Well the month of December rolled around with the addition of two more Grandsons. Todd & Michelle had a baby boy, Ty on Friday, December 4th. Tylan Wils Ashby came into this world weighing in at a healthy 9lbs 7 oz. Grandpa Jack happened to be in Regina at meetings and was able to drive up to Saskatoon to see his first born grandson (after having seen all 7 granddaughters post birth). Jack was thrilled to have a grandson to carry on the Ashby name.
Then on Friday, December 11th, Nicole & Cecil delivered by c-section a healthy baby boy - Wyatt Alexander Prins. Wyatt weighed in at 7lbs 9oz; 20.5" long and is the mirrored image of his dad. Hard to believe that each daughter could have babies and have one look like one and the other look nothing like her!
Jack and I feel very blessed to have been given the pleasure of three grand babies born so close to together at the end of 2009. We are truly basking in the baby mode these days. I have purchased a pink and blue stocking for the mantle to welcome the 2 new Calgary babies and look forward to putting many treasurers into them. I bought bible story books for them when I first heard that the girls were expecting and I look forward to reading with them as they get older. All of these first experiences I get to share with these little treasurers and help mold them into God loving children. I pray that we can bring them to church and have them be part of a great team in showing and teaching about God's work.
Christmas has always been a special time at our home and now I feel that this will be the pinnacle never having been reached before. I do look forward to having our family near by and sharing with these young families all the experiences and richness of the season. May God enter their hearts & souls and warm them into wanting to be part of a church family so that other's can help nurture and surround them with his love. This is my Christmas wish for them.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
The Greatest Gift
I have just come to a realization that the greatest gift a grown child can give a parent, is a grandchild. Breanne and her fiance Marc had a baby girl last Monday, November 9th @ 1:58 pm. Lyla Denise Marie weighed in at a whopping 6lbs. 5oz; 19" long and was born with very little, but visible blonde hair. She is beatiful, but then what wouldn't any proud grandparent say. I have pictures to prove it! The family is doing great and all of them have adjusted to this new little one in their home and even Grandpa Jack has adjusted. He was never one to want to go over lots to visit little ones, but admitted to me that he was in need of a "Lyla" fix so we were over on Saturday and he had plenty of time to hold her and be amazed at such a small treasure. We believe that all babies are God's gift to us after rearing our children. We can spoil them; we can teach them about life; we can give them sweets; we can buy them things; and best of all we can teach them about God. They are given to us unconditionally and yet we very protective of them, even though they don't live with us or near us. God has truly blessed us last week. Now we await two more blessings as Todd & Michelle and Nicole & Cecil wait for the births of their sons any day now. God is good.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Congratulations Breanne!
Congratulations to my oldest daughter, Breanne. At 2 weeks short of turning 25 she got her drivers license. What makes this so amazing is that she just found out that she is having a high risk pregnancy, her baby girl is being stubborn and refusing to get in the position to be born, plus her placenta is in the middle of her stomach. As well there are a few more hiccups in this pregnancy. But that hasn't stopped her from achieving her goal of being able to drive with her daughter, later in the new year to baby exercise class, get groceries or just go out for coffee. I'm so proud of her to not be so nervous on her second try and to just believe in her ability to pass. And she did! Even though she is seeing a surgeon tomorrow, not knowing when he will schedule her c-section; knowing that her baby will be small (5-6 lbs) but she is very active....this is not only courage on her part but a test to say that she can do anything she wants. I love you Breanne and I know that God will continue to watch over you during these next couple of weeks before you meet the newest member of your family - your daughter, who I'm sure will be just like you - high spirited, kind hearted and loved by all.
Okay update on this blog...Breanne has been booked for delivery on Tuesday, Nov. 10 @ 1:00 pm...ironically Breanne was born on Sat. Nov. 10 @ 1:09 pm...this would be so cool to have her daughter near the same time on the same day. My daughter & granddaughter both on the same day...how cool would that be!
Okay update on this blog...Breanne has been booked for delivery on Tuesday, Nov. 10 @ 1:00 pm...ironically Breanne was born on Sat. Nov. 10 @ 1:09 pm...this would be so cool to have her daughter near the same time on the same day. My daughter & granddaughter both on the same day...how cool would that be!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
October is Filled with Exhaustion
Wow we have barely gone over 1/2 of October and already we have had much to celebrate and some to things to grieve.
At the beginning of October I welcomed a new son-in-law, Cecil Prins into our immediate family. Then not more than 5 days later I turned a half of century (50 for those that don't know this) old. My wonderful husband threw a Wine & Cheese social for family, friends and co-workers to come to and celebrate with me. I can't believe that I'm 50, and yet I don't feel that old as well I've been told that I don't look it either (so that's a good thing).
Then the day after the party we were called on to spend the last hours of my uncles life. Little did we know that it would take more than 3 days and we would receive another call (half way into his coma) that my father had his bowel rupture and we were once again on the road to Saskatoon to be by his bedside. My sister quickly arranged an airline ticket from New Jersey to be there as well. We had many tasks to complete as my father would need a hospital bed and some home care. We also found out that the toilet in the house needed repair so Jack stepped in and bought a new toilet and arranged for a plumber to come in and install everything...this is a war time home with many things needing repair due to the age. My dad's health was a concern as he is still on chemo therapy for his Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and so this kind of a rupture with no immune system puts him at great risk. He will, for the next 12 months have to wear a colostomy and we are praying that the surgeon can re-connect him at that time. My dad lost about 6 inches of his bowel and was placed on intravenous antibiotics however will not be able to resume his chemo until things heal. We just pray that he will heal medically and that his life can go back to somewhat normalcy. My mom doesn't drive so we have made arrangement with my brothers to coordinate trips to do banking, get groceries and the numerous doctors appointments that now need to be scheduled. All the while that we were dealing with this, my dear loved uncle passed away on Jack's and my, 18th wedding anniversary (a day that will be in our memory forever). So once again, after getting many things planned and scheduled in Saskatoon we once again headed back to Edmonton to finish up with funeral arrangements. Jack was asked by my uncle to perform the service and what a service it was. My uncle wasn't a religious man but he believed in God and so with that Jack had many points mentioned about the time that they had spent together over the years and how my uncle looked forward to going to heaven to be with his grandson that died many years ago(age of 6). This service was about life and what it meant to him and his family. We also celebrated my Grandma turning 90 in just over a month as almost all (7) of her children (with the exception of my mom) were there. It was like a family reunion with lots of visiting and catching up with everyone. We got home yesterday and feel that we got hit by a train...we had a wedding, a birthday, an anniversary, a serious medical emergency, a death and a family reunion all in 16 days....no wonder we are exhausted!
At the beginning of October I welcomed a new son-in-law, Cecil Prins into our immediate family. Then not more than 5 days later I turned a half of century (50 for those that don't know this) old. My wonderful husband threw a Wine & Cheese social for family, friends and co-workers to come to and celebrate with me. I can't believe that I'm 50, and yet I don't feel that old as well I've been told that I don't look it either (so that's a good thing).
