Happy New Year!!

2007-01-01T22:19:00.000-08:00

Wow! 2007 is here....and although I have a beautiful new Digital Canon Rebel with some awesome pics from Christmas and the holidays....I can't share them with you because my computer is so old that I can't download them. I will be taking Heidi up on her offer and downloading them to a disk on her computer soon.
We have had a wonderful start to our holidays...you see we have one week left and although I would love to be somewhere hot with Brian, spending time at home with him and the kids is also enjoyable. We stayed home for Christmas and enjoyed our new upstairs renos. They even got better with the addition of a new TV and electric fireplace. The kids were adorable and had a blast with Grandma and Grandpa here for Christmas. After Church on Christmas eve, we drove around and looked at the lights before going home and getting ready for Santa. They were asleep in record time (my girls are not good sleepers!!) and even stayed in bed until 7:30ish the next morning. They were all spoiled again and enjoyed opening each gift. Amy kept asking, "peas I open anodder present mama??" Even after we passed her one, she would ask. It was adorable . She was adorned with Dora this year...it is so ironic that she loves Dora, as that was supposed to be her name.
After all the gifts were opened, we all sat down to a yummy breakfast..and then the phone calls began and the turkey was stuffed. By the end of the day, we were all tired and full. We had skated on our outdoor rink, sledded down our minute front yard slope and eaten lots of turkey and treats. Boxing Day was similar although with more snow play as the snow kept falling all day. The next day, my parents left and Brian's parents arrived....with more gifts and more treats!! They were here until yesterday morning. During that time, we also visited with some friends, did some shopping, drank some wine and ate way too much!!
New year's Eve was quiet, but spent with terrific friends. The McKelvey clan came over in the afternoon to share yet more food with us and some good cheer with the Hutch's and the Bordeleau's. After they left it was just me and my "sister" and our families!! The kiddies bedded down around 8:30 and we drank and ate some more. We played Mad Gab, our favourite Catch Phrase and watched some really bad 80's videos!! Heidi and I decided we are going to have a girls slumber party sometime soon and watch Dirty Dancing and Grease!!
Today brought a sleep in, taking the tree down and watching some dvd's with the kids. I even returned to the gym...I thought I had gained a ton, but was pleasantly surprised that it was only one pound!! Nobig resolutions for me this year....I have spent a lot of time over these holidays reflecting on how blessed I am ....great family, friends and good health!! Happy New Year to you all. If I ever get a new computer (really it is coming ) I will post some great pictures!!!

My New Kitchen

2006-12-06T16:20:00.000-08:00

Check out the before and after pictures....we still have a few things to complete but the majority of the work is done..What a difference in only a couple of short months!!

Before:

After:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEIDI!!

2006-12-04T21:50:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, Dec. 5th is Heidi's birthday!! So my dear sweet friend...have a wonderful day...at work!! I am so greatful to have been blessed with such a wonderful friend!! We are so often mistaken for sisters--I love that!! Thanks for being there for me and dragging my butt to the gym...it is finally beginning to pay off!! I also love that you are now 34 and I am still 33!! I really should be making you a wonderful homemade card right now...but I am not, so do not expect one!!! I hope this next year of your life is filled with joy, happiness, love, friendship and blessings!! Happy Birthday!! I love you!!!

Pictures to follow....renos almost complete!!

