Ashby Empty Nesters

Summer is so Short

2011-07-22T11:58:00.000-07:00

Have you ever looked at the calendar and then looked at the weather - they don't seem to go together. I have more golf rain checks than I do actual games played. I once again joined the ladies league and I love it. You could say that I have that "golf bug". My friend and I play, or should I say, we have tried to play once a week, but we've not succeeded in actually getting more than 1 or 2 games in.

I worked part time at the casino wrist banding folks for concerts and I have now quit that job due to too many issues at the casino (liquor license being suspended; problems with tickets; problems, problems and more problems). I have to say that the reason I did this was to pay for our upgrading the kitchen and as of last Sunday that got completed. I'm very happy with Kent who came and put our glass tile back splash on the walls. Then Cecil came and put the window frame back in place. It all looks great and so now we can once again entertain. I'm home on weekends; the weather better be looking more like summer and the kitchen is complete. After all isn't that the place in the house that everyone ends up in.

Hoping your summer is looking great!

Family History

2011-05-21T04:19:00.000-07:00

We are back from a 16 day trip to the other side of the world (Germany & Austria). It seemed like yesterday when we were all planning this trip - Jack, my parents and my brother, Mark. Then reality sets in and flights are booked; accommodation is made in two cities (the unknown areas so fear of being located in the wrong place) and then some trips are even booked and confirmed.
We had a few anxious moments and some restless nights with lots of noise from the streets below but all in all it was a good trip. We saw some of the same sights in Salzburg and met with a small number of family members. The language barrier is always the hardest but my dad met the challenge and did most of the translating for us.
But the best city was Munich and we would recommend that to anyone. So much history there and if you are a history fan from the war, this is a great place to start. We learned so much and saw first hand what it would of been like to have been living during the "Hitler Days". My dad was named after Adolf Hitler as his mother received $500 schillings for doing so. I never gave it much thought about his name until you visit a country that had so much hate for a man. Even on this trip several folks asked my dad if he wanted to change his name to something else given the history. But he has always stayed strong to his birth name that his mother did in sacrificing him for money to feed their family while my grandfather was away fighting the war. So much history in a country and in a family.
My dad even learned some new history facts on one of our guided trips and so this brought some new insight to his recollection of growing up.
We were made to appreciate our lifestyle and our faith after witnessing so much drinking and smoking at every age. Both the drinking and smoking are made so inexpensive that this lifestyle is accepted everywhere and for every age. It's sad to see this take over so many lives and yet at the same time, the people see it as being a normal way of life.
On our last three days by ourselves we visited and stayed in a little sleepy town known as Freising. This is a town adjacent to Munich and houses some hotels known as the "Munich airport area". We stayed there the last time we visited but only on a overnight trip. This time we actually got to explore this town and we were amazed to see all the young families - it seems to be where commuters live rather than in the big city and with the trains running directly to Munich, people commute. But the main thing was the old buildings and the history of such a small place. We wandered around the main cobblestone street admiring the old buildings and the amount of statues everywhere. Of course it wouldn't of been complete until you hear the beautiful bells ringing through out the land for everyone to hear. This was supposed to be a sleepy little stop over but instead it gave us a sense of history and family all in one short little visit. We loved this town and would think nothing of going back and spending a couple of days here again.
So we are glad to be home; not glad to be on a different time zone still but glad to get ourselves back in a routine and not living out of a suitcase.
We thank God for blessing us with safe travels; good health during our stay, as well showing us another side of life and the importance of having a balanced life which includes faith.

One Year Later.......

2011-04-06T11:11:00.001-07:00

Jack and I looked at the calendar and were reminded that one year ago our life would not be the same. In some ways this has been an awful year and in other ways it has brought new friends into our lives.

When people are displaced they go through many emotions as well they question every step they take, wondering if it would be the right one. We still are questioning our next "church family" step and we haven't quite figured out what that looks like. I must say that one of the things I miss most is the acapela singing and I know that most would say "WHAT". But having come from instrumental services before, I just fell in love with harmony singing. We have found some awesome speakers and we know that we can be fed spiritually from several different churches, but the music is truly missed. I think it has to do with the lead up to the sermon and that the music can touch your heart & soul.

Jack has now started to work part-time with a funeral company - Evan Strong Funeral and he is really enjoying it. He has helped out a couple of families that were looking and one that needed a funeral service. Everyone of our friends that he has talked to has said that this is the perfect career for him, especially with his personality. This new career has allowed us to think more about our life span and has also made us more aware of what each of us wants when our time is up. I'm glad that we have lots of Acapella music cd's as this will be something that we both want when our lives are celebrated.

Tomorrow I fly (compliments of my brother-in-law) to New Jersey to surprise my sister for her 50th Birthday. The two of us girls are then being whisked away to New York for the weekend to see a show (Jersey Boys); staying at the Marriott Hotel in Time Square and just enjoying shopping, the spa and whatever else we can find and do. Stephan is one wonderful husband and brother-in-law and I am so glad that he was able to help plan this surprise for her. The secret keeping will soon come to an end and I will be happy as we have kept this from her since January.

Winter Blah's

2011-03-05T10:33:00.001-08:00

The winter blah's are setting in. All our medical tests are complete and Jack came through all of his tests/surgery. I was given a clean bill of health this year.

However, Jack and I have really missed our winter get away. We always have gone to Phoenix or Vegas for a short break to just soak up the sun and the heat. This year we have chosen to go to Europe in May with my folks & brother. My father was told to live out his "bucket list" so that is where he wanted to go. Not that I don't mind doing that, but this winter has just dragged on and on and where are those Chinooks that we always get? I'm battling my second cold in less than 2 months and I hate that. I know that if I got some sun I would feel much better, but that will have to wait.....of course the tanning beds will give me some heat and some color..so perhaps starting on Monday that is where I need to be.

I started a part time job working at a casino wrist banding folks for concerts and so far I have seen just about everything. The pay is good, however the hours are long and you have to stand the complete time. Last Saturday I worked 10 hours and did I ever ache. Tonight shouldn't be as long and the group tonight is the "Platters" - that I can hardly wait to hear. So this job will bring me a little extra cash for home reno's; our trip or just to buy the babies something special for whatever.

Okay winter be done and gone - it's time to get melting and warming up. Okay it's time for that second cup of coffee so I can get my day going. Have a good one!

Medical February

2011-02-04T10:58:00.000-08:00

Why does it seem that every January comes medicals and then in February for the past couple of years, Jack is in the hospital having stones removed. We were laughing about how time has flown by since his last surgery and even then we were confused as to which surgery it was and how long he was in the hospital. The hospital pre-admission clinic sent out his forms and when he opened the envelope they were for a woman...good thing that we has had time to get the right forms.

