hats of many colors-therapy

2011-10-31T08:29:00.002-05:00

Monday morning...and I'm sitting in a hotel room, while Del and the boys are off to do a tour of a tractor plant. Yes, we took a weekend away from the regular routine, drove a few hours down the road, and shopped, ate out, and slept-or at least some of us did! Some much needed clothes shopping for the boys as they have grown inches in height! And some not needed, but wanted items, just for fun! Ate at some wonderful restaurants....could get used to eating food someone else has cooked! As much fun as it is to go away for a break, I do like going home to make something to eat that is simple and real.... Back home today to join the real world once again.

My brother, Roger, is coming along in his recovery. Slowly, but improvement is happening. He is awake most of the day, with naps in between. His ability to converse is interesting, with his attention span and memory wavering at times....but improving, so patience and time. Physio is spending some time with him, and hopefully soon, he will be able to be up more, as his stability is off right now. An accident of that magnitude certainly brings about great repercussions!! Hopefully we will get to spend some time with him on our way home tonight!

Had a wonderful time at supper last night! By coincidence, friends of ours from home ended up where we were this weekend, and we had supper together! Good time catching up-fellowshipping, as another good friend calls it!!! Which reminds me of a shift at work last week..I work with some awesome people!!! It was supper time and patients had their trays. Meds were given and we were finishing up end of shift stuff, when a couple girls announced they had brought supper for everyone...what a treat!!! Truly beautiful hearts in these people, sharing themselves and what they have!!! Had a very special time, eating together, chatting, and enjoying each others company!! its like someone said there....its the people that make coming to work worth it!

Del & I are back at work tomorrow, and the boys will be back at school. Hockey started this last weekend, with the boys missing their first 2 games. Think their next game is Friday night.

Have a lovely week all!

life changing....

2011-10-15T19:48:00.002-05:00

Mid october already!! Where is the time going???

Wish i could say its been a boring month since i posted last. But, unfortunately its been busy, with multiple things. I've logged onto my site a few times, and once I actually attempted to load pictures, but it didn't work. And the other times, I think I didn't know what to write, so I just logged off.

But in the big picture, some things become rather immaterial. My youngest brother, (who is still older than i am!), was in an accident 10 days ago. And life changing its been. He and a friend were on the top of a 40ft antenna tower, when the tower crumbled, and they rode the top down to the ground. Fortunately there was someone else on scene at this home, and they were able to call 911 and keep them still. A 'red' ambulance ride to the local hospital to receive life saving measures, and then airlifted to the city hospital emergency room and an icu stay. He has since been moved from icu to a stepdown unit. He has suffered a serious head injury and has had some difficulties waking up. Every day is bringing a positive change, which has been extremely encouraging!! Today Rog was in surgery to repair some facial fractures. He has a vertebral fracture that is stable and hopefully will be no problem. He has short periods of wakefulness, couple with alot of sleeping. His level of conciousness varies at times, with each day bringing a more awake state, with occasional words being whispered and eyes opening for short periods. His wife and children are extremely brave and courageous during this difficult time!! As close family and friends spend time together, we often get impatient and want him to wake up and be the same as he was 2 weeks ago. Somehow thats not reality, and we are greatly relieved and excited with the major positive changes that are happening; and realistically in a neuro world they are spectacular!!

So now you see how life changing something can be. From work schedules, school assignments, work issues, to regular home routines....they all become trivial when an emergency happens!!
Nathan, Roger's youngest son has been staying with us during the week, so he can go to school, and visit rog when we go in. Our boys and Nathan are close and its so sweet to watch them interact...when its fun times, and especially now when its been difficult. Never too young to be there for each other!!

Fieldwork is winding down, with some deeptilling left, but everything else is wrapped up. Maybe some ditching days left....
Jayde & Kyle are busy with school volleyball schedules. And apparently hockey starts next week. Life carries on...

Back to school and such

2011-09-18T20:42:00.002-05:00

Time to blog now, but what to say?? Every day life stuff?? Just came back home from a birthday party for my dad. His actual birthday was on the 5th, and we got together as a family then, but today we did cake and ice cream with some church friends, and then had supper as a family. Good time together for those that made it. It seems more difficult as the years go by, for the family to all be there!! Dad celebrated 75 years old! Wow! Time flies when having fun..... Laureen made some awesome meatballs and mashed potatoes for supper!! Mmmmm!

