Skating with Mel

Before she came out, Mel had asked to schedule a skate night. Sounded like a great idea, so we dragged our lazy selves out of the house to go skating. Well, we showed up so sullen face and tired looking that Mel felt bad for asking us to go. We really did want to skate, we're just being lazy from taking time off. We had a great time, although Depak's back didn't hold up as well as last time.

It was nice to be out and exercising, even if it was slow and not very graceful. Mel, don't worry, you skate just fine for us. And Chelsea did great skating; she always worries about the fall. Nat enjoys the fast stroll on the ice (I think, as she doesn't complain).

Before we finished, I let Nat walk on the ice in her boots (and yes, no helmut - but I was holding on to her real tight). She was so excited to be on the ice. She "dragged" me around the little rink a couple of times, and then used the skating "helper", and we went around a few more times. She was not pleased to leave the ice.

Daddy's helper

Depak was out sweeping the leaves on Christmas Eve, and it was too nice to keep Nat indoors, so I sent her out with him. She wasn't content to just be outside, she wanted to help daddy. So, we got out the broken broom, and let her sweep. It was so cute!

Turkey on Boxing Day with the Parmars

We managed to get through Christmas with only one turkey dinner, which was more than enough for us. Parveen and BJ hosted, and made the turkey, with Gurpreet and I making the appetizers and sides. The cousins were able to make it out. Dinner was great!

Nat played so well with Pierre, and Arjun and Shushmita were as cute as ever! Nat discovered Arjun's guitar, and Cha chi ji taught her to say "rockstar" when she played it. It was too cute.

After dinner we played Password (I think). It was a fun game that was simple, and was able to involve everyone (except the little ones). At the end of the night we broke out guitar hero.

Christmas with the Zseders

Another adopted family we share our time with. We were able to spend the afternoon and late evening just hanging out and relaxing, eating too much food, playing games and chatting. It was a great day! Thank you Zseder family!

And, yeah, Mel came out earlier this year! It was great to see her Christmas day!

Christmas Morning!!!

Christmas morning we start with stockings. This year, breakfast was made, Depak and I had showered, and stockings didn't start until after 10am (that's when Chelsea got up). It was a very nice start to the busy day.

This was our first Christmas with Arjun, and what a cutie he is! Depak's brother, sister-in-law, and sister came over for continental breakfast (yummy muffins) and then we opened some presents. Nat loves her Bha Ji, and was trying to help him with the raspberry teether (but not the presents).

It started too look like a wrapping paper pile when the gifts were open. We love being able to put smiles on our girls faces at Christmas. We try hard not to go overboard and commercialize Christmas, but some special treats are always warranted.

Nat wasn't too impressed with all the gifts. Too many for her, I think. Once all the wrapping paper was gone, and she could play with the presents, she was happy. She probably was tired of all the clothes too!
And then the present that topped all presents: the snowboard from Uncle Walter. Way to go Uncle! I am so proud to see the bond that has developed between Walt and Cheslea over the years, and you can tell that Chelsea holds a pretty special place in Walter's life too. Just wait Nat, Uncle Walter will spoil you just as well.

Christmas Eve!

Christmas Eve the festivities begin, and so does the food.

We start our Christmas Eve by joining our Church family at the Christmas Eve Service, which is a candle light service with carols, reading the Christmas story from the Bible, special music, etc. I especially enjoyed the special music this year, with Rachel and her Dad sining a duet together, as well as the ladies singing O Beautiful Star. Depak had not heard that song before; it is one of my favorites. Nat kept singing "shine on, shine on".

Afterwards we join our Cornwall/Lusty family for appetizers, good fellowship, and a few gifts. We look forward to this every year, just makes the holidays feel like they've started.

This year I had Chelsea bring her flute to play Christmas carols for us to sing, which she played for the kids Christmas program. When I was a kid, each Christmas we would have to do our part from our Christmas programs in front of the grandparents and aunts and uncles, so many times I had to bring out my trombone and play a piece, or say my lines. I was glad to pass on that tradition, although I don't think Chelsea was.

Merry Christmas from the Parmar Family

Merry Christmas from the Parmar Family!!!

Love: Depak, Tillie, Chelsea, Natalie, and a little one on the way!!!

