Merry Christmas

Well it's almost 6:00 am on Christmas Day and I'm writing a new blog - we don't have kids in the house to wake us up, but my internal clock says "get up and get things done" before you leave. So I finished folding clothes, I need to vaccum but I don't want to wake Jack so I guess I will write this then make some coffee.
We had a great time last night with Ryan, Breanne & Marc, Nicole & Cecil, Ashley (friend/Ryan's date) plus Jaelyn, Rob & three beautiful granddaughters. We opened stockings, had dinner then opened gifts. Then when the real fun was supposed to start (opening the $10 fun gift exchange) it flopped. No one was over agressive in stealing - I guess that means we had too good of gifts to not want to steal...note to self must change that next year).
All in All the evening went very well. So with that I will close in saying, Merry Christmas to Everyone from the Ashby house. May God be ever present in your hearts over this holiday season. Stay Safe!

Colder than Frights

Wow, this has been the coldest spell in a long time. I know that when the middle of December starts to get close, I believe that we are on the back side of winter. But how wrong am I when we keep hearing from the weather man it is going to get colder and just a little more snow.
We have been busy with Christmas parties, visiting folks, finishing up the baking & Christmas cards. But that's all part of December - every year we go through the same rituals of trying to accomplish all these things.
It's also hard to believe that tomorrow will be one week until Christmas eve and then the following day Jack and I leave for Minneapolis, MN...yes, you read correctly. I bought Jack tickets for the NFL game on Dec. 28th and so we are going to brave even colder weather (outside) than Calgary. They get all the cold weather from Winnipeg so that should be pretty much what we are getting the latter part of this week, we should experience it again next week. However, we are staying only 3 miles from the Mall of America and this is a much heated indoor, 550 businesses to shop, eat and explore in. I think that a good couple of days exploring this place should keep us very warm. Plus the football stadium is indoors with around 70,000 adoring fans (Jack bought ear plugs). We hope to also get a chance to see the refinery that our Alberta crude oil is shipped to. This is where one of the offices that I work for is located. Then on the 30th we head to New Jersey to surprise my parents who are at my sister's place for New Years eve. That should be fun, just not sure if we will get into New York or not....pretty crazy time with the ball dropping at time square etc.
So I am counting the days down until our kids & families are brought together on Christmas eve and then off to a cold, very cold destination. This will be a much needed rest of a holiday (after all how much shopping can one person really do)???

December Rush

I like to call this time of the year "December Rush"...because that is just what everyone does....rush, rush, rush...rush for a parking stall, then rush into the store (until you have to pay for something then there is no rush as the register lines are all really, really long). Our work just collected $800 from 13 folks so our company will match our money. We went to Neighborlink and got 2 families to support. Now everyone is rushing around trying to get clothes etc. for people that we haven't even met. I just got off the phone with my boss (who just happens to be the President) and even he said how hard it was to shop for little boys that he hasn't met etc. He did say that he will be talking with his 6 year old son about giving up some of the toys that he doesn't play with. Very commendable!
I have my Christmas party downtown tomorrow night and again it will be a rush...from first thing in the morning right up until we rush to the restaurant to set the tables with cenre pieces and names....plus I have to make up a list of instructions for my boss to read...again, rush, rush, rush.
Jack is in Regina at board meetings so things are a little more quiet here. He is due home tomorrow afternoon just in time to rush home from the airport to change clothes and rush out the door....there's that word again about rush. So I guess that I will end this with, "I have to go rush out and finish the dishes, get the laundry going and figure out my dress for tomorrow night...rush, rush, rush!!!! I'm sure that most can relate.

Christmas Rush

Well November is almost complete and now we move onto the busiest month of the year. I love this time of the year, with all the colors, music but best of all the friends & family that come to our home for the holidays. I love to bake and cook and share with everyone. This year we are planning on 13 for Christmas Eve dinner (Jaelyn, Rob & 3 girls), Ryan, Ashley(Bre's friend) Breanne, Marc, Nicole and Cecil. It should be fun having dinner, opening gifts and then playing the fun gift exchange. Then we move onto the real fun - playing Wii. We had a great time at Breanne's birthday so this should be a blast.
I have already done my first turkey dinner with Christmas baking by having my bunco ladies in for our annual Christmas bunco & gift exchange. We had a great time and my great friend, Barb bought me a beautiful flower arrangement for my table..so thoughtful. Barb and my neighbor Patti helped me clear up, move furniture, and then clear up again - what great friends I have...they were my guests but still have a heart as big as ever to help get things done. Thank you my dear friends.
Then yesterday I took the plate of left over baking to the office to share with my "guys" and they loved it (as usual). It was nice that they appreciated all the hard work that goes into making so many squares & cookies.
Today is a day to do some shopping and then start with all our outings for get togethers. We have chosen to go out rather than have everyone in all the time. It is easier for all of us that way...Jack and I plus some of our guests.
So with that I must go and get breakfast going and then get out the door to do a little more shopping.
Merry Ho Ho and Happy Shopping/Decorating/Baking or whatever is on your list!!!!

Grey Cup Champions

Yes we are!!!!! Can you believe that game! It was a close score and who knew that after the first half that we would be on the cup side of things. But we were - thanks to Coach Huffer who can instill faith and belief in a team. Calgary has pulled off something very good after living through these times of all the layoffs etc. happening in this oil city. To all our friends & family - it feels so good to be the winner of the 2008 Grey Cup! Go Stamps Go!!!!