With this surgery the doctor ordered blood matching just in case he needs a transfusion and then they gave him a medical wrist band...too which most of the information has come off with having taken a shower or 2! You would think that the admissions department would give him the new bracelet upon being admitted at the hospital. So on Tuesday, Jack will be have a 1 inch kidney stone surgically removed from his right kidney. Prayers are always needed during this time as the unknown is out there.

I too would ask for some prayers as I also went for my physical last week and then for follow up tests (bone density & mammogram). And much to my dislike I received the phone call to come back for some various mammogram scans & an ultrasound....the dreaded call that all women hope they don't get. I'm telling myself that this is just a follow up to see something that I can't see or feel. So while my husband is recuperating in the hospital I will be at the lab getting re-analyzed. I know that I have to trust in God that he has these medical folks well trained in their medical profession to find/analyze anything and everything. God is Great.

2010 Move Over for 2011 To Arrive

2010-12-30T17:59:00.000-08:00

As we close out 2010 we reflect on all the happenings (good & bad) for the past 12 months. We hopefully learn from our mistakes, embrace the beauty of our babies in our life and move forward to become a better person.
There are many things that make us all grow as individuals, as husbands & wives; as grandparents; parents; co-workers but most of all as God's children.
I wish for a church family that we can settle into and learn from others. I wish for my kids to seek out God in their hearts and help their children find him as well.
I wish for full time employment for Jack to make him feel more complete.

I pray that better health come to my family and to Jack and that this be the last year of kidney stones for him.

May God be part of all your lives and may he always be within your heart.

Welcome 2011 and may you bring love, joy, happiness and peace to all. Happy New Year my friends!

An Exciting Month

2010-12-06T11:17:00.001-08:00

December is always such an exciting month. I love everything about Christmas and it starts with getting the house ready with baking, card writing and of course decorating. I also love buying gifts, clothes etc. for our adopt a family that we take on at work. Now in December we have Jack and Wyatt to share birthday gatherings and so that's even more exciting.
But this year I have chosen to take Jack away for a warm vacation....our gift to each other. He hasn't had much luck in finding any work and so a friend from work showed me this awesome cruise in the Caribbean and we leave Saturday from Miami. Now being the travel convey nor, I decided to book our flights only through warm destinations so we aren't storm stuck somewhere. So Wed am we fly to Phoenix and then onto Miami on Thursday. We will be trading the snow in for some sand and then on the weekend we trade the regular sand in for much whiter sand (or at least that's what I'm told).
When we get back it will already be the week of Christmas and so there will be lots to do to get ready for family to arrive from Saskatoon. Plus the babies should be walking by then. Last night at the (shared) birthday event, Wyatt took 2 steps to me without hanging onto anything. I will miss seeing him walk but I know that 10 days away isn't long for him to get running.
So Merry Christmas to everyone and may the Lord Jesus be close to your heart over the holiday season.

Thank you

2010-11-21T16:51:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone that was praying for my dad - I can report that his surgery was a success and he came home on his 7th day in the hospital. The hospital has home care come in on a daily basis to change out his dressings. The nurse today did say that they thought he was getting an infection in his staples so he will call the doctor and get a prescription.
Today and yesterday were the Christmas set up days. I made lots of baking, finished my cards and then set up the tree & village. I don't want to get behind before we go away in early December.
Last night we babysat Wyatt and Breanne and Lyla came for a visit. It was a couple of weeks since the kids were together at Lyla's party. It is fun to watch these two little ones learn to play and share (some but not much happening there). But Wyatt had dinner with us and even went to bed without a fuss so things are changing. I can hardly wait for the grandkids to see the tree lit up. I decided to go with an easy decoratihg and non-breakable items this year. Looks good and should be more durable.
Well not many more sleeps until we are on our cruise and let me tell you i really need this after this year of turmoil and dissappointment. I hope to come back refreshed and more positive about the future.

An exciting but Prayerful Week Ahead

2010-11-06T06:46:00.001-07:00

This week a head will be one that is filled with fun, laughter and then onto some prayerful, emotional time.

My beautiful granddaughter, Lyla will be turning one. Where has the year gone? I didn't know that so much love could be passed onto such a little person, an extension of love from a mother to a daughter. Every time I see Lyla it reminds me of my days with her mommy, Breanne. My little Breanne has now grown into this beautiful woman that has just become a wife but more than that she has become such a nurturing, calming mother. And I must say way better than I did at her age. I know deep in my heart that this little girl will grow up with dignity, pride and very diva dressed. I'm just sorry that I will miss her actual birthday along with Breanne's birthday when she turns 26.
This week also holds much of the unknown as my father undergoes surgery to correct the colostomy that he needed one year ago. At least this time I will be there with my mom waiting to see how he pulls through. Last year in October it was a scare for both Jack and I when we received the call that my dad's bowel had burst and was undergoing major surgery. We were in Edmonton at my Aunt's side waiting for my uncle to breathe his last breath and pass away from painful brain cancer. But my dad has done so well and over come so much with having to carry his waste on the outside of his body. This humbling experience has shown us that you can carry on with life and that people will love you and encourage and support you all the way through.
While I am in Saskatoon, my dear friend that passed away (way to early at 52)we will all be celebrating on what would of been his birthday, Nov 11th. Darryl would of been 53 and was married to my best friend for 30 years. This evening is to be filled with memories, stories and of course I'm sure a few tears. Darryl was my neighbor growing up and then he was the first older guy that I dated. But it was my friend Penny that stole his heart and for that we have all been close friends for years. Our oldest children were born a couple months apart, bowled together in a league and to this day both my son Ryan, and their daughter, Lisa still talk on facebook regularly. They both went into broadcasting in separate cities and Lisa has gone on to become on air radio announcer in Northern Sask. I marvel at how so much love in a friendship can carry on for years. Even though we have all moved away our connection to one another still pulls us back.
This will be a week filled with much joy & pride; then much anticipation of hope for my dad's recovery; and then onto the celebration of a dear friend's life that was taken so early from us. I know that I am thankful of own good health and that of Jack's and my children & now grandchildren as well.
May God be with my dad as he undergoes major surgery and let him resume his vibrant life that he once had.

