Sonja McLean

About Time, Huh?

I figured it's about time I put something on this blog. *LOL* I know, I know...I'm so bad. With everything that's going on these days, it just keeps getting put on the back burner. But I just want you to know, I'm here and I'm well. Here's an update on my crazy-busy household...

Charlie's Sixth Birthday Bash, featuring lots of family and friends, along with Bell E. Buttons, the clown!

Brotherly Love. Charlie's such a good big-bro! Taking after Isaiah, no doubt;)

When dinner time rolls around and the kids are still full of energy, I make it "Pizza Night". I give each of the kids a small cutting board and a "baby" knife (the ones that come in the toddler sets), along with some mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, etc. I then give them an English muffin topped with marinara sauce. They each add their own chopped toppings. Once they come out of the oven, I cut them up into slices so it looks like a real pizza on their plate. Good fun!

Isaiah took a photo of the girls playing in our collapsible tunnel. So cute!

Each year, we attend the Mother's Day celebration at Lion's Park. Here are the girls (and Isaiah) doing crafts.

Abby jumping for JOY! Like her pink sword and holster?

Here I am, celebrating Mother's Day with my beautiful babies. Thanks to Erica for taking this photo:)

Check out the bouncy slide! So cool!

Club Aviva (gymnastics club) has open gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and some evenings. Good place to go, if you haven't been. The kids LOVE it (and it's lots of fun for parents too, if you like to jump around). I told a few parents about it at Charlie's school, and it has now become a regular place for Charlie's classmates to meet up after class. We've been going there since Isaiah was a little boy...and he STILL loves it! We went today and he was tumbling about as if he was eight years old.

Here's Charlie, jumping off a platform into a pit of foam. There's also a rope swing, that Abby adores, that's also over the foam pit. The instructors at the gym are terrific. They make sure all the kids are safe and having a good time. Today, Matt (one of the instructors), had a full-on foam war with the boys. They had such a good time!

Charlie's doing a happy dance at the arrival of our campsite on the Sunshine Coast a few weeks ago.

Isaiah boarding on old turf...Halfmoon Bay.

Bathtime for Lilah! The other kids that went camping with us got bathed in cold water, but my precious baby gets a warm bath in a private tub:)...I heat water on the camping stove!

Baby smooches:) So cute!

Here's my family, on the beach. This photo reminds me of all the camping trips my cousins and I took as kids. It's amazing to know that our children have the same love of the outdoors.

Abby posing for the camera.

It's playdate central at our house. Charlie loves to have his friends over.

I can't believe my OS graduated this year. My goodness, how time flies! Just yesterday, I was tearing up as he waved goodbye to me at Kindergarten...and look at him now! Surprisingly, I didn't cry during the ceremony. I think it's because I'm so excited about his future. He's only 17, yet he's turned out to be such a wonderful young man (despite so many obstacles he's had to face in his life so far), who knows where he's going and what he wants to be. I'm so incredibly proud of him.

Isaiah's mentor and favourite teacher. Mr. Seppelt has been an inspiration to Isaiah and has taught us all so much about Social Justice issues. I will always remember the impact he made on Isaiah, forever changing his views on the world. I had the pleasure of sitting with Mr. Seppelt during a fundraiser dinner last week. He's such a pleasant man to talk to. It's no wonder he inspires Isaiah so much.

 

Talk about "Guy Love" (does anyone watch Scrubs???). These two have been inseparable since Gr.9. Corbin is the other half of Isaiah's musical duo. Together, they hosted this year's Talent Show at the school, and even sang "guy love" from Scrubs. Aren't they a cute team?!?

Our second camping trip this year so far. We went to Alice Lake in Squamish. There were sixteen of us total...a bunch of my cousins and their children. We always have such a great time when we're together. At night, by the campfire, my uncle tells the funniest stories about growing up in the Phillippines. We laugh so hard, my stomach hurts the next day!

Here's Lilah stealing a marshmellow from the bag. She's so sneaky!

 

 I found this cool boat at Winner's, of all places. It's a pirate ship with a slide and cannon. Pretty amazing for only $20. I filled the pool with water when we first got it, but the kids like it better without...then it's like a real ship!

With year-end festivities and a Grad dinner/dance to attend, I'm sure I'll have more photos to post very soon. Until then...