Then the day after the party we were called on to spend the last hours of my uncles life. Little did we know that it would take more than 3 days and we would receive another call (half way into his coma) that my father had his bowel rupture and we were once again on the road to Saskatoon to be by his bedside. My sister quickly arranged an airline ticket from New Jersey to be there as well. We had many tasks to complete as my father would need a hospital bed and some home care. We also found out that the toilet in the house needed repair so Jack stepped in and bought a new toilet and arranged for a plumber to come in and install everything...this is a war time home with many things needing repair due to the age. My dad's health was a concern as he is still on chemo therapy for his Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and so this kind of a rupture with no immune system puts him at great risk. He will, for the next 12 months have to wear a colostomy and we are praying that the surgeon can re-connect him at that time. My dad lost about 6 inches of his bowel and was placed on intravenous antibiotics however will not be able to resume his chemo until things heal. We just pray that he will heal medically and that his life can go back to somewhat normalcy. My mom doesn't drive so we have made arrangement with my brothers to coordinate trips to do banking, get groceries and the numerous doctors appointments that now need to be scheduled. All the while that we were dealing with this, my dear loved uncle passed away on Jack's and my, 18th wedding anniversary (a day that will be in our memory forever). So once again, after getting many things planned and scheduled in Saskatoon we once again headed back to Edmonton to finish up with funeral arrangements. Jack was asked by my uncle to perform the service and what a service it was. My uncle wasn't a religious man but he believed in God and so with that Jack had many points mentioned about the time that they had spent together over the years and how my uncle looked forward to going to heaven to be with his grandson that died many years ago(age of 6). This service was about life and what it meant to him and his family. We also celebrated my Grandma turning 90 in just over a month as almost all (7) of her children (with the exception of my mom) were there. It was like a family reunion with lots of visiting and catching up with everyone. We got home yesterday and feel that we got hit by a train...we had a wedding, a birthday, an anniversary, a serious medical emergency, a death and a family reunion all in 16 days....no wonder we are exhausted!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Thanksgiving - A Time To Be Thankful
I'm not sure about today's caption after this past week. Jack and I drove up to Edmonton to be with my Aunt as my Uncle was slowly, very slowly slipping away for good. While we were at the hospice we got a call from my older brother saying that my dad had been rushed to the Royal Alex hospital in Saskatoon. They were waiting for a surgeon to give them an update but from what the ultrasound and xray showed, he either had a blockage or more cancer but in his bowel. So the surgery would be by laproscopic and it would only take 30 minutes, so that was at 5:30 pm. Well by 8:30 we were quite concerned and when we called no one had come out of surgery to update the family. The waiting is what can cause a family the agony...waiting to die, waiting to live - each so crucial for the family left behind. Well by 9:20 we finally received the call stating that my dad's bowel had ruptured spilling into his body cavity. This wouldn't be so bad except that because he had just had his 2nd last chemo treatment he has no immune system to fight of the poisonous substance that was now floating in the body cavity. The doctors assured my mom & family that they had taken extra care in washing my dad's organs and cleaning out the cavity. They also had to cut 10 inches of bowel off (from the rupture) and it now will wear a bag for the next 6-12 months and hopefully he can be re-attached then. So Jack and I decided that the next place to be was in Saskatoon so we left early this morning to drive to Saskatoon to be with family and support my mom through all of this. My sister arrives in the morning so that all of us kids can make some crucial decisions about home care for my dad. He will most likely need a hospital bed; good thing they already have a walk in shower (no tub) so he most likely just needs a chair to sit in; so we called Darin (Donna works for MediChair) to find out a few things. Plus my sister-in-law, Caren says that the Occupational Therapist will help us in getting the necessities for the house to help out with the care that my dad could require. As for Cancer treatment my dad is on hold while the antibiotics try to do there thing.
Are we grateful for anything? I guess we can ask that question but having faith has taught us a couple of things; one is that God will take my uncle when he knows that his last breath is breathed; two, my dad is alive and so God saw fit that he should live through surgery. Perhaps, another thing God will be teaching all of us is patience to deal with another medical concern and see how us all of us will handle this crisis. We must all be patient and deal with one thing at a time. We are thankful that we drove through a lot of bad winter storms and that we got here in one piece. So yes we are thankful to have faith and believe that God is watching out for all of us.
Are we grateful for anything? I guess we can ask that question but having faith has taught us a couple of things; one is that God will take my uncle when he knows that his last breath is breathed; two, my dad is alive and so God saw fit that he should live through surgery. Perhaps, another thing God will be teaching all of us is patience to deal with another medical concern and see how us all of us will handle this crisis. We must all be patient and deal with one thing at a time. We are thankful that we drove through a lot of bad winter storms and that we got here in one piece. So yes we are thankful to have faith and believe that God is watching out for all of us.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
The Big Day
Well we are on the countdown until Nicole & Cecil officially tie the knot. I have done quite a bit of shopping with Nicole to find attendant gifts; search out centre pieces; buy wine for dinner and tonight I was invited to her stagette. Her girlfriends through a dinner party at Shanks and so us ladies (8 of us) along with many men and other stagette groups crowded into Shanks to celebrate everything you can imagine. There was football on tv; along with a boxing match. We met another bride to be along with a groom. Okay we thought he was the groom in the group, as he kept hanging out at our table, only to find out that he just preferred a table of mostly married ladies (me being the oldest). Now you know your old when you go to the bar and they i.d. everyone but you...what's that mean! Okay, I'm not offended as it really is Nicole's night to have fun.
Earlier today I sorted through the basement and started to make some semblance of wedding things. I thought that I would never see the floor but I did and now everything is neatly piled in one area ready to go to the hall for decorating. I even managed to get my sister's bedroom pulled together. I found the plates/napkins for the dessert night on Tuesday along with the tablecloths so things are good. Now I just need to do my accounting so that each event is billed accordingly.
So as I said we are 2 weeks away from a big celebration. All of my siblings plus my parents will be here in less than 2 weeks and I truly look forward to this. I know that it will be difficult see Nicole say "I DO" but when my kids left home they started on their adult life with out me then. I know that each of them have been given the tools to work through life's little maze and find there way in this world. I will always be here for them but I know that deep in my heart, they are headed in the right direction.
Earlier today I sorted through the basement and started to make some semblance of wedding things. I thought that I would never see the floor but I did and now everything is neatly piled in one area ready to go to the hall for decorating. I even managed to get my sister's bedroom pulled together. I found the plates/napkins for the dessert night on Tuesday along with the tablecloths so things are good. Now I just need to do my accounting so that each event is billed accordingly.
So as I said we are 2 weeks away from a big celebration. All of my siblings plus my parents will be here in less than 2 weeks and I truly look forward to this. I know that it will be difficult see Nicole say "I DO" but when my kids left home they started on their adult life with out me then. I know that each of them have been given the tools to work through life's little maze and find there way in this world. I will always be here for them but I know that deep in my heart, they are headed in the right direction.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Nearing the End
What would it be like to be nearing the end of our life? Would it be scary? Would we be afraid? If we were still able to communicate, we would say the things to family that we wanted them to hear or would be want to make them feel good about life with out us? Right now my dear uncle is in this exact predicament. He has now been moved to palliative care in the hospital and will be kept comfortable. Between the brain tumors turning to decay and the multiple blood clots in his lungs, life as he knows will be over.
Jack (with all his books) read me a passage about a man's wife who was dying. The wife began to live each day with tremendous clarity and love. When it was nearly the end her husband got the courage to ask her a question - What does it feel like to live each day knowing you are dying? She said to him, What does it feel like to live each day pretending that you are not? Isn't this how we all feel when we visit someone nearing death? Unsure if it will be the last time we talk to them; are we searching to say the right thing; do we want to tell them that they are the best person they have ever known....my uncle is telling family right now that he is very tired and that he just wants to go and meet up with his grandson who left us at the age of 6, some 19 years ago. Now to me, that is hope. It is the strength from inside that tells him that there is something better for him on the other side and that a very special family member is waiting for him.
Now I sit and wait for my call (perhaps the last conversation) from a dear uncle. Jack had his call this afternoon and Jack says the conversation left Dana in tears and I'm sure Jack as well. I know that it won't be easy but I think that the truth and assurance that we will always be there for my aunt will help ease his mind.
God Speed my dear Uncle Dana...you will be missed but I know that Kevin is waiting for you and one day we will all be reunited together. The pain will ease for you and in time our pain will be diminished as well but your memory will always be one filled with joy, happiness and much love. Love you lots.......
Jack (with all his books) read me a passage about a man's wife who was dying. The wife began to live each day with tremendous clarity and love. When it was nearly the end her husband got the courage to ask her a question - What does it feel like to live each day knowing you are dying? She said to him, What does it feel like to live each day pretending that you are not? Isn't this how we all feel when we visit someone nearing death? Unsure if it will be the last time we talk to them; are we searching to say the right thing; do we want to tell them that they are the best person they have ever known....my uncle is telling family right now that he is very tired and that he just wants to go and meet up with his grandson who left us at the age of 6, some 19 years ago. Now to me, that is hope. It is the strength from inside that tells him that there is something better for him on the other side and that a very special family member is waiting for him.
