Welcome - Granddaughter # 7 - Peyton Rae Ashby

Yes, it is true, Todd & Michelle had a beautiful daughter on Tuesday, Dec. 18 weighing in at 7lbs 7oz. They named her Peyton Rae and are expected to go home today from the hospital. Because we are going to Saskatoon for Christmas, Grandpa will be able to see first hand his newest beauty. We hear that Ireland is quite thrilled to have a sister.
Saskatoon will be our home for Christmas this year and my kids will celebrate when we come home on the 27th. It will be good to see all my siblings and nephews (those that will be there) and share some fun times from previous years.
Merry Christmas to all and have a blessed and safe holiday season.

My husbands Birthday

Yes today, Jack officially turns 61 - last year was the big 6-0. As Nicole always says - he sure doesn't look his age with very little gray hair. I think so too - must be all the good cooking (lol). Just wanted to say, Happy Birthday, Darling and all the best for another great year to come. Looking forward to a little R&R at some warm place with you. As usual, we have the Ministry Christmas Party this evening so sort of a big birthday party for him. I'm sure that all the kids will leave messages or send cards.
Then for parties we have my Christmas party out in Bragg Creek on Saturday and our Annual Small Group party at Zorn's on Sunday. Thanks to Gary & Barb for opening there home to host every year anywhere from 20 - 30 guests. This year we as a group are inviting non-Church of Christ folks to come and be our guests. I'm sure that it will be a fun event.
Lots has changed over the years, as this week marks 10 years that we have lived in our current home. Where has time gone. I know that when we moved it was probably as cold as it has been this past weekend...in the low -20's. The long range winter forecast is for deep freeze weather and lots of snow. BRRRRR.
Till the next blog - stay warm!

How about those Riders!

Okay this is the wrong person writing this blog...or should I say, I'm the bigger person for writing this. We have a rival at our house as to who we cheer for during the football season...Jack totally bleeds green. How could he have worked on all those lotteries with the CFL teams and still cheered green? Okay, the Riders are on there way to the Grey Cup...I am not taking my hot holiday out in TO to see the green team TRY and go all the way! So the tv will have to suffice, as well we will be in Edmonton for the weekend at my Grandma's 88th birthday with some of the relatives. Darin & Todd make sure you cheer loud for your team, I know that your Dad will be!
Nicole has come home for awhile and then will be moving in with Breanne & Marc. She had a tough week as she ended her four year relationship with her boyfriend, a male school friend comitted sucide right across the street from us, another friend attending U of S rolled her jeep in Saskatoon and is in the hospital in rough shape and her best friend had her cancerous thryoid surgery plus the removal of 2 cancer tumors. The one hilight for her was that some of her high school male friends now see her in a different light and are quite interested. So the next little while should be a fun time for her re-acquainting herself to the dating world. Nicole is a strong young woman and I know that she will find her way.
Breanne left yesterday with her girlfriend for the Dominican and they hadn't even left the airport and I got a panic call saying that it cost her $100 for overweight luggage...WHAT - no one has over weight luggage leaving for a holiday, but then I remembered that this is Breanne. Her "shoe suitcase" wasn't over weight, just her regular piece of luggage. They are only gone a week, so she will probably have to pay to come back into Canada. I'm sure that they will have a great time getting sun and swimming with the dolphins, lucky girl!
So another busy week going to the Flames game tomorrow (Row 7 - Section 119 - in PetroCanada's seats) so we are looking forward to that. Then a busy week and up to Edmonton for the weeekend.
Till next time...oh yah, "go riders go"...that's for Jack!

