Mom and Matt are trying to make going to Calgary a weekly thing! They again went to Calgary this weekend to play a game of Risk with some of the boys. Nolan was supposed to go over but he was terribly sick with swollen glands and a throat so he was unable to swallow anything but Booster juice. It is nice to have a physician in the family, as I was able to fax a prescription directly to his drugstore.
The girls and myself are all on antibiotics here, as that darn inner ear infections in adults makes us feel that we are in a fishbowl and someone is trying to tip us out! No pain, just unable to lean over without my ears filling and making me lose my balance. Jonmarie had the headaches and the fever, where Shaunie mostly gets a runny nose and congested cough. I am thankful it is before Christmas. There is always something to be thankful for.
Matt got his van all straightened out. Since it doesn't have a block heater, they put a pan/ under the motor?battery? to keep it warm when plugged in. Again costing $700. Sheesh! Money seems to disappear quickly around here.
Matt and mom both spent some time at the chiropractor this week. Mom found out from her bone density that she has osteoporosis and that the back pain she has been having was just not from lifting Matt all the time. The density showed it worse in her lumbar or mid to lower back and also her right hip. So she is on calcium and vit d, and we are looking at getting an intravenous infusion once a year. It is pretty expensive however you don't have to take meds every day or week, which I know mom is terrible at. It is called Aclasta and we treat patients for it at the spa. Mom also has to work on exercising to strengthen those bones, and not just walking but weight bearing exercises such as lifting weights. I gave her my free 6 month gym membership, now just to convince her to go!
On Friday grandma watched the girls at their dance and then they stayed overnight. I was able to stay at the dance for about an hour and then we had a medical staff party and we had already bought the tickets. Jonmarie was upset that she wasn't able to dance with us, but Shaunie had a blast! I was able to take some videos. They dance so free, unrestrained by social inhibitions. If we danced like that, we would never be invited back!
I hope everyone is ready for Christmas. My biggest thing is to now wrap the presents. That I do not like. Any takers?
Monday, December 6, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
So Disappointing!
I truly believed Saskatchewan was going to win tonight and to be so close and then throw it away (literally) was very disappointing. The half time show was awesome. Loved the performance by Bachman Turner Overdrive. Matt and mom had travelled to Calgary to watch but John and I just watched here at home. John had just gotten back from spending his birthday in London, England watching a rugby match in Twickenham stadium, the oldest rugby stadium in the world. A orthopedic surgeon from Owen Sound had bought him a ticket and they had a great time. Thanks for all who sent birthday wishes.
Yesterday was a heavy shopping day for Matt, mom , myself and Shaunie. Jonmarie was at a birthday party sleepover and so we decided to shop. The weather has finally warmed up and was even above 0 on Friday. You could even smell the wet cement, which we usually don't smell until spring. Matt bought himself a new pair of glasses. The ones he has are really bothering him and they smudge so easy, plus they don't fit him very well.
We had a good giggle while we were in Sears. Shaunie had a balloon from Sears Days and it was on a stick. We had been watching this young teenager and he was with his friends. He was going on all the treadmills, pushing all kinds of buttons and trying them out. You could tell he was not sure if he was going to get in trouble or not because he kept looking around like he was guilty of something. Anyway, Shaunie and her balloon were in the push cart when just as we got behing this fellow, the balloon popped. And I mean it was LOUD! The poor guy almost fell off the treadmill and mom started to laugh and asked him "Did you think you had broke the treadmill?" He started to laugh and said "I really thought it had exploded!" The look on his face was priceless. we laughed all the way to the vehicle. Poor Shaunie just cried because she had been so scared when the balloon had popped.
Matt was able to have another chiropractor treatment. His hip had been bothering him for awhile as well as his left shoulder so they were able to transfer him onto the bed and the chiropractor worked on it. It must have helped because Matt felt so much relief. We took him for a bath in Innisfail on Saturday before shopping and he was moving easier with less pain.
The van is starting easier now however they are still going to take it in for a new battery. He relies on it so much it needs to be in tip top working condition. You don't know when the next cold spell will be.
Yesterday was a heavy shopping day for Matt, mom , myself and Shaunie. Jonmarie was at a birthday party sleepover and so we decided to shop. The weather has finally warmed up and was even above 0 on Friday. You could even smell the wet cement, which we usually don't smell until spring. Matt bought himself a new pair of glasses. The ones he has are really bothering him and they smudge so easy, plus they don't fit him very well.
We had a good giggle while we were in Sears. Shaunie had a balloon from Sears Days and it was on a stick. We had been watching this young teenager and he was with his friends. He was going on all the treadmills, pushing all kinds of buttons and trying them out. You could tell he was not sure if he was going to get in trouble or not because he kept looking around like he was guilty of something. Anyway, Shaunie and her balloon were in the push cart when just as we got behing this fellow, the balloon popped. And I mean it was LOUD! The poor guy almost fell off the treadmill and mom started to laugh and asked him "Did you think you had broke the treadmill?" He started to laugh and said "I really thought it had exploded!" The look on his face was priceless. we laughed all the way to the vehicle. Poor Shaunie just cried because she had been so scared when the balloon had popped.
Matt was able to have another chiropractor treatment. His hip had been bothering him for awhile as well as his left shoulder so they were able to transfer him onto the bed and the chiropractor worked on it. It must have helped because Matt felt so much relief. We took him for a bath in Innisfail on Saturday before shopping and he was moving easier with less pain.
The van is starting easier now however they are still going to take it in for a new battery. He relies on it so much it needs to be in tip top working condition. You don't know when the next cold spell will be.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
BBRRRRR!!
Oh my goodness, how weather can change in one week. Alberta was the coldest place on the planet yesterday!! We have to move to Siberia to warm up! -43 with the wind chill for November is a little much for sure. Thank goodness dad and I made a heated cat house this fall before he left. The poor little thing is doing well in it's cozy little house. We bought 2 dog houses and drilled holes in the back to have an extension cord through and bought two heating pads. They are also working great. However Molly our Irish Terrier is beginning to pee in the house again because she doesn't want to go outside. I can't say I blame her!
Mom and Matt got back safely from Sask. before the frigid temperatures arrived. The roads were great until Stettler and then became icy. They roads are still in bad shape and the snow mixed with the cold has created hard driving conditions. 4x4's are a must.
On Sunday they travelled to for a Westren Final Party between Sask and Calgary. I had to shake my head at the roughriders for wearing no long sleeved shirts under their jersey's. If there is one thing people from Sask pride themselves on is being able to endure the extreme cold. I find myself doing the same thing, talking about some of the terrible conditions I have driven in or walked through. Crazy people.
Matt's van is not appreciating the cold and would not start yesterday. Mom phoned CAA and they boosted it for her. The van does not have a block heater in it. Instead it has a button you push that warms the inside of the van and the motor too. However the battery needs changing because it won't keep the boost. Mom had to re-boost it again when she got home after school. I was supposed to take Matt for his chiropractor appt but we cancelled due to extreme cold weather.
Mom and Matt are heading back to Calgary again for Sunday's game but thank goodness tomorrow is supposed to warm up to -13 and will hit above 0 by Saturday. I will believe it when I feel it!
We are so excited to hear that the Scotts Tournament of Heart's is again being held in Red Deer 2012. Big party at our house! Last time it was here, I was pregnant with Shaunie and Jonmarie started walking on her own. Now they are 8 and 6. Time sure flies.
Mom and Matt got back safely from Sask. before the frigid temperatures arrived. The roads were great until Stettler and then became icy. They roads are still in bad shape and the snow mixed with the cold has created hard driving conditions. 4x4's are a must.