Harvest is coming along....in spurts. Winter wheat was done, and then was a break till canola and oats. Then waited for more oats. And now we have a combine breakdown, so we wait for parts. Then hopefully we can finish up the oats and move onto the soybeans. Fall fieldwork is progressing well with Del sharing tractor duty with Jayde, and yesterday Kyle got a turn!! So exciting for the boys to grow up and take responsibility!

School is in full swing for the boys, with volleyball taking front seat to all other activities! Jaydes team was in a tournament on Saturday, and will be busy with volleyball the next 5 weekends! Have not seen a schedule yet for Kyles volleyball.

Jayde has bought himself a used half-ton- a bright yellow one! Perfect for him! He is enjoying the extra freedom of driving himself around in his own vehicle. Kyle benefits with not as many early mornings on the bus, and home earlier after school.

Work is busy as always. People are always in need of medical assistance, and we aim to please. :)

Del's been busy between working full-time, and farming full-time. This seems to pass the days fairly quickly!

So you see, theres not much new happening at our house, just regular stuff.

Upcoming in the near future, I anticipate hockey starting up for the boys, along with the volleyball. Hopefully finish up the harvest. Eagerly await winter-not! Prepare for surgery for the pinched nerve in the arm-not sure when. Deal with everyday running of household and farm duties. Take dad to specialist appts....... the list carries on......

All in a good days work!

Summer so far!

2011-08-13T22:27:00.004-05:00

Yes!! I've finally managed to post some pictures. The following are an assortment of activities and people that have made our summer what it is.
Fathers Day-we spent on the golf course. Del & the boys walked on a squishy wet course, while I enjoyed the scenery and took pictures.

Kyle's birthday usually is spent outdoors(actually the last few years were inside, so this year was a treat to be outside!) His actual birthday day, we were not home, so the families were invited to come spend time with us a week following his special day.

Mid July we went camping, and one of Del's brothers, his wife, and 2 boys, joined us. Had a wonderful time playing games, biking, and visiting!

Hecla is always great for a water shot!

Grandma Loewen celebrated her 80th birthday! I actually found someone to work for me so we could go!! These are 3 of Dels brothers enjoying an afternoon chat in the awesome sunshine!

This is grandma with Noreen and Amber....2 of my special sisters(in-law), Bruce & Don's wives.

Once again, camping with Warren, Terri, & boys...bike ride break!

My most favorite work partner!!! Wonder why!!! Its very special to be able to work together with a niece!!! I love her so much!! And she's very good at what she does!! Bonus is she poses well for photo opportunities!

Roxy & Ricki-the latest canine additions to our family.

August long weekend camping trip. Del & Kyle made the ladder ball game on our trip, after numerous stops at every hardware store we could find. Eventually we found enough supplies and we could play!!

Jayde at work. I brought Del & Jayde lunch one day. Its such a challenge to get this boy on a picture!! So they end up looking like odd poses because he is always ducking out of the lens viewfinder!

Del....working.

Ricki....he doesn't pose either. The dogs rarely sit still!!

On of the feline additions to our family...i can't remember its name. We now have 2 dogs, 3 kittens, and apparently a stray adult cat that is hanging out in the back of the farm. It's a revolving door at our farm!

This has been an awesome summer for weather. We are so grateful for the beautiful sunshine and heat! Compared to the last 4 summers, we are enjoying dry cracks in the yard. From this springs excess moisture... to this summers dry conditions......who would have imagined this!!

And we survived another July without catastrophe. One evening a phone call came thru for a sick nephew, and 8 hrs later he was released from ER....rather stressful!! Not superstitious, but really, everyone is on edge during July.

Dad is still carrying on with his regular routine.....Thrift shop, camping, driving around. Dr. appts sprinkled in between. Getting a little closer to figuring out whats going on with the pituitary issues....waiting for next specialist appt.

Kyle is still sprinkling the lawn and holding down the fort at home. Jayde is still working weekdays, and sleeping in on weekends. Del did take 1 week of holidays, and we loved having him at home for a few days, farmed, and went camping. And, I have had 1 week of vacation, and worked regular and overtime hours so others could have there time off. We did manage to combine our winter wheat field!! Was wonderful to combine and haul grain off a dry field!!