2006-12-04T21:31:00.000-08:00

Well I have some pictures of our new kitchen, sans backsplash, that I was planning to post tonight, however, being that my computer is so ancient it would not read the CD that they are on. I will try at work tomorrow!! We are almost there....my kitchen back splash tiles that could have been installed today were delayed by the snow in Vancouver and will hopefully be in tomorrow. So, if the tile guy can come later this week, maybe, just maybe I will have a weekend without major house stuff. Last weekend, Brian spent a long time replacing three light switches. Bless his dear little soul, he is learning so much and is so incredibly patient when things don't work out. I'm sure if it was me doing it, the wires would have been ripped out of the wall and then it would have cost us a fortune to be replaced. Then on Saturday night we (ok again, mostly Brian) put in a sub floor in the entrance way...also in preparation for the tile guy!! It is coming...and a guy even phoned me tonight to say that he will take my old couch and chair!! It is older than me (really not that old!!) and has seen me through many years, yet I am not the least bit sad to be rid of it!! Maybe now I can start getting ready for Christmas. I pulled the decorations out from under the stairs last night...so hopefully soon. This is the latest for me...we don't even have any outside lights up yet!!
Brian has been busy flooding the rink!! Yes, my wonderful husband, has built a little rink in the back yard for the kiddies. We had loads of fun playing hockey on Saturday out there. A true canadian winter moment!! We also took the kids sledding for a bit on Sunday after church. They have been such troopers through this whole reno thing...its hard to give them any type of attention when you only really have the weekends to do house stuff!! Soon, two full weeks off with the whole family....aghhh, being teachers really has its perks at times!!
Other, exciting news.....I bought my first digital camera. I got a Panasonic Lumix...I have no idea how to use it, but it is fun to play...If I decide that it is not exactly what I want...I have 15 days to take it back to London Drugs. Again, I am in need of a new computer. Wow, kichen renovations lead to a variety of purchases...no wonder they cost so much. Hey if anyone reading this has an old basic digital camera....my Rachel has decided that she wants one for Christmas!! OR if you know of any decent cheap ones, please let me know!!
Check back for pictures soon...really they are coming!!

Annual Fall Family Photos

2006-10-26T22:50:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, in amidst renos, we headed to Peach Orchard Campsite for our Annual Fall Family Photos with the McKelveys. See Heidi's post for their pics. She is a great photographer with a great camera. Her only fault is that she is way too picky. She thinks the photos suck...well, you be the judge. I think she is very talented and I am blessed to have her as my best friend!!

Renovations

2006-10-24T21:52:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been absent from the blogging world for quite a while!! This past month has been crazy!! I have attached a few pictures of what my house looked like three weeks ago...you should see it now!! We spent Thanksgiving weekend tearing out our kitchen, ripping up carpeting, mudding holes in walls and painting. Thanks to Heidi and Steve and Brian's parents we were able to get a lot accomplished. The kitchen was a difficult rip out--lets just say that if a tornado went past our house..the cabinets would have been left in tact!! While the guys did the kitchen, the girls ripped up the carpet, underlay, smooth edge (why they call a strip of wood with nails in it that, I don't understand) and all the staples from the floor. We borrowed the Foley's utility trailer and two loads to the dump later..all was gone!! We salvaged a few cabinets that went into our garage and we still have a couple sitting on the deck. Thanks to Lisa for watching the kids while we worked.
then the painting began....all the living room, dining room, hall ways and kitchen...and all the trim to fresh crisp white from dungy old wood!!! I love the colours I chose...I always find it so difficult to decide from a small chip!!
My parents came on Oct. 11 (their wedding anniversary) to help us out some more!! We are blessed to have such awesome parents!! Of course, parent teacher interviews also fell that week!! While Brian and I worked, mom and dad hung my new doors, and got prepped to lay the floor. We put in beautiful single plank laminate...every board clicked into place...it took a long time, but Dad and Brian did a fabulous job! I was busy running with the kids to hockey, birthday parties etc. Then the kitchen guys came....well that was over a week ago and they have just finished up tonight! Workmen can be very aggravating sometimes! Anyways, it is complete. (well except for the microwave rangehood that has to be installed, the tile backsplash that I still have to pick out, a minor plumbing job, hanging a light above my table, and picking up my new furniture!!) NEw furniture, I have never had that before...our current couch is one that my parents bought before I was born!! So if you know of anyone in need of a couch..let me know!! It is almost surreal to walk into my kitchen now--oh I forgot to mention the new fridge--we got one with a water dispenser! The kids have never drank so much water!! I have to admit, it is very cool!! I will post some pictures after I pick up the new furniture this weekend!! yeah--stop over and check it out soon!!

Hooray for Amy!!

2006-09-21T20:42:00.000-07:00

Finally today, Amy actually pooped on the potty! She has been potty trained for about a month now, but, has not been able to get the whole poop thing together. It has been a frustrating month of cleaning poopy panties...so hopefully we have turned a new leaf and the Dora panties that she loves so much will stay clean!! I may have to buy king size boxes of smarties for awhile, heck I will do anything if she keeps it up!! Way to poop Amy!!!

A Picture of Charlotte and other stuff!!