On Sunday they travelled to for a Westren Final Party between Sask and Calgary. I had to shake my head at the roughriders for wearing no long sleeved shirts under their jersey's. If there is one thing people from Sask pride themselves on is being able to endure the extreme cold. I find myself doing the same thing, talking about some of the terrible conditions I have driven in or walked through. Crazy people.
Matt's van is not appreciating the cold and would not start yesterday. Mom phoned CAA and they boosted it for her. The van does not have a block heater in it. Instead it has a button you push that warms the inside of the van and the motor too. However the battery needs changing because it won't keep the boost. Mom had to re-boost it again when she got home after school. I was supposed to take Matt for his chiropractor appt but we cancelled due to extreme cold weather.
Mom and Matt are heading back to Calgary again for Sunday's game but thank goodness tomorrow is supposed to warm up to -13 and will hit above 0 by Saturday. I will believe it when I feel it!
We are so excited to hear that the Scotts Tournament of Heart's is again being held in Red Deer 2012. Big party at our house! Last time it was here, I was pregnant with Shaunie and Jonmarie started walking on her own. Now they are 8 and 6. Time sure flies.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Winter Time is Here Again
I heard a funny thing on the radio this am. We had our first major snowfall and the amount of people in the ditch is outrageous. A fellow from CAA was talking with the radio announcer who asked him what he thought of winter and what we should do to help when driving. He quite frankly said "It is Alberta, we will get winter. Don't kid yourself when we have Indian summer and we always get false hope that winter won't come. It will. Get snow tires, slow down, plug in your vehicles, listen to the weather forecast. Simple, easy, to the point. I am always amazed when the first snowfall hits how many people are surprised!
We had another cold night, not just outside but in our house. Just after midnight I could here the furnance running non-stop and just knew it was our boiler system again and sure enough, the pilot was out and we could not re-start it. So thank goodness for propane fireplace that kept our house fairly warm until the plumber could come and change the thermo-coupling( I think that is how it is spelled). Very cold shower prior to that!!
The folks in Weekes are doing fine. Mom has to work tonight and tomorrow. Matt is going to the Weekes bar for wing night so if anyone can make it, he would love to see them. Auntie Karen and Uncle Neil where up to see them on the weekend and the Kiplings popped over as well. I know today mom was able to visit with her old colleague Mrs. Tessmer(not that she is old, but she used to work with mom!!). I still call her that like she was still my Grade One teacher! Alex also stopped over to see how the family was doing.
I was a bit disappointed Matt didn't go to the hockey game in Porcupine but he still gets anxiety with lots of people, even ones he knows.
They were able to get a hold of the driver training to set up a day for Matt's driving assessment for sometime in April. It isn't a driving test, it is just to see if any of the vehicles they have modified will work and if they need to do anything different. It would be great if he can pass. I think the independence of just driving would help. I have a hard time picturing how it will work but even Paul Gustafson, who was a source of inspiration for Matt in rehab, drives himself and he doesn't have as much dexterity as Matt does in the right hand.
Remember as a kid when you heard about other kids that got there tongues stuck on metal poles, and you were just so curious you had to try? Well, Shaunie just had to try and see what it was like. Her worker was busy getting a child to the washroom and one of the students screamed" Shaunie has her tongue stuck!" and sure enough, there she was stuck to the pole. All the kids in the playground gathered around to have a look. Apparently she was extremely brave and just stood with tears rolling down her eyes while her helper talked her through it and waited for someone to bring water. She spent the remaining part of recess running around the schoolyard with her tongue sticking out and yelling "Look at my tongue!". It had to happen sooner or later, I am just glad she didn't pull and rip part of her tongue off. Not that I would know, of course, because I would have never done something like that, but I have heard from others that it hurts!!
We had another cold night, not just outside but in our house. Just after midnight I could here the furnance running non-stop and just knew it was our boiler system again and sure enough, the pilot was out and we could not re-start it. So thank goodness for propane fireplace that kept our house fairly warm until the plumber could come and change the thermo-coupling( I think that is how it is spelled). Very cold shower prior to that!!
The folks in Weekes are doing fine. Mom has to work tonight and tomorrow. Matt is going to the Weekes bar for wing night so if anyone can make it, he would love to see them. Auntie Karen and Uncle Neil where up to see them on the weekend and the Kiplings popped over as well. I know today mom was able to visit with her old colleague Mrs. Tessmer(not that she is old, but she used to work with mom!!). I still call her that like she was still my Grade One teacher! Alex also stopped over to see how the family was doing.
I was a bit disappointed Matt didn't go to the hockey game in Porcupine but he still gets anxiety with lots of people, even ones he knows.
They were able to get a hold of the driver training to set up a day for Matt's driving assessment for sometime in April. It isn't a driving test, it is just to see if any of the vehicles they have modified will work and if they need to do anything different. It would be great if he can pass. I think the independence of just driving would help. I have a hard time picturing how it will work but even Paul Gustafson, who was a source of inspiration for Matt in rehab, drives himself and he doesn't have as much dexterity as Matt does in the right hand.
Remember as a kid when you heard about other kids that got there tongues stuck on metal poles, and you were just so curious you had to try? Well, Shaunie just had to try and see what it was like. Her worker was busy getting a child to the washroom and one of the students screamed" Shaunie has her tongue stuck!" and sure enough, there she was stuck to the pole. All the kids in the playground gathered around to have a look. Apparently she was extremely brave and just stood with tears rolling down her eyes while her helper talked her through it and waited for someone to bring water. She spent the remaining part of recess running around the schoolyard with her tongue sticking out and yelling "Look at my tongue!". It had to happen sooner or later, I am just glad she didn't pull and rip part of her tongue off. Not that I would know, of course, because I would have never done something like that, but I have heard from others that it hurts!!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Made it Back to Weekes
Well mom and Matt made it back to Weekes in good shape. They left on Nov 11th and will stay there until Nov. 20th. They can't believe how much snow there is!! It started at about Crooked River and just kept getting worse. Jonmarie is so upset because we don't have any and she got snowshoes for her birthday!. I told her the snow will come soon enough.
We are taking Jonmarie and Shaunie to Banff this weekend as a surprise for Jonmarie's birthday. She wants so bad to do something special, little does she know what is in store for her. We booked at a hotel that has a pool so that will be the big hit.
Update will come next week. Thanks for all the great comments.
We are taking Jonmarie and Shaunie to Banff this weekend as a surprise for Jonmarie's birthday. She wants so bad to do something special, little does she know what is in store for her. We booked at a hotel that has a pool so that will be the big hit.
Update will come next week. Thanks for all the great comments.
Monday, November 8, 2010
More Update
Well things have been busy the last few days. Dad phoned and said he had met with the rheumatologist in Saskatoon. We had mentioned to dad about fibromyalgia and she thought it may be a possiblity. A lot of times it starts with a chronic condition such as ankylosing spondylitis (what dad has) and then exacerbates into fibromyalgia. She would really like to get dad on Remacaid, and immunosuppresant medication that works really well in certain cases of rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, etc. Anything where your body is attacking itself. We have been trying to get dad on that med for years but he always didn't qualify and it is extremely expensive too (I am guessing around $1500 per month). The funny thing was the doctor did a number of xrays on dad and a few days later phoned him at home to ask when he had broken his back! Dad thought maybe she had the wrong xrays but then he remembered a time in the winter when he fell on the ice and was in so much pain. Stubborn and wouldn't go to see the physician (we were in South Africa). So that could account for some of his back pain!