Thats our summer so far.......keep it safe....bring on harvest!

Remembering

2011-07-25T10:09:00.002-05:00

July is about remembering. Today is 3 years since Katelyn was taken from us so suddenly-she is missed so much! Last week marked the 6 year anniversary of Jayde's accident-thankfully the miracles from that day continue-he has healed so well! So many birthdays this month....in my Friesen family, we counted 7 in a 12 day span! 3 years since the last Friesen get together, where many memorable pictures were taken! Kyle's birthday on Friday, and that will be 15 years!!! amazing!! feels like the other day!

Friday Del & I celebrated 22 years of happily wedded bliss!! Lol!! Okay not all days were as happy as others, but here we are!!! 22 years!!! That feels like just the other day too!!! How many times do we catch ourselves in conversation talking about something 'just the other day', and realize maybe its been more than a couple of years! Time truly does go by too fast!! Especially when you're having fun! :) To my husband of 22 years...I love you!

This summer has been wonderful weatherwise! After 3 summers of rain and cool temps, we have experience a month of warm temps and awesome sunshine!!! Blue skies are such a blessing!! Crops that were seeded in poor conditions are growing and looking better than expected....hopefully they end well, in the bin!!

The pet story on this farm continues to make me smile. The last 2 dogs are still calling this home. We added 2 kittens a couple of weeks ago, and yes, they finally starting eating, and are now running and playing happily. Then last week, Jayde phoned from Taylors house, asking if he could bring home a kitten someone had found in town and couldn't find a home for. So, now our kittens are 3! Hard to keep track at our house!! Ricky, Roxy, Ralphie, and 2 yet un-named cats.

We spent a short 2 day weekend camping, and had a relaxing time with one of Dels brothers and his family! So nice to spend time outside, campfires, eat fire cooked food, bike, relax, visit, play games.......love it!! Hopefully this weekend coming up will be another wonderful camping weekend!

Jayde has been going to work with Del; works out well with driving. I am working most of the summer, with 1 week of vacation coming this weekend. Kyle has been keeping the home/yard going, including running a sprinkler for 16 hrs a day on the front yard....what a time to have actually seeded grass! Kyle has faithfully been moving that sprinkler every 30-45 min, every day, since July 1! He was very grateful last week when it rained!!!

Thats our summer in a nutshell.

Drive safe, be careful, and enjoy your time spent with family and friends!!

Jokes on me!

2011-06-13T11:17:00.002-05:00

Well...this has been an interesting morning!!! Joke is on me!! I was all relaxed and enjoying a good read, when I heard knocking on the door. I called come in and went to see who it was. I fully expected it to be my dad, because he sometimes stops by in the morning to say hello, and I knew he needed his pill box filled. Well, it certainly wasn't my dad!!! Our accountant!!! C**p!! I forgot that he called last week and was coming by this morning!!! In all the years of the accountant coming by, I have never forgotten about him! Till today!! Those of you who know me know that I was not dressed for an accountant visit either. So I invited him in, and put on appropriate day wear...and got out the appropriate paperwork he needed. And made coffee!!! Ha ha ha to me!!! Teaches me to wonder what I'm going to do on a relaxing Monday morning!! Was such a wonderful weekend! Had girlfriends over on Friday evening, while both boys went to friends houses and Del had to work late. Saturday was spent going back and forth to fields, while Del got half the fields sprayed. jayde worked and Kyle helped me at home. Del,Kyle, & I even went for a ride on Saturday evening to check fields and get ice cream!! Sunday, was very exciting for me!!! Del dug me a ditch for my dry river bed, worked our yard which eventually will have grass seeded, and then we all relaxed. Boys went golfing and Del & I went for a picnic!! Yeah you read that right!! Was a wonderful relaxing evening!! So relaxing I forgot to check my schedule for today!!! Lol!!