Selling Stuff

2010-09-25T06:24:00.000-07:00

I am ever so grateful that we will finally have at least 2 different buyers that want to come today and buy our hot tub. Our dear hot tub that has sat all year with only a few granddaughters that "swam" in it. We have been trying off and on since June to sell this four year old, hot/warm water bucket in our yard. Since my kids moved out we just haven't used it like we thought we would have. We laugh about us buying this tub on a whim....I'm sure not many folks have that same buying mentality....where you see it; need it; have to buy it; and then after some time, that needing feeling goes away. Now I just need to figure out what item I can purchase for that empty space on the deck????? I'm sure it will be something that I will need and will make great use of!
Isn't that funny how life has us believing that we need to fill up areas that are vacated; or we need to replace things that have gone away or we've made changes in our life. God is instrumental in all changes in everyday life and sometimes we need to strip ourselves of all the outside, materialistic things and just start anew!

Time for Prayer

2010-09-01T20:39:00.000-07:00

Jack and I were given a beautiful 4 bedroom home to stay at in Kimberly last weekend and it was fabulous. The home belongs to friends that own this as a recreation home..God does truly bless some folks. Anyway it was great to get-away, golf some, sleep in and most of all enjoy God's nature that he created. We had a doe and her two fawns crash in the yard during the day and early evening. It was like being right with the animals.
Then on our way home, I got the dreaded call that my dear friend Darryl passed away peacefully from bone cancer. When I got home I called Penny (his wife/my high school girlfriend). She told me that it was so peaceful for him. He was filled up with fluid but about 30 min. before his passing the gurgling stopped. He was still listening to his wife & daughter talk to him. Then 10 mins. before he reached up and said "open the gates further, I need them opened more". Then just before he passed away he started talking again, "I see wings, I can see wings". Penny and her daughter, Lisa told him that it was okay to go, that they would be okay, that their other daughter/sister who is in another hospital suffering from a brain stem injury, due to her husbands reckless driving, that she would be okay; And then he took his last breath and was gone...so peaceful. (Now this couple didn't attend church other than Xmas & Easter; they were married in one church and their girls were baptized there as well but that was it). This conversation brought me some peace as well for them. Just knowing that he didn't suffer was okay. His service is this Saturday morning.
Then the next thing I got was a message that my dear great aunt (91) who lives here in Calgary passed away. And her passing was peaceful as well - talking with her grown daughter right up to her last breath. The last thing that they told each other was that they loved one another...again very surreal knowing that she too didn't suffer. She has been cremated and her ashes mixed in with her husbands (my uncle) who passed away from Alzheimers and cancer 2 years ago. Their ashes will be interned in Ontario later next spring.
So I thought that was it, and then my mom called on Monday to say that our good friends father passed away from his plight with alzheimers. He was pretty much comotose when he passed. His service is this Thursday.
With all this saddness I was reading a book that Jack has been after me to read and it has helped me put life in perspective. The author is Shauna Niequist and the title is "Cold Tangerines". Some of the book was like looking into a mirror and when I posted a message on my friends Memorial page, I used one of the comments from the book as I thought it was appropriate..."Life with God at its core is about giving your life up to something bigger and more powerful. It's about saying at every turn that God knows better than we know, and that his Spirit will lead us in ways that we couldn't have predicted". Ladies this is a great book and Shauna has written a second one out so I will post the title when I have read that one.
Life has a many twists and turns and we never know when our time will come to an end. But knowing that my last three friends/family passing were peaceful and trusting makes my soul feel a bit lighter.

Is Summer Nearly Over

2010-08-23T11:25:00.000-07:00

Where has the summer gone? It seems like only yesterday and we were counting down the days until the wedding. And we all know what happens on that day - it goes by in the blink of an eye. And so then I thought I could enjoy August - but that seems to have slipped by as well. Perhaps, it flew by because I was busy with golfing every week; or perhaps I was spending so much time with my beautiful Lyla & handsome Wyatt. These babies have grown and changed so much, every day and I don't and didn't want to miss a day. So I saw them on average 3- 4x a week. Such a lift to a persons soul.
August is more than half over and already the commercials on tv are driving me crazy with the back to school slogans. Jack's granddaughters are looking forward to returning to new schools; old schools but to friends most of all. My nephews in the US don't start until after labour day so they still have a bit of freedom. I just have a short 2 weeks until the conference, to which I'm on the committee will be up and running in Lake Louise. Here Jack gets to come and relax and enjoy one of God's truly majestic places on earth.
But this weekend with a couple of extra days thrown in, we will be out in Kimberly enjoying some hospitality of some dear friends and getting away for a retreat to the end of summer. Or at least I think it will be a retreat...I need to find some books to read. Jack got me to relax yesterday with a variety of movies and pj day (all day). All I had to do was make breakfast and dinner and we snacked and enjoyed funny, serious and "who don'it" kind of flicks. Somehow if the weather isn't good, I can see us doing the same thing in Kimberly.
Regardless of how the summer went, 2010 will be coming to a close very soon. In some way we can reflect back and say it was sad; it was complicated; it was serene; it was breath taking; but most of all it was togetherness. We always come away and say it was our determination as a couple to do things and achieve things - together. I love my life with all the bumps and hiccups along the way and most of all I love my soul mate who is there with me; beside me and most of all respecting me as our journey sometimes goes in many different directions.
Here's to enjoying the last days of the summer of 2010!

Disappointment & Happiness All in One Month

2010-08-06T09:36:00.000-07:00

July came and went but not without much sadness and then near the end pure joy and happiness.
We lost getting our new home as we couldn't sell our current place. The market in Calgary has taken a turn for the worse and houses are just sitting on the market. As a home seller you either keep holding out or you drop your price drastically just to encourage real shoppers...too which we weren't prepared to do. So having said that we chose to not sell which meant we had no choice but to not buy our dream home. Fortunately for us, we were able to receive our deposit cheque back in the mail last week. As well, I noticed that our dream house is back in the pool of homes for sale by the builder, with a lovely $40,000 increase in price.....huh?
Then came the highlight that we were all waiting for - Breanne & Marc saying there I DO's! It was such a magical day and the weather was fantastic for the complete weekend. It was a sure joy to walk my beautiful daughter up the aisle (with her dad) and then to have Jack marry them. Jack included a family prayer with all of us and Lyla. Such a beautiful service. One of the highlights was Jack forgetting the rings out in the car and asking me to take his car keys to go and get them....right during the vow part. Needless to say the kids thought he was joking and when the guests started clapping & laughing they knew that he wasn't kidding. So a bit of humor to always remember on their day.
My mom & dad helped out so much in preparing the yard for the rehearsal dinner and then starting the bbq. Thank you for all that you did. The bridal luncheon on the Friday was our special time for just my daughters, my mom and sister. To which my sister made a special toast and gave me a very special gift...just for being her sister. It was a beautiful strand of pearls that she had won at an auction and she said that she didn't need 2 sets. What an amazing sister I have and now a beautiful gift to always know how close we are as sisters.
After all the festivities and feeling very exhausted, Jack and I went to Panorama for a well deserved long weekend. Both of us were both mentally and physically exhausted and enjoyed doing a little visiting but much more - needed rest.
So after much sadness July came to close with my heart & soul being refreshed, enlightened and a feeling of peace. Peace with our life, our journey and most of all a peaceful feeling of knowing that no matter what happens, Jack and I will be just fine. We have so much to live for and to continue searching for our new church family out there. We are both ready to move into our next phase of 2010 and leave the first of half behind us.