2nd Time Around

Jack and I are putting together a new ministry for folks that have been married the second time around. We have talked to many couples in the church and there is a feeling that some of them don't feel that they connect and they think that it is because they are re-married. So we have had several couples into our home to talk about this ministry. We think that we could start out having a social get-together and see where it goes from here.
I feel that God has made all of us different and with that we all learn from one another. But some people have a harder time accepting this and never really grow as a person or as a Christian. We hope to be able share experiences and have a fun time doing it....the one common denominator is the fact that we all have learned to grow from our experiences.
The recipe exchange was successful in helping bring women together to show off there talents in baking, serving and being crafty. We had around 25-30 ladies come out this past Saturday and share their talents. I really love this time of the year which is nearly upon us. And I especially love trying out new recipes that have already been shared with others.
After this exciting day it was time to change out the furniture covers to our red corduroy and what a difference it made in the family room....you almost think that you are in a different house. I really am excited to get going on the Christmas decorating now!

Christmas is how far Away?

Today is October 29th and already I have been busy planning the Third Annual Ladies Recipe Exchange for this coming weekend. Barb and I really enjoy putting gift baskets together, gathering ideas from other ladies to display small gift ideas; gathering craft & recipe books for copies to be made, but the best part is sharing with ladies there favorite recipe for an appetizer, cookie, square or anything edible to serve during this ridiculous, busy time of the year which is fast approaching. We as women plan and execute all the goings on during this busy time of the year and so a little help from our friends goes along way. Even though we all tell ourselves that we aren't going to let the Season get us all worked up, we enevitably find ourselves going down that same path. We try and have our Christmas cards or newsletters out in the mail on time; make that One last batch of cookies or squares, too only have them all eaten up before our baking trays are made up to be given away and the list goes on, and on. I am not a believer in taking time for myself nor have I ever done this, however this year I am busier than ever before Christmas is even upon us. I still have Breanne and Jack's birthdays to get through before year end and that takes a bit of planning. But I must say that I enjoy working on adreline and checking my list off for each and every event. I love to put my heart and soul into every ministry that I am part of and if I can share just one thing with one person then I feel that I have accomplished something. Sometimes I feel closer to people that I don't know and have more faith in them, then in others that I have known for a lot longer.
Last night at our Small Group we talked about mentoring and even though I never spoke out loud about this I am part of the Ladies Ministry with Barb and she has been my mentor. Even though she might not admit that she has mentored me, I truly feel very blessed to have her in my life. She has listened to me about family, friends, work and even ministry and together I always feel so much better knowing that I can always count on her for some comforting words, a helping hand but most of all someone that you can always depend on. God has truly blessed me with the best Christian friend.
November is almost here and so I must run to make my list up again for this week so that I can start crossing off all the things that I hope to accomplish. And I'm sure that if you are reading this, you're list is all ready written up and that you are accomplishing every task that you have set out to do. I truly wish you the best of luck with your list. As well, find a mentor that can help you along life's path - it makes everyday much easier to get through!

October Update

Well, I didn't know that I had people following this blog so I best be writing something in here. September went by like a blurr as with the CCOC conference in Kananaskis behind me and now I am starting to work on 2008 (20th Anniversary) conference perhaps out in Lake Louise. Jack and I will be going to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for our 16th Wedding Anniversary this coming weekend. I have a little work to do there for the conference and Jack will be relaxing. We can't believe that 16 years of marriage have almost come and gone. I must say that I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful husband that loves me, cares for me and places me beside him in every decision that I our life takes us. I love you darling and look forward to many, many more years to come.
Thanksgiving weekend took both of us to different cities as I had to be in Saskatoon to continue planning my parents 50 Wedding Anniversary and there 70th Birthdays, next May and Jack was at Western for board meetings to hear a great speaker, Gerry Rushford from Pepperdine University, Malibu CA. I was torn to go down and hear Gerry after all we have loved all five years at going to Pepperdine Lecturship but I knew that if I didn't get all my jobs done, this anniversary wouldn't be getting planned. Things came together rather well, and I got to spend time with my brothers, sister-in-law and one out of three nephews. My youngest brother, Mark had us to his house for dinner. He was very proud of his kitchen renovation not to mention he is quite the cook. My parents made the Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday, when Jack returned from Regina and we all got a great visit in. Thanks to Caren for spending some time with me and taking me to different shopping areas of Saskatoon. That city is sure growing! Jack and I left early yesterday to get back before the highway rush. This weekend marks our 10th Anniversary of our horrible house tragedy so I was just a little nervous about leaving the house alone. Nicole came home a couple of times to check on things so that made me feel better.
Well I must get some work done as this will be a short week. A very happy and belated Thanksgiving to everyone.