BC In 24 Hours

What a week this has been - first I had the flu and thought that the week would never end and then Jack left to go down to Post Falls, ID for a church conference. That didn't help and it made me very lonely for him. But the days ticked by and I knew that I would be going out to Vancouver for Uncle Ian's surprise retirement party and what a party. The worst part was getting up at 4:30 a.m. two days in a row. And I never sleep well so I'm usually awake every 40 - 70 mins. worrying if the alarm clock will go off. But I flew out, took our gps and was able to find the downtown hotel and even find a shopping centre that we visited a couple times many years ago. I even was able to give Dana & Rachelle directions from the ferry to the mall so they could follow me downtown to our hotel. But one of the other hilights was watching the Stampeders beat the Lions while watching the game in the lounge of Moxies Restaurant. Of course it was hard to contain the cheering when the room was so packed with Lions or Canuck fans - all who were dressed up in their jerseys. After the game it was time to decorate the room and get appies ready for the party. After that it was a pj party in my aunt & uncle's room just catching up with everyone before heading off to bed to have another early morning. This morning I was once again able to find the airport even at 5 am and dark, rainy, foggy weather. It was good leave but coming home to snow was a start..yet this is Calgary so wait one day it will be up to plus 11 tomorrow.
Jack is home and had a productive week so that is good. Now we will just have to get things in order for Christmas Bunco and then the real Christmas before we are off to Minneapolis for a Vikings football game.
Have a good week everyone and remember just over 30 days before Christmas!

Not Well But Still Busy

Have you ever had one of those days, weeks that you never felt well. I just can't seem to shake this nasty head cold that I got before Thanksgiving and then on top of it all I got the flu on Monday...the worst day as it was Breanne's party. I had to have Jack pick me up from work early as I couldn't take the pounding head ache and the running to the bathroom all the time (I will save you from the details). Well here it is Wednesday and I feel a bit better...okay maybe not. I still have the headache and my stomach still hurts but at least my bathroom trips have slowed down. This is a great way to lose weight. So I'm home from work and trying to slowly clean out all my fall things as I have a Christmas dinner here on the 27th and the house has to look that way. Jack left with the ladies (Chris & Brandi) to head down to Post Falls, ID for a conference. He will be gone for four days and then I will be gone so we hope to hook back up on Sunday...that will be weird as neither of us like to be apart for any length of time. I always think that it would be okay, and then by the first day I really miss him..must be love!
I am also requesting prayers for my brother-in-law Steph who lives in the U.S. He has had some bad back problems and each time the doctors tell him that it is a pinched nerve, well it turns out that through an MRI he has 2 compressed vertebrae in his mid back. They don't think surgery is an option because if surgery doesn't go well he could end up paralyzed. Very scary especially at a time in the US that people are being laid off from their jobs. He is a manager and has had to do lots of that through out the past couple of months. My sister is very scared and doesn't know what she can do for her husband. I ask for prayers that the doctors may find a way of relieving him from his pain and getting him back to his job so that he can care for his family. I ask that they are able to stay in the US and have their sons continue their school year. Thank you.

November 2008

Did I mention how much I like the Christmas Season (which is almost upon us)...when I see poppies being sold then I know that we are really close to getting out those Xmas ornaments. I play in a dice game with 11 other ladies called Bunco and we only play on the last Thursday of eight months of the year. Well I have the distinct honor of hosting our Christmas dinner/gift exchange and bunco on November 27th this year, so my house has to be all dressed up for Christmas. Being the Christmas fool that I am, I will have no problem in getting the inside of my house ready. Jack will be away mid-November so that is the time that I plan to accomplish most of my decorating. Actualy today, I persuaded my dear loving husband to come outside and help me get our Xmas Candy Canes & white Christmas tree up..actually the weather was at least plus 18 and no wind, so why not put up all these outside decorations while it is so warm...that's what I told him. But I also needed to rake up the neighbors leaves and some of ours in the back yard. Beautiful day! My bunco theme is Christmas - Elegant Entertaining...I asked that all the ladies dress for the evening.
The new light renovations are coming along very slowly. We had to return several lights yesterday as we realized that they were the wrong kind. Then we bought some other ones that I think will be much better. Jack invested in a new 6' ladder to help him with some tall fixtures...hopefully we can get the bathroom ones changed out this week as I will have some painting to do once that happens, and you know I don't want it to interfere with my Christmas decorating time frame.
So October has finished up on a good note and we are into November. Breanne will be turning 24 on the 10th of November...hard to believe my oldest daughter is almost a quarter of a century old. Time has a way of flying by. I remember laying her on the couch in early December 1984 while I put up the Christmas lights and her eyes were wide open looking at all the twinkling lights blinking off and on. Maybe that is why I enjoy this time of the year so much.
Time to go and get dinner started...Greek Chicken burgers tonight with greek salad. Might as well bbq while we can. I will keep you posted on the renovations for the week. Have a good one.
PS: Prayers requested for Jenn & Justin Mooney as they under a c-section for their triplets tomorrow. May God give the doctors a steady hand as they bring new life into this world. Such a miracle! Bless them all.

Renovation time

We are preparing to renovate and update the look of our house. I just wish that I had more confidence in being able to do some things myself. I know how to use a hammer but that would just make a mess. I know how to use a saw, but that would wreck the cupboard. Okay let me explain - I have wanted to redo my kitchen for quite sometime but the cost would make it so that we would never recoup the money out of our house when we sell. So instead we need to make some minor changes in the kitchen keeping the cost down but esthetically improving the look. Last night we went out and bought new light fixtures for most of the house - WOW - we actually took the step and bought them. Now, hopefully (with lots of prayers & encouragement) my dear, sweet (did I say how wonderful my husband is) will actually start to replace them. I think that this will encourage him to want to get the kitchen renovated to a new era and not the one from my early post-high school days. I only want to knock down a set of cupboards (actually take them down and move them to a new wall - which I'm being told isn't possible)and get some more natural light into the cooking area. Then we need new counter tops and back splash area which is a big job as we have small, ugly 1980's tile to get rid of. Several folks told me that Home Depot has folks that can come out and give a quote for all of this kind of work...I think I'm calling them. There are so many choices of counter tops that it makes a person's head spin...just like that movie! Well just a few more decisions and lots of prayers then we should be travelling into a new room. Wish me luck or should I say, wish my dear, sweet, wonderful husband the best of luck in getting the lights changed over. I'll keep you posted on the progress.

October 2008 - My last year of being in my 40's!!!!!