Life Can be Unfair Sometimes

2010-07-12T18:32:00.001-07:00

I just heard back from my parents about my best friends in Saskatoon. Darryl (I used to date him) has been diagnosed with bone cancer of the spine. He has been suffering with back ache since mid May after a diagnosis of a cancer growth on his eyelid. They were waiting to hear back from a specialist in Calgary that deals with cancer of the eye. When his family doctor sent him for xrays of his back, both the doctor and the radiologist missed the cancer and said his back problems were from pulled muscle. But they gave him heavy medication. After a couple more weeks of suffering; a chiropractor then said he couldn't help him and to seek another opinion, his wife finally took him to the hospital emergency room. When they ran another xray the doctor asked how could these doctors of missed a totally disintegrated 11th disc and pockets of cancer down his back. Move ahead 4 days and a MRI revealed that he was totally covered in cancer. Now 2 discs are rubbing bone on bone and his pain has brought him to morphine every 4 hours with another pain killer in between. So I drove out to Sasktoon for a quick 24hr trip to see him & my best friend, Penny. They are devastated as he is only 53 and his life was just ahead of him. Then after 1 more week in the hops ital, there youngest married daughter drops her 1 year old off at the house for her sister (who is visiting) to babysit and goes out with her husband. Her husband drives recklessly and crashes their vehicle into a power pole on the wives side the vehicle. So at 9:30 pm Sat evening, Penny gets a call from the police to say that her daughter was in a serious crash and needs to come to the hospital. Upon arriving they find her daughter with a broken collarbone; smashed pelvis, internal bleeding and most likely a crushed liver. She is not expected to live. So the family decide to try and get Darryl transferred from one hospital to the other to see his dying daughter as he is most likely not going to make it much longer either.
How sad is this story? As a parent and wife who's bedside do you sit beside? How do you split your time between two people that you love and you want to hang onto both? This is just tearing at my heart & soul and I know that everyone is asking, why, why - how come life is so harsh? What have these people done?
And you know the hardest part - when I was visiting Darryl and we were both crying and talking about our past lifetime with all of us together in high school, I told Darryl that he did have it better than some. At least he would get a chance to say goodbye to his family. Whether it be in a letter, video tribute to them or whatever. As when a family member is killed in an accident they never get that opportunity...dejavu? How awful to have said that and feel that this was an omen.
How do you pray for hope in this situation? How do you request God to not take both and not put Penny through anymore pain & suffering? How do you ask God to make sure that the little 1 year old baby, not be without a mother and most likley a father as charges are pending against him for this accident.
Once I dry my eyes (for the millionth time) I will ask God to be kind and save at least one of them. And to spare a young person rather than a dear, dear friend.

Prayers for Work

2010-06-28T11:26:00.001-07:00

Over the past couple of months I have been searching for prayers for Jack. It is amazing how many you can find on the internet and I'm greatful for that. Here are a few that I will share with you, feel free to pass on or pray for others that have lost their jobs.

In Time of Need
Heavenly Father, in my present need, help me to believe that You are aware of my anxiety and will do what is best for me. Give me the strength to trust You and put the present and future in Your Hands. Grant this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Dear God, I place my humble needs before you:
My need to meet my responsibilities in the world.
My need to use my God-given talents and abilities.
My need to fulfill my place here on earth.
I pray for Your guidance now to show me the way
To the perfect opportunity to do what I love,
To do what I can do well, and what will fulfill
My needs mentally, spiritually, and financially.
Help me to walk in faith as You show me the way!
Thank You, Lord. Amen!

My favorite:

Lord, you are a loving Father and generous to your children.
You bless and inspire the world with your good work.
Help me in my search for profitable work
So that I may care for my own as well as you have cared for me.
Thank you Lord, for your loving guidance today. Amen!

Another Week

2010-06-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

Another week has nearly come to an end and lots has happened. It seems that everyday I'm either painting, cleaning or just scheduled to be out of the house in the evening. I keep telling Jack that we can sleep in on Saturday, but will that actually happen - not sure!
This week we received good news that my dad will be able to have his colostomy reversal done in August. He must have his chemo appointment in July then surgery in August then three months before the next chemo treatment. His recovery time will be six months before he will be ruled a clean bill of health. Lots can go wrong and things that you don't even know can happen. So we won't be booking any trip with them to Europe until he has passed the six month mark.
Also we had a showing (with not more than 2 hours notice) and were shocked when the real estate agent wrote comments on our "call to view" page. This page is for feedback to the seller about your home - or at least that is what we were told it was for. Anyway, do you know what kind of a neighborhood you live in? I always thought that McKenzie Lake was a family, middle to high income area. Yes, the area we are in is the 2nd phase of about 4 so no issues there. I also know that we live on an inside crescent so no outside traffic flow happening. I also know that we haven't had a murder, rape, robbery, house invasion or drug bust of a home etc. on our block or surrounding area. And yet, some supposed realtor that "used to sell houses in McKenzie Lake" had the audacity to write that his client didn't feel safe in our neighborhood. Well I sure took exception to that and wrote him a note - here are the email transcripts along with his (of course) rebuttal: On a scale of 1 to 4. Was the property appealing? 2- Somewhat Are you considering a second showing? No
Would you like to be kept informed if we receive an offer on the property? No
Please rate the exterior condition? Average Please rate the interior condition? Average; Please rate the floor plan: Average Additional comments: (optional) (the neighbourhood is a little too rough for my clients)

My email back:
I am attaching the comments that you reported on the “Call to View” page and wanted you to know that we appreciate when realtor's take the time to let sellers know the feedback. However, the last comment about the “neighborhood being a little too rough” I believe is uncalled for. The community of McKenzie Lake is a fairly fluent area consisting of middle to high income home owners and by using this type of slander makes me worried for folks that are trying to purchase property and what they are being told about family communities. As well, we as a community have issues just like any other community in an ever growing city. But there have been no murders, drug houses being shut down or any other criminal activity on our block or surrounding area that I am aware of.
I would hope that this was just a slip and that you didn’t mean to print this or my suggestion to the real estate board is that all realtor's would have to take a sensitivity class before taking clients out and publishing comments that are hurtful and derogatory.