August Blurrrrr

It is hard to believe that August is almost over and we have not had the summer weather that July gave us. However, with all things that we have done I'm not sure that we could of enjoyed the outside weather. Let's start at the beginning - we got our fence, built and stained and it looks awesome. We have such great Christian neighbors, Patti & Kevin who made this job a fun one. Then we had all the wedding "stuff" to do. Jack married my younger cousin, Cody & fiance Ashley on Saturday, August 18 in Squamish, BC. I had the task of being wedding coordinator and chef...what a big job. The day was set (bad weather and all) and the kitchen was a buzzing with activity. The guest list was comprised of 160 friends and family. All of my mom's siblings (8) were there so it was like a family reunion. I was exhausted but quite pleased with all the meal etc. I missed my co-chef, Barb who was here in Calgary running her very, very busy Bed & Breakfast. But she was always a phone call away should I have needed that little extra pep talk. Jack and I got to visit in White Rock, BC and then down to Beachwood and Bellingham, WA for a short 1 day trip. Then straight up to Squamish for all the activities. My Uncle Dana & Aunt Rachelle were there and my uncle looked fantastic even though he wasn't able to have his chemo 2x over. For more, read his blog attached to this one.
The next big buzz is the talk of my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary plus the celebration of there 70th birthdays. This is all taking place in Saskatoon over the May 2008 long weekend. So I will be home at Thanksgiving taking a look at the hall, rental companies etc. Should be a busy time but productive in getting things rolling for May.
My kids have been busy - Nicole buying her fourth car...not sure where she gets that from! She & her boyfriend, Kris just returned from 2 weeks at Victoria and had a great camping trip. Breanne & Marc finally got there new furniture that fits the apartment and Breanne & her girlfriend Ashley are planning there next big winter trip to somewhere hot. Ryan and his roommate are each looking for new homes as there condo is being sold. Ryan wants to live more between both jobs CTV out in the deep SW and Starbucks on the fringe of downtown. He stayed at the house while we were gone and his car died so now he is without wheels. Always something with these old cars as we learned when we got home from BC. My 1989 Chrysler New Yorker (same as Ryan's) has seen better days and is soon going to charity of choice. Time will tell as to what I get.
With August almost over I am busy with the Oil Conference that is scheduled out in Kananaskis, Sept. 5-7. I am the person in charge of registration so 200 of my closest oil delegates will be mixing and mingling for a couple of days. Jack will have to attend to take care of spouses on the golf course...this is a couple of hard days to take out in the mountains but some how we will try and enjoy it.
So that's it - August has been a very cool, wet blurrrr but fall is almost upon us and then comes winter to start the new year all over again. I look forward to busy couple of months to come and hope that everyone has a great end to the summer months as we have had.