I can honestly say that I am excited about turning 50 next year. I have had such a traumatic couple of 30's & 40's that I never thought I would enjoy saying that I can hardly wait to get through being 49 and turning 50. It might have something to do with the man that I married and how content and happy I am in my life! But then again the economy sucks right about now...but who cares, as I am having the time of my life just being 49, married to a great man and about to hit the the half a century in age. My grandma and I are exactly 40 years apart and when I look at her life and how happy her and my grandpa were, I'm very excited to hit 50 next year. I watched a program that talked about if women could go back in their lives, which ten year span would they live and almost all of them said there is nothing like being in your late forties or entering into your fifties. Your kids have gotten their own lives and don't depend on you, as well you have found security within yourself and are on an even plateau with your spouse. Well I will definitely vouch for the even plateau with your spouse, as well my security has never been better. I have found that even though I carried a chip on my shoulder for many years (with being a single parent) I have become more self confident and self assured more than ever. I love life and I have found that God plays a big part in that. He has been with me for all of my journey and no matter what mistakes I made or what road I took my kids on, I could always count on him to be with me. I never endangered my kids but I know that there were many days when I wondered how I would feed them or pay for the roof over their heads. My biggest worry was how they would look at me for what I put them through with no dad in the picture, but as time went by it was "dad" that didn't want to be in the picture with them. I love my children more than life itself but even more I love myself for what I have accomplished through these years of hardship. But further more, I love my husband for helping me become the person that I am becoming....rich in faith, believing in myself and having God in my life, helping my children to become more dependent on making their own decisions for themselves. I just know that by next year I will be a better person, richer in spirit but most of all I will be seasoned with lots of life's experiences! I can hardly wait for October 2009!!!!

What an Uplifting Service!

What a day! We went with heavy hearts expecting to have such a sad service for a baby that was way to young to pass on. And yet what we got was 2 grandfathers talking quite openly; a host of pictures that brought everyone to tears to see such a beautiful child taken from his family and yet we know that God lends us our children as they are not ours to keep.
When Barb and I were asked by Patti & Kevin to put the lunch on, we were humbled to know that they wanted us to do this for them. It was an undertaking and yet we know that our church family wanted to help and support this family. And did they ever answer the challenge...thank you, thank you church family & friends for bringing so much food that no one went hungry today. Also, we were able to send food for the Clark families and still have more than enough to give to Teen Challenge - a charity that we knew would accept this kind of a donation.
Then when we thought we couldn't shed anymore tears, Kari & Jordan got up and talked and praised everyone for the support they had been given. I always find it encouraging to hear from the ones that can, during their moments of grief, a true from the heart thank you. I believe that if you can, you should as there is nothing like a personal, outpouring of thanks while your supporters are all together. Just by Kari & Jordan sharing their blog about there experiences, trials & disappointments with Drew's medical journey, this too was touching to know just how much everyone meant to them. When this happens it makes a person wonder if and when your time comes to be at the front, could you stand up in front of so many and thank those who came? Would you buckle at the knees? Could you tell a crowd just how much that loved one meant to you and that your life will go on without them? Could you keep it together and be audible for all to hear? Would you wonder if God would be so ever present to help you during this time of need? I guess that as time goes by and one day our time will be that time to be at the front of the room...I hope and pray that I too can be the strong one to stand and thank so many. I pray that I can feel uplifted by all who come to share in the celebration of life of my loved ones.

Such a Sad Day

At church this morning we learned that Drew would probably not be with us much longer. And so when we were driving home we got word that Drew had passed away. With much heartache for his parents and brother plus the rest of the families dealing with this sadness, we have to remember that God thought that it was time to call Drew home. Jack and I watched a great video clip about a message to all of God's children and how he is waiting in heaven to welcome each and everyone of us home. I have to believe that this is our ultimate goal to be reunited with our "Father". I keep hearing that folks won't be in pain nor suffer anymore with whatever they did here on Earth. I also know that from this experience we all will love one another just a bit more and not take our family for granted, as we never know what plan God has for us. Rest in peace, little Drew. You will never be forgotten. You have impacted more people than you really know...you were loved by many.

Fall Time - And New Beginnings

It seems that September had just begun and yet when I look at the calendar it is nearly over. My little brother had a birthday in Washington that we were able to celebrate with him; my older brother will turn a half a century old on the last day of September and we had three days in Lake Louise for an oil conference and then we were whisked away to Arlington, Virgina and Washington,DC for a family wedding. Now I am sitting at home wondering where September went. Have you ever had one of those months and just wondered where time went?
The only good thing about September was that we were able to explore one of the oldest, most historic US cities and loved every minute of it. We were able to take underground subways and not get lost; we took in many of the tourist sights and had tourist guides fill our heads with so much history; plus we got to go to a MLB game and feast on a seafood buffet before the game. We attended my godson Camille's wedding in the most beautiful cathedrals that we have ever been in. This far surpassed some of the churches that we saw in all of Italy, and trust me we were in a lot of churches. We were part of a small, intimate wedding complete US style and felt like royalty. So many traditions and yet in Canada we spread our wedding festivities out to last hours. We walked many museums and learned about US history along with going to the Holocaust and learning first hand about the torture that was handed out to so many. I learned that my grandfather was dictated to to fight in a war and lose his life in a foreign country and that my grandmother, uncles & father lost a father all for a wicked, evil man that hurt so many. And yet it is the US that brought that history to America for all to see. Somehow when you tour that building you see so much hatred in the world still going on and so many wicked people wanting things done there way (right or wrong) - evil or non-evil. Somehow history has a way of repeating itself. Yet in a city like Washington we never saw graffiti, never saw garbage strewn about; never saw beggars like we have here; and never saw people being rude or pushing their own agenda's on the subway system...we can learn about changing our ways with a system like that.
Yet we are glad to be home - you bet. So much has taken place even moved on since we have been away and yet it is still good to be home and smell the roses (wilted and drying up) but that's okay as a new season is upon us.