His Reply:
Feedback is requested and comments are done on a complimentary basis. The reason many realtor's no longer give feedback is just as per the email below. The comment was meant as a constructive comment and nothing but. I apologize if you feel offended but maybe don’t ask for feedback if you don’t like the commentary. I am well aware of the community of McKenzie as I worked in it for 10 years. Yes, parts of it are very affluent and others are a little worn down. That is what was intended by the comments.

Okay, call me prejudice but if you have ever lived in a community you know how old each part is. I believe that if he truly sold houses in this community and he had a client that wanted to buy, then he shouldn't of taken them to the 2nd oldest part and not expected to see older homes. "Worn down", sorry I don't agree as our particular Crescent has home owners who take pride in their homes. There aren't a bunch of renters that let the yards go to hell. Anyway, I was serious about the "sensitivity training" as I have no issue in commenting on the house, but you are pushing it when you talk about "safety". As well, what do most mothers tell their children, if you don't have anything nice to say......"
Besides we live in a city with all kinds of crime everywhere and someone isn't going to find a home where there is no crime.
So that's my happy story and my not so happy story.

Time is ticking down

2010-06-09T12:49:00.000-07:00

Time is going by so fast that some days I feel like I never accomplish anything. We have so many balls in the air that it's scary.
Breanne & Marc's wedding is now 45 days away and there are so many things to do, buy or just plain pick up. The babies still don't have outfits and we need to get that ordered as well. The wagon needs work for the processional and the goodies need ordering,plus the candy, plus, plus, plus.
Then there's our house. The one were in hasn't sold as there are 10,000 homes for sale in the City of Calgary. We don't have much competition in our price range, in McKenzie Lake but thank God the new home is finished and won't be done now until September. First it was July, then mid August and now mid September. Does it sound like God has his hand in this plan? I think so. We won't be homeless for long if at all when you look at no sale on this end and a delayed move in date.
Then add to our list of things, Jack hasn't found a full time job either. He has a contract for part time work until August but has been sending in resumes to various places. Time is busy ticking away with this being a big part of securing a mortgage and being able to move on.
So with all these balls in the air we have been busy with grand babies, planting (real) flowers to spruce up the yard; continuing with wedding plans; as well we have been evacuated out of the house for several open houses or just plain showings.
Life is never dull and my wish is to have everyone pray for Jack to secure full time employment and take one of our balls out of the air permanently. We continue to pray for many things but this is a rather important one for our future.

2nd Last Day of May and feeling Revived

2010-05-30T13:04:00.000-07:00

Today is Sunday, May 30th and it feels more like November or March, but not almost the beginning of June. That is the weather feeling but not the spiritual feeling. Jack and I have been discussing seriously for the past 2 weeks about getting back into the church groove. We feel that our soul has started to heal and that it was time to go and hear a spiritual message. Now don't get me wrong, I love doing devotions with my husband, but somehow I needed to hear a different message. Even reading the paper this morning, the Christian section talked about Christians that only go to church 2x a year (Christmas & Easter) and the only 2 messages that they get from that. My soul needs a different message and so does my heart.
So with that we decided that going to Oak Park was the right thing to do. When we entered church the elder greeting was very friendly and encouraging. Then as we walked further into the foyer we were once again greeted by several folks wearing some kind of official name tags, but again very friendly in there welcome to us. We did have a chuckle about "which other CCOC members might be there" and low and behold sitting near the back to the side were Bob & Betty Watts along with Wes & Roberta and family. So we chose to sit behind them. They commented on having had the same thought when they got to church as well.
The message that Steve McMillan gave was quite close to what the newspaper had said about the 2x a year visitors. As well he talked about the journey that Oak Park was going to be on and the new things that they were going to be doing. Most of the dialogue were things that Maryvale had already been doing so it was nice to hear that people want to give back to their community.
After church we were invited by the Watts families to go out to lunch. This proved most interesting as it allowed all of us to share our feelings on Oak Park and what/where we see ourselves going to worship. Many feelings shared were the same, and yet we were looking for different areas of interest but the main agreed interest was the need for some spiritual focus. To hear a gospel or read from the bible and hear the translation was a common factor.
We talked on the way home about it being too soon to settle on a church as well the need to not want to get involved with any ministries as of yet. So we will continue to go to several churches to have ourselves spiritually met. I know that it will take some time, but that's okay. We're not in a rush to settle and I know that when we do it will be for all the right reasons. God is everywhere and so knowing that we will take our time to be a part of his church family which is okay with us.

Life's Journey

2010-05-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

Our journey lately has been a turbulent one but we have held our ground and become closer as a couple. We have loved watching our new home getting built and much like life the house has most of the outside complete. So we continue to journey together and apart finding new things and new friends.
Jack signed me up for a ladies golf school to help me "refine" my game and meet some new ladies. So last week was my first lesson and wouldn't you know it but a golf supplier for the company I work for, is my instructor. Of course he only knows me from work and not my "golf skills". Wasn't he in for a surprise. Not to mention that I was enrolled in a intermediate class - not a beginners. So much to my surprise I met some lovely ladies (only 6 in the class) and also learned quite a bit about my handling of a golf club plus my stance was all wrong. I also learned that I needed to get "newer" clubs as mine were from the 80's. So after a great discount from my instructor, hitting the driving range yesterday was wonderful. I am really excited about going for lesson #2 on Tuesday.
Yesterday was a first of open houses for our house and one promising lady that came through. Our realtor plans on having a couple more open houses next weekend, as well the one lady plans to bring her brother through, as she dislikes the kitchen (this was my opinion as well). Her brother is a contractor so she wants his opinion on what could be done. We pray that they see the beauty of the whole house and that she will make this her home (after Breanne's wedding in July).
So life's journey continues for both of us. Jack is reading more and keeping his spirits up and we are faithfully doing our devotions together to enrich and bring us closer together to God as a couple, plus we are getting on with our life in whatever direction that takes us.
Thank you to all of you that have reached out to us this past month...we couldn't of gone on with out all your prayers, letters, cards, and emails. We love all of you and want you to know that Life's Journey has taken on another avenue and we are feeling blessed by all of you.