Fence Building

I know that it has been awhile since my last blog. We have been busy getting through weekends (golfing) and visiting and now have finally started on re-building the fence. What a job! With the weather being as hot as it has been, we are trying to only go out when the temp. is under 30. I think that Jack got a bit of heat stroke on Sunday and so we only managed to get 1 section done. But on Saturday we worked for 8 hours taking down the old boards; hammering out the old nails or screws and then cutting and reattaching the new boards. Now I know why people measure twice and cut once! Before I started our job on Saturday, Jack gave me my very own tool belt with a hammer (which hangs from the pocket on the tool belt). Plus I had real leather work gloves that fit me, so no wood splinters in these hands. I also got lessons on how to use the 18v drill for the screws...slow and steady! I think I can now go into construction work (lol), but I won't give up my day job!
Summer is almost 1/2 over and things are hectic. We have seen no relatives and probably won't until the wedding in Squamish. This will be a busy time with having to help Jack for the ceremony plus make the food for the dinner. But should be a great time.
My kids are busy working lots so I have only seen Nicole. Ryan has been working lots of night shifts and some days so we hope to hook up for lunch tomorrow. Breanne is busy with her job and some clients coming to the apartment for various nail applications..so she is enjoying her career. Jack's son Todd was supposed to come out for a visit with Michelle & Ireland but we haven't seen them. Jack's other son Darin, Donna and granddaughter's should be out in August for a visit as well. We were over at Jaelyn's place to see the youngest granddaughter Lacey, on her 2nd birthday. They just returned from a couple of weeks in Saskatoon.
So I will try and attach the picture once we figure it out. Take care and enjoy the rest of summer, I know we will once the fence is down, up and stained...not too much more to do!

Prayers for Many Sick Family Members

We got a call last night from my mom to say that Uncle Elliott suffered a heart attack on Monday in Macrorie. He was with Lorne and Sean shingling a roof and said that he didn't feel well. The boys managed to get him down a ladder and took him back to the farm. Maxine came home and took him to the Outlook hospital, and from there a doctor went with him in an ambulance to the Saskatoon Royal Hospital. The doctors performed an angioplasty and said that he probably needs another one, but do to the fact that the nurses are on strike, only emergency surgery is going on. Well if this isn't an emergency then what is!! I find it so ironic that this Uncle who never smoked, drank and was physically fit could fall to such an ailment. We all wish him a speedy recovery.
Life can throw a real curve at people - some say that it comes in three's so we have had our share. Between Uncle Eliott and his heart attack; Uncle Dana going through his bought of surgery and cancer treatments to follow; but one of the most trying is that my Grandma, who suffers from Alzheimers took a second fall and needed surgery for her broken wrist. My mom and dad are in Edmonton helping to care for her at the home. They have reported that when you look into her eyes, they are blank. She can no longer remember people in the family pictures and no longer wishes to engage in a conversation. Very heart breaking disease with many different reactions - as Brian's mom (Jean) was a very volitile patient with the same disease and suffered for more than 10 years. So for me, if Grandma is silent and quiet, then I feel better then thinking about how Jean suffered with the demons of Alzheimers. No matter what we can all remember Grandma as a much loving women with so many happy memories. But most of all we will still love her for the lady that she is. I love you Grandma.

Father's Day - Thankyou to Fathers

Yesterday was Father's Day and at our house with no kids around, it was a quiet celebration. However, it did make me relive some of the more special days of celebrating over the years. Some years I felt like both Mother's Day and Father's Day were my celebration of surviving another year as a single parent. Then when Jack was in my life he took over the Step-father role and helped me with raising my kids. This is a tribute to him for surviving those years as I know that they weren't easy. He not only nurtured my kids but he helped me to nurture in more of a motherly role than in previous years. Jack, thank you for being the kind of man that you are and thank you for being my children's step-father when they needed that male role model growing up. Love you!

Jack's to Rest

Jack went to the doctor and there is nothing that he can do for Jack. The tests showed 2 kidney stones about 4.7 mil. in diameter on the left side. The end result is just drink plenty of water and wait for them to pass...a good thing or not! I guess that depends on who is doing the passing. But we are relieved that there is nothing more serious. So there is no golf or strenuous work for him to do for a couple of days...just rest. Not my kind of excitement but Jack is fine with this. I will keep posting should something change for the worse. Have a great weekend everyone and thanks for the prayers.