Now I sit and wait for my call (perhaps the last conversation) from a dear uncle. Jack had his call this afternoon and Jack says the conversation left Dana in tears and I'm sure Jack as well. I know that it won't be easy but I think that the truth and assurance that we will always be there for my aunt will help ease his mind.
God Speed my dear Uncle Dana...you will be missed but I know that Kevin is waiting for you and one day we will all be reunited together. The pain will ease for you and in time our pain will be diminished as well but your memory will always be one filled with joy, happiness and much love. Love you lots.......
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Closer to the Big Day
Today, was Nicole's day! Something that all mother's look forward to and dream about (next to their wedding and birth of their children). Breanne (one bridesmaid) and Leah (another bridesmaid) helped put on Nicole's wedding shower today. It was marvelous with almost 30 ladies there. A big thank you to all my dear friends that brought some wonderful food to help with the celebration (after all a women's get-together always goes well with food)! Nicole was literally moved to tears with some of her gifts and seeing some of the ladies there. We had invited a lady Patti, (her daughter and mother-in-law)- Patti was Nicole's babysitter when we moved to Calgary many years ago. Nicole has stayed in touch with the family but she never thought about us putting them on the shower invite list. So what a pleasant surprise for her.
I got to meet Nicole's mother-in-law to be, and what a nice lady. This lady is afraid of groups and has a phobia so it was nice to meet her and tell her that it's okay if she can't come into the room...she did, after her daughter arrived. She also told me that Nicole has been a special gift in her life for all that she has done to help her over come her phobia. As well, Nicole called her mom for the first time yesterday, when she put on a surprise 60th birthday dinner at her house. She said that no one has ever done that for her...now there's a warm, fuzzy feeling of good will towards a person that needs to be cared for. I know my daughter and I know that these kind gestures come from her heart and in wanting to help someone in need.
So I've got one big event done and a couple more to do before this year is finished. I know that with God on my side, good friends that care about me, my loving and supportive husband, that I can get through a couple more events. I love my children dearly and no one or nobody will take away the joys that I will be celebrating with them. I stand my ground in my beliefs as well I stand before anyone that dares to question these decisions. I believe that I am a deep,caring, supportive person for anyone that I encounter and all I ask is for the same respect.
I got to meet Nicole's mother-in-law to be, and what a nice lady. This lady is afraid of groups and has a phobia so it was nice to meet her and tell her that it's okay if she can't come into the room...she did, after her daughter arrived. She also told me that Nicole has been a special gift in her life for all that she has done to help her over come her phobia. As well, Nicole called her mom for the first time yesterday, when she put on a surprise 60th birthday dinner at her house. She said that no one has ever done that for her...now there's a warm, fuzzy feeling of good will towards a person that needs to be cared for. I know my daughter and I know that these kind gestures come from her heart and in wanting to help someone in need.
So I've got one big event done and a couple more to do before this year is finished. I know that with God on my side, good friends that care about me, my loving and supportive husband, that I can get through a couple more events. I love my children dearly and no one or nobody will take away the joys that I will be celebrating with them. I stand my ground in my beliefs as well I stand before anyone that dares to question these decisions. I believe that I am a deep,caring, supportive person for anyone that I encounter and all I ask is for the same respect.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Anyone Got Another Daytimer?
Okay, the title might be a give away as to what is going on in our lives. Between 3 babies due this fall; 3 close family members with cancer; planning 1 wedding & 1 (sad) funeral; going to a couple of weddings; bridal showers; baby showers....I don't think there is enough pages in my current day timer. I'm excited about the grand babies as I have been able to help with 3 nurseries (if you count the one in our house - okay not a full nursery, but a crib with all the trimmings). But Todd & Michelle are expecting and I think that after having had 2 other babies, they don't require my help with decorating.
So Jack went to Saskatoon last night (I fly out tonight) to spend a couple days with his boys. I went to Breanne & Marc's place to wash walls & blinds so that we could apply decals to her nursery. The theme is "Girl Safari" and she has all kinds of elephants, giraffe's, hippos' and they are all in a mauve, pink safari color...quite awesome. Nicole & Cecil did their theme in the traditional Winnie the Pooh (took after my theme) and have a beautiful light green walls, so that their "son" isn't overwhelmed with a lot of blue. These babies will be well taken care of as well a whole lot of love to be given.
Saskatoon will be a quick trip for us to each spend time with our families. I plan to spend most of Friday (6 hours) at the Cancer clinic visiting with my dad as he undergoes his third round of chemo. My mom will be there with him and we will be sharing the end of the day going out to dinner for her 71st birthday. I know that my youngest brother, Mark will be joining us and so it will be a small celebration. Saturday has Jack and I visiting a bit with the family and then we must head back to Calgary to start our busy week up again for another adventure.
For those folks that were keeping track of my dear, sweet uncle that lives in Edmonton, with brain cancer. We have been up twice in the past month to help plan his funeral. And each time we leave Edmonton, we think that it will be the last time of seeing him on earth. Well, miracles happen and somewhere between 2-4 days after we leave, he rallies and is even better than the last time. The medical prognosis was that he would have 3-4 months to live and he is nearing the end of the three months. So only God knows when his time here on earth will come to an end, so we just savor every minute that we get to spend with him. Family is such a blessing. And with that I will end it by saying, most of our families are so precious to us. Whether we happen to be born into them or are fortunate enough to be adopted into them. That doesn't mean we love either family any less, it just means that we get the benefit of 2 families to love us and for us to love them. For some folks they think that the person they raised will love them less, or worse leave them because they have found a "biological family" and yes it is "biological". But if you really know that person you raised, you would know that they would not ever leave or love you less. It just means that this is a brand new set of folks that are related by blood and I'm sure a sense of connection that felt was missing in their lives. Let me get off my soap box by saying that 2 dear people that I know have just recently found their birth mothers. They are both excited for the fact that they have more siblings, and at least 1 birth parent. I believe that if God's plan was for them to be, first, given up by a mother that knew deep in her heart that she couldn't provide for them; and two, to allow each person to find that parent, then God has done his job by making the circle of life complete. I love both of you and want you to know that both Jack and I support you with your decisions to find your birth families. We are here for you both to love & encourage you.
So Jack went to Saskatoon last night (I fly out tonight) to spend a couple days with his boys. I went to Breanne & Marc's place to wash walls & blinds so that we could apply decals to her nursery. The theme is "Girl Safari" and she has all kinds of elephants, giraffe's, hippos' and they are all in a mauve, pink safari color...quite awesome. Nicole & Cecil did their theme in the traditional Winnie the Pooh (took after my theme) and have a beautiful light green walls, so that their "son" isn't overwhelmed with a lot of blue. These babies will be well taken care of as well a whole lot of love to be given.
Saskatoon will be a quick trip for us to each spend time with our families. I plan to spend most of Friday (6 hours) at the Cancer clinic visiting with my dad as he undergoes his third round of chemo. My mom will be there with him and we will be sharing the end of the day going out to dinner for her 71st birthday. I know that my youngest brother, Mark will be joining us and so it will be a small celebration. Saturday has Jack and I visiting a bit with the family and then we must head back to Calgary to start our busy week up again for another adventure.