Kids Christmas Program

Our church kids did an awesome job with their Christmas production this year. Its so great to see them get involved. All kids from the small 2 year-olds to the teens playing in the orchestra. The kids in the play did great; there is definitely some talent in those kids. And the choir sang out very loud. Kudos to Elise, our great director!

Our Nat was a cute little cow in the manger scene, and sang Away in a Manger and Silent night (not so much sinigng on her part as much as sitting a looking cute with the other little animals - although she wouldn't wear the ears).

Chelsea played her flute in the orchestra, which sounded great for every song.

HAC Christmas Skate 2009

There are a few things I look forward to this time of year, and the annual HAC Christmas skate is one of my favorites. We don't go skating much, but we look forward to skating with our church family. it is so much more fun to go skating with friends then to go with just a couple of people, as you know almost everyone on the ice.

We also get to enjoy some home baked goodies and carroling afterwards, which is a treat.

Each year uncle Walter joins us skating, and this year Depak's brother, sister-in-law and our adorable nephew came out to. It is so great to do things with family, we are so priviledged to have great family close by (although we do miss our farther away family this time of year).

The girls photo shoot

Here are some of the pictures from the girls photo shoot a couple of weeks ago.

Daddy's Work Kids Christmas Party

We got to enjoy a Kids Christmas Party at Depak's work this year. The organizers did a great job. Nat got to decorate cookies and paint a jar, and her big sister was so willing to help out. Chelsea loves to do those types of crafty things, but not for herself, she'd rather be helping Nat.

After lunch, we sang a lovely rendition of Frosty the Snowman (too many words in that song), and then Santa came. Depak's co-worker was a good sport and dressed up for the kids.

Because this was a family event, we told Chelsea she had to sit with Santa for a picture. I think she is getting too cool for Santa (at least when her friends aren't around).

And Nat, who loves to see Santa from a distance ("Santa, ho, ho, ho," she says), and will wave ever so cutely, did not want to sit on his lap. Depak took the token picture with Nat and Santa this year (I got to do it last year).

It was definitely a nice way to spend some time with the family.

Decorating the tree

We bought ourselves a fake Christmas tree this year. Last year I plugged the central vac with pine needles, so it was probably a good time to make the switch. Although getting a real tree is fun, it is also a lot of work, and for two accountants who are too busy as it is, we would probably not have gotten around to getting a real tree.

Well, we opened up the tree, plugged it in, and decorated, all in one night. Not bad for the Parmar family (we never do things quickly).

And now our house seems just a little more cheery. I love the glow of the lights, the reflection in the window, even if the fresh pine smell is missing. We may not be ready for Christmas this year (the only presents ready for the tree are for all the cousins), but we have a good looking tree.

Chelsea decorated the little tree, and put a string of lights on it. She did a great job.

The Santa Shuffle

Shuffle is about as much as we did at this walk, but it was great to get out and support the Salvation Army. My sister-in-law organized the event for us, and we all got out and walked the very cold early December morning.

Some Santa Shuffle highlights:
1. Arjun so cute in his hat
2. Santa was there!
3. Depak leading our walking group, which never happens, except Depak was cold :)
4. BJ organizing a fun morning out with the family
5. Hot chocolate and cookies, can't forget the treats
6. I did beat 'em all in the end, as I couldn't help but run to the finish

Daddy's b-day

I was so diligent about posting our girls b-days, and was not very successful at posting daddy's. I'm sorry honey. No excuses are good enough.

Well, it was our daddy's b-day a couple of weeks ago. Depak forever gave me hints of what to get for his birthday, but I was completely oblivious to these hints, as I had no clue what he wanted. He still hasn't told me, says I can still get it for him. Wow, he's harder to read than a wife (haha). Anyway, we got him a touque and some candy. Not very exciting, I know.

Chelsea made the cake, and Nat attempted to help blow out the candle, but she was too afraid of the fire. It was very cute.

Here's to hoping I do a better job next year! Happy birthday honey!

CDG and Abbotsford Heat

Chelsea got the opportunity with her band to play the national anthems for an Abbotsford Heat game. They had to know the music by heart, and boy was there a lot of practicing at our house. It was exciting to see the school get an opportunity like this, and special to see our daughter performing.