I'm Back (...well, sorta)

I had a fabulous weekend in Whistler with a few of my peeps. Thanks to Tracy, for encouraging me not to cancel. I was there to teach at a Scrapping Away retreat for the super sweet, Michelle. But I wasn't sure how well I'd do in light of my current (ahem) situation. But like the girls said it would be, it was "old hat" and I immediately remembered how much I love to teach.

The classes went extremely well. Lots of new faces...enthusiastic scrappers. None of them have taken my classes before, so all my tips and tricks were new to them. As soon as I heard, "I've learned so much from you today!", I was thrilled. That made the whole trek worthwhile. Now I remember why I do this!

After my classes on Saturday, we went to the Chophouse for dinner. O-M-G, as my Nancy would say, it was amazing. We all had their 3-course dinner for $39. I started with a Caesar salad (which had the perfect amount of anchovy flavour), then a short rib poutine bowl, and mushroom ravioli for my main. I swear, I could have licked my pasta plate clean...it was so incredibly yummy!

After an interesting jaunt to Chateau Whistler so I could thank a judge for good advice (long story, don't ask), we headed over Buffalo Bills for an evening of dancing. I can't remember the last time I went dancing. It was so much fun...holy cow!!! A little dip in the hot tub before bed finished off an absolutely incredible and unforgettable day.

We discovered something interesting about Whistler. The tourists were from Vancouver and all of the workers were foreigners...Australia, Scotland, England....except for our guitar-playing taxi driver. He was from Toronto...nice kid!

So, here's the story! Now that tax time is over, I can focus my attention back to scrapbooking. I will work to get my website updated and functioning in the next month, as well as plan classes for upcoming Booker's Club and BC Crop for Kids. Wish me luck:)

And thanks to all of you for your kind comments and e-mails. I'm sorry if I haven't replied to many of them, but please know that I hold them in my heart.

Up...but Not Running

Just to let you know, my website is up but not running. It's just a basic template right now until my web people, who are currently away, can update it. When it's all ready to go, I will announce it here on my blog.

On a personal note, I have to spend some time away from scrapbooking and blogging for the next couple of weeks to deal with a family issue. I'll be back soon:)

Retreat Layouts

I normally have a tough time completing ONE layout at a crop, let alone THREE layouts! I think it was b/c of the atmosphere (and my friends who didn't mind my tuning out every once in a while).

Here they are...my "PEEPS"!!! Thanks to the woman who took this photo (I never did catch your name), whoever you are...THANKS! This group of ladies mean a lot to me, and this photo will forever remind me of the place they hold in my heart.

One To Remember

I just got back from our Ultimate Scrapbook Retreat at Loon Lake. I can't tell you how happy I am to have learned of these retreats from the Memory Workshop newsletter. Thanks Sandra!

"O-M-G" (as Nancy would say), we had the best time! I could easily have stayed another day (or two)...a true testiment to my experience. I've NEVER felt that after a weekend away from my family...usually I'm itching to get home. The fresh air and quiet setting made it relaxing, while the cropping, laughter and "interesting" conversations made it fun and rewarding. For me, it truly was a RETREAT in every sense of the word.

This was our private lodge...

There were nine of us in total...Tracy, Felicia, Anna, Nancy, Jessie, Dianne, Erica, Chriss and me. These two lodges are mirror images of each other. Half was ours and the other half was unoccupied. The top two floors were sleeping quarters and the main floor contained a great room with bathroom and kitchenette...that's where we were set up. We each had our OWN 6-foot table to crop. It was so nice to spread out! The room had a wall of windows and high ceilings. It was cozy yet airy and open. Being in that building added so much to our weekend. We were very happy in our little cropping cabin!

Steps away was the main lodge where the dining hall, store and main cropping room are. Heather, Sandra or Mary would call us down on the walkie-talkie (or "walking-talking" as Abby would call it) to the dining hall for meals and to check on us. I took this photo from my bedroom balcony.

Here's the amazing Heather! A true super mom and real-life super hero (she's a firefighter). She ran the retreat with her baby boy, Luke (who is such a sweetie!), in her arms the whole time. I have tons of respect for you, girl! You're awesome!