The Door is Closed

2010-05-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

The big office clean up happened at 6:30pm last night. And yes it was difficult to sort through and pack up but it was the final chapter in the book. Some might say that it must of been good to do this or some might say that it was the finale and I believe that both statements are true. The crew to help clean were Jack's brother, Bud & Marlene, our good neighbor Kevin who had his van and years of experience of moving things and my son-in-law, Cecil who had his truck to take away the bookshelves.
While Bud & Marlene worked on packing up the books, I helped Jack sort through nine plus years of binders, papers, gifts, photo's etc. Was it tough - you bet it was. The memories were overwhelming for both of us. But yet we managed to keep it together while we did this.
While it was tough to do this, it was tougher seeing some folks at the church that had a harder time coming to see us and say "nothing" or just "goodbye". When I hear "goodbye" I know that this means, we won't see you again, or the door is now closed and we know you won't be back. And that's okay for me. As change has to happen and it won't if we are still there.
To the folks that wouldn't come out to say good bye, good luck and remember God is always watching!
As we settled into our home last night, we talked about the relief of knowing that this last bit has been handled. The books and papers neatly piled in the old office, the keys turned in, the lights turned off and the door closed. However, we know that we have not closed the door to Jesus. Somewhere amongst the hurt and disappointment in how this whole thing was handled, we will go on to continue to want to follow in Christ's footsteps. We will still reach out to others in the areas that we are both gifted and we know that we will make a difference, just somewhere else.
I know that this is not Sunday (my hardest day of the week) but I know that my soul has started to heal and the more that we read together and talk about things, I feel that I am soon ready to go back out into the world of believers.
We have had several invites to go to a variety of churches and one that was the closest to our hearts, was from a family that left Maryvale. This young family took the time to correspond and encourage us! Hard to believe in some ways, but after reading the hurt they experienced and being able to relate to them, we have to believe that there are still good people out there. And in my last message to them, I expressed how we might just show up in the lobby of there new place to worship, and we would be there because we want to all be fed spiritually together. After all, isn't that what church family wants - togetherness in Christ?

Spring a Time For New Beginnings

2010-04-25T11:20:00.001-07:00

How fitting this title would be for what has gone on in our lives to date! As I sit and read and let my eyes wonder out to the trees, I see new buds trying to peak out from there winter rest. The snow has melted and the lush green grass is peaking out as well. The amazing thing that spring is truly happening right before my eyes, brings a similarity to our lives at the same time.
As trees bud and grass turns green, we have a newness about our life as well. Jack has a new road ahead of him and we hope that it will be green and budding as well. We pray that the newness of things being bigger and better than the last but most of all that he may fulfill his need in wanting to continue to help others.
I see so much newness a head including a home that we hope to call our own in just a few short months. We have watched on a daily basis from just a basement poured to having a floor put in place, to now having walls put up to form a real main floor. We hope to watch this "spring time of a home" come to life and bring happiness and delight to all of it's potential, just like the road ahead in life. We all want a happy road filled with being content, happy and pure pleasure. We don't want any disappointment or sadness but isn't that life as well? We have to learn from mistakes or hurt from others but the key word is to "learn"!
I want to go and worship with others but right now I still can't do that. Jack and I have started to do more devotions together. We have become closer and more guarded in our future plans but again we have decided when the time is right we will once again share with others in the Christian faith. Protecting each other is something that I see when birds build nests to lay there eggs and keep predators away...sometimes I feel like that protective bird not wanting others to come between my family, my home, my husband. And yet I know that the wanting and needing of being with other Christians praising the Lord and singing in harmony is still within my soul. So for now I will keep at arms length and share with a few until that day that I have to leave the nest and venture to a new home filled with Jesus love for us all.

Where is Your Church Family

2010-04-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

I'm sure that most won't be surprised by this title, and maybe some will be. But our church family was ripped away by six men who arbitrarily decided that Jack shouldn't be employed by the church do to "restructuring" and so a decision like that wipes out what/where/who you belong to after 11 years for me and a life time for Jack. Is there hurt - you bet! Is there a sense of being kicked to the curb - you bet! Do I feel rejected - you bet! This is something that I have never ever felt in my lifetime. When we came to the church it was because some young punks decided to re-design our home in a destructive way. And the church welcomed us, helped us heal and offered us a safe haven of not judging people and being there for them in their time of need and their time of joy. I felt like I had reached the end of a rainbow, so I threw myself into events that I loved to do to give back. To give to others that needed a meal or a hug or to just come to something that showed people cared. I even felt so inclined to be re-baptized and to make the decision as an adult to have this done. As I had been baptized in infancy and now being a mature adult and having a wonderful, supporting small group who encouraged spiritual growth - now was the time.
As I stand by my husband, which has been something that I have done for the past 18 years of marriage I realize that together, no matter what has been done, we as a couple must not and cannot have our faith taken away from us. We must journey together and try to realign ourselves with a "new" church family. For me, I will still have reservations and for Jack, it will probably never be the same as his family heritage stretches so far back with the Church of Christ. Yet somehow we have to trust in God to continue and not let us be bitter towards friends in Christ as in the end, it is God that judges and for us we pray that God will be walking with us in our new journey of "Where is our NEW Church Family"?

Encouraging Sunday

2010-04-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

Easter Sunday this year brought back many happy childhood memories. One was going to church as a family (this year my two daughters, Breanne & Nicole came with their 2 babies, Lyla & Wyatt). Plus Jack's son-in-law, Rob came for Easter service and even took communion with me. His wife & girls went back to Saskatoon for Easter/Spring break.
The singing was particularly good with many harmony songs. The communion was at stations (just like stations of the cross or like the Catholic church in coming forward to have communion or just a blessing). This was very encouraging. The only sad thing was not seeing some of the familiar faces that no longer attend for whatever the reason might be. I miss them but I understand the dilemma that they are going through.
Then our day was complete with all of my children & their spouses going to Nicole & Cecil's place for a complete turkey dinner. This was Nicole's first ever turkey, stuffing & gravy making attempt and boy she did a fabulous job. We all brought the rest of the meal and to top it off Breanne made for the first time (all because she had the Easter Egg Platter) deviled eggs. Again, a total surprise.
So to not be done over by his sisters, Ryan made a salad that even included him making candied pecans with cheese & cranberries and on top a raspberry vinaigrette dressing. I don't know if I can keep up with them and all their hidden talents. However, I guess that all the entertaining and cooking that I did when they lived at home has paid off for them to realize that KD isn't the only thing to make. I was so very, very proud of each of them for making my memories come to life on this very special day.
I pray that Easter was a special time in each of your hearts and that you had many old and new memories renewed.