Dad will continue seeing the specialist in Melfort.
Matt went to see a chiropractor today for his painful left shoulder and he admitted it was a least 50% better then it was, which is great. Just have to watch for headaches and nausea. He has another appt on Wednesday before they leave for Weekes on Thursday. Today mom and Matt came to the office for their flu shots.
Oh check out the new photos!
Dad will continue seeing the specialist in Melfort.
Matt went to see a chiropractor today for his painful left shoulder and he admitted it was a least 50% better then it was, which is great. Just have to watch for headaches and nausea. He has another appt on Wednesday before they leave for Weekes on Thursday. Today mom and Matt came to the office for their flu shots.
Oh check out the new photos!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Mom's Appt
Yesterday we had Jonmarie's 8th birthday party at the house and ended up with 11 kids. The weather was great a John made a scavenger hunt outside. He did such a good job. The kids loved it. Jacki, Grandma and myself cut out different shaped cookies, put them on sticks and then had the kids decorate them. I had bought some rock and some buckets so they got to take home their planted "flowers". So cute. I bought Jonmarie her first big girl bible. She wants to be baptised already and was so excited about her bible. I love looking at it with her, teaching how to find books of the bible and what chapters and verses are. Jonmarie said it was the best birthday ever. Matt had stayed at the house by himself. He is becoming more independent which is great. Not so fearful to stay by himself now.
Today mom had her appt in Calgary. The doctor said the problem with the abnormal murmur or extra heart sound came from a hereditary condition with the aorta valve. Instead of having 3 leaflets or "cusps" on the valve she only has 2. It happens quite frequently and usually doesn't cause much of a problem. Mom's began to sound different because it is starting to calcify or become harder (the valve). There is nothing they can do except wait for the time she will eventually need a valve replacement. It could be anywhere from 5 years to 15 years. I believe Grandpa R had a valve replacement but I am unsure whether it was from the same hereditary problem.
Mom needs to start doing a few things to help, such as avoid any stimulants such as caffeine (that would have been it for me!), certain cough meds, pop, etc. She must also start exercising 20 mins per day. While she was doing the stress test on the treadmill, the murmur went away and the minute she stopped, the murmur came back. So great to exercise. He wants to see her every year for follow-up and she must get a chest x-ray and a 24 hour holter monitor, to see what her heart is doing in that time. The x-ray is to see if there is an obvious reason she is so short of breath when she lays down. That he was quite concerned about. He hopes by exercise and losing some of the extra weight will help that problem.
So it really is a good thing. No meds (mom is the worst person at taking meds), exercises and weight loss should help. Hopefully she will never have to have the valve replaced but if she does, she will fly through it with no problem.
So there you have it. I think she is glad it wasn't some of the other things we thought is could be, such as pulmonary hypertension or congestive heart failure.
Thanks for everyone who was praying for good results.
Today mom had her appt in Calgary. The doctor said the problem with the abnormal murmur or extra heart sound came from a hereditary condition with the aorta valve. Instead of having 3 leaflets or "cusps" on the valve she only has 2. It happens quite frequently and usually doesn't cause much of a problem. Mom's began to sound different because it is starting to calcify or become harder (the valve). There is nothing they can do except wait for the time she will eventually need a valve replacement. It could be anywhere from 5 years to 15 years. I believe Grandpa R had a valve replacement but I am unsure whether it was from the same hereditary problem.
Mom needs to start doing a few things to help, such as avoid any stimulants such as caffeine (that would have been it for me!), certain cough meds, pop, etc. She must also start exercising 20 mins per day. While she was doing the stress test on the treadmill, the murmur went away and the minute she stopped, the murmur came back. So great to exercise. He wants to see her every year for follow-up and she must get a chest x-ray and a 24 hour holter monitor, to see what her heart is doing in that time. The x-ray is to see if there is an obvious reason she is so short of breath when she lays down. That he was quite concerned about. He hopes by exercise and losing some of the extra weight will help that problem.
So it really is a good thing. No meds (mom is the worst person at taking meds), exercises and weight loss should help. Hopefully she will never have to have the valve replaced but if she does, she will fly through it with no problem.
So there you have it. I think she is glad it wasn't some of the other things we thought is could be, such as pulmonary hypertension or congestive heart failure.
Thanks for everyone who was praying for good results.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Happy Belated Halloween!
We had great weather for Halloween, temp was 14 degrees and no snow! (sorry Sask. people). Shaunie was dressed as a witch and Jonmarie was a cowgirl. Matt was supposed to be a pirate however his stomach was acting up and he was feeling nauseated so I got to be the pirate and mom was a green haired witch. We made him stay at the house by himself while we walked around their block. We just left the door open enough so he could hand out some treats. Might as well put him to work!
For the weekend, mom and Matt took the girls to Jacki and Gary's while John and I enjoyed Banff without kids! Yeah! However I just bought them and Jacki's kids stuff and only a jacket for myself. It was great weather in Banff as well so we picked a great weekend to go.
While everyone was in Calgary, neighbors of Jacki's were having a Halloween party for the kids and their families and everyone had a great time. Bobby had the best storm trooper outfit that he had bought with his dad. He was so proud of his outfit. The kids each had to bring a pumpkin and carve it. Jonmarie has some problems taking out the "guts" however she persevered and did it.
On Friday the kids had their Halloween party at the school and I was so excited to be at the assembly and hear that both of the girls were student of the month for their class. Jonmarie was having so much trouble with math but she worked so hard and now it is much easier. She also is kind to everyone. Shaunie has exceeded all their expectations and is adjusting very well to the routine of school.
Thanks for everyone who continues to follow Matt's journey and keep reading!
For the weekend, mom and Matt took the girls to Jacki and Gary's while John and I enjoyed Banff without kids! Yeah! However I just bought them and Jacki's kids stuff and only a jacket for myself. It was great weather in Banff as well so we picked a great weekend to go.
While everyone was in Calgary, neighbors of Jacki's were having a Halloween party for the kids and their families and everyone had a great time. Bobby had the best storm trooper outfit that he had bought with his dad. He was so proud of his outfit. The kids each had to bring a pumpkin and carve it. Jonmarie has some problems taking out the "guts" however she persevered and did it.
On Friday the kids had their Halloween party at the school and I was so excited to be at the assembly and hear that both of the girls were student of the month for their class. Jonmarie was having so much trouble with math but she worked so hard and now it is much easier. She also is kind to everyone. Shaunie has exceeded all their expectations and is adjusting very well to the routine of school.
Thanks for everyone who continues to follow Matt's journey and keep reading!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Matt and I went shopping at the Bower Mall on Tuesday. He is a typical male, terrible to shop with! Basically we went to our respective eating establishments in the food court (Opa's for me and Subway for Matt) then browsed for about 15 mins and then left! I did manage to buy one stocking stuffer for mom, but that was it!
Nolan is down for the day to see the doctor and is staying over night at mom and Matt's. He seems to be happier with his new position, working only days. Seems to be returning to his happy place.
Mom has her appt booked with the specialist on Nov.7th, so delayed plans for Matt and mom to go home to Weekes for a few days. They had been planning to leave on Nov.6and staying until Nov. 14. However everyone knows you get a specialists appt and you stick with it. Otherwise it may be a long wait. Works out good for me. I am planning to have Jonmarie's birthday party on Nov. 6th and now Grandma and Matt can help out. Maybe Matt can give rides to the kids! Jacki, Gary and the kids are planning to come down too. Jonmarie invited at least 10 kids, and I believe some of the parents plan on staying plus some of the siblings too. I may regret having it at home!!
