Graduation...part 2..

Part 2 of the evening.... I hope it is one that Casi will remember for a long time! We were so proud of her! She received the Excellence for Math award, Honour Role, and Valedictorian Award. I know Casi will acheive her dreams...whatever they may be!

Here are her awards, plus her diploma....

Receiving her diploma...

The Honour Role students...

Receiving the Math award..
Giving the valedictorian speech....I know I keep saying it but I was so proud of my girl! I don't think there was any other mama there that was as proud as I was to watch her give the farewell speech on behalf of her peers. You are truly one special young lady!!!!

Casi and her wonderful Mr. Short!!

Cass and her man Lucas....
With Jessica...the bow and sunglasses were keeping with the "Hollywood" theme...
With Karen...
The 3 girls...we did it!!!!
With Lukie again...
Before we were sent away and the kids could have their dance...our final role of the evening was to share the first dance with the graduates...daughters with their fathers and sons with their mothers...

Casi and Dave share their first dance.....it was quite a special moment between the two...

We had a wonderful time. We totally enjoyed celebrating with the grads and watching them take the next step in their education. Like Ms. O said..this is only the beginning of many accomplishments in their lives. Congratulations graduating 2008 class of JCPS...wish you many happy and wonder filled years ahead!!!

Graduation..part 1

We had the honour and priviledge of attending Casi's grad last night. As I am never one to miss a photo op, and I have tonnes of pics, I decided to do my blog of her grad in 2 phases...the first at home before grad, and the 2nd at the ceremony. We had lots of girlie fun, doing nails, hair and makeup. How the time has flown and my little girl is growing up!! Not gonna get too sappy but it seems like yesterday she was going into JK and here she is today!!!


My 2 lovely ladies....
Sibling shot...

So, so proud of you Casi!!!!

Proud papa...
Here she is....ready to go.....

Not a secret anymore....

I wrote last week about a secret that I wasn't supposed to blog about! The proud mama that I am...I couldn't help it!! Well the secret is out and I am allowed to write about it now. I was so proud that Casi was chosen valedictorian for her graduating class of 2008. She has worked really hard all year and I do believe she made the honour role and perhaps some other awards. I couldn't be prouder of you Casi!!! I have no idea of why it was so hush hush but anyway...now you know...

Casi graduates tomorrow so will be back with pictures of the evening.

5 years ago...

5 years ago today I lost my mom, my best friend, my inspiration, my rock of which I drew strength. There are so many times even today I wish I could go back and spend a day with you, talking with you, hugging you, loving you. I remember the days when you were so sick and yet you never complained and even then I drew strength from you. How I wish you were here so that I could talk with you, get advice on raising teenagers because you always seemed to know what to do. You of course knew you going to meet your maker and saved us a poem to read when we were feeling lonely.

To Those I Love and Those Who Loved Me

When I am gone, release me, let me go...

I have so many things to see and do,

You musn't tie yourself to me with tears;

Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave to you my love, you can only guess,

How much you gave to me in happiness,

I think you for the love you each have shown,

But now its time I travel alone.

So grieve a while for me, for grieve you must,

Then let your grief be comforted by trust,

It's only for a while that we must part,

So bless the memories within your heart.

I won't be far away, for life goes on;

So if you need me, call and I will come,

Though you can't see me or touch me, I'll be near,

And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear,

All of my love around you soft and clear.

And then, when you must come this way alone,

I'll greet you with a smile and say, "welcome home".

Mom, I think of you especially today but also every day, wondering how you would handle a situation or what you would think. I miss you, I miss our chats, I miss our wonderful relationship. I know you are in heaven and you are whole again and I look forward to the day when I can hug you.

This date of loosing you just happens to fall on our anniversary and I never know how to feel. If I should feel sad for your loss or celebrating another year of marriage. It always comes with mixed emotions for me. You were a wonderful loving person and I was so blessed to be your daughter and even more blessed that God chose you for my mom.

Happy Anniversary!!!

Today Dave and I celebrate our 18th anniversary. Certainly doesn't feel like that much time has gone by! How we have grown and changed!!!
To Dave....I probably grumble about certain things you do but all in all its been a wonderful 18 years and I hope to have another 18 with you!!! You have stood by me for the worst times in my life and walked with me in the best times. I always know I can count on you and your love to help me through things.
Lookin' a tad older!!!