The Ink is Dry on This One

2010-03-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

Well it's official! We have signed off on all the paperwork for the new house. Now when I say new, I mean a hole in the ground that has a basement poured and that's it. After much looking at new and gently used and after my husband hearing from me about "why we shouldn't live in this area or that area" we came to a decision. Okay, I came to a decision (sorry) and put a spec home on hold until I could bring Jack to the showhome.
Jack had a meeting on Tuesday evening and I told him that I was going looking (again) at a showhome in Cranston. His last words (of course before he said he loved me) were "And don't buy house tonight". Obviously his last words of "I love you" must of been etched in my mind because I forgot about the other words. However, being the loving, caring, want to give my wife what she needs/wants came through in the end because he went with me on Wednesday and signed off on all the paperwork as well left a deposit cheque to continue with the building of our very own, brand new, never used home. As well another saying of "A happy wife, is a happy life" comes to mind.
One thing that I must say is that I have listened to so many "new home building folks" and the problems that they have had with selecting items (cupboards, flooring, counter tops etc) and I didn't have any problems with what has already been selected for this home. I guess when the word "upgrade" or "this is an upgrade from the standard" and they were already included in the price...why would I complain or want to change it???? After all my husband loved the price and so let's just go with the "we finally made a decision and we signed/paid for that decision". The best part was that the house was actually listed at one price, then when I was there on Tuesday it had come down a couple of thousand dollars; then when we went Wednesday the price had dropped again so Jack said just before signing, can I come back Thursday and it will be a different price again?
Now we must get ready to list our house next week and see what traffic comes through our (of course) very gently used 1989 house. It will be sad to leave this home as we came into this residence with much heavy baggage from our previously loved house and we watched all three of my kids grow into their teenage years there. Then the beloved grandchildren came to visit and even stay over with me there. As well we have had the best neighbors anyone could ever ask for. Kevin is out before the crack of dawn and makes sure our driveway and front sidewalk is clear of snow (it's usually a race to see who gets there first - him or us) as well his loving wife, Patti has been a true Christian sounding board for me. We have shared highs and lows of each of our families growing up, but I know that we are only across Deerfoot Trail for a visit. But I'm sure the next home will find us getting to know new friends on our block. I'm positive that God will continue to be with us on our journey of house building and selling. Stay tuned........

Life Continues To Be Very Busy

2010-03-16T17:25:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how busy we can all get. Our home (empty Nester's my foot) is hardly empty nor unoccupied. We are so busy, like this past weekend. Jack went to Regina as he sits on the board for Western Christian School. These past couple of months have been very stressful and time consuming for him. He is there again today with more meetings and that after 4 days on the weekend. Hopefully God can help with all the decisions that need to be made and that many folks won't feel hurt or unheard, but that they will wrap their arms around the folks that have to make heavy decisions.

Then while he was gone, I decided that I should have a "Girls Sleepover" party and so both girls came and brought the babies. What a great time - watching chick flicks, eating from Wok Box and then having a fruit/chocolate fondue. We had a great time. I just love being a mother and now a grandmother. These past couple of years has made me treasure my time with my daughters so much more than when they were growing up. I even feel guilty that Ryan is a boy and couldn't share with us on the weekend. I am so involved with my grandbabies and both of the girls reach out and ask for my opinion or my advise on food, formula or just growing up babies. Anyone out there going through the terrible two's or teenage years or just adolescence, just know that I had all of that and now this is the best time ever. God has allowed me to share so much with my kids and get so much back with having my grandbabies. The happiness that I feel for these "kids" is so over whelming that I could just break down in tears. So back to my weekend.....after the girls left late on Saturday, I headed out to look at some show homes (to decide if we are building a new house) and then out with our realator, Kevin to see a home that was built 4 years ago. Needless to say, I didn't buy anything and we will continue to check out homes to see what fits our lifestyle.
Once home from there, grocery shopping and going to Home Depot to pick up some tools, I started to work on our master shower. The dreaded job that I did manually three years ago - stripping out all the ugly grout. Well this time I had an electric drummel, safety glasses, a mask and a light. Nasty job - Sat night for 3 hours and then Sunday for another 3.5 hours. But it is now stripped down. Then I had to get ready for Nicole's 23rd birthday party...chicken fajita's, salad and lemon/blueberry cheesecake...so things to make and places to really clean after the white dust flew. Then Marc & Ryan took out the hide-a-bed & a chair to go to Breanne's place. Plus each kid took some of their personal items to help clean up on the things to be sorted.
So after all the festivities Sunday night came to an end, we were both exhausted for different reasons. But after talking about our weekend we realized that we both accomplished so much in such little time. After much prayer we know that God will see us through our missions and at the end of the day we know that we have done our best.
Then Monday we started all over again - going to work; going out to look at 2 more houses; cleaning up and stacking bins & labeling everything; then Tuesday, Jack flew back to Regina; I went to work to come home and clean up some more bins as well sort through my old "tickle trunk" to have it ready for Breanne to pass onto Lyla with some great dress up clothes. So many happy memories in there.
But all in all we are getting things in place and ready to move onto another chapter in our lives. We just realized that we never have had the opportunity to search out a house together for our life..so this is a new and exciting time and I truly am excited about venturing out to find our dream come true place. Home is where the heart is and where God surrounds us in our day to day routine. He is there in times of happiness, sickness but most of all he is just there.

Moving on Up

2010-03-02T17:55:00.000-08:00

Great title...or is it? There are many things in life that we can adjust to and work towards, but one of the many hard things is MOVING. Okay it's not the moving but the packing up, throwing out or just deciding what to keep and what to give away. The last time this happened was in 1997 and we didn't have to do anything as some little juvenile criminals did the damage and our insurance company paid for a company to come in and pack up all of our treasurers and then move us. Now ten years later it's our turn to pack up our belongings and move on to a new chapter in our life.
We don't know where were going or even when.
If we thought that deciding what to pack; what to give-away; and what to throw away was tough, now we need to decide what to live in and then get there. Of course that's the half of it, but we also need to get our current house ready to sell. And anyone that has sold a house knows, there are many little & big things to get done before you can even list it. We have only a few things to fix but it's the de-cluttering that is the challenge. We have things left over from the kids and now we have added baby things again because of the grand kids. So we have an adventure ahead of us. But we know that this will be wonderful, challenging time as we decide on what's best for our future. Being an empty nester has it's rewards and benefits and I love my Life, as ut can't get any better.