Aside from the beautiful setting, friendly staff and amazing food (Prime rib on Saturday night was the BEST!!!), I had an unforgettable time with my "peeps". I haven't laughed like that in a long time. For months (or years) from now, I'll think of your stories, funny anecdotes and incidents that occurred over the weekend. I feel like I learned so much about you, and I know you learned a few things about me too *LOL* I hope you don't think any less of me with my "locking doors and counting sheep" afflictions!

This photo was taken from the main lodge lobby, where we spent nearly two hours waiting for Karim (can you say HELLO!?!) to deal with a ten car pile up blocking the only road out. Weather conditions up there...CRAZY! See the frozen lake in the background. Cool, huh? It runs as far as your eye can see.

Things to remember for next year...
-on the way, stop at PE...apparently there's a preliminary meeting there beforehand
-get a lanyard and universal key for Chriss
-remind the yummiest of the mummies (you know who you are!) to keep her sexy thong off the cropping table. I still don't know why they were there in the first place!
-book our stay for May or June to avoid getting snowed in
-buy Baileys instead of wine (thanks for bringing "Bailey" back into my life, Dianne!)
-bring two-500ml bottles of Diet 7-up for our princess:)

And a special tribute goes to my Abby for providing hours of laughter and enjoyment from her word "P-YUCK"!

I have a few finishing touches to make on the three layouts I did this weekend. I'll post them as soon as I can:)

I'll be counting the days until next year, ladies!!!

Fun Weekend

   

See this? Evidence that these two can play together without fighting! *LOL* The two girls took turns using Charlie as a pony. Charlie made neighing noises and everything. What a good big brother he's turning into!

Steve and I went to our cooking class a few days ago. Romy of So.Cial at Le Magasin was as funny and entertaining as always (I remember Romy from my wine days). We took a "Crab and Lobster" food & wine pairing class where Romy made Lobster Bisque, Poached Lobster Salad, Dungeness Crab and Yukon Gold Potato Gratin, Lobster and 3-Cheese Macaroni, Crab Risotto and Chocolate Lava Cakes. Steve and I had a wonderful time. Not only did I get to watch this talented chef at work, but the food was amazing! I look forward to taking another class with my hubby at the Cookshop!

My Silpada party was yesterday. Thanks to Kelly and everyone who stopped by. You guys are the best! Hope you enjoyed the food and wine. I was going to do appies, but changed to Filipino food last minute. I don't know why...just felt like doing a home cooked meal for you guys. Makes me feel like I'm giving something back for all the love and support you give me. Thanks again!

My official website is almost ready to go. It'll be called www.sonjamclean.com. I still have lots of stuff to do for the retail part of it, but I'm hoping to get through it fairly fast. A few late nights should do the trick. The website will streamline all my activities...my blogs, a small online retail store, local and online workshops, etc. Hopefully the website will make it easier to keep track of what's happening at The Booker's Club.

Last night, my mother-in-law was asking me about plans for next weekend. What time do I need her to watch the kids, blah-blah. I had no idea what she was talking about. "What's happening next weekend???" I asked. The RETREAT, duh? I can't believe I forgot about it. Now I'm totally stoked! Woohoo...lots to do before I go. Better get cracking:)

Maya Road Order

I'm so excited to report that my Maya Road order arrived today! Woohoo...I can't wait to put the kiddies to bed tonight so I can PLAY!

For those of you stopping by my jewelry party tomorrow (you're all invited btw), I've priced everything so feel free to shop:) I'm also dropping off Cherish's order this morning, so her items will hit the floor this weekend too!

Oh, Come On!!!

You have got to be kidding me! Enough with the snow already!!! Big, fat snowflakes falling down, sticking to the street and trees. Is it supposed to last, I wonder?

I've had a tough week. Nothing horrible, just a little rough at home with the men in my life (my oldest son, my brother and my hubby). Who said raising kids is hard...it's raising MEN that exhausts me! Thank goodness for my girlfriends. I think I would feel pretty lonely at times without them. That's why I'm really looking forward to the next two weekends. This Saturday is my Silpada Jewelry party (ahhh...retail therapy, especially satisfying b/c I know everything will fit *L*) Chriss and Erica introduced me to Silpada in the fall...beautiful stuff. Check out the Silpada Catalogue. For me, hosting a party is more about getting together and playing dress-up than anything else. For that reason, I'm donating part of the hostess benefits to BC Crop for Kids (as door prizes or silent auction items). The more the merrier, so stop by the party on Saturday (e-mail me for directions) or send me an order if you can't make it.

