The Wedding

Our trip to TN (during the busiest time of year) was for Samantha and Josh's wedding. Conor and Mackensey were so very excited to see everyone but were even more excited about the wedding. Mackensey has dreamed of being a flower girl for as long as I can remember. It was so thoughtful of Josh to make Conor a groomsmen as well. If I do say so myself, Shane did an outstanding job officiating the ceremony and really made it personal. I have so many pictures to share and have had such a hard time choosing just a few.

Snow and More Snow

Well, we definitely have snow! Our trip to TN and home from TN centered around much drama with snow. They were calling for snow before we left, so we packed up early and got a hotel so as not to miss our plane. Then on the way home, our plane was canceled due to Seattle being shut down as well as Victoria. I do have to say if it weren't for Shonda's computer skills we would be stuck in an airport over Christmas. We were re-routed a day later to Vegas where we had to spend the night and then finally arrived home. Just in time for more snow! Coming home was much anticipated to only find our cars literally buried in snow (we could not get out - snow on both sides, front and back of the vehicles). The driveway that we share with the neighbors remained buried in snow with not even a path to our house. Shane and Conor spent the night digging us out only to get another foot of snow - to dig us out again. We woke Christmas morning to another foot of snow (we are not digging out today). Snow or no snow we are so glad to be home. Conor woke up Christmas Eve Day and came down in his snow clothes. He ate breakfast in his ski pants and boots and was outside for the day sledding down some great hills. The snow is absolutely beautiful and it is extremely nice to have a "Very" White Christmas. Merry Christmas to all!

D.A.R.E.

Conor completed the drugs and alcohol program at school. They ended the completion of this program with a graduation where the kids received t-shirts and certificates. As a final completion of the program, the kids had to write a one page essay covering three points of the D.A.R.E. program. Conor's essay was one of four to be selected to be read at the ceremony. Of course, I was very proud!

A New Adventure

Well, tree selection in Canada is definitely at its best. We went to a tree farm and walked among miles of trees. Once we found the tree that we wanted, a man came with a chainsaw and cut it down for us. When we were told about this place and that you cut them down - I was worried that we were going to have to do it ourselves - now that would have been an adventure. Decorating the tree is always a fun family time. Mom does the lights, Dad hooks all of the balls and the kids put the balls and ornaments on the tree (with Dad's guidance).

Candid moments

Life has settled down to a normal routine for us. We stay constantly busy and Conor and Mackensey live outside - rain or shine. I have posted a few new cute pictures of our life here in Canada.

Conor, being in Grade 5, has the responsibility of a Crossing Guard. I could not resist taking some pictures of him. It was a rainy week when it was his turn, so the rain gear made him look even cuter.

Another picture is of our typical Friday movie night.

On a long weekend we went into Victoria's Chinatown ( I will have to tell you all about that in another blog) and Mackensey got an outfit. She thought she was getting the outfit for church; thankfully, once she had it on she realized it was for pjs.

I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. We won't be celebrating an American one this year since our Canadian Thanksgiving has come and gone, but will be thinking of you.

Fall

The afternoons have been beautiful here and the kids have really enjoyed taking advantage of the weather. We found a new playground and had a great afternoon with the neighbor kids. Shane went with Mack and her class to the pumpkin farm. She was so thrilled that he went with her. Mack put her arms around Shane and said, "Daddy, do you know how much I love you?"

Pumpkin Fun

The "boys" were gone for the day, so I took Mack and her friend to pick out some pumpkins. They had a great time climbing on the pumpkins and looking for two that were almost identical. We came home and carved away. We also toasted pumpkin seeds. Mack's friend from next door came over and helped with the carving. All I have to say is that I will rethink the carving next time. They each chose hard stencils so it was a lot of work. All in all it was a great day. I am so thankful that my kids have such great friends.

Eli - Our Dog

Well for those of you who don't know - we have had some dog drama (not that that is anything new for us). Eli is nine month old and had to have eye surgery. He had ulcers in his eyes and the vet said that if we did not operate he would go blind - also he was in a lot of pain. He had his eyes sewed shut for 14 days. He still has to wear his cone while his eyes continue to heal. I thought I would post some pictures especially for those who have known about the drama. He is a great dog and we love him a lot. We are hoping that this works because this is our one and only time of surgery.

Walk of the Nations

I have been so busy so it has been awhile since I updated the blog; therefore, I have posted three blogs today.


On Sunday, our family got to experience an incredible event. The community along with the First Nations' community gathered together and walked through Duncan as one group. The event was to promote unity and to offer one more step for reconciliation. Although this was not a church event and primarily a First Nation's event, our church had a strong presence there. Our pastor was expecting some other churches in the area to not be happy with him for promoting this. Our pastor has a strong passion for the First Nation people. As most of you already know - in order to have an impact - we must meet others where they are and not expect them to meet us where we are. Because of his heart and service in the community, Pastor Mark was able to speak at this event (along with spirit dancers and prayer chants). I was so thankful that our family could experience such a rich cultural heritage and to see our pastor leading the front in reconciliation. I find it very rare in this day and age to be able to look up to many pastors (yes, they are just men); however, I am so thankful that my kids are influenced by such a humble and evangelistic minded pastor as ours. Many pastors want to build their church with the wealthy and do not want to get their hand dirty. I have yet to see our pastor's hands clean.