Scotia Bank Half Marathon

Apparently I have become a half marathon junkie!! I guess I could think of worse things to be addicted to!! Today was the Scotia Bank Vancouver Half Marathon. It was a beautiful day and a great course. We started at UBC and ended up at Stanley Park. It was only 8 short weeks ago that I was up in Vancouver running the BMO Half...so this seemed like it was going to be a walk in the park....well....not quite!!! We really started way to fast and ended kinda well slower...we still were able to finish in 1hr and 51min!! We learned a lot and are already signed up for the next one in September!! Here are a couple of pictures...I didn't have my kk this trip so all the pictures are beautiful self portraits!! Haha! Ready....

Set.....

All done!
(didn't have anyone to take a 'go' picture, so you will have to use your imagination)

Lynden Relay for Life 2009!

This was the 5th year that Relay for Life was held in Lynden. We didn't let a little rain get us down. We walked, we talked, we laughed and even ate a little. Thanks to my team, to my family and my friends for supporting me for the 4th year. Me and my big sis!
Just a bunch of hip mom wanna be's!!

See we can be normal!!

Team 'All In' was formed last year to honor Abbey Mae. I know she would be proud of us, each year that passes I wonder...what would she look like, who would be her friends, would she have lost her first tooth, would we have had patience to grow out her bangs, would she like school, what books would she like....oh how I still miss her!! I do these service projects because I love her I miss her and I don't ever want to forget the happiness she brought to my life and how very proud I am to be able to have been her mom!! So thanks for your support of 'Team All In'! Sorry just a little tangent!!

Me and my Guela!

Hoof-n it for Cancer research!!

Miss Kali Faith!! Painting her face for Cancer!!

Summer Kick-off Baseball Champions!!

This has been a long time in the making...Lynden All Stars WIN the summer kick-off Tournament! The boys have been working very hard and in this tournament everything fell together perfectly. They tied their first game, then went on to win the next 4 games! They even 8 run ruled in the Championship game! Jake and Taiji played well and the weather was great! Taiji the 2nd baseman!!
Jake Mr. infield utility player!!

Standing getting ready to get the trophies!!

Jake Poag with one giant smile on his face!!

The Lynden All Stars!!! Tournament Champs!!

Truman Turn's 15!!! YIKES!!!!

Can I really be old enough to have a 15 year old? Don't answer that question!!

On June 15th, Truman turned 15...the big golden birthday.

He started the day opening presents with the family, played some free wii, headed out to shop with Guela, played some baseball and then headed to Bellingham to play some basketball. I know this was a near perfect day for him. He got an ipod from us and then some basketball shoes with Guela. When you are 15 you can never have too many basketball shoes...I guess!

Truman and the gang!
An ipod!!

I may end up regretting this present...or I may have to steal it!!

Kali's last day of Preschool!

I have to start this post by saying that I have been trying to post for over a week. I kept getting an error 400 message whenever I would try and post 5 pictures. I finally decided to try one picture at a time and 20 minutes later here we go. I have a back log of 4 posts so we will see how much patience I have tonight!! Anyways....Here is a couple of pics of Kali's last day of school pool party. She had a little boy in her class that offered his home and pool and the whole class made the trek there on foot. They had a great time playing games, eating popsicles and swimming in the pool. Kali had a great year with teacher Trina and looks forward to next year....that's after Trina returns from maternity leave, that is!! Teacher Trina and Kali
My little bathing beauty!!

The class! Thanking teacher Trina with a fun little baby gift basket.

Kali and her sister from another mother!

My little cutie pie!!

Can't believe that she has already completed her first year of school. She did very well and can sign her name, mom's name and dad. She claims she has her self a little boyfriend....it already starts!! Now it's time to enjoy summer...

Photo Op!!!

I have a beautiful family!! I'm soooo honored, so proud and soooo very grateful!!

Thank you Lord for your blessings!!The VanDalen (plus one Poag) Family
The Proud Parents and graduate!

Like Father like son!!

The Guela!!

The Grandma!!

My pride and joys!!

Truman and his Gang

Truman's Graduation Ceremony!!

I know that there are some people that think that 8th grade graduation is a stupid waste of time...and if you are one of those people you may not want to read this post! I, on the other hand think that it is a really neat thing. These kids are entering into a whole new world and I think that 8th grade graduation is a great way to recognize their accomplishments and also a great way to guide them into a new season. Truman's 8th grade graduation did just that. They had a couple of kids speak about what the last 8 years have meant and then their Janitor (whom they all love and respect) gave a fantastic speech on discernment and the choices that they will be facing in high school, he got right to the point and had the whole class' attention!! I of course forgot my camera...so bear with me and the blurry pictures (I love you guela...but your camera, not so much!!) Little miss Kali Faith...trying not to melt!! It was a hot one!!
The program!

Truman's class riveted to Mr. Olge as he spoke! It was awesome!!

Truman getting ready to go get his 'promotion' certificate!!

We are now the proud parents of a.....Freshman!!! YIKES!!!

They've come a long way baby!!

I came into the lives of these two cuties when they were 8 years old. One as an aunt and one as a mom. It has been an honor to watch them blossom into the teenagers they are now. Truman is a work in progress. He strives to do the right thing and is learning from his mistakes. We love him so much and are proud to call him our Son. Taylor is a sweet fun loving, talented young lady. As an aunt, I don't usually get to see her bad side...but I'm sure her parents would concur that she too is a work in progress!! As they begin this new phase in life we covet your prayers for them!! Truman and Taylor- 2years old
Taylor and Truman - 14 years old!

Truman and Taylor's 8th grade Graduation Party

On Sunday some friends and family gathered for a Open House Graduation Party for Truman and Taylor. It was a beautiful day and we had a great turn out. The 8th Grade Graduates!

Beautiful Taylor Rae and Handsome Truman John
Taylor and Truman go to different schools so I had to make sure I represented both schools for them. The Lynden/Lynden Christian Bouquet and matching cupcakes turned out super cute!!

It was a warm one yesterday so we put up the big tent in record time.

The food was a group effort and turned out to be absolutely perfect!!

Enjoying the deck...it was a great investment!!

Some of the ladies chatting in the shade!

We aren't much for formal party rules...this one had baseball, water fights, football, eating and hydration!!

And really what is a party without a grease fire and burnt hot dogs...oh yeah and a little smoke inhalation!!

They Party ended with just the family sitting around opening presents and cards. He was thrilled with all the gifts from the party goers....and then we surprised him with a new cell phone. I think he liked it!!

Love ya Truman!

Go with God son, make him proud!!