Dad went back to Weekes last Friday and we sure miss him! He helped me take the camper to be winterized and always took Matt for his bath. Now it is up to mom after a long day of working at the school.
John and I are having a weekend together at Banff so mom and Matt are taking the girls to Jacki and Gary's for the weekend. Sleeping in! Eating at nice restaurants and not having to look the kiddie's menu! Going shopping without someone having to use the bathroom 10 mins after you had asked them!
Matt again was contacted to take his driver's test but we could not get a hold of them so will try again tomorrow. It will be interesting to see how they will do the training. They are certain he should be able to drive a modified vehicle. That would be so awesome! It would be another expense to modify another vehicle, but it would be so worth it. Prayers that the test will be booked soon and that Matt will do well.
Nolan is down for the day to see the doctor and is staying over night at mom and Matt's. He seems to be happier with his new position, working only days. Seems to be returning to his happy place.
Mom has her appt booked with the specialist on Nov.7th, so delayed plans for Matt and mom to go home to Weekes for a few days. They had been planning to leave on Nov.6and staying until Nov. 14. However everyone knows you get a specialists appt and you stick with it. Otherwise it may be a long wait. Works out good for me. I am planning to have Jonmarie's birthday party on Nov. 6th and now Grandma and Matt can help out. Maybe Matt can give rides to the kids! Jacki, Gary and the kids are planning to come down too. Jonmarie invited at least 10 kids, and I believe some of the parents plan on staying plus some of the siblings too. I may regret having it at home!!
Dad went back to Weekes last Friday and we sure miss him! He helped me take the camper to be winterized and always took Matt for his bath. Now it is up to mom after a long day of working at the school.
John and I are having a weekend together at Banff so mom and Matt are taking the girls to Jacki and Gary's for the weekend. Sleeping in! Eating at nice restaurants and not having to look the kiddie's menu! Going shopping without someone having to use the bathroom 10 mins after you had asked them!
Matt again was contacted to take his driver's test but we could not get a hold of them so will try again tomorrow. It will be interesting to see how they will do the training. They are certain he should be able to drive a modified vehicle. That would be so awesome! It would be another expense to modify another vehicle, but it would be so worth it. Prayers that the test will be booked soon and that Matt will do well.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Loving Fall
I wish we would have gotten this weather in August! The nights are cool and dropping to 0 but the days would see highs of 20 or more.
Thanksgiving was great and we ate until we felt liked stuffed turkey's. Nolan was only able to come on Saturday so that is when we had the meal. Jacki and I took the kids to church the next morning and I feel for families who have 4 young ones all at once (Anthony stayed with Gary). There was close to 600 people at the church and you could easily lose one or two. Everyone came over again for left overs and cards.
Monday John and I decided to take the girls to Banff for the day and we had such a good time. Much chillier in Banff so we had to make a few purchases before we could go on a few short hikes.
John had his appt with the gastro specialist who had done the esophagus stretching to see if it could be stretched some more. However the years of having acid reflux and esophageal spasms had taken its toll and the specialist will not repeat the surgery unless absolutely necessary. There is too much scar tissue and the chance of bleeding is very high. SO for now he continues to watch how he chews and swallows, takes his meds and an steriod inhaler to keep the inflammation down.
Mom had her physical with me and I didn't like what her heart was telling me so she is to see a cardiac specialist in Calgary. Not sure when this will happen but we are keeping an eye on her.
Matt is feeling much better and on Sunday I finally convinced him to come to the evening service at church. He had downloaded the bible on his I phone so he could follow along with the message. It seemed strange that the minister would pick that day to start at the beginning of Genesis "In the beginning.." since this was Matt's first time attending since they moved here. It was a nice service because there were only 200 people. Matt didn't feel overwhelmed and the girls were so proud to have their Uncle Matt with them, giving him kisses before going to children's church and helping him out of the van, pushing all kinds of buttons.
Matt's van was acting up so dad had to take it in to the dodge dealer. It was overheating and they were able to diagnose the problem and get it back to him the next day. Mom's truck, on the other hand has been in the shop for a week and the cost is a lot more than we expected. But you rely on your vehicles so much they must be maintained so there goes another $1200.
Prayers for mom and John that the Lord watches over them and keeps any physical difficulties under control. I also understand that Auntie Sandy has to do some tests and that Uncle Ken has been given a clean bil of health for some of his health scares. Prayers to all family and friends.
Thanksgiving was great and we ate until we felt liked stuffed turkey's. Nolan was only able to come on Saturday so that is when we had the meal. Jacki and I took the kids to church the next morning and I feel for families who have 4 young ones all at once (Anthony stayed with Gary). There was close to 600 people at the church and you could easily lose one or two. Everyone came over again for left overs and cards.
Monday John and I decided to take the girls to Banff for the day and we had such a good time. Much chillier in Banff so we had to make a few purchases before we could go on a few short hikes.
John had his appt with the gastro specialist who had done the esophagus stretching to see if it could be stretched some more. However the years of having acid reflux and esophageal spasms had taken its toll and the specialist will not repeat the surgery unless absolutely necessary. There is too much scar tissue and the chance of bleeding is very high. SO for now he continues to watch how he chews and swallows, takes his meds and an steriod inhaler to keep the inflammation down.
Mom had her physical with me and I didn't like what her heart was telling me so she is to see a cardiac specialist in Calgary. Not sure when this will happen but we are keeping an eye on her.
Matt is feeling much better and on Sunday I finally convinced him to come to the evening service at church. He had downloaded the bible on his I phone so he could follow along with the message. It seemed strange that the minister would pick that day to start at the beginning of Genesis "In the beginning.." since this was Matt's first time attending since they moved here. It was a nice service because there were only 200 people. Matt didn't feel overwhelmed and the girls were so proud to have their Uncle Matt with them, giving him kisses before going to children's church and helping him out of the van, pushing all kinds of buttons.
Matt's van was acting up so dad had to take it in to the dodge dealer. It was overheating and they were able to diagnose the problem and get it back to him the next day. Mom's truck, on the other hand has been in the shop for a week and the cost is a lot more than we expected. But you rely on your vehicles so much they must be maintained so there goes another $1200.
Prayers for mom and John that the Lord watches over them and keeps any physical difficulties under control. I also understand that Auntie Sandy has to do some tests and that Uncle Ken has been given a clean bil of health for some of his health scares. Prayers to all family and friends.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Sunny Days are Here Again
Talk about a belated summer. In the last week the temperature has been above 20 every day with only a little rain falling at night. The farmers are saying "Finally!!".
Matt has gotten over his urinary infection but the medication have caused other complications so he has been really out of sorts an hasn't done much this week. Dad did take him for his bath in Innisfail yesterday. Last weekend mom, dad, Nolan and Matt came for a barbeque and then played hand and foot. Dad finished picking all the potatoes. Now I really wished we had a cold storage!
Nolan went back to work on Monday at a new position in the same company. It is straight days with no nights. He did have to take a cut in pay but for overall health it was a good move. It was sure nice having him around so I didn't have only Matthew to bug!
Thanksgiving is just around the corner and the troops are heading to our place tomorrow to celebrate. Nolan is working Sunday and Monday so we are giving thanks tomorrow. Dad is going back to Weekes on Sunday as well.
I just want to give thanks to all the family and friends who still follow the blog and are continuing to pray for Matt. God gives us what we need before we need it and the strength that was received from family and friends got us through the most difficult of times. Everything else now seems very minor (except when my chips and dip run out, now that is major!)
