Darrah and Seely families - Christmas Eve

We are having sooo much fun. I think that this is what Christmas is all about - friends, family, food, drink and making new memories.

May all of our friends and family, near and far, have the best of the holidays and may the New Year bring peace and joy to all.

Anne, Rob, Keltie, Jessica and Heather 

Now if you know my girls, this will be a typical pose for them and their father. There is alot of grabbing of shoulder muscles and pain involved. Soon after this picture, I stepped in and reminded them all that were were at someone elses house. But, children will be....well, you know. 

Christmas Eve at the Seely's

Here is the "fam" all together at Norm and Trish's on Christmas Eve. It is so wonderful to have all my girls at home for the season. Last year Jessica was in Banff and things just were not the same. We all have a grand time. 

Winston, Bam and the Christmas tree.

Here, is our cute little Christmas tree. Now, if you look closer, you will notice that there is an absence of ornaments on the right side. Since there are no longer any toddlers in my house, there are only a couple of things that could be getting at my tree. Guess who? 

There is the naked side of my tree. It looks so barren and lonely. Who could be the intruder coming into my living room when I'm at work?? 

Here is our little culprit now, trying to look innocent but LOOK, there is one of my apples, on the floor beside him. I might as well give up...but maybe I can put up an electrical force field around the tree. MMMMM, let me think about it. 

Three days before Christmas.

I have recovered from the shock of the last post, pulled up my socks and struck out to the mall. The great news is that my list was drawn up, I had my trusty hubby with me for support and by the end of the day, the majority of the shopping was done. Rob and I have a tradition where we take a day during the week before Christmas, put our lists together and make a day of shopping. We take our time, have a long lunch and we have never had an argument. We do have an agreement that as soon as we start getting tired or overwhelmed, we head home.
So, tomorrow, we hit the grocery stores.....wish us luck.

The week before Christmas

The week before Christmas is upon us and the realization is beginning to dawn on me that I need to get some of the things done that are expected around this time of year....like decorating, cooking, shopping, etc. Now I have to admit that I do have 3 gifts bought and the tree is up and decorated (just last night) so all is not lost yet.
I do admit that I am a person who reluctantly admits to enjoying Christmas. Oh, don't get me wrong...I love seeing friends and family, love to cook and eat all the goodies and even the decorating isn't bad. It's the shopping that I hate....the malls, the crowds, the $$$. I know, I know! I could shop early and avoid all of this chaos but for all of those who know me and how long I put things off, you know that this is an unrealistic expectation. Now, once it is all said and done, I love to watch my family on Christmas morning and how happy they are with all the little trinkets that they receive. I love to see how excited they are to buy that special little something for each other.
So, here I go....out into the wild and dangerous retail jungle. Wish me luck and if all goes well, I should be done by next Monday......What did you say?? Christmas is on Sunday!!! Oh, damn, better goooooooo....

Well, here are a group of lay abouts if I have ever seen one. Now, look closely, because there are some faces that should be familiar to many of those who frequent Ragged Point. Check out our dog, Outlaw, in the corner, getting in on the actions. Boys will be boys!! 

Here is Heather hard at work. She is attending the Dental Assisting Academy and loving it. They even let her work with sharp objects!! Keep up the good work, honey. 

Happy Birthday, Keltie!!!

Today is Keltie's 23rd Birthday. Have a wonderful day, sweetie and may this be an amazing year. We are so proud of you. 

Another view

Here is another view of Jess and her dreads as well as her favourite instrument. She does make some beautiful music. 

Jess's new look!

This is Jess with her new Dreadlocks. They are quite amazing and look wonderful, and that's something for a mother to say. It helps that she has such a pretty face! It took her and a couple of friends, four days to complete and they take some time to maintain. Jess is always doing something special.

Keltie

This is Keltie at Jen's wedding. Tim is in the back ground.
Doesn't she look beautiful.

Olsen wedding

The whole family attending an amazing wedding in Ottawa last month. The bride was Jennifer Olsen, daughter of my cousin Stephen Olsen and his wife Marilyn. All 5 of us made the trip and it was worth every moment on the road to spend some real quality time with our extended family. As it turned out, the Darrah's were the only "east coast" representatives from Stephen's side of the family.
Our gracious hosts were David and Mary Campbell. David is another cousin from Mom's side of my family. We spend many hours talking about our family and as I had always thought, they are an intriguing bunch, to say the least. Far too many tales to cover in a Blog!
Here is a picture of Stephen, myself and Marilyn. I added a picture of Heather, not at the wedding but in the car.

Whose sweatshirt are you wearing, Caroline?

With the Seely Whaler in the background, Rob and Caroline share a moment by the fire. Rob does appear to be having a nap, but I assure you it was only fleeting. 

Normie's magic touch

During a late night bonfire, Norm performed his magical "Putting the twins to sleep" trick. What you don't see is that he had done the same trick on the other twin. The girls are Abigail and Rachel Keyes-Manning, daughters of Kelly and Bob Manning. 