End of August - beginning of New Beginnings

What a busy couple of weeks. Between my uncle in Edmonton recovering from brain cancer (first it was colon cancer and now this), and now my parents are here to help celebrate my great Aunt & Uncle's 60th Wedding Anniversary the month of August has just flown by. What an accomplishment thinking about 60 years being married and even my parents having achieved 50 years of marriage this year, to someone that will never reach that milestone given our ages. But I believe that every year that a person is married is a celebration, especially when cancer is so much part of our lives. My great uncle is going through cancer of the stomach and yet he still is an accomplished violinist, journalist and a husband caring for his wife - both in their 80's. Can you ask for anything better with that lifestyle and marriage accomplishment? We can all wonder about our own life expectancy but sometimes people never think about marriage longevity? Kind of a surprise when you think about how excited folks are in the beginning of planning a wedding or a life together..we forget to take inventory later on in the years about being excited for what else is going to happen down the road; or in the middle of the journey. As we get older we only plan for the next holiday or worse the next long weekend. We need to think about the tomorrows before they get here and include our spouses and make it a real plan together. Do you have your plan? Are you prepared for the next year; the next five years or what about the next 10 years? I know that Jack and I talk about our plans all the time and even though we might never hit retirement together, we know that our plans take us through this month and onto the next couple with all kinds of togetherness and celebrations. We encourage everyone to come up with a couples plan - could be fun and exciting but most of all could be like starting all over again in the beginning - you just never know!

60 Years of Marriage

What a busy couple of weeks. Between my uncle in Edmonton recovering from brain cancer (first it was colon cancer and now this), and now my parents are here to help celebrate my great Aunt & Uncle's 60th Wedding Anniversary the month of August has just flown by. What an accomplishment thinking about 60 years being married and even my parents having achieved 50 years of marriage this year, to someone that will never reach that milestone given our ages. But I believe that every year that a person is married is a celebration, especially when cancer is so much part of our lives. My great uncle is going through cancer of the stomach and yet he still is an accomplished violinist, journalist and a husband caring for his wife - both in their 80's. Can you ask for anything better with that lifestyle and marriage accomplishment? We can all wonder about our own life expectancy but sometimes people never think about marriage longevity? Kind of a surprise when you think about how excited folks are in the beginning of planning a wedding or a life together..we forget to take inventory later on in the years about being excited for what else is going to happen down the road; or in the middle of the journey. As we get older we only plan for the next holiday or worse the next long weekend. We need to think about the tomorrows before they get here and include our spouses and make it a real plan together. Do you have your plan? Are you prepared for the next year; the next five years or what about the next 10 years? I know that Jack and I talk about our plans all the time and even though we might never hit retirement together, we know that our plans take us through this month and onto the next couple with all kinds of togetherness and celebrations. We encourage everyone to come up with a couples plan - could be fun and exciting but most of all could be like starting all over again in the beginning - you just never know!

Busy Weekend

Jack and I decided that this weekend was more about him needing to be in Regina for Carol's funeral service and being that this was more the "Ashby" side, that I would go up to Edmonton and spend time with Rachelle & Dana who is in the hospital recovering from brain cancer. It turned out that Rachelle was able to get Dana out on a day pass and so we took him to Bernie's trailer at the lake. That man has gone from XLarge clothing to a man's size small golf shirt and 32" waisted pants. Both bouts of cancer have taken a toll on his body. However one good thing was that his thought process was much better than it has been in previous visits. God works through people in so many different ways, that it is a marvel to see what he can do for some. I pray that Dana's radiation treatments will go okay and give him the pressure release on the brain that he so desperately needs. I pray that Rachelle receives good news tomorrow and that we have Dana around for many, many more years to come. We have just been so blessed with both of them as family members and such great friends. We pray for strength and endurance for Rachelle in the event that she has to make some tough decisions about Dana's next couple of months...may God give her wisdom, patience and most of all support to know that she is making all the right decisions based on Dana's needs at this time. God has shown me such power in so many people that have been living with this awful cancer sickness. He does have a plan for each of us and may I be able to live with my plan should this be his way for me or those close to me.

Summer is half gone!

Hard to believe that today is July 25th - the end of July is near, but then the other way to look at this date is that we are only 5 months till Christmas. Not sure which is the worst scenario!
My uncle is still in ICU with thoughts that verbally don't make sense, but his motor skills are getting better. Jack and I are hoping to do the Company golf trip to Hardisty tomorrow and then after church on Sunday drive up to Edmonton to have a quick visit. Good to be only a couple of hours away.
I met Nicole's new "man" and was most impressed. He seems to be a good, kind hearted man and should be a good match for her. His father passed away four years ago with a brain tumor so some things in common with our family. He sold his house in SE Calgary when his dad was first diagnosed, so that he could move back into the family home to care for him. When his dad got really bad he quit his job to give him 100% care...now that's the kind of guy I want my daughter dating. Someone that gives 110%to family, to give them support and much needed love and attention during there remaining time on earth. I know that I have that with Jack as I am reminded by many of our friends about how spoiled I am with him driving me places. And I know that sometimes I have to ask to just be able to drive myself somewhere, but in the end it shows how committed he is to me and our relationship.
I think about my daughters and how they find companions for life when they don't attend a "church" but I know that in their hearts they believe in God. I wanted them to marry "Godly" men but really what is that? I know "Godly" people go to church but does that make them better than non-churched people? I know some "Godly" people that attend church but I wouldn't trust them with my daughters or others that I don't want in my life as they wear two faces. It's sad to look at people that way and wonder what and if they are committed to believing in God and yet do they wear two faces?
Life is interesting when you can look at your kids and see how they mature and process everyday questions. I know that I have raised good kids that will rationalize there own lives with questions as to what/where/when/why and hopefully they will become closer to each other and then to God as a couple. I pray that in time they will see that he is needed in their lives to help round them out as a person. As I know what God has given me and shown me to be a better person in this lifetime. God has helped me feel secure and able to share with others and give from the heart. He has blessed me with finding a man that gives from his heart, not only to me but to others as well. God has blessed Jack & I to realize how hard a marriage can be if you don't work on it and yet when the kids leave the nest, God has shown us that we still can't take things for granted. That we must follow the bible and believe in God firstly and then have the belief in our marriage to make it stronger by working together as one!