Happy Thanksgiving and take the time to give thanks for everything and everyone in your life.
Matt has gotten over his urinary infection but the medication have caused other complications so he has been really out of sorts an hasn't done much this week. Dad did take him for his bath in Innisfail yesterday. Last weekend mom, dad, Nolan and Matt came for a barbeque and then played hand and foot. Dad finished picking all the potatoes. Now I really wished we had a cold storage!
Nolan went back to work on Monday at a new position in the same company. It is straight days with no nights. He did have to take a cut in pay but for overall health it was a good move. It was sure nice having him around so I didn't have only Matthew to bug!
Thanksgiving is just around the corner and the troops are heading to our place tomorrow to celebrate. Nolan is working Sunday and Monday so we are giving thanks tomorrow. Dad is going back to Weekes on Sunday as well.
I just want to give thanks to all the family and friends who still follow the blog and are continuing to pray for Matt. God gives us what we need before we need it and the strength that was received from family and friends got us through the most difficult of times. Everything else now seems very minor (except when my chips and dip run out, now that is major!)
Happy Thanksgiving and take the time to give thanks for everything and everyone in your life.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Few Days of Sunshine, Rain Again
Well, the farmers are still waiting. A few had cut down their canola but not before the heavy -6 frost last week. The leaves look beautiful when the sun actually hits them which isn't often. Yesterday it did reach over 25 degrees and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
Matt ha been under the weather to and found out he had another severe urinary tract infection. He started antibiotics last week and they have been working really well this time. He even felt good enough to go to Jacki and Gary's this weekend to help watch the kids while Jacki played ball.
Poor Gary, we found out that the extended pain from his Achilles was not just man's inability to take pain, but was actually a blood clot. His physiotherapist had suggested he go to ER and good thing he did. They found the clot on ultrasound so he is off work for a while. Gary also has to give himself heparin shots to thin his blood and be on oral blood thinners. Prayers that the area will heal and praise that they caught it before the clot became loose and travel to an area that could have caused serious problems.
Moday Matt had his shoulder taped again by the private physiotherapist. It has been bothering him so much that there are times when no pain medication helps. We are hoping this will help and if it does, we will buy the special tape that is needed. The tape is super expensive so we don't want to buy it unless we know it will work.
Nolan has a few weeks off work and it has been nice to have him around. It is good for Matt, who is surrounded mostly by women all the time. Has some testosterone in his corner for a change, especially with dad still here.
The kids are having some adjustments going to school this year, especially for Jonmarie who has the same skills at math her mother does...none! So extra homework at night. We are trying to make it fun and it must be working because she always wants to play store when she gets home!
Thanks to all who still read the blog after so many years and will continue to update on Matt's progress.
Matt ha been under the weather to and found out he had another severe urinary tract infection. He started antibiotics last week and they have been working really well this time. He even felt good enough to go to Jacki and Gary's this weekend to help watch the kids while Jacki played ball.
Poor Gary, we found out that the extended pain from his Achilles was not just man's inability to take pain, but was actually a blood clot. His physiotherapist had suggested he go to ER and good thing he did. They found the clot on ultrasound so he is off work for a while. Gary also has to give himself heparin shots to thin his blood and be on oral blood thinners. Prayers that the area will heal and praise that they caught it before the clot became loose and travel to an area that could have caused serious problems.
Moday Matt had his shoulder taped again by the private physiotherapist. It has been bothering him so much that there are times when no pain medication helps. We are hoping this will help and if it does, we will buy the special tape that is needed. The tape is super expensive so we don't want to buy it unless we know it will work.
Nolan has a few weeks off work and it has been nice to have him around. It is good for Matt, who is surrounded mostly by women all the time. Has some testosterone in his corner for a change, especially with dad still here.
The kids are having some adjustments going to school this year, especially for Jonmarie who has the same skills at math her mother does...none! So extra homework at night. We are trying to make it fun and it must be working because she always wants to play store when she gets home!
Thanks to all who still read the blog after so many years and will continue to update on Matt's progress.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Cold and Wet
We have finally seen a bit of sunshine yesterday and today. But otherwise it has been cold and wet. last night reached -6 so my garden is toast. Still need to get the potatoes, onions and carrots out but no corn, cucumbers, or squash.
Matt and the gang were over last night for pizza movie night and we spent the evening looking at houses that could be a possibility. There is an open house on one today that they are going to look at. This doesn't mean they will buy anything but I think it is good to look at options.
Last Saturday me and the kids travelled to Calgary for Jacki and Gary's community day and I even played ball. I can still hit the thing, just can't run as fast. The weather was stormy so everything was sopping wet by the time we were done. John was in a golf tournament and won a prize for being closest to the pin. He also won a door prize for 6 months free membership for Women's Only Fitness. I guess that prize will be mine. Now I will have to exercise!
Matt's shoulder has been really giving him grief and Advil just isn't doing much. He is going to see our colleague and request another MRI on it. Maybe a referral to physiotherapist. But Matt doesn't complain much and stays more or less upbeat.
Dad spent yesterday winterizing the camper and getting everything closed up for the season. I guess the weather is not going to allow for much camping this year.
Jacki and the kids and Nolan are coming up for the weekend so we are preparing the fort! Making sure there are goodies and putting all the breakables away! Nolan has been a bit down since he is now single again so is coming down to let out his sorrows. Gary can't make it because his partially torn achilles tendon is giving him so much grief that he just wants to relax. He is wearing an air brace which helps and saw a physiotherpaist for advice and treatment plan. He is booked to see and orthopedic surgeon next week.
I have a cute story about Shaunie and church. At there school they go to church every month and the teacher said Shaunie was excellent while the priest was speaking. However he then left after the service and Shaunie had a very sad look on her face and asked "Where did God go?". I remember how hard it was to understand about deities and her answer was priceless. The teachers couldn't stop giggling.
I forgot to mention last Friday mom and some of the staff from the school went to play laser tag and had a blast. The funny thing is Jonmarie had a birthday party and it was being held in the same place! It is great fun and very safe for kids and adults alike. Uncle Matt babysat Shaunie while we were gone. She sure loves her Uncle Matt and listens to him. Of course TV does help.
Prayers for Matt's shoulder pain and that the weather will improve for all the farmers and gardeners alike.
Matt and the gang were over last night for pizza movie night and we spent the evening looking at houses that could be a possibility. There is an open house on one today that they are going to look at. This doesn't mean they will buy anything but I think it is good to look at options.
Last Saturday me and the kids travelled to Calgary for Jacki and Gary's community day and I even played ball. I can still hit the thing, just can't run as fast. The weather was stormy so everything was sopping wet by the time we were done. John was in a golf tournament and won a prize for being closest to the pin. He also won a door prize for 6 months free membership for Women's Only Fitness. I guess that prize will be mine. Now I will have to exercise!
Matt's shoulder has been really giving him grief and Advil just isn't doing much. He is going to see our colleague and request another MRI on it. Maybe a referral to physiotherapist. But Matt doesn't complain much and stays more or less upbeat.
Dad spent yesterday winterizing the camper and getting everything closed up for the season. I guess the weather is not going to allow for much camping this year.
Jacki and the kids and Nolan are coming up for the weekend so we are preparing the fort! Making sure there are goodies and putting all the breakables away! Nolan has been a bit down since he is now single again so is coming down to let out his sorrows. Gary can't make it because his partially torn achilles tendon is giving him so much grief that he just wants to relax. He is wearing an air brace which helps and saw a physiotherpaist for advice and treatment plan. He is booked to see and orthopedic surgeon next week.