For those folks that were keeping track of my dear, sweet uncle that lives in Edmonton, with brain cancer. We have been up twice in the past month to help plan his funeral. And each time we leave Edmonton, we think that it will be the last time of seeing him on earth. Well, miracles happen and somewhere between 2-4 days after we leave, he rallies and is even better than the last time. The medical prognosis was that he would have 3-4 months to live and he is nearing the end of the three months. So only God knows when his time here on earth will come to an end, so we just savor every minute that we get to spend with him. Family is such a blessing. And with that I will end it by saying, most of our families are so precious to us. Whether we happen to be born into them or are fortunate enough to be adopted into them. That doesn't mean we love either family any less, it just means that we get the benefit of 2 families to love us and for us to love them. For some folks they think that the person they raised will love them less, or worse leave them because they have found a "biological family" and yes it is "biological". But if you really know that person you raised, you would know that they would not ever leave or love you less. It just means that this is a brand new set of folks that are related by blood and I'm sure a sense of connection that felt was missing in their lives. Let me get off my soap box by saying that 2 dear people that I know have just recently found their birth mothers. They are both excited for the fact that they have more siblings, and at least 1 birth parent. I believe that if God's plan was for them to be, first, given up by a mother that knew deep in her heart that she couldn't provide for them; and two, to allow each person to find that parent, then God has done his job by making the circle of life complete. I love both of you and want you to know that both Jack and I support you with your decisions to find your birth families. We are here for you both to love & encourage you.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Double Blessed
Jack and I got to experience pictures of Nicole & Breanne's babies in 4D ultrasound. My goodness how technology has changed since I had my children. Nicole sent us all the still pictures of her "son" - my grandson! I can't believe that I said "grandson". We have had so many of Jack's kids having 'granddaughters' that is seems like only other people have boys.
Well today, Breanne & Marc invited several of us to go to the ultrasound place and actually watch the 4D on a large monitor. We got to see the baby moving around, sucking (it's) thumb; pull up on it's legs and then after much anticipation we were finally told that it was a "girl" - a granddaughter. Some how this seems different and I guess in some way it is. Even though his granddaughters are very perfect in the way that we expect grandchild en to be, it's not the same thing as having your own flesh and blood be expecting parents. Together we have always said that by the end of 2009 we will have 10 grandchildren between us.
Both girls wanted exactly what they are getting - but then who's to say that either of technician's are correct. They both told the girls that nothing is 100% ... of course Marc asked for another viewing to make sure. And the technician went through the body parts again to say that she saw no "little boy parts". You have never seen so many women crying all at one time..I guess that the much anticipated words of "it's a girl" was to over whelming. I can only imagine what the delivery room will be (if I get the chance to be in there or near it) to hear those words again. But truly folks, what we really want for both girls is to deliver healthy, happy babies (no matter what sex) and that God will give each set of parents the needed skills to bring these children into the world as functioning future leaders. God, I thank you for allowing me to see such pleasure on my daughter's faces and to see what true miracles you create. No one can tell me that these beautiful babies are anything but your beautiful creations.
Well today, Breanne & Marc invited several of us to go to the ultrasound place and actually watch the 4D on a large monitor. We got to see the baby moving around, sucking (it's) thumb; pull up on it's legs and then after much anticipation we were finally told that it was a "girl" - a granddaughter. Some how this seems different and I guess in some way it is. Even though his granddaughters are very perfect in the way that we expect grandchild en to be, it's not the same thing as having your own flesh and blood be expecting parents. Together we have always said that by the end of 2009 we will have 10 grandchildren between us.
Both girls wanted exactly what they are getting - but then who's to say that either of technician's are correct. They both told the girls that nothing is 100% ... of course Marc asked for another viewing to make sure. And the technician went through the body parts again to say that she saw no "little boy parts". You have never seen so many women crying all at one time..I guess that the much anticipated words of "it's a girl" was to over whelming. I can only imagine what the delivery room will be (if I get the chance to be in there or near it) to hear those words again. But truly folks, what we really want for both girls is to deliver healthy, happy babies (no matter what sex) and that God will give each set of parents the needed skills to bring these children into the world as functioning future leaders. God, I thank you for allowing me to see such pleasure on my daughter's faces and to see what true miracles you create. No one can tell me that these beautiful babies are anything but your beautiful creations.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Hide' N Seek
Okay when you really want to find or see something and that other person doesn't want to be found...isn't there a message hidden in that? Breanne & Marc went for their ultrasound today and left being disappointed that they couldn't find out the gender of their baby - okay only one of them left disappointed as the other one does not want to know. The technician was even frustrated as she was unable (2nd time around)to get some of the readings that she needed to get. What should of taken 20 minutes, took 1 unsuccessful hour. The baby in the pictures that they got even gestured with their index finger to go away and then proceeded to roll onto his/her tummy and go into recluse. Me, I really wanted to know but when I think back to having my kids this wasn't even an option. Actually you took life the way it came - boy or girl is what you waited to hear the doctor say. Today some of the young people want everything - they want the perfect nursery with the right colors and they want all the proper clothes hanging in the closet. Me - I hung a knit baby dress for all three kids in their closet just because someone told me that it was for good luck. What's good luck - I have three great kids (2 girls & 1 boy) and I wouldn't change things for the world. Whether or not I was told in advance of their births I still wouldn't change their birth order or who they are or who they have become. I love them all the same and respect their choices for future spouses.
However next week is another test of endurance and patience for all of us as we await to see what God will give us. Me, I just want a healthy, happy, well adjusted crying (hopefully no colic) grand baby that makes our hearts melt when we hold them. I want to praise God for making this happen and be grateful for the moment which I know will last a life time as this is another phase of my life that I have looked forward to. Life just can't get any better.
However next week is another test of endurance and patience for all of us as we await to see what God will give us. Me, I just want a healthy, happy, well adjusted crying (hopefully no colic) grand baby that makes our hearts melt when we hold them. I want to praise God for making this happen and be grateful for the moment which I know will last a life time as this is another phase of my life that I have looked forward to. Life just can't get any better.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Happy Father's Day
Today I arrived home and in time to celebrate with Jack on Father's Day. We always tease each other that he's not my father and I'm not his mother (and the fact that we don't have children together) but we still share with one another and feel blessed that we can experience the joy of parenthood together.
I was on my five hour flight (direct) from Newark and I'm glad to be home. However, I'm glad that I went there and was with my sister to support them in whatever way I could. My brother-in-law, Steph is home from the hospital and now we are just waiting the results of more bad looking lymph nodes. The surgeon told Steph that he didn't like the looks of quite a few on the one side and so surgery took a bit longer as he chose to remove them to be sent to pathology. My nephews don't like the look of their dad's bruised abdomen nor the staples that run down one side of his body - not cool for a 11 & 9 year old. I don't remember spending such good quality time with my sister in years. It was nice to hear about her life and her work at the kids school. They are a close family and I know that the next little while will be tough on them as they wait for the results as to whether or not Steph needs further treatments.
While I was away my dad (he lives in Saskatoon) also started his chemotherapy and had a few complications. He does 2 days (4 - 6 hours each day) of chemo and then he is on 6 pills a day for 4 days. Well on day 2 he took a reaction to the chemo and his blood pressure went to 185 so needless to say the nursing/doctor staff had a bit of a panic trying to get him stable. We know that God is also watching over him and I know that they have a great belief system. They are faithful Catholics and believe that God will be with them every step of the way, just as he was nine years ago when my dad had cancer and 28 years ago when my mom had breast cancer.
So begins another busy week with trying to get caught up with work, my husband and my kids. To all you Father's out there, a very Happy Father's Day!
I was on my five hour flight (direct) from Newark and I'm glad to be home. However, I'm glad that I went there and was with my sister to support them in whatever way I could. My brother-in-law, Steph is home from the hospital and now we are just waiting the results of more bad looking lymph nodes. The surgeon told Steph that he didn't like the looks of quite a few on the one side and so surgery took a bit longer as he chose to remove them to be sent to pathology. My nephews don't like the look of their dad's bruised abdomen nor the staples that run down one side of his body - not cool for a 11 & 9 year old. I don't remember spending such good quality time with my sister in years. It was nice to hear about her life and her work at the kids school. They are a close family and I know that the next little while will be tough on them as they wait for the results as to whether or not Steph needs further treatments.