Note: I tried so many times to upload their performance, with no luck, so I'm posting this as is. We had a great time at the game, and can't wait to support our local team again. (Dec 11th)

A special cake for a special 2 year-old

I made a special cake for our two-year old. Natalie loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouses, so I set out to make her a Clubhouse cake. She was so excited when she saw the cake (Mickey House, as she calls it). She wanted to cut the cake right away, but then when we did, it was "uh, oh, Mickey House". Its kinda neat to see how much she remembers, as days later she still wants her "Mickey House cake".

Nat got a Mickey for her B-day too. She had Minnie from Disneyland, but Mickey is so special to her that we had to get one for her.

Looking forward to a new year, looking back on so many milestones...

We are definately looking forward to this new year with Natalie. I cannot believe its been two years since she was born.

We are amazed daily at how she's growing, her unique personality... here's a little bit of who Nat is today:

- her favorite person: Babba Ji
- she loves Mickey House (aka Mickey Mouse Clubhouse) - she knows all the characters
- she can sing the ABC's by her self, although she hasn't quite figured out the L-M-N-O part very well, but she knows when to say P
- she can count to 10, and then she keeps going, although not very clearly
- she adores her big sister
- she loves Franklin Hurry Up (sounds more like "hur hup")
- she thinks yellow is "purple"
- she runs (not walk)
- she has a smile that is contagious, and everywhere we go people can't help but love her
- she has this facination with "guys", particularly the pastors young boys that came over
- she looks like her daddy (long curls and all)
- she loves to see the moon and stars in the sky (we've convinced her they're sleeping when they're not out at night)

She keeps us busy, but its been such a joy to watch her grow. We are definately looking forward to being able to see her develop, and be able to teach her so much about God and his love for her. We trust God's blessing and great influence on her life.

Happy Birthday Natalile!!!

Halloween fun

We had a fun Halloween dressing up. We had a bumble bee (home made costume via the local thrift store), a monkey, and a lizard (the Parmar cousins).

Even Phua Ji dressed up to hand out candy; great pirate costume (bird and all).

Nat enjoyed trick or treating. We walked with her to each house, and she said "trick a treat". She couldn't get enough of the candy and pumpkins. Hopefully she doesn't want to dress up all the time and go "trick a treat" in the neighborhood.

The cake for our birthday girl...

Long before her birthday Chelsea was searching the net finding super cool looking 13th birthday cakes. I couldn't let her down; I had big plans for Chelsea's 13th birthday cake. Fondant! I had never used the icing before, but I was determined to try. I wanted to do something fancy with zebra print and dots, two of Chelsea's favorite things.

So, off to the internet I went. I found so many neat designed, I learned how to make zebra cake, and I found an amazing fondant recipe. For all you ladies interested in making easy fondant, check out this site:

http://whatscookingamerica.net/PegW/Fondant.htm

First came the cakes. I made four cakes, two 6" cakes for the top and two 9" for the bottom. I found a site that had instructions for a zebra cake. I made two cake batters (straight out of the box) and then layered the white and chocolate cake batters. You take a ladel full of white, pour in the centre of the pan. Then a seperate ladel for the chocolate, and pour in the centre of the white cake mix. You continue alternating and pouring into the centre of the previous one until your pan is full enough. It was surprisingly easy, and turned out awesome.

I then iced the layers with buttercream icing before applying the fondant.

Then came the fondant. I followed the instructions pretty closely. When rolling the fondant onto my roller, it kept sticking to itself and then becoming useless (had to reroll the stuff - good thing its pretty forgiving and you can reroll the stuff over and over). I decided to put a layer of plastic wrap on top, so that the fondant couldn't stick. It worked, yeah!

The fondant is really stretchy. As you can see its stretching down the cake tray. You need to work pretty quickly to stretch and smooth the fondant in place around the cake before it pulls too much. It wasn't very difficult, just a little tricky. As you can see, definately not a smooth cake, but you can't tell once its decorated.

Then came the decorating. I used a lot of black dye to get the fondant this color (which was a dark grey), but it looked pretty good. Next time I'm going to let the fondant sit longer before I use it to absorb more of the color. The zebra stripes were so fun, and easy because they don't have to be perfect I used a knife and scissor to cut the strips. The second layer was harder because you have to space the dots to look somewhat nice. I bought fondant cutouts for the circles.