2006-09-17T22:35:00.000-07:00

Well, here it is finally...a picture of our neice Charlotte. Thanks Mom and Dad for emailing it to us. In this picture, she is only two days old. What a cutie!! We desperately want to get down and visit her, but life in the Berekoff house is very hectic right now.
September has hit and that meant waiting to find out job assignments, trying to organize for the kids going back to school and to top it all off, we are planning a major kitchen make over. Cory started Grade 2 this year and is in a wonderful Gr. 2/3 split class. He is loving every minute of it and his teacher informs me that he was very confident in his presentation of himself. She said he was in no hurry to stop talking...can you believe it?? How things have changed. He sure is becoming a very confident young man. We are very proud of him. His other passion besides school, is HOCKEY. It has started!! Watching him out on the ice, calling to teammates to pass, affirms our decision...hockey is a good thing for him!!
Rachel couldn't wait to start kindergarten. She is finally in her full day routine. She goes every Tues. and Thurs. and alternate Fridays. The gradual entry thing made her crazy...why couldn't she go every day?? She is also a very confident little girl and her only problem in school will be not talking too much!! She has also returned to the world of ballet and is extremely graceful and gorgeous in her black body suit and pink tights. She dances every Wednesday and will also start skating again next week.
The school year started out unknown for both Brian and I. I held out for a posting that I wanted, and it worked out. I have my own Grade 4 class this year at Giant's Head School. It is awesome being there with the kids. Tons of work this past week as I found out the end of the first week of school and I had to set up an entire classroom in a weekend. Things are slowly taking shape now, so I hope not to spend all my evenings there this coming week. Brian has been subbing and is hoping to get a contract in the next round of postings! ( yes they still haven't finished staffing!!)
On the home front we are updating our upstairs and putting in all new alder cupboards, a new fridge, laminate floors and hopefully some new furniture too (the stuff we have now is older than me). I hope to borrow Heidi's camera (Please!!) and post a few before and during pictures. Of course we will also post some more when we are all done. It's a big job..exciting though to think that by Christmas it will all be done!!

Welcome Charlotte!!

2006-09-04T22:26:00.000-07:00

Today I became an Auntie for the second time!! My sister Laura and her husband Keith were blessed with a second daughter!! Charlotte Patricia Langton was born at 10:49 am, weighing in at 6lbs 5 oz!! Everything went well and we can't wait to meet her!! I am dying to head to the coast, but being that tomorrow is the first day of school, I am not sure when we will get there!! I haven't seen any pictures yet--but hear from Grandma that she is absolutely perfect with a little cherub face and lots of dark hair!! I will post a picture as soon as I get one!! Congratulations Laura, Keith and Sarah---we love you all!!

Getting ready for fall

2006-08-22T22:13:00.000-07:00

Well yesterday Brian took Cory to get hockey gear...yep it's true, my little man is going to be playing this year!! We were lucky enough to get some equipment from our friends, the Hutcheson's, but still had to get some on our own. So Cory and Brian returned all smiles with a new helmet, shoulder pads and his very first jock!! I honestly don't know who was more excited, Cory or Brian!!
Today it was the girls' turn. Rachel starts Kindergarten this year, so off to Walmart we went in search of the perfect back pack and lunch kit!! We were sucessful--with a bright blue pack and a Barbie lunch kit!! My trip was definitely cheaper than Brian's!!

Trying to add a picture

2006-08-22T21:33:00.000-07:00

Well here it goes...I am trying to add a picture of Amy that Heidi took during our camping trip to Bear Creek in July. We'll see if I am successful!! She is so sweet these days. I have completely enjoyed being home with her this summer. A day doesn't go by that she doesn't bring many smiles to my face..and we have almost mastered the whole potty thing. She is now wearing big girl panties all day (with the exception of naps) and will hopefully soon get the whole pooping thing mastered too!! As excited as I am to be done with the whole baby thing, (no more cribs, diapers etc) I must say I am a bit sad that my babies are growing up... but we will grow with them!!

I've entered the blogging world

2006-08-22T21:15:00.000-07:00

Berekoff kids

Well, I really have no clue what I am doing, but I will flub my way through it. I have enjoyed reading so many blogs and decided that I should begin also... I hope to post a few pics of the kids too, however, since I do not own a digital camera, there may not be too many!! Thank goodness my good friend Heidi takes pictures of my kiddies!!
Well, here goes nothing....I am about to hit publish to see if this actually worked!! If it did, I'll post again soon!!