Prayerful Times

How many times a day do we pray to God for things? Things that aren't even important or relevent? I have my dear Uncle Dana fighting for his life with a massive brain tumor and I guess that's what I should of been using my prayer time for and not little things such as, I hope I've bought enough food for the VBS wind up, and I hope and pray that the baby shower will have lots of folks staying to Welcome a new member on Sunday or the baby shower that I'm cooking for on Monday - I hope that the food will be enough and that the ladies will like it? What - are you kidding me - that isn't what prayers I should be concerned with? Who helps us determine what prayers we should be asking for from God? Or how many prayers should each person be entitled to? When will we know that we have exceeded our prayer quota or is there such a thing? So many questions that need answers, but the main question is will my Uncle live to see the rest of this week or next week or even next month. And if he comes through radiation or surgery, will he be the same Uncle that he has always been. I know that ONLY GOD can answer that. I pray hard and feverishly that God will continue to watch over him and his family and all the doctors that are working on his case. I pray that he will be saved for many more years to come. I pray that prayer is all that is needed and that I haven't used up all my quota as I have many more prayers that I need answers for. I trust in God and I trust that believing in God is what makes us continue to pray...very much like a circle with no end just a continuous circle of going around, and around.

Summer if Officially Here

What a great June & start of July! Happy 4th to all the American's! We officially kicked off Stampede today and it was a great day to sleep in. Jack and I took Marshall to lunch today and what a beautiful man he is. We talked about many things and Jack and Marshall share some great memories of being in the hospital together. I have really gotten to know him much better with our quality visiting.
We also went to the Farmers Market and waited to meet Ryan there so he could take the DVD and get copies of the 50th Anniversary made. The market is great at this time of the year. So many fresh veggies - okay we also bought Simon Tarts (3 kinds); some buffalo burgers (can hardly wait for that) and they even have a wine store...so of course we had to take a visit through there. When Ryan came we went back in and checked out the fish store, the food court and even had some gelato (oh I paid for that...good thing that Ryan and Jack could finish mine).
Life is short is some ways. Nicole called to say that the gravel truck driver that was killed on Deerfoot trail on Wed. nite left behind his wife, 5 year old daughter and his 3 week old son. There is a church up by CCOC that is helping the family out with a fundraiser etc. We offered to help out as well, so we will have to see what else they need. Nicole knows this family through the street race group that she hangs out with on weekends. A very compassionate girl about people in need.
Dana, we are praying for you and your next challenge of brain surgery. We are so thankful to God for so many prayers answered that your cancer had not spread to the bones or bone marrow. We know that more prayers will be needed when you undergo brain surgery. So just keep up the positive thoughts and you will be travelling with us in early September to Washington. We love you....xoxoxoxo

When Is Summer Getting Here

Calgary has had nothing but rain, rain and more rain. We haven't seen this much rain in a couple of years. The first year we moved here, it rained liked this. Poor Ryan was a goalie for soccer and had to stand outside in ankle deep water. It will be nice to get through this and into warmer, dry weather.
We are off to Regina to see Lorne being inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame. Bob and his wife Caren will be there to acknowledge this prestigious event as well. It's hard to believe that only 2 years ago both of them were inducted in. Such an honor to have this bestowed upon such athletes. We look forward to the quick trip in and out. Then when we get back we have got to get some yard work done before Jack goes back to the hospital for more tests and a little surgery. I pray to God that things can get resolved and that we can get our life back on track of being "empty nesters with a plan". We have many things to accomplish and try and get booked in.
We have been busy though spending time with Jaelyn's kids at their wind up dance recital - this was wonderful. These are very talented little girls and we look forward to watching more of them. Then we went to Edmonton to celebrate Bernie, Dana and Richard's 60th birthdays. This was a 50's theme so we had to dress the part and boy what a great time. Everyone looked so good and festive...all good sports even the birthday folks who were blindfolded and didn't know what was going on.
Anyway life is busy and so we just race along with everyone else. So having said that I must get coffee on to start another day finding "real treasurers" for the kids church garage sale. I'm sure that this house is holding all kinds that need to be shared with everyone. Until next time.....please God, enough rain!

Happy 50th Anniversary, Mom & Dad

Jack and I got home around 3:30 this afternoon from probably one of the longest weekends ever. This weekend was such an emotional high with all the family, friends and of course the best - my siblings & parents. We all got together from Thursday until last night. We had the best time wishing mom & dad a very happy 50th Wedding Anniversary and a double 70th Birthday celebration on Sunday. Jack and I are used to setting up and taking down tables, chairs etc. but this was a new thing for my siblings. My kids pitched in and we had a hall set up; taken down; re-set the next day and then taken down. So many people came to wish my parents congrats including some of my high school friends, which was awesome to be able to have my kids meet old friends. As children grow up and become adults it's fun for them to see what a parents friends were like. The dvd was a success for many reasons of sharing and the photo albums as well. We as a family have so many memories to share and to thank God for all the fun times together and the stressful times that make us a family. We have endured two bouts of cancer with my parents and yet we still can come together and be one big family. We love our siblings spouses and all our nieces/nephews and include everyone in everything that we do....so refreshing! I must thank Jack to helping make this weekened a true success and standing behind me with all the months of planning and pulling everything together. I was very stressed over the past month with so many things going on, and yet he was there to support me and best yet he stood by my side through this complete weekend helping do whatever he could. I love you honey and I truly admire you for you. You were my ROCK during this complete weekend. I also thank God for bringing my grandma's sister all the way from down east when I know that it isn't easy for them, as my uncle is under going cancer treatments. It was amazing to have them there with everything they are under going, but also that they are an inspiration to others as they celebrate 60 years of marriage this summer.