While I was away my dad (he lives in Saskatoon) also started his chemotherapy and had a few complications. He does 2 days (4 - 6 hours each day) of chemo and then he is on 6 pills a day for 4 days. Well on day 2 he took a reaction to the chemo and his blood pressure went to 185 so needless to say the nursing/doctor staff had a bit of a panic trying to get him stable. We know that God is also watching over him and I know that they have a great belief system. They are faithful Catholics and believe that God will be with them every step of the way, just as he was nine years ago when my dad had cancer and 28 years ago when my mom had breast cancer.
So begins another busy week with trying to get caught up with work, my husband and my kids. To all you Father's out there, a very Happy Father's Day!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
I need Prayers & I miss you
Have you ever missed your spouse so much and yet you know where your place is to be? I miss you honey, and yet I know that my place is here with my sister. My brother-in-law, Steph is having his cancer surgery for his prostate and I am here in New Jersey helping my sister out. I pray that God will continue to walk with them while he is undergoing surgery tomorrow. I pray that God will be with me while I wait with my nephews for the outcome of their dad's surgery. Oh God this is where I need you the most to make me strong and be a help and not a needy person. I need to stay strong for all of them. When Steph showed me where all the legal paper work was and the letters that he wrote to each and every one of them, I just wanted to run away and cry. I can't believe this is happening to us...why us??? Please help us through this. I need my husband and family to surround us with whatever the results will be...please I ask anyone reading this to say a prayer for us. The more the better....please I ask of you and God.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Is God in Our Corner?
Do you ever ask yourself if God is in your corner? I know that lately I have been asking that question. With so much family having just been diagnosed with cancer, it makes you wonder. This weekend my grandmother who will be 90 in November, fell and broke her hip. After making a rush trip to Edmonton, we got told that they can put a pin in her hip, but that she might not make it do to her age. You see when people get older and there not mobile, they most likely die from pneumonia or a clot. Well, what kind of hope is that? Both my girls want her around as they grew up with her in their lives and they want her to see her very first great, great grand babies. We pray that God will allow her to continue to allow her time on earth and being part of our lives, but if we listen to the medical folks, we haven't got much hope.
I have to believe that when the doctors told my parents today that my dad has non-Hodgkin's lymphoma back, that we have to believe that 8 treatments and a 2 year follow up will be enough for him to go back into remission. Was God in our corner while my dad was in remission or will he continue to be there while he goes through this round of chemo?
Will God continue to be in both my girls lives while they go through some medical times with each of their pregnancies? I pray that they both will carry to term and deliver healthy babies and that neither of them will suffer during the delivery or post-delivery. Will God be watching over them during all of these times, I pray he will be.
I pray that my brother-in-law, Steph will have surgery next week and come out of it a healthy man. I pray that God will be there to say that I was just there to help with believing in him and the system for my sister and my nephews. I want to tell them that God is in their corner watching there loved one go through something that shouldn't be happening at his young age.
These questions are part of most folks lives, as I hear it when people are reaching out for help or assurances that there loved ones will be okay. I am hoping that my faith and my families faith will let us to continue believing that God is in our corner and that we can continue praying to him for re-assurance. As I believe in God and all that he stands for. What about you and your families situations, do you believe that God is in your corner?
I have to believe that when the doctors told my parents today that my dad has non-Hodgkin's lymphoma back, that we have to believe that 8 treatments and a 2 year follow up will be enough for him to go back into remission. Was God in our corner while my dad was in remission or will he continue to be there while he goes through this round of chemo?
Will God continue to be in both my girls lives while they go through some medical times with each of their pregnancies? I pray that they both will carry to term and deliver healthy babies and that neither of them will suffer during the delivery or post-delivery. Will God be watching over them during all of these times, I pray he will be.
I pray that my brother-in-law, Steph will have surgery next week and come out of it a healthy man. I pray that God will be there to say that I was just there to help with believing in him and the system for my sister and my nephews. I want to tell them that God is in their corner watching there loved one go through something that shouldn't be happening at his young age.
These questions are part of most folks lives, as I hear it when people are reaching out for help or assurances that there loved ones will be okay. I am hoping that my faith and my families faith will let us to continue believing that God is in our corner and that we can continue praying to him for re-assurance. As I believe in God and all that he stands for. What about you and your families situations, do you believe that God is in your corner?
Friday, June 5, 2009
Western Christian School
Last night we had a great time out at Barb & Gary's place. Western Christian high school kids came through on their road trip and performed for about 60 folks. We all gathered for a beef on a bun, salads, dessert and great fellowship and then the kids sang for us. It was truly a wonderful fellowship time. We talked about this having been the best turnout ever. Barb & Gary had a big top tarp built and so we had protection from the elements (which would of been okay if it rained but the weather was beautiful). One of the most memorable moments for me was watching all our new toddlers & pre-schoolers exploring the ranch. They just couldn't get enough visits with Pee Wee the sheep and Daisy Mae the goat. The huge fire pit was an attraction and kept everyone warm and mosquito free. A big thanks to Barb & Gary on hosting such a great evening of fun, food and fellowship. As well thanks Karen for bringing your team of talented singers to Calgary. I really believe that God is everywhere and last night was proof as I felt that warm glow of reverence.
Monday, June 1, 2009
God's Gift(s)
God is all around us and sometimes he gives us things that we never know about until we stop and think about it. My life is so crazy these days with weddings to plan, new son-in-laws to welcome and now we have more to celebrate. Just when cancer was striking us with my dad and my brother-in-law, we were given the news that both Breanne and Nicole will be mother's at the end of this year. So that makes me a true Grandmother - soon to be 50 years old and a Grandma. Whether the girls planned this or not, we thank God for 2 little miracles that will be here later in 2009. At first I wasn't sure how to feel about this, but this is not my decision or my way of starting out life with just getting married. If God has allowed these girls to become mother's, who I am stand and judge. I can only support and pray that things will go well for both of my girls and help out where I can. We believe that God lends us our children to teach us about life and in return Grandchildren are given in the same way. We are here to be examples of Christ followers and not to be the judge & jury.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Prayerful time
As most of you know Jack is the reader in our house...we have so many piles of books overflowing in his office, our family room and that's not to mention all the books you see in his office that are his as well...so we have run out of space at our house. However, even though I like to give him the gears every now and then about his book collection, he has introduced me (the non-reader) to some very good self-help books. I had a book called Breathe, which I am just about done and last night he gave me a book on prayer. The book is called Guerrillas of Grace - Prayers for the battle by Ted Loder. Very good title, I thought and then when I started to look at the categories I saw myself in each area that I was in need of prayer. But most of all when I read Ted's introduction (or probe as he calls it) this jumped out at me:
"For at last I believe life itself is a prayer, and the prayers we say shape the lives we live, just as the lives we live shape the prayers we say; and it all shapes the kingdom which expresses itself in and among us, and for which we are guerrillas. I hope these prayers help you to take some new territory, to liberate imaginatively some part of your life, my sister and brother guerrillas. "...thy kingdom come..."
Thank you Jack for giving me such a book to help feed my soul and spirit. Also for helping me get through the things that I must deal with and to try and be at peace with everything. I love you with all my soul and heart, you are my rock.
"For at last I believe life itself is a prayer, and the prayers we say shape the lives we live, just as the lives we live shape the prayers we say; and it all shapes the kingdom which expresses itself in and among us, and for which we are guerrillas. I hope these prayers help you to take some new territory, to liberate imaginatively some part of your life, my sister and brother guerrillas. "...thy kingdom come..."