Anyway back to the dry river bed comment. yes, i've been thinking for years what to do with the front yard. We have a large front lawn area which has been nice for the boys to play on, but with all the monsoon rains we've had the last few years, it has turned into a lake/swamp area. When it dried a bit 2 years ago, we worked it over, thinking we would landscape a bit and seed it back into grass with some ditches in place. Well, some culverts were put in by the RM but they were done inadequately until last year, so the whole project was delayed. And of course we've been blessed with tremendous amounts of precipitation since!!! But Del got my main ditch in place for this river bed. Now I need to get plastic together, and then we can start hauling rocks!!! I'm excited. Don't think my family is as excited tho for the work ahead. Hopefully it will be beautiful someday soon and not a disaster. And hopefully the rain predicted for this week will stay away and not fill those ditches before i can make it into a dry river bed-wet river bed??? Its in my mind and now to put it into action!!!

Last week of school for the boys. Jayde has 2 exams and Kyle has 5. Weird how some teachers get the kids to do projects instead of exams, and others don't. Hopefully all will go well with them! I know I'm way more worried than the boys are about exams!!! Is it cuz they're boys, or is it a teenager thing????

Got a tiny bit of seeds into the garden. Spinach and lettuce are up. Beans and snow peas are up. Potatoes aren't up yet. Maybe too wet/cold?? Who knows. My tomatoes are on the deck. Bought one big plant for regular tomatoes and one plant for baby tomatoes!!! Think maybe it will work better than planting plants in my swampy garden. Hoping to get some dirt into the garden. hauled in dirt about 7 years ago, and I don't know where that dirt went!!! Down!!! Even bought some flowers and did up some pots. The greenhouses were so beautiful-filled with all those gorgeous flowering plants!! Had to bring some of that cheer home!! Now if I could only keep them alive and flourishing!! The green thumb of my mother doesn't seem to have been passed down into my genetic field!!

Today is another cloudy, drippy, inside day. But I'm home and thats cause for celebration!!! Gonna make a real meal for supper-meatballs I think!!! maybe bake something!!! Love it!!

Have a wonderful summer day!

spring

2011-05-24T13:09:00.002-05:00

The sun is shining and even tho its not as warm as desired, I should be outside doing stuff. But, my one day off has other plans for me. When you least have time, the stomach flu hits. Yeah, I did say stomach flu!!! Ugh!! I hate vomiting!!!! Hopefullly its the very short variety and will pass ASAP! So, the chores and daily jobs and grocery shopping will wait for another day!

Anyway, I've written on here so many times in my head this last month, but its a little harder to put on keyboard when its not available at the right moment, or time doesn't allow. Let me try and recap what the last month has held. Had a wonderful week off of work.....farm auctions, meeting family, working on the field, all regular and routine things, but fantastic with the right people and awesome weather we had! Del and I attended 2 farm auctions and those are the ideal places to watch people. Also mixed feelings cuz it makes me think about why people are having an auction. Whether a forced or chosen sale, family must always feel some reluctance and sadness. Our possessions we've worked hard for are always worth the most to us. Our possessions have sentimental value, for the most mundane reasons sometimes.

My dad has followed up with his regular doc, and after a head CT, have found something going on that we are waiting for further results on. Dad is doing as well as is expected....tires easily, but still going strong with what he wishes to do. He has planted potatoes and is helping out at the Thrift Shop. He rotates between my brothers and our house, and visits and tries to help out as best as he can. His comment to my calling him stubborn, is, "I'm steadfast"!

Seeding has commenced. Trying something a little different this year. As its still too wet to seed traditionally, we have been spreading on seed and working it in that way. Time is awasting and we need those precious days of warmth and sunshine so the frost doesn't get it in the end...and thats why the seed needs to gets in ASAP. Jayde & Kyle have stepped up and are putting in more farm time.

Something that has been on my mind lately......facebook. More so, the bullying that occurs on facebook. yes, its in the news and we're all on the look out for it. We know it occurs in everyday life, and its not acceptable inevery day, so why do we find it acceptable when its online. Some comments are blantantly pathetic, while other comments are subtle, and they chip at a persons psyche. Its interesting to me, how one simple sentence can be perceived in many different ways. When we speak to someone face to face, the words said are only a small part of whats actually occuring in the conversation. So when we type a sentence, we may think we are typing something funny or sad or sarcastic. But,,,,,,, there are no facial expressions, hand gestures, or voice tone, to help the other person decipher what is actually being said. So I as a parent and a medical professional, get concerned when i see certain things. Many hurting kids and adults, trying to cope through life. Sometimes its easier for people to write their feelings than to speak them. Maybe thats why people write publicly. I don't know. Makes me wonder.