Update on Jack's health

Well it looks like we can now get our medical degree's! When Jack took me to have some routine scans and a mammogram this morning, he suffered another major attack. So we went directly to our family doctor. After leaving a sample with the doctor and heading out for an X-ray we should know by tomorrow or sometime this week. The earliest I could get Jack in for an ultrasound is tomorrow morning, so he has to come downtown with me for that. The good thing is that Jack at least received a prescription for some Tylenol 3's to help with the pain. I can't imagine the pain associated with kidney stones. I have had my share of medical issues but this does not sound like one that I would want. the doctor called while I was writing this to say that one stone has been located in the right kidney and he is sure more will be found when he has the ultrasound. Please keep Jack in your prayers that this can be resolved quickly and with as little pain associated with it.
Love to all - hope your health is good!

Our Health

What a week, last week was! We heard more news about cancer and illness then we ever had before. My Uncle Dana, Edmonton found out that his Colon Cancer will be needing further follow up (see Dana's diaries on this blog). We planned and went to Edmonton on Saturday for a visit with him and Rachelle, my aunt. Good visit. The day before we got there we heard that my Grandma (87 yrs) fell getting out of bed and gashed her eyebrow open. She needed to be taken by ambulance and had stitches put in. When we visited with her in Edmonton, we were not prepared to see just how bruised she was. The total left side of her face including 1/2 her top and bottom lip were purple. Both arms and hands were totally swollen and purple. She did quite the number. The sad thing is that with her Alzheimer's she barely remembers falling or getting out of bed. We understand that she gets up several times a night to visit with the staff. We sure hope that she can stay in this part of the ward of the Nursing Home - excellent staff and patients.
To finish out our week we got a call from my parents to say that my Dad's lymph nodes are getting bigger than they had been from last year's tests. We knew that this was a matter of time. The clinic in Saskatoon advises that if he has any other symptoms then he should call the clinic, otherwise he is to wait until next year to have another scan and the doctors will see how much growth has taken place. You would think that with all the medical intervention that we have, that giving chemo right now would shrink what he has. However, my understanding is that the medical group needs to see what kind of chemo he will need as lymphoma never returns the same 2x round.
Then our weekend ended with Jack being sick yesterday all afternoon and evening with lots of pain in his back. Because he has already had his gall bladder out, we suspect that this is the start of kidney stones. He was sick like this just a couple of months ago (thinking it was the flu). Today he was in golf tournament and he said that he didn't golf well, but he made it through.
Please keep all my family in your prayers for continued medical intervention. My uncle who is in his late 50's and still has so much life to live; for my dad that he may not have other symptoms and that the lymph nodes don't grow anymore and stay in remission; for my Grandma that she have peace and recovery from her bad fall. Also I ask for prayers that Jack get some medical help with his sickness and that it not be kidney stones. Life has so much to offer and we all need to enjoy every day in good health and good spirits.

BC bound for May long weekend

Jack and I just returned from the glorious, sunny hamlet of Sicamous, BC. We spent four wonderful days soaking up the sun, visiting with family and even golfing a couple of rounds of golf. We were worried that with all the avalanches happening between Golden & Revelstoke that this would detour us through the southern part of BC and we would add on addional three hours to our trip. But we were lucky enough to only have a 20 minute wait going down and a ten minute wait coming back.
The weather was beautiful with only one daytime rain storm and lots of poplar fluff flying about.
The golf course was in great shape along with our game. Both Jack and I were able to play three games while we were there and I allowed Jack to win all three games (good to stroke our husbands egos every once and awhile)...lol.
We actually were in Sicamous to have a meeting with Michelle, Ian, Cody & Ashley plus see the new baby Isabella Pepper. What a beauty and such a good baby. With all the wedding talk behind us, we now look forward to seeing this happy family get married in Squamish - hope to see you all there.
My (youngest) Uncle Joe and his wife, Bonnie and their daughter Chelsea came and had dinner with us at the condo. We had a great time catching up with all there plans in moving out to be closer to Joey Jr. and Ashley in Kamloops.
Well that was our May long weekend and now back to hoping to see some warmer weather so that we can take our golf on the road to an even bigger golf course. We look forward to playing with some of our friends and have a great summer on the courses.

