Easter Sweets

My mother is a home economics teacher and for her class this week she will be having her kids in her class decorate cupcakes Easter style. My aunt decorates wedding cakes and such so she was going to make them for my mom. Unfortunately she was unable to so I caught mom scrambling to create some master pieces. She is quiet the creative lady but the creative juices were slow to flow. It was cute to watch her attempt a master piece and it come out dazzling or, in some cases, not so dazzling. So with some team work and a little patience we made some demo cup cakes. It was a lot of fun to spend some time together and laugh about the things that don't always turn out the way you want them to. We defiantly found the sweet side to Easter.

Just Jammin'

Yesterday was a special day for me. I got to spend the entire afternoon learning how to make jam with my Grandmother. My G-ma and I have always be quite close so it was really nice to be able to spend an afternoon with her and my G-pa. She taught me how to make her jam. A very delicious family secret. I was surprised at how easy it was. It took us 4 hours and we made quiet the mess. There was jam all over the windows by the time we were through, every inch of the cupboards were covered in raspberries, cups, bowls and plates. Good thing about G-ma is she's rather easy going so it was funny. G-pa decided that he would supervise from the living room. It turns out we were just too much to handle so he zonked out for a nap. We were laughing as we tasted and tested trying to make our jam perfect. We got it down to a science and came out with 28 jars of jam. It was delicious. I love my grandmother so much. We are so a like it's funny at times. I am so grateful that I got so spend some time with her and learn how to make jam. I'm sure Jakob will appreciate my new talent.

If God had intended us to follow recipes,
He wouldn't have given us grandmothers.
~Linda Henley

Fashion

Well in this case I don't think I'll be doing the modeling. Jakob was asked on Tuesday if he would be interested in going for an interview as a model for Abercrombie & Fitch. I think that will be giving him some incentive to work out. :) . We shall see if he decides to go, and if so, if he makes it. It should be pretty interesting having him be the model this time. I'm quiet envious of his new found talent but I'm sure he'll have a good time. I'm exited to see how it all pans out.

A Girls Best Friend

Jakob truly hates this animal. lol. I don't think he'll ever understand the bond that I have with animals. Apparently Tobler boys never were to close with their animals aside from the rat Bell. The van den Berge family on the other hand has gone through quite a few pets through out the years most of them returned, in the case of my Abby, or given away. But there is one that has stuck around and he is indeed a valued member or our dear family. This is our 7 years old toy poodle Tigger. He is my puppy and I absolutely adore him. This dog has been with me through every heart break, smile and celebration. Literally! He follows me everywhere and he's quite the live wire. I'm really going to miss him when I'm gone.

Let it Snow ...

O Canada
Here in the great white north.... it is FREEZING! We are rocking an avergae of -15 F to -22 F every day. There was a blizzard the other day and the snow is really deep. I feel sorry for my beloved brothers that have to shovel the forever long drive way. It just never stops! I look forward to days when it is nice and warm at +20 F. Those are the days we can run around with just a sweater :). I am so exited to return back to the warmth of Vegas!

Burnt Offerings

The G-ma Heyden

Well the following adventures will be without little Jakob, as I am in Canada and he is home in Vegas. I can not wait to return back to the sunshine but until then I shall share some "van den Berge" moments, from the great white north.

While playing a fun filled card game (van den Berge's are known for their games) my mother was baking famous "van den Berge cookies" (I'm sure there shall be many quotations and brackets in this blog, my apologies.) As she opened the oven to rotate the batch, my grand mother peered in and asked with quite a perplexed look on her precious face "What the hell is that?" Oh G-ma Heyden she is quite the comedian. Anyways, we dig around the oven to find a potato wedged back in the corner. Heaven knows how long it has been there or how many times it has been cooked. The out side looked relatively normal while the inside was completely gone. It had a few holes in it. Lucky G-ma found it when she did! The adventures never end when family games begin. :)

Abercrombie Stud!

Just recently Jakob was asked to work for Abercrombie & Fitch. While in the store a while back a girl asked him if he'd be interested in working for them as he was purchasing some clothes. He said he'd consider it and smiled when he looked at me. Clearly I wasn't so discrete about the glare I was giving her as she was staring at my fiance. So Jakob was asked to come down for an interview and now he's working as the newest Abercrombie Stud! He's defiantly the looker in this relationship. Good news for me, It's forbidden to date mangers. Little lady will have to keep her hands off. ;)

MINE!!

Delightful Dinning

On my final evening in Vegas, Jakob had to work so, Mom & Dad Tobler treated me to Claim Jumper for supper. I felt like James Bond / an Under Cover Agent while we hid in the front lobby, fearing that he'd become observant and catch us. We had a couple of close calls but thanks to Mom Tobler we dodged that bullet! We requested to sit in his section and as we were being seated he spotted us.

SURPRISE!!

It was lots of fun to see him blush while we watched him. And of course being the fiance and mother that Mom Tobler and I are we had to take pictures. He was slightly embarrassed by the act but he was a good sport of course. And of course I had to leave a note & number on a napkin for our "sexy" waiter ;). I'm so proud of all of the work that he does for our future family! He is always on the go and it means so much to me that he is willing to work so hard! I truly love him.
Thank you so much Mom & Dad Tobler for a fun evening! I miss & love you both so much!