View of the beach, late summer.

Rob took this picture from Norm's boat in late summer. You can't see our place but it is such a tranquil site, I wanted to post it. You could even meditate to it ---OOOMMMMMMM

Happy Birthday, Robbie!!

It is my honey's 49th Birthday today!! We had a family pizza party on Saturday night and will have a "private" celebration tonight. I wish him all the best things in life - happiness, health and having loving family around you. You are the best, sweetie.

Fall is in the air.

Kind of chilly this morning. No frost on the pumpkins but that can't be far away. Summer is only a memory but I hope to be able to call on it when ever I get chilly. We drove down past the camp on Sunday. It looks so forlorn this time of year.
Well, to review some of the goings on in the Darrah household:
- we are empty nesters at the moment ~ Keltie and Jess are living together in downtown Fredericton. Keltie is working full time for Delta Hotels and Jess is going to STU and working at the Happy Baker. Heather is attending the Dental Assisting academy in Saint John and living above Reggies resturant (for anyone unfamiliar with SJ, Reggies is a famous updown diner reknown for it's "Reggieburger"). We are so proud of them all!!
- I celebrated my 10th anniversary at the Early Intervention Program. I guess I'm one of the "old gals" now. Still a challenge everyday. That's what makes it interesting.
- Rob's busy flying and trying to keep up with all his ladies. I think he really misses the girls around the house to tease and rough house with. I'm not as rowdy as I used to be. But it does mean that we can make as much "noise" as we want, (wink, wink, nudge, nudge).
Pictures to follow soon.

Sorry to be away so long.

It has been a long time since I've written a post. Sorry about that. Lots has happened:
- Jess has come home from Banff
- My uncle Harry died very quickly on us. He was diagnosed with cancer and left us only a couple of weeks later.
- Keltie is through STU and about to graduate in 1 1/2 weeks.
Want to write more but short on time. BeBackSoon.

Gordon and Gertrude dance the night away 

Mom would have been 90 years old this week.

Mom and my birthday's were always within a week of each other with Al's following close behind. Mom's - Jan. 25th, Anne's - 29th and Al's - 31st. I just realized that this would have been Mom's 90th this year. Even though she's not with us anymore, it's a milestone to be remembered. We would have had a big party and Mom would have loved all the attention. Any excuse to have a "Do" that would bring family and friends together, Mom was right in the middle of it.
As the Matriarch of the Childerhouse clan, oldest sister at that, she was always classy, loving and an inspiration to us all. I feel that the highest compliment that I can be paid is for someone to say that I am just like my Mom.
She was very smart, alway with an opinion on politics, religion and life in general. I remember during the "OJ Simpson" trial, she never left the TV set and would debate with anyone with an opinion. As it turned out, she agreed with the jury and felt he was innocent. (I wasn't brave enough to disagree.). Mom usually felt comfortable letting you know if she felt that you were "in the wrong". Now this may not have meant she would come right out and say it. It was more likely that you would feel a "chill" eminating from her. A cold shoulder, to be exact. It was up to you to figure out what you did. I have also heard, from more than one family member, that Mom had "a look", that would freeze you in your tracks, chill you to the bone and let you know that you were in big trouble. You had stepped over the line and had better get back in line quick. I personally have experienced "the look" several times. My husband, Rob, says he's been on the receiving end as well. The curious thing is that, it appears that I have now developed the same type of "look" without even trying....What Power!!!
Mom loved her family. They meant the world to her and she was so proud to see it grow with the addition of grandchildren, great grandchildren, grand nieces and nephews as well. The more of us the better. Mom always said that one of her favourite sounds was that of a crying baby. It meant life to her and more often than not, she could calm that cry with a soothing voice and peaceful countanance. Babies could sense that from her. She always had time for us.
As a tribute to my Mom, who was my inspiration in life, I wanted to mark her 90th birthday with loving thoughts and caring words. Mom, I miss you every moment of every day. You made me the person that I am today.

Some participates relaxing after a great meal. 

Would you trust these men with fire? 

We're getting warm now! 

Just getting started. 

Men preparing to go into the cold - Dana, Rob and Mark 

Tree Burning Party '05

Last night was the Tree Burning party for our neighbourhood. This was the 11th annual party and, as usual, a great time was had by all. Around 45 trees were burned in a bonfire that, at time must have reached 14 feet into the air. Rob is one of the "pyrotechnicians" who hangs around the fire and tosses the trees. I'm more of the kitchen help, who spread out all the great dishes that arrive from every corner of the neighbourhood. As you can imagine, due to the cold, extra amounts of alcoholic beverages are required to maintain warmth among those outside and in.
For many people, we only see each other once a year, so there is lots of catching up to do. Great friends, great people, great food, good drinks...what more could you ask for.

Rob coming down the run. 

Norm getting cozy by the fire. 

Long way down, narrow run.