Thank you Jack for giving me such a book to help feed my soul and spirit. Also for helping me get through the things that I must deal with and to try and be at peace with everything. I love you with all my soul and heart, you are my rock.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Diagnosis Error
I found out yesterday that my dad does not have an aneurysm but mostly lymphoma again. The doctor says that because he has so much creatin in his kidneys and that some of the lymph nodes are infected he will need to be put back on chemo therapy in early June. Next week he needs a stint put in; a main portal for his chemo and they have put him on a very strong antibiotic and a prescription of predisone. Also I just heard that my brother-in-law, Stephan's surgery will be June 17th in Morristown, NJ. So I need to get my flight booked in and be there for my sister, brother-in-law and my darling 2 nephews. There is so much to do and take care of, I just hope that I have the strength to do it all. Cancer is so much part of our vocabulary these days that I need some good news. I do have some and there is more to come but with all this comes the stress to deal with everyone around me. Jack is so good with me and I need to lean on him more and more these days. I pray so many times a day that I wonder if God is tired of hearing from me. I have to believe that he walks with each of us during our moments of great need and that he will always be with us. I pray that the Lord continue to watch over my loved ones and close friends that are suffering with this awful disease. I pray that all of our heavy hearts will soon be lifted and that we will once again have good days ahead of us.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Cancer is everywhere
Everywhere we go and every person that we talk to, talks about the "c" word. We just can't get away from that. The update on my dad is that he has an aneurysm on his aorta. He also has a lymph node on his kidney that is infected and so more information is needed on both issues. Surgery is an option for the aneurysm, but again until he has an MRI test he must just wait. Many people live day to day with aneurysm and never know when it will burst. The lymph node is more than likely a continuation from his lymphoma that he had several years ago. We must be patient and have belief that the doctors can further investigate and get to the bottom of his ailments.
My brother-in-law, Steph has now read lots of information to inform himself better. He realizes that his cancer must be tackled sooner rather than later, so that is good. Again we must have faith and be patient for his outcome.
Why is it that everyone we talk to is feeling the same thing - they must have patience? I'm sure that we aren't born with and some learn it over the years and some (like myself) can't wait to find some. I have never been patient and yet some how I have no choice but to develop some. This is a difficult time and yet I know that God is here to help us. He is always walking with us during our times of difficult and he is always there when things are good. We just have to find the strength to believe. Thank you to everyone that sent there prayers our way, they were so needed and appreciated. I know that in the next couple of weeks answers will be found and then decisions will have to be made. But I trust that God will be there to help along the way.
My brother-in-law, Steph has now read lots of information to inform himself better. He realizes that his cancer must be tackled sooner rather than later, so that is good. Again we must have faith and be patient for his outcome.
Why is it that everyone we talk to is feeling the same thing - they must have patience? I'm sure that we aren't born with and some learn it over the years and some (like myself) can't wait to find some. I have never been patient and yet some how I have no choice but to develop some. This is a difficult time and yet I know that God is here to help us. He is always walking with us during our times of difficult and he is always there when things are good. We just have to find the strength to believe. Thank you to everyone that sent there prayers our way, they were so needed and appreciated. I know that in the next couple of weeks answers will be found and then decisions will have to be made. But I trust that God will be there to help along the way.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Many prayers needed
I am in spiritual need! This has been the hardest week for our family in a long time. My very young, much loved young 47 year old brother-in-law, Stephan (my only sister's husband) was just diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer on Thursday. This past weekend it finally hit him that this is very serious. He thought that because he has competed in triathlons & is a marathon runner that it wouldn't happen to him. They live in the US and are able to access very good health care, but this is stage 4and there could be more issues if this has spread. Then on Saturday my dear great Aunt passed away at the age of 90. She filled every room with laughter and kindness and just pure fun. We will miss her dearly and she was the last of Grandpa's siblings to pass on. We attended her funeral in Vulcan today. Our house was filled with many family members from yesterday and will continue through part of the week. Then yesterday my darling children, Ryan, Breanne & Nicole (spouses too) took Jack and I out for dinner on Mother's day at Tony Roma's - quite a nice surprise with all that is going on.
Then to top it all off my dad went for his 2x a year cancer check up and it wasn't good. They have detected some wrong with his kidneys. As I type this we are waiting to hear what it is. When my younger brother, Mark called my dad he was near weeping on the phone and said that his CT scan was not good. This has all of us reliving the day we found out that he had Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the abdomen - 9 years ago. Such a horrific week and yet we must trust in the fact that God will be with all of us during our journey of treatments, surgery and the worst - the unknown. Pray, pray, pray......
Then to top it all off my dad went for his 2x a year cancer check up and it wasn't good. They have detected some wrong with his kidneys. As I type this we are waiting to hear what it is. When my younger brother, Mark called my dad he was near weeping on the phone and said that his CT scan was not good. This has all of us reliving the day we found out that he had Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the abdomen - 9 years ago. Such a horrific week and yet we must trust in the fact that God will be with all of us during our journey of treatments, surgery and the worst - the unknown. Pray, pray, pray......
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Peace of Mind
I just had the best evening made up of sharing and forgiving! Have you ever done that and walked away feeling like you were floating? I won't go into details but for almost one full year I have been carrying this burden around that needed to be put to rest for good. And after 11 months, I finally have realized that I needed to extend GRACE to someone and have a heart to heart discussion. After much idle chit chat we got down to the nitty gritty of our disagreements. We talked about would-of; could-of; should-of kind of discussion and after some laughter, tears and heart-to-heart understanding, I felt a peace about me. I felt the presence of God and knew that I had bared my soul and am now at peace. I hope that I had that kind of impact on my fellow listener. My prayer is now that God continue to give me strength, guidance but most of all peace in my surroundings. May God continue to be with Jack and I as we get stronger in being one. No matter what is thrown our way, we will always be together as one.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Easter Celebrations
This Easter Jack and I decided that we wanted to bring some real meaning to what Easter is all about so we decided to attend a few events around the city. We took in the Passion play at Foothills Alliance on Friday and what an amazing production. The room was packed with over 500 folks who obviously wanted the same thing - a picture to what Jesus went through many years ago. Then on Sunday we went over to First Alliance and took in there Easter Service. Again more people - somehow people are needing to hear the word of God whether they come out every week or just on special occasions. The words that were spoken meant so much and seeing it acted out put things in perspective. Christ lives in everyone of us if we just look around and see the beauty of what has been laid out. I know that I must continue to read and look for my journey to continue.
We also celebrated Easter with 2 families...Jaelyn, Rob & the girls had pre-Easter here with us on Saturday. We even managed to have a little Easter egg hunt for them. It is amazing to watch these little girls grow and change everytime we see them. They are becoming very interactive with everything that you do with them.
Then on Sunday, Breanne & Marc hosted there first dinner for his family and ours. It was a true pleasure to see your children grown and taking on responsibilities that you have coached them to do. I felt great pride seeing the table set with name cards and festive chocolates laid out.
So all in all I have to say that it was a great weekend filled with hope, reverence, family and most of peace of belonging to a community of faith.
We also celebrated Easter with 2 families...Jaelyn, Rob & the girls had pre-Easter here with us on Saturday. We even managed to have a little Easter egg hunt for them. It is amazing to watch these little girls grow and change everytime we see them. They are becoming very interactive with everything that you do with them.
Then on Sunday, Breanne & Marc hosted there first dinner for his family and ours. It was a true pleasure to see your children grown and taking on responsibilities that you have coached them to do. I felt great pride seeing the table set with name cards and festive chocolates laid out.
So all in all I have to say that it was a great weekend filled with hope, reverence, family and most of peace of belonging to a community of faith.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
My Christian Walk.......
I have been struggling lately with my faith. I know many people have experienced this during their lifetime but I have never felt it so present as this past couple of years. When I go to church I feel disconnected and that God isn't in the centre of my world. I feel that people are just going through the motions (including myself) to just be at a place to do the same thing and sing the same number of songs, week after week. My journey has me feeling like I need more out of life and that if I don't get it I won't want to worship again. Tonight Jack and I went to First Alliance and that tingling feeling that I once had came back to me. The service tonight reminded me of the Catholic service on Palm Sunday leading into Holy week, just prior to Good Friday. The songs and the 100's of people that were moved by the scripture tonight made me feel alive again. I felt God's presence and remembered why I pray to him and want to read more. Now I'm not an avid reader like my dear husband. He has hundred's of books on all kinds of topics which is way different then me. However, he gave me a book that he had and it has "me" written all over it. Actually, it has any women that is going 100 miles per hour, trying to multi task 4 things at once, this book is for you. The title is Breathe, Creating Space for God in a Hectic Life. When I started to read the first chapter and it was all about being busy and running as fast as we can...it was eerie as that is exactly what one of my blogs was about a couple weeks ago. Then when I read the next topic "A Healthy Soul" which talks about feeding your spirit; and how is the health of your soul? Then some more questions, "Do you feed your spirit good things? Do you exercise the part of you that is most truly and deeply you? Are you deeply satisfied with your spiritual life? Do you feel a sense of peace and Gods' presence most of the time? Once in a while? Ever? I couldn't believe it, that this chapter was talking to me about all the things that I am feeling.
