Concussion

Okay so first I'll comment on what I think is the funniest picture in history, this is often a sight I get when I ask Mason to stand still, smile and look at me.... so I guess he's like most men, he can't multi-task!!!

What a day..... it started out pretty normal, I dropped Reuben off at school and thought since Coffee Break is over I might go to Costco. Mason was being a bit of a pain in the butt in the cart, he was standing and not listening to my warnings. Just as we rounded the last corner at the front of the store, Mason was standing in the cart again, just as I looked up he topled backwards out of the cart. I could not see him because Julianna's carseat was in the way, so I did not see him fall. Thankfully he cried and told me he hurt his head, I proceeded to the checkout holding him in my arms and he became limp and pale and wanted to sleep. The cashier rushed to get someone to 'take a statement.' This took about 10 minutes, I was annoyed. All this time, Mason was getting more sleepy and pale so when we got into the van I drove towards the Dr's office. Along the drive Mason throw up..... this terrified me! Dr. Cloete sent him down for X-Rays. I should mention that all the while I had to hold Mason, don't forget I also had Julianna... she had fallen asleep, but I couldn't carry both down the stairs, so the nurses offered to watch her. I felt like a bad Mom, but I left her with them - by the way did I mention I love KELLY the nurse at the office. On to the X-Rays - Mason had thrown up again and was finally starting to feel a little better. I explained that he had to lay still so the lady (Carrie Setzkorn - a girl I know from Scrappin' Days) could take his picture, so what would any sweet, adorable, little 3 year old do? He layed perfectly still and smiled for the picture!! :) SO CUTE. We went back up stairs to show the Doctor the pictures, he said everything looks fine, no cracks, but it's definately a concussion so he asked us to wake him up every 2 hours for the next 48 hours!! Mason was so thrilled to find out that he got to sleep with Mommy and I was glad to do it. We are SOOOO grateful that everything turned out okay. Praise the Lord, we sure do LOVE you Mason.

Planting seeds with Grandpa

Mason, Justin & Ben were thrilled when Grandpa asked for their "help" to plant his bean seeds in his garden. Grandpa likes things 'just so', and the kids are so excited to help him! They all took it very serious, especially Grandpa. Grandpa helping Mason cover up the evenly spaced seeds.
Justin, placing the seeds exactly according to Grandpa's instructions.

Ben thinks this is GREAT. Nothing like the simple things in life to excite a child!! Next time we visit we'll have to see how much they've grown.

Leah Brooke Ouwehand

Leah Brooke Ouwehand was born on May 15, 2008 at 1:57am at McMaster Hospital. Angela Reitsma was her midwife. By 5am Leah and Mommy (and Daddy too) were at home in their own bed!! WOW, Lisa, you are amazing!! Leah weighed in at 8 pounds 6 ounces, Lisa thinks she spent all her extra time in the womb, getting fat! But I think she is absolutely perfect. What an angel. We LOVE her so much already. I think she looks just like her Mom. She has a perfect, round little head, piano playing fingers and toes and she even has chubby cheeks!

Her Mom thinks she's cold.... but she looks pretty cozy!

What a little princess.

Julianna is suddenly HUGE!

Andew sure does love his new baby sister. he calls her JuliannaLeah..... so cute.
Justin ran out the door before I could take his picture. He has been super excited about having 6 sleepovers at Grandma's house, but from what I hear he is very proud of his little sister and ever so glad his Mom and Dad got her name straight!

SK Graduation.... Time flies!

Wow, Reuben, Time sure does fly!! I remember hearing people say once the baby arrives you won't look back and before you know it they will be in school..... well that milestone has come and gone and now you are at your first 'graduation'!! Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you! Reuben attends St. Patrick's Catholic School on Orkney Street in Caledonia. Mrs. Diane Filek has been his teacher for both JK and SK. Reuben has truly loved her. She has taught him so many things, from writing his name and practicing letters to reading little books - all on his own!! We have enjoyed watching this transition and are very proud of all you have worked so hard to achieve. Thanks to Mrs. Filek for doing such an amazing job!!!! Next year Reuben will enter Grade 1 at Calvin Christian School in Hamilton, what a little man.

And he's OFF....

Yesterday at Grandma and Grandpa's, there was a tiny little two wheeler that didn't have any training wheels on it. Reuben walked right up to it and said to Jordan, "I'm going to ride this bike." I was sceptical and warned Vince that he hasn't yet mastered that yet and went inside. Less then 2 minutes later Vince came in the house and said "Reuben is riding up and down the driveway with no help from anyone - check it out." I could barely believe my eyes, he really was riding the bike like he'd been doing that his whole life. So today he spent HOURS on the court just riding around in circles. I'm so very proud of this accomplishment and to do it all on his own, no help. What a Big Boy!
Reuben likes to pose for pictures, right after I took this, he said, "make sure you get one of me riding my bike, Mom." So here are some of what I took....



Mason isn't so much into getting his picture taken. Some day he will laugh that this is the face he makes in 99% of the pictures of him at age 3. I guess he thinks he's smiling.... Gotta love that face!

Mother's Day

Today was a wonderful day. I loved every moment of it. The kids were fantastic and Darren was sweet and super helpful. My day began with breakfast in bed.... which most mothers dread.... well I can't say that today. The plate looked so yummy!! It had two pieces of french toast nicely arranged, with icing sugar sprinkled on top and heart shaped strawberries on the side. (well heart shaped according to Reuben, I'm thinking that's just how they looked after Darren cut them, but hey CUTE!) Then I got a few home made cards, MY FAVOURITE!! Darren even made one, with a poem from the kids:

MOTHERS

M om

O thers wish that you were their Mom

T here's nobody better then my Mom

H ers is the best heart

E r.s. Exceptional Responsible Super

R eally Special

S upercalafragalisticexpealadotious

We went to church and afterwards we went to Grandpa and Grandma's house and had a great afternoon of food and fellowship with our family.

We did spend sometime thinking about Beppe today, Daddy's feeling sad that it's his first Mother's Day without his Mom. We continue to be Thankful that all her earthly suffering has past and she is free from all that pain and enjoying her seat in Heaven. Praise be to God!