I have a cute story about Shaunie and church. At there school they go to church every month and the teacher said Shaunie was excellent while the priest was speaking. However he then left after the service and Shaunie had a very sad look on her face and asked "Where did God go?". I remember how hard it was to understand about deities and her answer was priceless. The teachers couldn't stop giggling.
I forgot to mention last Friday mom and some of the staff from the school went to play laser tag and had a blast. The funny thing is Jonmarie had a birthday party and it was being held in the same place! It is great fun and very safe for kids and adults alike. Uncle Matt babysat Shaunie while we were gone. She sure loves her Uncle Matt and listens to him. Of course TV does help.
Prayers for Matt's shoulder pain and that the weather will improve for all the farmers and gardeners alike.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Long Weekend
It has been a busy past few weeks. John, myself and the girls travelled to Fairmont B.C. for a week and had a great time, swimming and hiking, alot! The weather was only so-so but we managed to make the best of it. There is so much to do activity wise there that even when it rains there is so much happening.
Matt, mom and dad are currently in Calgary. Jacki and Gary had a wedding on Saturday and needed some babysitters. Unfortunately Gary couldn't do any dancing as he partially tore his Achilles tendon. No sports for a least 6 weeks. Ouch in more ways than one! Yesterday most of the troop went to the sports bar in Calgary with Matt to watch Sask. roughriders play football.
Auntie Carol and Uncle Wince left last Thursday. I felt bad that we only got to see them for a few days before we were off the Fairmont but Auntie had brought a whole bunch of photos she found of us when we were young. Matt and Jacki spent last Sunday scanning them onto Matt's computer. It was actually surprising that in many photos when dad was younger, Matt looked more like him then Nolan did. And I always thought Shaunie looked like John, but when Auntie showed some pictures when I was 6, Shaunie thought they were her!
Last Saturday Mom, Uncle and Auntie travelled to Drayton Valley to pick up my cousin Vinny (sounds like a movie!). He was Auntie Verna's boy and has been working in Drayton valley for awhile. I got to see him on Skype for a bit. I haven't seen him for over 20 years. Time flies.
The girls are off to school tomorrow. I know I should be glad but I actually enjoy having them at home. I also like not having to run into town everyday too. I am a little nervous about Shaunie attending regular school with Jonmarie, but they have arranged for a full time aide that has worked with autistic children for years (however none as young as Shaunie). I guess I will have to wait and see! If anyone has ever heard of Temple Grandin, she had to start somewhere too and it wasn't always easy. She was autistic and received her PhD in animal behavior (I think). Won how many Emmy awards for a miniseries. If you ever get a chance to watch, it was very good.
Hope everyone is having a great long weekend and that the weather will stay nice. I know the farmer's are 10 to 15 days behind here because the crops just wont ripen. I last night we had a touch of frost with chance tonight of more. Lost my tomatoes before I could pick them. Oh well, there wasn't much there to begin with and the cucumbers were scarce too, only got one jar of pickles from the batch.
Matt, mom and dad are currently in Calgary. Jacki and Gary had a wedding on Saturday and needed some babysitters. Unfortunately Gary couldn't do any dancing as he partially tore his Achilles tendon. No sports for a least 6 weeks. Ouch in more ways than one! Yesterday most of the troop went to the sports bar in Calgary with Matt to watch Sask. roughriders play football.
Auntie Carol and Uncle Wince left last Thursday. I felt bad that we only got to see them for a few days before we were off the Fairmont but Auntie had brought a whole bunch of photos she found of us when we were young. Matt and Jacki spent last Sunday scanning them onto Matt's computer. It was actually surprising that in many photos when dad was younger, Matt looked more like him then Nolan did. And I always thought Shaunie looked like John, but when Auntie showed some pictures when I was 6, Shaunie thought they were her!
Last Saturday Mom, Uncle and Auntie travelled to Drayton Valley to pick up my cousin Vinny (sounds like a movie!). He was Auntie Verna's boy and has been working in Drayton valley for awhile. I got to see him on Skype for a bit. I haven't seen him for over 20 years. Time flies.
The girls are off to school tomorrow. I know I should be glad but I actually enjoy having them at home. I also like not having to run into town everyday too. I am a little nervous about Shaunie attending regular school with Jonmarie, but they have arranged for a full time aide that has worked with autistic children for years (however none as young as Shaunie). I guess I will have to wait and see! If anyone has ever heard of Temple Grandin, she had to start somewhere too and it wasn't always easy. She was autistic and received her PhD in animal behavior (I think). Won how many Emmy awards for a miniseries. If you ever get a chance to watch, it was very good.
Hope everyone is having a great long weekend and that the weather will stay nice. I know the farmer's are 10 to 15 days behind here because the crops just wont ripen. I last night we had a touch of frost with chance tonight of more. Lost my tomatoes before I could pick them. Oh well, there wasn't much there to begin with and the cucumbers were scarce too, only got one jar of pickles from the batch.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Back in Red Deer
Mom, Matt and Airene arrived safely back in Red Deer last night. The trip was uneventful, just takes a long time. Dad is coming today with the camper. Yesterday was too windy for him and he still needed to cut grass.
Uncle Wince and Auntie Carol should be in Red Deer sometime today and it will be great to see them. When dad and Uncle get together, it is funny to watch how they still tease each other like kids and giggle.
Mom, Matt, Nolan and dad really enjoyed Chad Ekren's wedding. Everyone had a great time and was good to see everyone from the family. Afterwards Auntie Karen and Uncle Neil let everyone crash at their place and that saved them having to go all the way back to Weekes or find a motel. Sometimes it is tough to find a wheelchair accessible room.
Today we finally will get a taste of what summer should have been like, 27 degrees with humidity bringing it to 30. I am taking the girls to a water park to cool off with friends. Mom and Matt are going to spend the day relaxing before getting back into the swing of things.
Have a great day and enjoy the one day of summer!
Uncle Wince and Auntie Carol should be in Red Deer sometime today and it will be great to see them. When dad and Uncle get together, it is funny to watch how they still tease each other like kids and giggle.
Mom, Matt, Nolan and dad really enjoyed Chad Ekren's wedding. Everyone had a great time and was good to see everyone from the family. Afterwards Auntie Karen and Uncle Neil let everyone crash at their place and that saved them having to go all the way back to Weekes or find a motel. Sometimes it is tough to find a wheelchair accessible room.
Today we finally will get a taste of what summer should have been like, 27 degrees with humidity bringing it to 30. I am taking the girls to a water park to cool off with friends. Mom and Matt are going to spend the day relaxing before getting back into the swing of things.
Have a great day and enjoy the one day of summer!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Sad Day
Mom just phoned me to let us know Bear, the last remaining dog from Oreo's litters passed away. Bear was probably close to 14 years old or more. I think it had been hard on him without anyone (dog) to keep it company. It seems strange that there are no animals at all on the farm. I don't remember a single time when we didn't have a dog.
Matt and the gang are getting ready to go to Chad's wedding in Saskatoon. Nolan is driving down from Calgary too. I hope they have a great time. They had originally planned to come straight to Red Deer from Saskatoon after the wedding, however they had too much stuff to pack into the camper and no where to offload it. So they are just coming up for the day and evening then heading back to Weekes after the dance.
Busy week for birthday's. Dad and Jada had their birthday on the 16th and Shaunie's was on the 17th. We didn't do much for it, I was working so the babysitter made a cake and I made icing and then homemade doughnuts. Too much sugar for Shaunie and we sure paid for it the next day! One crazy 6 year old!!
