Saturday, April 14, 2012

California Trip

While in California, to say good-by to someone who died too soon, the hostess of the house we were staying at had an Easter egg hunt for the kids. She opened up her home to all 6 of us from Canada. Mom and I with the kids drove to Abbotsford, BC to meet up with Dad's cousin. Together we all went in one van to Northern California.
On the left is Dad's first cousin, Ed; Mom, Russell, Deloris, Chloe, Barry, Dad's other cousin; and Ed's brother in law. It was great to reconnect with family I have not seen in years. Chloe fits in with the Pfannmuller's quite well.
Scenery
The Whitmore SDA Church. No it was not named after us! Kids thought it was cool to be in a town with the same name as us.
Inside Richard's home. His wife is the one that passed away in March. Beautiful log home.

Their backyard.
Stopping on the side of the road for a potty break.

Love all the dafodils. They grow wild in the ditches. It was so pretty to see. Travelling with 4 adults and 2 kids, the odds were in my favor. It was nice to not be the only one responsible for the children. Curtis was unable to come with us on this trip because he couldn't take time off work. We are heading to Florida in 10 days for a holiday, so he had to pick. The kids loved being with Uncle Barry and Auntie Deloris. With Grandma there too it was like having 3 grandparents.

On our way to California, we stopped near Salem, to meet up with Mom's mom and to go hiking at Silver Falls.
Click to play this Smilebox scrapbook
Create your own scrapbook - Powered by Smilebox
Scrapbooking design generated with Smilebox

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

End of Skating Party

Click to play this Smilebox scrapbook
Create your own scrapbook - Powered by Smilebox
This free digital scrapbook customized with Smilebox

We had a little party before the last time skating for the season. With spring upon us, it's time to move outdoors. The kids learned how to make music with chopsticks. It was cute to watch. It is nice to have my Fridays more free without that commitment.

Museum Field Trip

Click to play this Smilebox slideshow
Create your own slideshow - Powered by Smilebox
Here are some pictures of a field trip to the museum in Grande Prairie. What a great way to spend an afternoon.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

It's Just a Bump in the Road

Meet Rick and Kathy. "It's just a bump in the road". That's how they are dealing with Kathy's breast cancer. Rick is a first cousin to my father. Kathy (not even 50 years old yet) has been his wife of 25 years. She is dealing with a very aggressive type of breast cancer. She is at the end of her chemo and heads to the OR next week for a double mastectomy. I admire her strength, the devotion of her family, and their hope. God has been by their side. Without Him, they are not sure how they would be doing. God is good all the time. All the time God is good.
Her husband and sons helped her pick out this wig. It suits her. She naturally has red hair and is a hair dresser by trade. She cut my hair all through my growing up years.
Shortly after she started Chemo, her hair started to fall out. So out came the clippers.
Kathy with their oldest son Zack.
Youngest son Josh.
Kathy and her boys.
During the night a beautiful snow fell. They have wonderful trees in their yard so it added to the beauty.
Josh looks up to his big brother.



They are still smiling. Not everyday is full of smiles, but she finds something positive in everyday. Kathy has not been working outside the home at her hair salon. She feels this has given her the opportunity to rest when she needs, go to her appointments, which Rick has not missed one, and to sail through chemo with some strength.

Remember, it's just a bump in the road. Bumps don't last forever.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Skating With Friends

It had been a while since Jen had been on a sled. The trail was very rough and she was a little unsure. The older you get the more bumps you feel.
It was fun to watch her and Ciera laughing and having fun.
There goes Russell and Hudson.
Hudson and his mom playing some hockey.
All the kids and one mom. We love having fantastic neighbors that live so close and we can walk over and that share their lake with us for skating.
Russell on a mission of clearing the snow.
Hudson doing good on skates. A little man on a mission.
Chloe and Ciera were just chatting about the week and what they have been doing that day. Those 2 girls are cute to watch and listen.
Chloe enjoying the outdoors. We have been blessed with such a mild winter. No scarves have been needed. It's nice not to have to bundle up lots just to enjoy some time outside, and we don't get cold in 20 minutes either!