Time Moving On

We had a very hectic weekend last weekend and I am glad that it is over. The best part was seeing all of Jack's little granddaughters playing together. The years have zoomed by for when my 2 girls were so small. By Sunday I really felt the stress of the complete weekend, so I made some decisions about my life in general and now feel much better. I am now going to try and eliminate as much stress in my life as possible. Life has lots of burdens and so if we work at eliminating them, we can feel healthier and happier. I know that another stress in my life will be done when the anniversary and birthday celebrations are completed. Not that I am not looking forward to the weekend, but this has been a lot of work and I just want everything to be perfect. God has blessed me with the ability to organize and coordinate events, which I love doing for others but too much in a short time frame, has proven to be "too much" for me at this time.
Jack has been recovering very well and has returned to work. Thank you God in providing him with an excellent outcome from his surgery.
Everyone have a great long weekend and drive with care if you plan to travel.

Home is a better place to rest

Jack realized a long time ago that home is a better place to rest. He doesn't have to listen to annoying visitors (not his); noisy cell phones ringing all the time (not his) and then his bed is bigger (his), however on Thursday they gave him a brand new hydraulic bed that adjusted in all the right places every time he shifted...I'm sure for patients that have long term care, this is great for not getting bed sores.
Anyway we are home now and things are a little quieter. Jack can rest as much as he likes and no one will be in to check his blood pressure, or give him some pain medication. We are just busy watching movies and getting caught up in the news that we missed out on this past week.
Life will be a big quieter this week as I will be returning to work and Jack will continue to rest. If I could just get him to finish up some of the things for my parents 50th Anniversary/70th Birthday's then I could accomplish a few more things. But I still have a couple more weeks so I should be done in time.
Thanks to all the friends and my family that have sent emails and best wishes to Jack - you truly are there in good times and bad times. I needed to see this as much as Jack did. We love all of you for being part of our lives and for brightening our days. God Bless All of You!!!!

Wed. April 23/08 - Update on Jack

Today was a tiring day for Jack. He had some discomfort to which morphine helped him out - which put him out - which was a good thing. Between all the doctors they decided that they would not attempt to put dye into his kidney as his welts & swelling were gone this morning, after being on benedryl all night. So this morning he had a x-ray of his kidney and then this afternoon they sent him for CT scan. We should hear something tomorrow from the surgeon.
Hospitals are tiring places to be with all the noise and comings & goings all kinds of people. But Jack has been receiving excellent care and Marshall even managed to come down to his room for a visit. Jack will probably be able to go home on Friday. God has truly been watching over him and blessing us with the best medical care, and for that we thank God for this.

Jack surgery update

Just a short note to say that the surgeon was able to get the kidney stone out of Jack's right kidney. However, when Jack was in the recovery room he took a bad reaction to either the drugs or dye that was injected into his kidney. Jack ended up being in recovery for four hours and had several doctors, nurses and anesthesiologists looking at him and taking pictures for a dermatologist to consider there options. When I left him tonight, they still had Jack on benelyn, iv and hooked up to several draining tubes. The surgeon suggested that they would like to proceed with his injection of dye into the kidney tomorrow afternoon, but with this outbreak of hives they won't be able to do that. Jack's spirits are really good and he would like to thank God for having many incredible doctors and nurses provide such good care. He also thanks God for so many good friends that have provided many prayers and best wishes. We both thank God for a successful surgery and pray that he will continue to recover and be back to his healthy self.

April Winter

This is Calgary when you get as much snow in one weekend as we had all during the winter months. I thought that I could hold off entering a blog until Jack has his surgery, but this has been unbelieveable. Last weekend Jack and I were sitting outside catching some great sunshine rays, and this weekend we were digging out our driveway. We even had to cancel out dinner downtown last night,as the roads were so bad. My car is very light and so you really feel the icy road conditions (that was Jack talking) as today I took my turn driving to church and as long as you don't drive to fast it was okay - still icy but okay.
The poor robins have been huddled together and near our garage door so that when you open or close the door, it seems they want to hop right into the garage. But the real sad thing is that there is nothing for them to eat. Last weekend we saw several robins eating the dried out berries on the neighbors tree. But this weekend, there is nothing for them.
So we are in the count down for surgery and last night we got a call from Marshall Hare who is having 2 differnt kinds of surgery. He asked if Jack got a room yet at the hospital, and when I explained that we won't know anything until Monday afternoon, Marshall said that he would put a word in for Jack and try and get Jack a bed in his room. Now that would be good for visiting and for both of them. However, this is not a hotel so I'm not sure how that works...but a good thought, thanks Marshal!
Well the 1st intermission is over in the hockey game and Calgary leads 1 to 0, so I must get back to cheering. The next blog should be when surgery is over...stay tuned!

Viva Las Vegas and Home Again

Well we had the new wheels and had to take a quick (and I mean quick) trip down to Vegas. We left around 1:00 pm on April 2nd and returned on Wed. April 9th at 7:30 pm (after a horrible 2 hour wait at customs - but that's another story). We put just shy of 4500 km on the new car and it handled like a charm..or at least that is what Jack said, as I only drove to the border and then I passed the wheel to him. We figured out many, many years ago that Jack is a better driver than navigator. This trip was for total relaxing and shopping at all our favorite places - Outlets, Cracker Barrel, Outlets and then the stores in Vegas. We even had the pleasure of finding out that Wayne & Joyce Holmgren would be in Vegas so we hooked up for a lovely supper at Cesar's with them. The weather was warm, the pool nice and cool and the malls just waiting for us to spend our near dollar investment.
Now driving home we kept a watchful eye on the weather reports and each day we missed out on the rain/snow that was originally forecast. Then last Thursday (already home) the major snow that we were to get on the road finally came through Calgary...great timing. Jack's health was fine but I picked up something and by late Thursday afternoon my voice was disappearing and by Friday 6:00 am, I could barely leave an audible message for my boss to say I couldn't come into the office. So today, Sunday, my voice is still not back fully but I need to get into the office as next Tuesday Jack has his kidney stone surgery and I will be off that complete week with him in the hospital. Good thing that I had 30 sick days in the bank to use.
I have three ladies and Breanne coming over on Wed evening to finish the mint bags and tonight I spent 3 hours just doing the thank you tags that need to be attached to the bags...boy won't I be an expert when my kids go to get married!
Well enough typing - it's time to get to the hockey game as the Flames just tied up 3 - 3 and there is some penalties coming to Calgary...nerve racking...till next time.