American Idol tonight. Last week for this years show. Wonder how people will vote.

So much more I can say or want to say (write), but my stomach is churning. Ugh!!! Stay healthy!

live each moment.....

2011-04-20T22:36:00.002-05:00

i titled this post before I wrote...cuz thats what has been going on in our life for the last while. I'd post the whole quote if i knew it properly, but its not my forte-I love those wonderful quotes, but am terrible at quoting them-thats Alyssas forte!! Anyway, its not everyday, or just anyone that gets the opportunity to have a second chance, or even a wake up call to realize that life is short and lets make the best of it!! Here's our families story...

Last Thursday evening, at 1120 pm, our phone rings and its Anita asking what she should do with my dad. He was having severe chest pain, and looked rather unwell. Sounded like classic heart attack symptoms to me, and suggested he needed to go to hospital. Quick discussion ensued and conclusion was they would take and we'd go from there. I hang up the phone and my mind is running amok with all these thoughts!!! My dad had spoken to my sister by phone that day, and he had visited Rol's house, my house, and had gone to Rogers for night. That along with Beth being home for the weekend, gave me one of those spine tingling shivers that is indicative of something not aligning positively. Del very quickly and wonderfully knew that I would not relax and wait at home and we left to join Rog, Anita and dad at the hospital. By the time we arrived, they had dad hooked up to the appropriate machines...(the wonderful fellow staffers i work with!!) After tests and assessments, a phone call to the city by our doc had dad in an ambulance and transferred to the city. We went home to 'sleep' and prepare for the day ahead. To make a long story a little shorter.......from one hospital to another following a CT, a diagnosis of a dissected aorta it was! Consultation with appropriate specialists and surgery was ruled out as an option....... from ER to ICU to regular room, to home tonight. To rogers house tonight. And rotated through our homes for the next few days. The plan is to treat this by keeping the blood pressure on the low side. This for a man who had not been required to take medication till now. Ahhh my stubborn wonderful father. This will be a challenge for everyone.. us not to smother him, and him to give up some of his independence! Yes, he has been given the gift to see another day, but there is no guarantee of how many or how long. Quick note of explanation-dissected aorta...tear in the lining of the aorta, the main blood vessel leading away from the heart-dad has 2 tears in his aorta.
So he is tiring easy, has dizzy spells when moving about, and is having some memory issues. Hopefully time and plenty of rest and T'LC will help with these issues.

And that is what we've been 'doing' the last week. Amazing how lifes priorities change with one phone call! Life keeps going around you, and you blink and try to catch up!

So, tomorrow my dad is hanging out at our house......I guess its time for me to play chess or checkers...will be interesting!

Love spring!!