I think mom and Matt were hoping summer was a bit longer. Enjoying themselves back home and it is hard to come back to Red Deer. But dad is going to take Matt to the college in September and sign him up for any class that is open. I hope he will actually go through with it this time!
Wish the summer was longer too, enjoying my time with my girls. We are having Auntie Carol and Uncle Wince up for a visit sometime next week and mom, Matt and dad will be here too. Then one more holiday trip planned for Fairmont and will miss 3 days of school already! Shaunie is starting in Jonmarie's school with a full time aide and I think it will be good for the aide to get her feet wet and learn the new school before we set Shaunie on her! Hopefully everything works out. I work in the next building so if anything happens, I will hear about it... literally.
Matt and the gang are getting ready to go to Chad's wedding in Saskatoon. Nolan is driving down from Calgary too. I hope they have a great time. They had originally planned to come straight to Red Deer from Saskatoon after the wedding, however they had too much stuff to pack into the camper and no where to offload it. So they are just coming up for the day and evening then heading back to Weekes after the dance.
Busy week for birthday's. Dad and Jada had their birthday on the 16th and Shaunie's was on the 17th. We didn't do much for it, I was working so the babysitter made a cake and I made icing and then homemade doughnuts. Too much sugar for Shaunie and we sure paid for it the next day! One crazy 6 year old!!
I think mom and Matt were hoping summer was a bit longer. Enjoying themselves back home and it is hard to come back to Red Deer. But dad is going to take Matt to the college in September and sign him up for any class that is open. I hope he will actually go through with it this time!
Wish the summer was longer too, enjoying my time with my girls. We are having Auntie Carol and Uncle Wince up for a visit sometime next week and mom, Matt and dad will be here too. Then one more holiday trip planned for Fairmont and will miss 3 days of school already! Shaunie is starting in Jonmarie's school with a full time aide and I think it will be good for the aide to get her feet wet and learn the new school before we set Shaunie on her! Hopefully everything works out. I work in the next building so if anything happens, I will hear about it... literally.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
A Wonderful weekend
And a good time was had by all!
You look forward to the Relitz reunion all year and now it is over. God needs to put a few extra hours in those days.
It was so good to see everyone and all the campers! We were discussing the days when Only Uncle Orest, Auntie Sandy, Uncle Bob and Auntie Brenda has campers, and small ones to boot.
Big Thanks to Uncle Neil and Aunty Karen for all their hard work organizing so this weekend could happen. Also thanks to everyone who brought food, which was everyone! Everything was so good that we ate and ate too much. Thanks to Uncle Jim and Uncle Karl for always pitching in to help with the grill. It was hot back there!
The weather cooperated most of the time however we had some wicked thunder storms. Auntie Karen, Erin, Jacki and I got caught on the Spiritwood golf course in a hail storm during the 3rd hole and man did it hail/rain! Because of my glasses I couldn't see anything except Erin's blue golf bag and when that hail came, boy did it move! We managed to take shelter in a tin roof shed and it was so loud! The wonderful staff at Spiritwood course gave us do over tickets for the next day, which was great.
Matt had a great time visiting with everyone and showing off his camper. The were having some trouble with the water leaking and some other things, but still thanks to dad everything went off pretty well. Matt was able to shower in the public shower which was great for him and us. He was starting to go bad!
We had the annual bean bag game which Uncle Karl organized and a scavenger hunt for the kids, which I believe Terina organized and it was so exciting for the kids. Shaunie attached herself to Brett and followed him everywhere on Saturday. However the net day she discovered Dawson and played for hours together checking out Memorial Lakes finest frogs, who I am sure will never be the same!
We also were able to enjoy the lake and all the kids loved to swim. Thanks to the Uncle's and the older cousins for playing and looking after the young ones for us!
Book again for 3 years time Auntie. You did a great job. It was great site for us loud campers who should have really learned when to go to bed!
You look forward to the Relitz reunion all year and now it is over. God needs to put a few extra hours in those days.
It was so good to see everyone and all the campers! We were discussing the days when Only Uncle Orest, Auntie Sandy, Uncle Bob and Auntie Brenda has campers, and small ones to boot.
Big Thanks to Uncle Neil and Aunty Karen for all their hard work organizing so this weekend could happen. Also thanks to everyone who brought food, which was everyone! Everything was so good that we ate and ate too much. Thanks to Uncle Jim and Uncle Karl for always pitching in to help with the grill. It was hot back there!
The weather cooperated most of the time however we had some wicked thunder storms. Auntie Karen, Erin, Jacki and I got caught on the Spiritwood golf course in a hail storm during the 3rd hole and man did it hail/rain! Because of my glasses I couldn't see anything except Erin's blue golf bag and when that hail came, boy did it move! We managed to take shelter in a tin roof shed and it was so loud! The wonderful staff at Spiritwood course gave us do over tickets for the next day, which was great.
Matt had a great time visiting with everyone and showing off his camper. The were having some trouble with the water leaking and some other things, but still thanks to dad everything went off pretty well. Matt was able to shower in the public shower which was great for him and us. He was starting to go bad!
We had the annual bean bag game which Uncle Karl organized and a scavenger hunt for the kids, which I believe Terina organized and it was so exciting for the kids. Shaunie attached herself to Brett and followed him everywhere on Saturday. However the net day she discovered Dawson and played for hours together checking out Memorial Lakes finest frogs, who I am sure will never be the same!
We also were able to enjoy the lake and all the kids loved to swim. Thanks to the Uncle's and the older cousins for playing and looking after the young ones for us!
Book again for 3 years time Auntie. You did a great job. It was great site for us loud campers who should have really learned when to go to bed!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Getting Ready for the Reunion
Matt and mom both got a haircut from Denita, who came to the house. They had a good visit.
They taught Airene how to play crib. Now she will be able to play for the reunion.
Blaine, Preston, Megan and Preston's wife and child came over last weekend to visit. Matt was glad to see them. Loves to have company. They experienced a wicked storm for about 10 mins where they couldn't see the trees in the front yard. The tent in the front yard was flattened by all the rain.
Auntie Karen, Uncle Neil and Uncle Jim where down for the weekend as well.
A fellow from B.C. was selling fish around the Weekes area and Matt purchased some perch and got Uncle Jim's recipe. Auntie Karen cooked it and it tasted great!
They are getting ready for the reunion and hoping for good weather. They are leaving tomorrow afternoon to get everything set up and check the place out.
Mom has been working alot and next summer she may take some time off and actually relax for once.
Dad has the grass all cut and had cut all the grass in the cemetery as well.
Sorry it is such a blunt blog, but I was on the phone with Matt while I was typing and didn't have time to make it more colorful!
They taught Airene how to play crib. Now she will be able to play for the reunion.
Blaine, Preston, Megan and Preston's wife and child came over last weekend to visit. Matt was glad to see them. Loves to have company. They experienced a wicked storm for about 10 mins where they couldn't see the trees in the front yard. The tent in the front yard was flattened by all the rain.
Auntie Karen, Uncle Neil and Uncle Jim where down for the weekend as well.
A fellow from B.C. was selling fish around the Weekes area and Matt purchased some perch and got Uncle Jim's recipe. Auntie Karen cooked it and it tasted great!
They are getting ready for the reunion and hoping for good weather. They are leaving tomorrow afternoon to get everything set up and check the place out.
Mom has been working alot and next summer she may take some time off and actually relax for once.
Dad has the grass all cut and had cut all the grass in the cemetery as well.