Then, next weekend is our retreat. Woohooo...I'm soooo looking forward to it. I'll get a break from the normal routine and my family gets to live without me for a few days *LOL* Time away is always good for the heart and soul. Which gets me thinking...I should really start to pack!

Some exciting news...I was given an assignment from Canadian Scrapbooker for the summer issue. I'm so stoked! Aside from the flattery of being considered, I'm also thrilled to be part of this particular magazine. Jackie, Katharina and Heather are always so warm and friendly. If you ever see their booth at a trade show or scrapbooking event, stop by to meet them...you'll see what I mean. I also found out that a dear friend, Chriss, has two layouts on the roster for Canadian Scrapbooker this summer. Congrats...I knew you could do it:) So happy for you!

Happy Birthday, Abby!

This week, we celebrated my OD's birthday. I spent all night cooking, baking and decorating for the special day. Gramma and Grandpa arrived in the morning, Auntie shortly after. When school was done, Isaiah and his girlfriend showed up. Then Abby's godparents arrived for dinner. Lots of food and plenty of gifts, it was a lovely party for our precious girl.

  

Abby's first gift, which she got to put on after breakfast, was this Belle dress. She put it on and danced around all day. I found it at Superstore a few months ago (it was cheap too). Isn't it sweet?

 

Abby asked for a "My LIttle Pony" cake, but I couldn't find one anywhere. Instead, we went to Micheals and she picked out a cake pan. This was my first attempt at decorating a cake. It didn't turn out too bad. Abby was impressed...and that's all that matters! I'm glad she picked this castle shape. I have fun plans for Charlie's birthday and Halloween!

Happy Valentines

I hope you had a nice Valentines Day! Mine's wasn't bad. Only one argument at dinner (can't even remember what it was about) and a broken tailight in the Silvercity underground parking lot (I told him he wouldn't make it...but does he listen to me? Noooooooh!). We had a lovely meal at our favourite Greek restaurant, then saw The Wrestler with Mickey Rourke and Marissa Tomei. It was a terrific movie, very well done. It was filmed like a documentary, so the camera shake made me dizzy at times and I could do without all the bare breasts (Marissa Tomei is a stripper)...not what I would call a romantic film, but all-in-all I'm glad I saw it. My hubby gave me roses and Purdy's treats. I gave him a cooking class for two at the Cookshop. I'm not sure how he felt about my gift, but I think he'll enjoy himself when we go.

Thank goodness we celebrated Valentines on Friday b/c I spend most of Saturday at the mall with my OS trying to find the "perfect" gift for his girlfriend. We finally found a beautiful sterling silver heart locket that was in his budget. I sewed the bear's hands together to hold the box, then I helped him make a card. The problem with my OS (although it's more of a nuisance than a problem) is that he is a visual person like me. He had an idea in his head of what the locket would look like, same with the bear and the card. I'm glad I could help bring his vision to light, but MAN, is it time consuming. It was all worth it in the end though when he thanked me and genuinely meant it!

  

My YS is the "superfriend" this week. We bring a decorated "shirt" to school on Monday, then he has special privileges all week (like sitting on a pillow during circle time) and "All About Me" sessions where he talks about his family, heritage and interests. He gets to bring in his favourite book (Franklin Plays Hockey) and musical cd (Jack Johnson) to share with everyone. On Friday, I'll send a special treat for his classmates.

  

As for scrapbooking, I haven't been doing much other than my challenges for The Inspired Scrapper and putting kits together for The Booker's Club. I've had some great feedback about my post, Three Layouts with One-Die Cut, so I've turned it into a class for the Whistler retreat. I will have a few extra kits, let me know if you want one. I'm still working on the Pageframe project for that retreat, but it'll have to wait until the weekend. The next few days will be very hectic! We're celebrating Abby's birthday tomorrow, so I'm cooking up a storm and making a birthday cake for the first time (I'll let you know how it turns out...fingers crossed!) On Thursday is Abby's school party and on Friday I'm giving Charlie's class each a little mini-album (I'm nuts, I know!) to celebrate his "superfriend" week. Hopefully I'll survive the next few days. With that said, I should quit procrastinating...