Uplifting Sermon

2010-01-24T16:35:00.000-08:00

Last night (like most Saturday evenings lately) we went to First Alliance Church. What a great building, wonderful people but the message was the best. I know that we have now heard four different ministers and each one has left me with the feeling, "now that's a sermon" and what a message for the week. I found myself taking notes last night and trust me that is something that I have never felt inclined to do. The sermon last night was about all of us having a small knapsack that we carry with life's burdens. The message talked about us carrying our personal, business, and general life's business of burdens around with us all day/night. The message was clear, concise and I got it! Terry (the minister) filled this small knapsack with small rocks as being our burdens. Not only did I get it, but I could relate to the message. What an evening! Then when we were sitting and having coffee in the foyer one of the young woman that works at our sister-company, came over to find out how long we had been attending this church. She knows Jack's brother & niece from Yellowknife - so this was a great connection with someone that is also very enthralled with the messages being delivered. I feel blessed to be living near a church that can leave a person with a feeling of peace, understanding but most of all with a message that says God is here to help us all with our burdens. We just need to pray and trust in him to let his words help us so that we can lose the burdens. And the people all said "AMEN"!

2010 - A New Year/New Beginning

2010-01-01T13:16:00.000-08:00

Here we are January 1, 2010 - is that twenty ten or two thousand and ten? I have heard both in the past 10 days and know that I will soon decide for myself which way I will say the new year.
Every year at this time people make resolutions to try and make changes in their lives both personally, professionally and even healthy or medical. Which did you make? We hear this through the media as well. I sometimes wonder why we proclaim to make one resolution knowing that we might not achieve our goal. But is the reason to make it - a reason to fail. If were not happy about something in our lives then if we make a decision to change it, we should work harder to achieve the goal?
I know that 2009 brought both Jack and I some medically challenging times; some excitement and achievement in personal development; goals for reaching marital pinnacle that we might not of thought ever possible; and the best was receiving God's greatest gifts - son-in-laws and grandchildren.
But once again we have to do self examination for setting goals for ourselves on a personal, career and couple basis. What do we want to change in each of these areas to make us better people? Where do we see ourselves when (twenty ten) 2010 comes to an end and we ask ourselves if we reached everyone of our goals? I know that after becoming a Grandmother has made me want to be a better woman in showing my daughters and grandchildren a new "godly way of life" and to have a belief even stronger than I had in 2009. I want to read the bible more and know more about women in the bible -something that I have thought about for quite sometime. I want more for my job and be a better employee (especially in these times of uncertainty). I also want a better marriage and work on the areas that I know I can improve on to make myself a better wife. I want to be able to help Jack become a better husband; also help him in having a better career and doing what he is passionate about; I want to have both of us continue with our health plan and be more conscientious about what we eat and work out more.
So, that is how (twenty ten) 2010 looks for me - did you make your New Year plan and can you say that you hope to make it to December 2010 and mark off your list as being completed; I know that I hope to be able to do this. Happy New Year my friends and good luck with your plan.

Grandparenting is Great!

2009-12-14T11:35:00.000-08:00

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.

The Greatest Gift

2009-11-16T12:44:00.000-08:00

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.

Congratulations Breanne!

2009-10-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

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!

October is Filled with Exhaustion

2009-10-18T14:36:00.000-07:00

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!

Thanksgiving - A Time To Be Thankful

2009-10-11T20:26:00.000-07:00

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.

The Big Day

2009-09-19T20:37:00.000-07:00

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.

Nearing the End

2009-09-05T14:44:00.000-07:00

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.......

Closer to the Big Day

2009-08-30T18:37:00.000-07:00

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.

Anyone Got Another Daytimer?

2009-08-20T11:23:00.000-07:00

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.

Double Blessed

2009-07-07T18:30:00.000-07:00

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.

Hide' N Seek

2009-06-30T18:12:00.000-07:00

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.

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T15:29:00.000-07:00

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 need Prayers & I miss you

2009-06-16T17:07:00.001-07:00

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.

Is God in Our Corner?

2009-06-09T11:55:00.000-07:00

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?

Western Christian School

2009-06-05T11:36:00.000-07:00

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.

God's Gift(s)

2009-06-01T11:29:00.000-07:00

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.

Prayerful time

2009-05-19T20:35:00.000-07:00

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.

Diagnosis Error

2009-05-16T19:37:00.001-07:00

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.

Cancer is everywhere

2009-05-14T18:15:00.000-07:00

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.

Many prayers needed

2009-05-11T20:12:00.000-07:00

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......

Peace of Mind

2009-04-29T22:03:00.000-07:00

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.

Easter Celebrations

2009-04-13T05:09:00.000-07:00

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.

My Christian Walk.......

2009-04-04T20:45:00.000-07:00

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.

Life in the Fast Lane

2009-03-09T17:38:00.000-07:00

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!

Update and more Updates

2009-02-23T17:11:00.001-08:00

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!

Jack's Latest Surgery

2009-02-19T19:01:00.000-08:00

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.

My Special Secret Announcement

2009-02-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-10T07:08:00.000-08:00

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.

Beautiful Banff

2009-02-07T13:15:00.000-08:00

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!

January 30th, 2009

2009-01-30T17:41:00.000-08:00

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!

A Day In History Making

2009-01-20T16:52:00.000-08:00

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.

January 7th, 2009

2009-01-07T18:43:00.000-08:00

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.

2008 Ends and 2009 Comes in Being Sick

2009-01-02T14:27:00.000-08:00

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).

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T04:51:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-16T18:00:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-05T16:33:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-29T08:07:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-23T19:23:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-16T17:56:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-12T09:10:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-02T15:24:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-28T11:28:00.000-07:00

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!!!!!

2008-10-16T18:42:00.001-07:00

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!

2008-10-03T16:38:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-28T12:48:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-21T18:59:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-24T13:20:00.001-07:00

Busy Weekend

2008-08-10T16:20:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-25T10:46:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-15T19:00:00.001-07:00

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

2008-07-04T17:53:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-13T06:59:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-20T18:21:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-08T13:50:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-27T09:23:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-23T20:34:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-22T20:56:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-13T21:00:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-25T11:27:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-13T13:01:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-02T19:10:00.000-08:00

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)

2008-02-27T11:23:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-25T15:16:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-20T20:40:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-28T11:51:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-14T11:43:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-02T11:11:00.000-08:00

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.

Welcome - Granddaughter # 7 - Peyton Rae Ashby

2007-12-21T07:54:00.000-08:00

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

My husbands Birthday

2007-12-03T12:06:00.000-08:00

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

How about those Riders!

2007-11-19T11:17:00.000-08:00

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