New Baby

Boy did I have a good week....my youngest daughter Nicole turned 21, Ryan is now 25 and Breanne is 23 and doing extremely well at her job and gets to go to Minneapolis for a trade show this coming weekend. Plus AMA insurance settled our claim for our trip cancellation and as they told Jack - "the cheque is in the mail"...so we will watch for it. Then on the weekend, Jack and I decided to go and kick some tires around at the car lots. I have never owned a "new" car and so I thought that it was time. Well behold (if this works you can see a picture) but I purchased a 2007 Dodge Caliber, in a sunburst orange. The guys at work were blown away by my choice of vehicles but I think that Jack and I are pretty sporty people. We feel young at heart and you know the saying, if you feel a certain age, then you will be that age. Regardless, I am feeling the love from this car. It even has a mini cooler in the glove box for keeping your water or pop cold to drink. It gets 35 miles to the gallon (whatever the conversion is, not sure) but highway is 42 so Jack and I have decided to do a road trip sometime next week to wherever the car goes. Looking forward to the trip but most of all to driving. Here's hoping that my skills in copying a picture will work.

PS: Happy Belated Easter to all that read our blog.

Surgery update

Jack and I went to the specialist office today to find out whether or not he would need surgery on the removal of a large kidney stone - and yes he does. The stone continues to grow and in just over 2 weeks has gone from 2.0 to 2.1 cm in size. The stone that was removed a couple of weeks ago, was 1.0 cm in size...so quite large.
Jack will have surgery on Tuesday, April 22 and will be kept in the hospital for 2-3 days. A catheter will remain in the large kidney after surgery for 2 days. This will allow the doctors to run dye into the kidney a couple of days after surgery, to determine that the kidney is functioning in a normal state. The stone is sent to a lab to determine what kind it is etc. and then a follow up appointment to the specialist will determine if Jack has to be on a special diet.
The down time will be at least a good month before Jack can hit the golf course...and if you know Jack that was the first question that he asked. I on the other hand wanted to know if would be able to help in May to set up and take down at my parents celebration weekend, but I was clearly told "NO". So I guess that he just takes on the supervisor role, which I'm sure won't bother him to much. As well he can't vacuum, pack around groceries etc...I'm not sure what he will do - perhaps just sit in the hot tub and take it easy!
But being more realistic we are quite pleased with both the urologists that we have seen and am very pleased at how fast they can get him a hospital bed to have everything taken care of. But as we both have said all along, this must all be entrusted in God's hands and we believe in that. God will be there to make sure that things go all right and to that we say "Amen".

Dr. Baverstock

Jack went into Rockyview Hospital on Friday, Feb. 29th and had a good size kidney stone removed from his urinary tract. Dr. Baverstock had Jack watch on the tv monitor while him and his assistant tried to remove the stone. Medical intervention is so unique now a days. You can not only get into someones body but you can take a camera with you and see almost anything.
After the successful fishing exercise it was determined that Jack cannot have the large 2cm kidney stone that is left in his kidney zapped to a million pieces. He will have to go back and see another urologist to have this one surgically removed. We are waiting to hear from the next specialist as to a date that this can be booked. We truly want to thank everyone that sent cards, flowers, books and lots of prayers. We feel very blessed to have so many praying for Jack's complete recovery. Thank you friends!
This situation has put a new perspective on our family dynamics. In life we all try and see where we fit in with the order that we are given. When we remarry for the second time around, we must go through this exercise all over again. This situation allowed me to talk about things that Jack and I have been talking about for sometime. Everyone needs a plan in place should a serious situation come up or even the inevitable - death. When making phone calls to 2 of Jack's kids we discussed what/who would be notified and who would be involved in making decisions. I have always wondered how this discussion would go but I actually felt good about all the angles discussed. Jack and I have talked at great lengths about what each of us would want and who we would want to be around us - the only difference is that we had to put some of this in motion. You could call this a "dry run" for the inevitable. I think that the cards are on the table and everyone knows there order - I just hope and pray that we don't have to go there for quite a long time.

Dr. Love (this should say it all)

We were back at Peter Lougheed Hospital this morning where Jack got a second visit with Dr. Love. I believe that with a name like this, it's more comforting to be in a hospital setting.
Well Jack did very well with his test. His body seemed to be more receptive to having evasive equipment down his throat and shooting dye into his duct, located in the liver. After only a short time in surgery it was determined that there were no gall stones or accumulation of bile. This is kind of baffling given the yellow jaundice look and his blood cell count. However, we are very happy to hear that both the pancreas and liver are in good working order.
The next big test is when Jack has to go to the Rockyview Hospital to see a Urologist. This is the only other explanation that a gall stone got into the urinary tract and caused all these problems. Medical science is so mysterious and yet a person just has to go with the system. God has a plan for everyone and we know that we have been truly blessed with so many people offering prayers of hope, recovery etc. for Jack. We thank everyone for helping us get through the past couple of weeks.

Jack - udate

Jack and I have been learning all about the Emergency systems at several hospitals in Calgary and we must say that every medical person has treated us with the most respect, knowledge and care - more than anyone could ask for. We even had the first physician that we saw at the Urgent Care Unit call us on Saturday, to ask why the hospital never admitted Jack...to which all I could say is that they were jam packed with people and no beds. However, Jack saw a liver specialist this morning, but unfortunately his body didn't want to accept the test that he was scheduled for and so we must return on Wed of this week for the same one. If that test is unsuccessful again, then they will put a wire in from the liver to the pancreas and see if they can get the dye to run in that way. And how ironic that the doctor's name is Dr. Love... Then on Friday, Jack will be getting into the Urologist for tests on his kidneys etc. We are grateful that some very fast acting physicians have made some phone calls to make sure that Jack is seen right away. We trust in the many prayers that are being offered for Jack and appreciate everyone calling and praying. I will update this once we have more information.