(note: the second layer is supported with dowels in the first layer, and is on a covered cardboard piece)

Ta da!!! The final cake. I also cut out letters (fondant cutouts from Michaels) for the top. I was so impressed, that I called a friend right away. Now I can't wait until the next cake.

And most importantly, the party girl and her cake. We had a family party (even those get pretty big at our house). I kept the cake hidden until everyone was over, then we sang, Chelsea blew out candles (she did have to take a second breath to get that last candle), and ate the cake. It was hard cutting into it, but it tasted great!

Most importantly, Chelsea loved the cake. That's why I did it.

As an aside, while we (my friend Jocelyn came to help) were trying to roll the fondant the first couple of times, it was not working and I was starting to feel that it wouldn't turn out. We took a break, Jocelyn had to go finish her studies, and then I started again. But before that, I prayed that God would allow me to do this for Chelsea. Well, it worked on the first try. Praise the Lord for considering the small things in life important enough to listen to. I couldn't let that pass, as I needed to ensure praise was given where it is deserved.

A precious gift from God

Thirteen years ago I was blessed with a gift that I did not fully understand. But it was a beautiful gift that I fell in love with the moment I laid eyes on her. Chelsea came into this world at a time in my life that presented a lot of uncertainty. I moved into my first place the day this photo was taken, bought groceries for the fridge on the way home from the hospital, and then spent my first night on my own with a small baby who had no idea of how she came to that place. (wow, I have tears just trying to write this) I didn't know what I was doing as a person, let alone a mom.

(I don't have a scanner, so I took a picture of these old photos)
She was so small, and I was so young. God has brought the two of us a long way from that hospital room in Steinbach. Through amazing people and an abundance of God's love, grace and blessing, our lives have changed from that night 13 years ago.

And look at the beautiful teen she's become. She's not actually 13 here, (only 12 and 364 days old). I trust that God will work in her life. I know that God will continue to bless our lives because of her.

Chelsea, we are so proud of you. We are excited to see how God will work in and through your life, and see Him shine through you as you seek to honor Him. We pray that you will continue to seek God's will for your life, because the safest place to be is in His will, wherever that takes you.

We love you Chelsea. Happy birthday sweetheart.

Love mom and dad and Nat.

Our newest family member

We have a new family member in Depak's family: Shusma Salomae Chua Parmar. She's a beauty. Depak's cousin Shushma and her husband Armondo have two: Peirre (middle in the top picture), and Salomae.

The AppleBarn

We got to spend a beautiful fall afternoon with the family at the AppleBarn. Parveen, BJ and Arjun joined up with us. It is such a fun place to take the kids. I love fall colors, especially the orange pumpkins. At the top of the photo you'll see Arjun, our pumpkin in the pumpkins. Nat was tentative with the animals, and Chelsea didn't like the fact that a bunny bit her. We brought home apple juice and a bag of apples, which made their way into some yummy apple pies.

She is so contagious!

Every mom will say they have the most beautiful kids: and they are right. I think my girls are so beautiful, but I think this little one is contagious. When she smiles, you smile. When she laughs, you laugh. What a great stage of life this is.

Friends...

Friends,

God provides encourgement in our lives in many ways, and I am so glad I am blessed to be encouraged by friends. This past weekend several friends came over and hung out at our place. What made it extra special was that we were able to visit with Janelle before her husband wisks her away from us (we'll miss you Dochuk family). Well, at my house, the equation goes...

Good friends...
plus good food...

equals dress up!

Being the only cultured member of our group (yeah right, I just married into the cultured family), I had a lot of colorful outfits in my cupboard. We pulled out my many suits (long top and pant style that five of the ladies are wearing), langas (skirt style as displayed by Christa), and sarees, and the bangals and earings to match. Because I have no idea how to tie a saree, we couldn't try them on, but I'm sure we'll find a way to make it work next time. It was so much fun. Can't wait until Missions week, we'll see an array of color from these ladies again. We'll do henna next time too!

Family...

On a sunny end of summer day...
I do love my family. Remembering moments in photos is so important to me, hence the endless photos. My husband is less likely to pose for me, but the girls are still willing. Chelsea has taken to being on the other end of the camera now too, and some of these are her doing (especially the posing Natalie).