Month of May and Many Activities

Well we are back from our holidays to the US. What a great time we had with all the beautiful summer weather and a very good time at lectureship. Barb and I know how to hear some great speakers and then sit by the fountain and take in the fantastic weather - thanks my dear friend for a great time!
The month of May has brought some good news and some sad news. First for the good news - Jack is going to be a Grandpa again!!!! God has blessed Todd, Michelle and Ireland with a baby on the way. The family is to be growing in numbers sometime in
December. We are thrilled for them as we know how long they have prayed for this to happen. Ireland will make a great older sister.
Our church has been blessed with many new babies and I feel that shows ua that God is at work right here in the City of Calgary. I am fortunate enough to even get to hold and take in the sweet smell of new life, and nothing could be better.
The bad news is that my Uncle Dana is waiting to find out what kind of cancer he has and this past week has been a roller coaster ride waiting for the news. All the family knows is that the cancer is in his colon and could be elsewhere. Being that Jack and I feel quite close to them we have volunteered to have blog devoted to Uncle Dana's health so watch for the icon to click on and take you to "Dana's Diary".
Jack and I got to share the weekend with my brother, Mark and my parents as we were in need of house painting. And painting we did! Mark and my dad turned our house into a new home - thanks to you both - we love you for all that you did in helping us. Now it's going to be time to hunt for those special pictures to hang on the walls.
Mother's Day was special as I got to celebrate it with my Mom and all my kids came over for a meal and a great visit. It was nice to hear each of them catch up with their Uncle and Grandparents...seems like yesterday when Mom & Dad were taking my kids camping for a couple of weeks...it's like they never lost any years together. I feel very blessed that my kids have a special relationship with their Grandparents and that they spent many quality times on summer trips with them.

May God be at work in your lives and may he continue to watch over all of you and keep you healthy....until next time.

Nevada/California Good Times

We have been away from Calgary for one complete week and have done a lot in the time frame that we have. Our ultimate goal is to be at Pepperdine for lecturship but first we get to have a holiday.
We flew to Las Vegas last Tuesday and have thoroughly enjoyed hot and very hot weather. We did a lot of shopping, pool time and then toured most of the hotels that have many attractions to see/do. We had the fortunate pleasure of seeing and having lunch with Janet Johnson. She was in Vegas for a trade show and so we had lunch together in the Rainforest Cafe @ MGM Grande. What an experience - we would go back to that hotel for a meal. We also went to the Heidlburgh Restaurant and experienced Germany all over again right down to the German Band playing.
We had tickets for Celine Dion and that was exciting. She had a great show - no breaks just straight singing and dancing...but I think that she has done her time. The people weren't jumping up and down for her, so not sure if that's because they had seen her before or that she wasn't as good as other performers.
We loved the Venetian hotel as it was a complete replica of Venice. I would love to stay there and see the rooms. Caesar's Palace was the next best hotel for being a replica of Europe. Hard to believe that these hotels could be such a duplication.
The Hilton Flamingo was a spectacular hotel with lots of pool area and much to see and do.
We drove to LA on Sunday and have been relaxing in Agoura Hills, CA. We managed to find our favorite Mexican place - Baja Fresh and plan to eat there again before we leave. The hotel that we are in - Homewood Suites by Hilton offers a great hot breakfast and then between 5:30 - 7:30 they have a light supper with beer & wine all for free. Apparently this is there signature for the hotel chain...very nice. We will be on our way to Pepperdine tonight and look forward to hooking up with everyone that we have met before.
Our shopping time has become complete as we have hit every outlet mall that there is. Good thing that we could buy a new roller bag to take our goodies home.
Saturday is the day we leave so until then - take care and we'll see everyone at home on the weekend.