My Man Jack - Learns the System at ER

What a week it has been here in Calgary for us. Last week Jack hurt his back; we had our booster shots to go on a fabulous Mexican holiday and then it all fell a part. Jack started to show signs of his needle not agreeing with him - fever, chills, nauseau etc. but by Friday he was totally bedridden, fever running 100 - 104 chlls, sweats, sore back and not eating. His last meal was Saturday morning. Of course being a strong man he was adamant that he didn't want to go to any walk in clinic or the hospital..but after a terrible long weekend of sleeping on the couch and being very ill, I finally pursuaded him to go to the South end Emergency Clinic. Very good service and the nurses & doctor realized that Jack was quite sick and needed transfer by ambulance to the Rocky. So there we went and sat with several sets of paramedics while they all changed shifts. But Calgary was experiencing an overflow crisis and couldn't take care of all the walkins along with the left overs from the long weekend. And here we were caught in this. We have a real problem in our health care and folks we need to become more involved and get things changed.
Okay I'm off my soap box and need to report that after staying from Tuesday afternoon till Wednesday 4:00 am and then back to the hospital at 9:30 and staying until 8:30 pm this evening we are both glad to be home. Jack had a fantastic doctor that realized that his jaundice was real; his liver has some issues; his 2 cm kidney stone in his right kidney needs to be looked after and everything needs to be seen immediately by specialists. So Jack is now waiting for the appointments, after meeting with the liver specialist. He is on antibiotics and pain killers plus he is starting to feel hungry again so those are all good signs. Are trip is cancelled for now, but then again God didn't want us to get down to Mexico and have all these issues, now did he? God has been truly remarkable standing by us and carrying us through this ordeal. Just when I thought that he didn't care about us I realized that he did because if we would of gone to Mexico our insurance wouldn't of covered any of our medical expenses then where would we be? Plus, we wouldn't of had such great friends, neighbors and family phoning us to say that they are thinking and praying for us. And to this I add, AMEN - God is Truly Good! Thank you everyone for being there for us. We love all of you!

Freezing Cold

Wow - winter blew in with a vengeance. We got to -42 last night with a wind chill. I can't remember it being that cold in many, many years. We got some snow but not a whole bunch. My folks came for a visit on Friday and were unable to go up to Edmonton this morning, nor could they head back to Saskatoon. But being the retired folks that they are, they can hang around another day, eat left overs and just plain chill out and I mean chill out! We had all the kids here for dinner last night, so it was a great time having them visit and get there Grandparents all caught up in their daily lives. Ryan brought Lauren over for everyone to meet - a very nice girl. She is attending U of C and is pursuing a medical degree just like her mother. Her parents and brother now live in Houston, Texas. Lauren and Breanne's boyfriend, Marc reminisce about Montreal as Marc is from there and Lauren went to McGill University there last year. It seems like they have experienced a lot of the same places.

I took my parents and we drove down to Vulcan on Saturday. We visited with my great Aunt Bertha. She talked a lot about being the last of the Alain kids. It took me a while to figure that out, but she is right. My grandfather died a few years ago and so she is the last surviving sibling. I guess that we just take it for granted that all family members are from the same side of the family and in fact there not. However, we did have the best visit with her and she is looking great for being 88. Her mind is very sharp and she could look through pictures and know everyone in there. Norbert & Shirley don't get back to Vulcan until April, so perhaps Jack and I will have to go down and have visit with her sometime soon - maybe when it warms up some.

January is moving right along

Where has time gone? It seems like just last week when we were in Saskatoon and now it's the middle of January. I managed to go back to work for three days the first week and 2 days the second week and then my head cold(the same one that I suffered with in December) managed to come back with even worse symptoms - I lost my voice! I know that everyone is thinking, that Jack must of been happy, but believe me he wasn't. Just ask him! I was off work for three days last week and ended up taking a really strong antibiotic to kill off this viral infection. By Sunday I was back to my old self and feeling 100% better. I did accomplish a lot with working on my scrapbooking so that it is good. Plus we bought a fitness machine for me and I have really enjoyed working out on it. Jack is looking at getting a gym membership for him.
The kids are all fine - just don't see them much and so with mom & dad hopefully coming up at the end of January they should all be re-adjusting there schedules to come for dinner one of the nights. Jack needs to get his grandpa duties set up with one of Jaelyn's girls as we promised a special outing with one of the girls at a time. Time is the problem between theirs and ours but this is a priority. Life is interesting and we need to make time for these priorities and schedule them. Till next time!

January 2008 - Back to Work

Christmas is officially done for another year and what a good Christmas it was. Jack and I drove back to Saskatoon to meet a new granddaughter and visit with both sides of the family. With so many people to visit with we split our time between a hotel and a furnished apartment. It was the perfect way to go. Louella, Steph & boys were in from New Jersey and so we got to relive Christmas excitement with the boys...doesn't seem like that many years ago and my kids were that small. We visited with both my brothers and families plus my folks. We visited with Todd, Michelle, Ireland and new granddaughter, Peyton. Michelle and I had fun putting Peyton into a Christmas stocking & hat for some great pictures. Then on Boxing Day, we met with Darin, Donna & girls and Todd's family at Fudruckers for dinner. What an interesting time. It was nice to see all the kids and see how much they have grown since our last visit. Time goes by so quickly that we must visit the girls more often...a must to work them into our busy schedules.
Back at home and Jack has become my fix it man! He was busy over the last 2 days of vacation putting up new blinds and taking the old ones out to the dump. We can't believe that we waited so long to get these old dusty blinds replaced. The only downside is that the house is much darker at night time...so we might have to be like my parents and use a flash light if you travel through the house at night - especially in the winter months.
I started to go through pictures for Mom & Dad's album (50th Anniversary) and some of the pictures are hilarious. I even had Lou looking through her older pictures to send to me. She was laughing at some of them and remembering all the funny times. However we have all grown a little in the years gone by and I don't just mean the kids. The nice thing about doing this job is that I can determine which pictures get in and which don't...so siblings be nice to me or you might not see a nice picture of yourself!
Must get some work done - Happy New Year to all and may God bring you health & happiness for 2008.