Jack and I have talked at great lengths about each of our spiritual journeys and how different we both are. But are we really? I think that sometimes I see myself as being in an infant stage that it scares me and then at other times I see so much knowledge that I have to laugh to think that I got it without even getting it. Jack and I have committed to both of us reading, researching, reaching out to find out more about where we are going on our spiritual journey. We have to inform ourselves; test one another as to where we are; pray together to keep us connected. But most of all we have to hear God's word such as Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give your rest" (Matt. 11:28) He offers rest for the weary, true spiritual rest that refreshes us and connects us with him. God meets us in our weariness and our place of weakness. And I truly believe that the only way that I will get healthier is to take time to heal and be less involved; less running in so many different directions but most of all become closer to God by reading and understanding where I am to go. God has a plan for all of us and now it's my job to figure out what that plan is. I think that together with Jack that we can both embark on this journey to fulfill our lives spiritually,mentally and physically. I also believe that we will become better people and hopefully I pray that I will get my passion and faith back.
Jack and I have talked at great lengths about each of our spiritual journeys and how different we both are. But are we really? I think that sometimes I see myself as being in an infant stage that it scares me and then at other times I see so much knowledge that I have to laugh to think that I got it without even getting it. Jack and I have committed to both of us reading, researching, reaching out to find out more about where we are going on our spiritual journey. We have to inform ourselves; test one another as to where we are; pray together to keep us connected. But most of all we have to hear God's word such as Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give your rest" (Matt. 11:28) He offers rest for the weary, true spiritual rest that refreshes us and connects us with him. God meets us in our weariness and our place of weakness. And I truly believe that the only way that I will get healthier is to take time to heal and be less involved; less running in so many different directions but most of all become closer to God by reading and understanding where I am to go. God has a plan for all of us and now it's my job to figure out what that plan is. I think that together with Jack that we can both embark on this journey to fulfill our lives spiritually,mentally and physically. I also believe that we will become better people and hopefully I pray that I will get my passion and faith back.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Life in the Fast Lane
My life seems to be moving along at thunder speed these days and I'm trying to get out of the fast lane to just get caught up. Have you ever had one of those weeks or several all in a row? Between all the wedding planning that I have been helping the girls do, and Jack having had surgery, recovery and more recovery I finally felt run over this past weekend. We were given the first year of the show 24 and put it off until this past weekend to watch it, or should I say slow down to watch it. If anyone knows the dvd series it is 6 dvd's with 4 hours per dvd. Well we started to watch it on Saturday afternoon and then continued through Sunday into Sunday evening, but the best part was that I actually took the time to relax (pj's on) - hair not done - no makeup, but actually sat curled up with my husband and truly got into this series. This is not something that I would normally do but I truly was exhausted from trying to keep up with being a mother & nurse for so long lately. I even felt rejuvenated last night and today at work I had a lot more energy.
Jack will be going back to the surgeon on Wednesday and hopefully it will be good news and that he won't have to have anymore surgery or complications.
The wedding planning is coming along and we now have 2 dresses bought - with one here for delivery this week and another on order for delivery in September. I forgot how much planning goes into a wedding just to make the day spectacular. I'm sure that things will go well and that both girls will be happy in the end.
Okay now it's time to get back on the computer to look at some wedding cakes with Nicole and then get on a wedding favor site for Breanne so she can narrow down her decisions as well. Until next time, if you need me I'll be in the middle lane trying not to get run over!
Jack will be going back to the surgeon on Wednesday and hopefully it will be good news and that he won't have to have anymore surgery or complications.
The wedding planning is coming along and we now have 2 dresses bought - with one here for delivery this week and another on order for delivery in September. I forgot how much planning goes into a wedding just to make the day spectacular. I'm sure that things will go well and that both girls will be happy in the end.
Okay now it's time to get back on the computer to look at some wedding cakes with Nicole and then get on a wedding favor site for Breanne so she can narrow down her decisions as well. Until next time, if you need me I'll be in the middle lane trying not to get run over!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Update and more Updates
Wow, have you ever had one of those weeks where everything happened all at once! Jack is finally home recovering from his surgery and moving around very slowly. He won't be up running any marathon too soon. But he is at least home.
Then last night both my girls were over to talk about weddings and we now have the official version that Breanne & Marc will tie the knot next March 2010 and Nicole & Cecil will get married this coming October 2009. Both have lots to work out with all the details but now there are no more secrets to not tell one of them. I will have a very busy couple of months ahead but my secret job (other than being a nurse to my husband)is to be a wedding planner and I have had lots of practice with other brides on their special day. What an exciting time for everyone involved! Jack and I are looking forward to helping with making their wishes come true on each of their own special day. Wish us luck and oh, I hope to win the lottery as well!
Then last night both my girls were over to talk about weddings and we now have the official version that Breanne & Marc will tie the knot next March 2010 and Nicole & Cecil will get married this coming October 2009. Both have lots to work out with all the details but now there are no more secrets to not tell one of them. I will have a very busy couple of months ahead but my secret job (other than being a nurse to my husband)is to be a wedding planner and I have had lots of practice with other brides on their special day. What an exciting time for everyone involved! Jack and I are looking forward to helping with making their wishes come true on each of their own special day. Wish us luck and oh, I hope to win the lottery as well!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Jack's Latest Surgery
I won't be posting much tonight, other than to say that surgery went well for Jack and that he is resting comfortably tonight. Jack will spend a couple days in the hospital and then be home to recuperate for the next couple of weeks..so he will have plenty of time to blog and tell you all the details...thank you to all that sent prayers and well wishes - we appreciate all of you for who you are.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
My Special Secret Announcement
I can now fully tell my secret which is that I will soon be gaining a wonderful son-in-law. As of this morning, far up on a gondola, overlooking Sunshine mountain, my daughter, Breanne had her boyfriend (Marc) got down on one knee and proposed marriage to her. This is so exciting as Jack and I have been fully involved in this very romantic engagement for just over a week now. Marc came by the house asking me for Breanne's hand in marriage; to having me secure hockey tickets to the Montreal vs. Calgary game last night. This is where the original proposal was to take place as Marc is originally from Montreal so we thought that this would so romantic. Then Marc enquired about getting the proposal on the jumbo tv but the cost was $5,000 - so it was that or an engagement ring and being a smart man, he chose to keep the money for a ring (he's learning). So that precipitated him to take her to Banff, stay at the Banff Springs hotel, go skiing and propose up there. What he wasn't looking for was his favorite hockey team losing (quite badly); his car getting stuck in the ditch just outside of Canmore (it's still there); leaving his confirmation number in the car for his paid ski package (good for concierge folks to phone the booking travel agent to get this confirmed for being a paid client) and then having Breanne get sick on the bus ride to the top of the ski hill. Needless to say this will be quite the story to write in their wedding book on "how we got engaged". Another little surprise for both of them is that Jack got a banner made up that asks the question: Bre, will you marry me..which was to be used at the hockey game but when that plan didn't work, Jack and I decided to go and pin the sign up at there place so that they will always have another special memento of this occasion. But I'm just relieved to say the least that this secret stayed safe and that we will have a very special occasion in the very near future. Jack and I feel truly blessed with such wonderful times ahead of us.