Spring Time Fever

What a week with trying to get spring yard work and house work done plus trying to get ready to go on our annual vacation/lectureship trip to the West Coast. It seems like forever when we went on our winter trip but this one is the most relaxing with hot weather, plenty of suntanning & swimming and then there's all the places to go and see. We are in Las Vegas for 5 nights and are taking in Celine Dion on one of the nights. Plus there are so many hotels that offer all kinds of entertainment that I'm sure we won't be bored. Not to mention that we are driving out to St. George, Utah to get my "Cracker Barrel" and outlet mall fix. We have several outlet malls in Nevada and then some when we drive to Malibu. We leave 2 days before lectureship starts so that gives us time in LA to do other tourist things. Ryan will be staying at the house and says he is looking forward to relaxing, having a hot tub and I hope not more than that. He is pretty good so I don't have to worry. The yard work is mainly completed except for the sprinklers need to be re-activated. We had to get a new hot water tank and the furnace needed fixing...always something. With not moving anymore we are getting our "wish list" together for all the things that need fixing or replacing. It will be nice to fix or buy new things as the upgrade is over due. We have flipped rooms in the house and now have our tv room where the kids had there's, plus the main family room is now our music room. It is hard to believe how much we have utilized the music room for more reading and less tv. A person can put so much empty time into tv when there is much more to be done. I must sign off and wish everyone a very happy spring time and I look forward to sharing about lectureship when I return. I always feel so uplifted and refocused at Pepperdine with all the people that travel so far to become one. This feeling can't help but rub off on people as the speakers are so encouraging and thought provoking. God is Good!

Life is So Fragile

Jack and I were reading in the paper on Sunday at the same time, different pages, that a wonderful, caring and totally giving man passed away at the young age of 55 with cancer. Geary Murdock was a fantastic football player with the Calgary Stampeders and I had the priveledge of knowing him in 1979 while working at the Calgary Children's Shelter. He and his wife took me skiing and befriending me and then ten years later, Jack and I worked with him on the various Stampeders events. He was so young and yet his eulogies talked about how much he gave back to the community and to people. We heard from my former boss at the shelter that 3 girls that were residents back in the 70's came to the funeral honoring him for having changed their lives..God is Good.
Jack and I made a decision last week to not look anymore for a new house. Every house we looked at needed more construction or fixing up and when we compared what we have to what we were buying, less money can be spent staying put. So on Monday we got a new hot water tank, had the noisy furnace fixed and then re-arranged our third & fourth levels of the house. Hard to get used to watching tv on the fourth level but the newly created music room on the third level will be an added bonus. Now we just need to stay at home long enough to enjoy.
We have been praying hard for my great Aunt here in Calgary who was diagnosed with bowel cancer three months ago. When diagnosed she was given no more than 2 weeks to live and surprisingly she has surpassed that by 2 1/2 months. Last night I got the call from Carolanne saying that her lungs are starting to fill up. May the good Lord take her peacefully and not have her suffer much longer. Uncle Joe, her husband passed away 2 years ago as of April 20th.
Jack and I wish all a very Happy and Blessed Easter. We will be enjoying our holiday weekend cleaning out nooks & crannies in the house along with a quiet dinner on Sunday.

Life Begins

Well, we have joined the new era of bloggers. Not that we plan to blog on a ongoing basis but we thought that it would be fun to update people as we move along on this next journey of our lives. With some of the (limited) travel that we do, we thought that it would be a way of keeping in touch.
A family dinner took place on Sunday with my youngest, Nicole leaving her teenage years behind and moving into true adulthood. With everyone being at the table we all agreed that a dinner should now move from the comforts of Mom & Jack's house to each family member hosting a meal. Adulthood is so much fun and even more so when your mother can come and see the fruits of her labor (no pun intended) and that each person can show off their culinary skills. With much discussion about meal planning everyone agreed that he or she would plan the menu and then advise the group as to what they should bring to compliment the meal. I look forward to sharing in these special times.
Jack and I are planning on going up to Edmonton to visit with my Grandma this coming Saturday. We look forward to our visit with some of the family in Edmonton as well, plus we wanted to see what winter looked like as Calgary has no snow and the robins have returned for the spring conditions that we are experiencing.
Talk to you all soon.