Sorry it is such a blunt blog, but I was on the phone with Matt while I was typing and didn't have time to make it more colorful!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Sad Week
It was a sad week for the family. Our great Uncle Hughie died in Edmonton at the age of 91. Also our distant relative and close neighbour charlie Allen also passed into the Lord's hands. Our condolences go out to both families.
Matt had a busy week last week. On Tuesday he travelled to Nipawin Regional Park and camped alongside Uncle Lorne, Auntie Myra and their family. It was a good learning experience for them to see what not to bring or what to bring for next time! They camped for 3 days with some minor glitches but thank goodness Myra and Lorne are veteran campers and helped out a lot. Every night they would go and sit by their campfire and on night Uncle Lorne fell and may have fractured his wrist. They were not sure if it was overindulgence, old age creeping in, or night trolls that stuck their big feet out to trip him!
Matt spent last Saturday and Sunday resting. Mom was working so he was unable eot go to church. Think he may have some trouble getting in as there is a big gap to get in the door.
Our cousin Tracy, her husband Shaun and their daughter Jacqueline stopped in at Weekes for a visit on their way back from Niagara Falls. They have been travelling from Nanaimo since July 1st and made some interesting stops along the way. Tracy has been busy with the Cunningham family history and Matt and her had some great discussions about late family members.
Everyone is getting ready for the big annual family reunion August 6,7, and 8. We tried out our camper in Gull Lake this past weekend and just loved it. You meet so many people when you camp. Jonmarie and Shaunie had a ball meeting new friends and playing with them. We never used the portable DVD player once, which was great. Had it as a back up though, just in case! It is like giving up a bad habit, you can't seem to say no completely!
Weterner Days is on in Red Deer and tomorrow I am taking the girls and hoping to met up with some of the folks from back home. I read on the blog that Denise and her family will be there, so that would be great to see them.
Matt had a busy week last week. On Tuesday he travelled to Nipawin Regional Park and camped alongside Uncle Lorne, Auntie Myra and their family. It was a good learning experience for them to see what not to bring or what to bring for next time! They camped for 3 days with some minor glitches but thank goodness Myra and Lorne are veteran campers and helped out a lot. Every night they would go and sit by their campfire and on night Uncle Lorne fell and may have fractured his wrist. They were not sure if it was overindulgence, old age creeping in, or night trolls that stuck their big feet out to trip him!
Matt spent last Saturday and Sunday resting. Mom was working so he was unable eot go to church. Think he may have some trouble getting in as there is a big gap to get in the door.
Our cousin Tracy, her husband Shaun and their daughter Jacqueline stopped in at Weekes for a visit on their way back from Niagara Falls. They have been travelling from Nanaimo since July 1st and made some interesting stops along the way. Tracy has been busy with the Cunningham family history and Matt and her had some great discussions about late family members.
Everyone is getting ready for the big annual family reunion August 6,7, and 8. We tried out our camper in Gull Lake this past weekend and just loved it. You meet so many people when you camp. Jonmarie and Shaunie had a ball meeting new friends and playing with them. We never used the portable DVD player once, which was great. Had it as a back up though, just in case! It is like giving up a bad habit, you can't seem to say no completely!
Weterner Days is on in Red Deer and tomorrow I am taking the girls and hoping to met up with some of the folks from back home. I read on the blog that Denise and her family will be there, so that would be great to see them.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Rain, Please go Away!
Well it was quite the interesting trip back form Sask for the girls and myself yesterday. The wind was so strong that at Castor there was a building about to blow across the road, so they shut down the highway and we had to go on a detour. It was one of those plastic shelters, but on a massive scale and was literally ripped apart and standing on end. Trees were across the road and branches in every yard. I could only go 50-60 km/hr as the rain/wind was so bad I could hardly see. Lovely summer weather.
Matt, mom, the girls and dad went to Weekes last Monday and had rain as well. Dad was hauling Matt's camper and it was heavy on fuel. But they all arrived safe and sound. I arrived in Weekes on Wednesday and went for wing night with Matt. They were so good. Matt enjoyed seeing people he knew and a big thanks to Carlea for letting us visit later than it usually stays open and for Donnie Waslieu for helping Matt get down the ramp.
The girls and I went to Greenwater on Friday and seen many people I haven't seen for a long time. It was beautiful weather too, and I think they must spray for bugs there because at mom and dad's we would have never survived being outside for so long without being carried away by the mosquitoes and horse flies.
I took Matt to Joe Bachuwsky's stag party at their farm on Sunday. Matt was so nervous. Many of the people he hadn't seen since before his accident and he felt sick to his stomach. There was quite a few people and they were all quiet until Matt made some comment about a guy's hair that broke the ice and it was just like old times. Unfortunately he had such a good time visiting, watching them set off fireworks, and giving rides to everyone on his wheelchair that he didn't want to leave. He enjoyed talking to Kelly chase about hockey and kelly was quite impressed at Matt's head for knowledge when it comes to hockey stats and players. I finally convinced him it was time to go and pulled into mom and dad's yard at 4am. Let's just say, I am too old for this!! I was up at 9 am to get ready for church and needed a few cups of coffee to get me going!
it was great to be at Weekes church again and Jonmarie came with, while Grandma watched Shaunie. Jonmarie was upset to find out she would miss VBS (vacation bible school), as we were coming back Monday.
Today Matt, Airene and Dad headed to Nipawin today to try out camping. They certainly did not pick the best day for it. However they took lots of games and DVD's, so it shouldn't be too bad. They will be there until Friday. Mom has to work tonight and she drove the van down and will bring the truck back. Poor mom, she will be tired as she also worked last night.
Get your galoshes out! It is going to be a wet July!
Matt, mom, the girls and dad went to Weekes last Monday and had rain as well. Dad was hauling Matt's camper and it was heavy on fuel. But they all arrived safe and sound. I arrived in Weekes on Wednesday and went for wing night with Matt. They were so good. Matt enjoyed seeing people he knew and a big thanks to Carlea for letting us visit later than it usually stays open and for Donnie Waslieu for helping Matt get down the ramp.
The girls and I went to Greenwater on Friday and seen many people I haven't seen for a long time. It was beautiful weather too, and I think they must spray for bugs there because at mom and dad's we would have never survived being outside for so long without being carried away by the mosquitoes and horse flies.
I took Matt to Joe Bachuwsky's stag party at their farm on Sunday. Matt was so nervous. Many of the people he hadn't seen since before his accident and he felt sick to his stomach. There was quite a few people and they were all quiet until Matt made some comment about a guy's hair that broke the ice and it was just like old times. Unfortunately he had such a good time visiting, watching them set off fireworks, and giving rides to everyone on his wheelchair that he didn't want to leave. He enjoyed talking to Kelly chase about hockey and kelly was quite impressed at Matt's head for knowledge when it comes to hockey stats and players. I finally convinced him it was time to go and pulled into mom and dad's yard at 4am. Let's just say, I am too old for this!! I was up at 9 am to get ready for church and needed a few cups of coffee to get me going!
it was great to be at Weekes church again and Jonmarie came with, while Grandma watched Shaunie. Jonmarie was upset to find out she would miss VBS (vacation bible school), as we were coming back Monday.
Today Matt, Airene and Dad headed to Nipawin today to try out camping. They certainly did not pick the best day for it. However they took lots of games and DVD's, so it shouldn't be too bad. They will be there until Friday. Mom has to work tonight and she drove the van down and will bring the truck back. Poor mom, she will be tired as she also worked last night.
Get your galoshes out! It is going to be a wet July!
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