A Secret
Have you ever had a secret that you so much wanted to tell? Or have you known a secret that you've almost told the person that was to experience it? Well, I have a secret and not until later today can I tell it...but it has been killing me to not be able to talk about it. So I thought that if I just wrote down about the fact that I have a secret, then I might feel better about it...okay maybe not. I will have to blog later about our best kept secret...stay tuned and God willing that I won't spoil the surprise.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Beautiful Banff
Jack and I just returned from a glorious overnight trip to the Banff Springs Hotel. We have the privledge of staying in a suite in the Thompson Wing...what a breathtaking hotel and the view was out of this world. It truly was a treat to know some people and get to stay in such a breathtaking room. Poor Jack had to once again be pampered and be a kept man. We went to the hotel yesterday afternoon and a light lunch overlooking the golf course, river and looking right into the mountains. Then we had a sushi dinner which even included a hot pot (and I thought that I didn't have to cook dinner). The service was spectacular and the food mouth watering as we both enjoy sushi. Then this morning we were both treated to one of the best brunches that we have ever been too. Again, Jack complained all morning about being a kept man and having to do nothing but eat and relax so I asked that he drive us up the mountain and see my next favorite hotel (The Rimrock). So many friends of ours have stayed there but the view was magical...looking directly into the mountains and overlooking the valley...very hard on the eyes!
Anyway it was a tough 2 days and now we are back to real life and need to get some housework done. If any of you ever get the chance to stay the Banff Springs hotel - please go. It is worth every penny to stay and explore a gem of a hotel. The inside of the hotel has the look of a castle with so many wings, nooks and hide out, sit down and read corners that you will not be dissapointed. Oh, but take someone special with you..it makes it that much better!
Anyway it was a tough 2 days and now we are back to real life and need to get some housework done. If any of you ever get the chance to stay the Banff Springs hotel - please go. It is worth every penny to stay and explore a gem of a hotel. The inside of the hotel has the look of a castle with so many wings, nooks and hide out, sit down and read corners that you will not be dissapointed. Oh, but take someone special with you..it makes it that much better!
Friday, January 30, 2009
January 30th, 2009
Well January has almost come to an end and lots has transpired in the first month of 2009. Jack has been my most concern and and I continue to monitor his health as my number one priority. However, yesterday with the help of Brandi, Jack has decided to get into the blogging world and now everyone can read his blog and see what interesting books he is reading (or should I say, he will be writing about whether or not you should go out and purchase the books(s))....just kidding, honey!
We had some saddness to the start of 2009 but a lot of joys as well so we shall continue to move through 2009 praying hard and working with people that suffered losses. But as well we will continue to celebrate with our loved ones that celebrated vitories or achievements and that is good as well. That's what life is all about.
On Sunday we look forward to taking Jack's granddaughter, Preslie out for lunch to celebrate her 6th birthday. This will be a new experience as Jaelyn has now deemed us old enough to have one-on-one time with her girls for their birthday's...okay Jaelyn I'm only kidding! But really, this is a stage that we have wanted to do for sometime and being the beginning of a new year, this is just the start. So we will go out for lunch and then go shopping with Preslie...what do 6 year olds want now a days? I'm sure that she will be quite happy to tell us. We both look forward to this momenteous day.
A special birthday wish to Brian who turns 50 years old tomorrow.. Brian we look forward to celebrating with you - wasn't 1959 a great year!
We had some saddness to the start of 2009 but a lot of joys as well so we shall continue to move through 2009 praying hard and working with people that suffered losses. But as well we will continue to celebrate with our loved ones that celebrated vitories or achievements and that is good as well. That's what life is all about.
On Sunday we look forward to taking Jack's granddaughter, Preslie out for lunch to celebrate her 6th birthday. This will be a new experience as Jaelyn has now deemed us old enough to have one-on-one time with her girls for their birthday's...okay Jaelyn I'm only kidding! But really, this is a stage that we have wanted to do for sometime and being the beginning of a new year, this is just the start. So we will go out for lunch and then go shopping with Preslie...what do 6 year olds want now a days? I'm sure that she will be quite happy to tell us. We both look forward to this momenteous day.
A special birthday wish to Brian who turns 50 years old tomorrow.. Brian we look forward to celebrating with you - wasn't 1959 a great year!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A Day In History Making
Today was the day that Barrack Obama took all of his long walks, swearing on the bible and then more walks, parades, lunches and 10 balls being hosted in his honour. But the best part was that Jack and I were just in Washington in September for my cousins wedding. Thank you Camille & Vicky for choosing your beautiful city of Washington, DC to host your wedding. We feel very honored for being two of only 60 people invited to your nuptuials. But another good thing was that we got to spend one week exploring this beautiful city of such rich history. Then today on tv I watched all the places that we had gone to and walked through or around (like the White House). They haven't allowed tours for sometime but we were able to take pictures through the iron fence that surrounds the White House. Watching tv with the President Elect Barrack Obama and seeing all these places really was moving and exillerating. I know that this will be the day that I never forget as to where I was and what I was doing. But I will always remember my first time of being in Washington and seeing this city of history in the making.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
January 7th, 2009
Well we have survived another week and Jack is still home trying to recuperate from his illness. We still aren't 100% sure what exactly he has but he is being a real trooper about his medication. He has to drive himself to either the hospital or the home care unit at the emergency centre in South Calgary and get one small bag of intravenous antibiotics. Plus he is taking oral antibiotics...let's hope he continues to get healthy. We all take our health for granted and then when something happens we realize how vulnerable we are.
There is so much to do around the house with the all Christmas decorations to come down and be put away for another year. But tonight I had Jack help hook up my WII fit and I just loved it. I was able to do some aerobics and a few other games. My balance isn't bad but I have a long ways to go to get fit...okay I'm going to blame it on the Christmas food, chocolates, wine and all round Christmas time plus I am getting up there in age. Besides isn't January the time that everyone makes a commitment to get fit and loose weight??? I know that I do!
Okay another week almost gone by and then we have three weeks left in January (this is the count down to end winter). Let's pray that Jack gets on the mend and he is healthy for his upcoming surgery and recovery time in February.
There is so much to do around the house with the all Christmas decorations to come down and be put away for another year. But tonight I had Jack help hook up my WII fit and I just loved it. I was able to do some aerobics and a few other games. My balance isn't bad but I have a long ways to go to get fit...okay I'm going to blame it on the Christmas food, chocolates, wine and all round Christmas time plus I am getting up there in age. Besides isn't January the time that everyone makes a commitment to get fit and loose weight??? I know that I do!
Okay another week almost gone by and then we have three weeks left in January (this is the count down to end winter). Let's pray that Jack gets on the mend and he is healthy for his upcoming surgery and recovery time in February.
Friday, January 2, 2009
2008 Ends and 2009 Comes in Being Sick
I am writing this from the hotel in Minneapolis, MN and it has not been a good week down here. It started out okay with us arriving here on Christmas Day with it being a stop over before going to Morris Plains, New Jersey to see my sister, family and my parents for New Years. However, Jack had other plans in mind. I gave Jack tickets to the Vikings football game (great time & great seats) and we did that, then the following day we did a tour of the plant for my work plus we managed to find a Outlet mall and do some shopping. Jack complained about not feeling well and that his legs hurt so we came back to the hotel (that was Monday). We were to fly out at 10:30 the next morning...well Jack was sick all night long (I will leave the description out). So the next day he was obviously too sick to travel and so I left him (thinking that he would improve) but that didn't happen. I enjoyed my time (as much as you can, while missing Jack & worrying)and at 2:30 am right after ringing in the New Year, I phoned the airline and changed my ticket to come back to Minneapolis on New Year's day rather than the 2nd of Jan. Jack didn't look good but I was able to get him to have some rice last night and a today some dry toast and tonight some more rice. He has been on water, gaterade and tylenol...trust me we couldn't find anything here and the hotel doesn't have much for those suffering with what we think is the flu.
Tomorrow we leave and I will be glad to hit Canadian soil and see how he manages on the flight.
We hope that everyone had a nice Christmas and we wish all our family and friends the very best for 2009 (Happy New Year).
Tomorrow we leave and I will be glad to hit Canadian soil and see how he manages on the flight.
We hope that everyone had a nice Christmas and we wish all our family and friends the very best for 2009 (Happy New Year).
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