Still sappy as ever!! Love you babe....

Its a secret....

Casi received exciting news yesterday. While she didn't want me to blog about it because it is not supposed to be known quite yet I just had to!
I will keep you posted on exactly what the news is, but in the meantime I just wanted to write and say how very very proud I am of Cass! She is blooming into a wonderful young lady with a good head on her shoulders and a very mature way of thinking.
Casi, I know you will go places and will acheive your dreams! I couldn't be more proud to call you my daughter.
Keep watch for the news next week......

Dad's Day

Happy Fathers Day to all you Dads out there!! The above photo is the best picture that comes to mind when I think of my dad. He was a hard worker and a farmer to the core. He loved working the land and seeing the fruits of his labour.
Miss you Dad....Happy Fathers Day.

The kids treated Dave to pancakes this morning for Fathers Day. Brittany got creative and made the letters 'D'A'D' with the batter. Very talented!!!

Dave and his "gang".....


Nothing better than a group shot...a rare occasion!!

A time for family...

"As published in the Ottawa Citizen"

DOELMAN, Williem "Bill" 1928 - 2008

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father and grandfather on June 9th, 2008 at the age of 79. He immigrated to Canada from Holland on 1951 and proudly embraced his new country. The beloved husband of 53 years of Tina (Schinkel). Loving father of John (Marg), Margaret (Co) and Ken (Linda). He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren Matthew, Jenny, Colin, Derek, Kevin, Leanne, Adam and Hayley. Also cherished by his many nieces, nephews and friends. Brother of Nick Doelman, Edith Vierhout, Rien Bartoen, Leni den Ouden and Atie Jongkind. Predeceased by his parents Jon and Katherine Doelman and his sisters Maarjte Kolle, and Klazien Dykstra. In lieu of flowers, donations to the World Relief Fund (C.R.W.R.C. at P.O. Box 85225 Burlington, ON L7R 4K4) or The Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Condolences at http://www.kellyfh.ca/ .


We gathered in Ottawa this week for a celebration of my uncle's life. We were reunited with those who we havn't seen for a long time and to be able to be a source of support and comfort for my aunt who is grieving the loss of her spouse of 53 years. It was wonderful to get together with family and especially my girls who went with us didn't realize they had quite so many 2nd cousins out there! I was happy to see my sis again who decided to fly back for the service. The more family the better!!

James survived his first night "looking after the fort" while we were away for a the night. Surprisingly the house was still standing and even more surprising...things didn't look that bad! I was a little concerned...ok alot concerned about leaving him in charge of all the dogs and animals but he proved me wrong! The dozen or so phone calls home wouldn't have given that away....naaaaaa

The girls really wanted to come and pay their last respects to an uncle who they considered a grampa. Uncle Bill was a special guy to them too.

With Aunt Nance.....

Sisters....

It was so nice to reconnect with family that we havn't seen for a long time. We had a wonderful dinner with an aunt and uncle that we have not gotten together with for several years and they actually don't live that far from us. Hopefully it will be the beginning of a new relationship as we plan to have them over more often. I have often heard the saying when one door closes another one opens so perhaps this is a new beginning there.

Uncle Bill....you were a wonderful man and we were so fortunate in knowing you and having you as part of our lives. Hopefully we can live our lives by your example, strength and determination.

:: Pool fun ::

We have been having some gorgeous weather and have been loving the pool!!! It was installed late in the season last year and we didn't get much time enjoying it! It didn't take too long to get swim ready and the kids have been living in it! Last weekend we were HOT and HUMID...made for perfect swim weather! I have a rule not to go in unless its 80 degrees or more and sure enough it got up to 82!! The plan is to put a deck to the pool this year and it is already in the works...will post pics on that later.
Here...Delaney and Brittany have fun together.....


Casi and Brit.......

Synchro swimming???
Even Sienna was enjoying the pool. Though the dogs probably don't enjoy swimming, it was so hot that I'm sure the cool off felt good.

Dave enjoying a cool one and relaxing in the pool....