Whiterock

We got to start and end the summer off at Whiterock. It just amazes me everytime we go how absolutely beautiful God's creation is, in both nature and the girls he's given to us.

Just a note: this collage was done with Shutterfly instead of Picasa. The free download program seems to have some more options for collages, but is also not as easy to work with.

The Abbotsford Police Challenge

This is the second time I've run the Abbotsford Police Run, the last time was several years ago, and I ran the 5K. This year I ran the 10K in my best time yet. Official time was 56:17 (2 minutes and 20 seconds better than my run in May, yeah!). I'm not very fast yet, but just wait, I'll get there.

Barb (a part of my extended, adopted family) did the run this year too. So proud to see how well she's done. Check out her blog listed on my side pannel. Love ya Barb!

Official race times (for 10K) are: http://www.raceheadquarters.com/results/2009/run/AbbyPoliceChallenge2009OA10K.html

Next race: well, there's one in October, but if Chelsea agrees to run with me, I'll just do 5K and stick with her on that one. Otherwise it'll be a while for me. I think I need to focus on other things for the fall (including exercising with my friends again, this lone running is getting boring).

The rest of summer

Oh, we've had a fabulous summer. Kept busy by doing lots of small things throughout the summer. I was fortunate enough to take a lot of time off this summer to be with the girls mostly, as Depak and I alternated vacation weeks so that someone would be home when both girls were home.

So... here's a little summary:


Camping with the Keis, and our new friends Michelle and Josh was such a treat. If it weren't for the rain that sent us home a day early, and the noise level on our first night, it would have been fabulous. The weather was good, not hot, but not cold either. The treasure of the trip was bonding with friends of all ages. Natalie and Josh developed a real sweet bond, which brought them in tears to say goodbye. There is no lack of love between the girls, they treasure any time they get together. And Tim being a teenage boy did not at all feel out of place; he is so adaptable to any environment. All in all, we had a good time.

Chelsea got to go to summer camp again this year at Timberline Ranch, but this year she got to go with both of her best buddies. This year her cabin won the tidiest cabin for the week (tied with another girls cabin) so they got to enjoy a icecream sunday. We were so shocked, we'd love to see her room tidy every day. I must say, since camp, she's become a lot neater than before. And Natalie definately missed her big sister.

We got to go to Cultas Lake Waterpark with a bunch of people from church. I didn't get the greatest photos (forgot to take pics of the actual big slides), but we had a lot of fun. Nat went down two of the large twister slides. The rest of the slides were just too big for her. Maybe next year.

Hanging out with friends is always a favorite, and we got to spend a very hot day at the end of summer with Tiffany at the pool. Yeah. It was nice to keep cool in the pool.

Natalie loves her Phua Ji's

Phua Ji is your dad's sister (or cousin) in Punjabi. While we were at a baby shower, Natalie showed her love for two of her Phua's. Enjoy!!!

perishky and the pool

We are so blessed to be loved by our church family. Mrs. Redekop is one special lady that has taken me in and taught me a few of the secrets to Mennonite cooking. And although she's already taught me how to make perishky (a wonderful apple turnover of sorts - although you can subsitute the apple for any fruit in season, as Mrs. Redekop does not purchase fruit for baking), she has invited me back year after year now to bake for a day. The baking starts around 10am and lasts until nearly 4pm. We stop for lunch, and then after the full day, she invites my husband and a few other couples over for dinner and cards. It becomes nearly a 12 hour affair, and I love it every time.

My girls are so welcome at Elizabeth's as well. They have free reigh over the family room, hanging outside, and even swimming in the pool. Chelsea has brought Steph out for two years now, and the girls not only help out with Natalie, they also get to enjoy the yard and the pool when Nat's not around. Nat and I did get a swim in after her long nap, a great way to end the afternoon.

Tim also joined us this year, and he had a mission that day, to develop a relationship with Nat. What a goal for a teenager, I am very proud. Well, did he ever do an amazing job. He hung out with Nat and had her sitting on his lap while playing cards.

I treasure my time with Mrs. Redekop. I wish to have only a portion of her strength at her age, and her strong dedication to her faith. Thankyou.