2011-04-09T20:43:00.002-05:00

What to watch on a saturday at home??? By myself??? Lol!!! Well, actually its me, Kyle and 3 of his buddies. and of course they are playing video games, and I get the remote to myself. There's nothing to watch!!!! 5 minutes at each show!!! Lol!! Now I'm onto 'dance your a** off.' Hve never seen this one before, but I'm slightly intrigued. Del & Jayde are at a weekend away-Jayde's last weekend of hockey. Kyle has retired his equipment for the season. This next week I will throw Jaydes stuff into the washer! Yes!! My vacation time has come and gone, and I'm back into regular hours at work. feels like i never left!!! Worked a 12 hr day today, first of 4 shifts in a row. Only 3 to go!!! Spring is on us....the thaw is on. Water levels are rising in the ditches, snow levels are going down. Bring on the sunshine!! Boys are registered once again for soccer, against what I had thought we would do. I vowed last spring that we were not attempting that again...but they have come up with some valid points of why they should.....so we will go for it! Some things to think about, that have crossed my mind this last month. -how much does it take to awake that mama bear inside you, and come out growling??? I found out my inner mama bear is alive and well!!! Lol!!! Even tho they don't need me to fight their battles/issues, mama still gets worked up and wants to help them thru whatever comes their way-and yes, it takes alot of willpower to parent for their future-be a guide, supporter, and not a control freak. Yes they have to make decisions and live with consequences. -how to trust people around you and believe in that???? People, whether family or friends, will always let you down. no one is made perfect, and we all have to give and take. Just sometimes theres a little more of one and less of the other! And we still love each other thru 'thick and thin'. -politics is over -rated!! Like seriously-do we need to spend millions on another election???? I'm tired of the constant 'bickering' among parties, jockeying about who has screwed up more?? Peace and love!!! Come on!! lol! -music-loved watching American Country Music Awards!!! Some great performers!!! Wasn't that emotional to see the piece by Darius Rucker and the special needs adults???? What a wonderful experience for them!!! Definite tear jerker!!! And Carrie Underwood!!! Wow!! Yeah, I'm a music fanatic!!! Almost as good as the 80's, eh Michelle??? :-) -relationships require work. Hard work. effort and energy required. yeah, I'm back to people..... -oh, yeah..... made me realize what i love to do at work.. Yes, i actually like my job somedays. or what i get to do somedays. Somedays i actually get to make a difference in peoples lives!!! Somedays I actually leave work feeling like a made enough a difference in someones life that I know it was meant to be!!! No rush like that rush!!! And yes, somedays i feel like I haven't done enough to make a difference.....and therein lies the challenge to do better next time!!! -alot of hurting people out there......yes, we all know people that are needing some extra TLC. Some people won't admit it, but will absorb love/attention like a sponge. And maybe that little extra we give will be the difference between life and death for them. Yes, it could be. Thats enough deep. I watched about 7 min of that dance show. the end of it. hmmmm, don't know if i'd watch it again. Good intentions of that show, but you gotta be awfully strong emotionally to be there. So, my TV is back to a music show! thats my kind of entertainment!! Good beat, great sound, awesome vocals...love it!!

spring is in the air

2011-03-14T17:48:00.003-05:00

Spring is coming!!! Definitely! Time change, the sun has come out, and apparently temps are going to warm up this week...please....please.....bring on the thaw!!!

Update on our lives......hockey. Yes, it will start slowing down now. Kyle has been playing on both Bantam and Midget teams this year, and the last 2 weeks both teams have completed their league playoffs-which they both lost their rounds- and both teams have gone to Provincials weekends. A week ago, the Bantam team came home with a Bronze medal, and yesterday, the Midget team won the Gold medal in their home rink! Very exciting for teams!!! A long winter of hours of ice team culminating in a rewarding weekend! For the parents, this signifies rewards in the form of kids smiles, and knowing a few less hours on the road. The Midgets had their Provincials at home, and hosting this event means a few hours of volunteer time at the rink. Fortunately for me this year, I didn't have any responsibility role!!! Yay for me!!! I just had to show up and work!! Lol!!! And canteen duty is done!!! The fries, burgers, perogies, chicken fingers, kolbassa, and cinnamon buns that went through the canteen...Wow!! And, I will say, I was truly impressed with the effort put out by people to make this happen-skating club parents, board members, and community supporters-they pitched in to make this all happen!! Its these people that make an event like this successful!!

Jayde's team finished their playoff run last Thursday....close but not close enough to carry on to the next round. Someone has to win and someone gets to lose. This winters experience with driving all those miles with Jayde has provided for many hours of great conversation, silence, naps, developed friendships.......great experience!

one of the moms on Jaydes team, and I, decided to finish off the year with a pedicure before the last game; what an awesome experience!!! Its not only the on ice memories, but the off ice moments that will be remembered for a life time!!

So, Jayde is now preparing for a weekend of Junior A camp hockey in April, and Kyle has 1 weekend of tournament play left. And then its time to once again wash the hockey equipment and put it away till next season. All good things come to an end.

I am catching up at home, on a week of vacation. This next weekend I am planning to attend an inservice for work. The inservice is supposed to be very good, as good as it can be when the subject material is Palliative Care. Yes, very heavy material, but very important. And its definitely one of the things that are very dear to my heart. So, thats my plan. I has registered to do this inservice 2 years ago, but that was the weekend mom deteriorated and passed away; so I'm going to try again.

Anyone watched the footage from the earthquake/tsunami in Japan???? How incredible and incredibly sad!!! Amazing video!!! its almost too crazy to be real!! So hard to imagine what that nation is going thru. Amazing in that the instant something this horrible happens, its on digital format and the whole world can watch it happen!!!

Thats it for today....I've got the BBQ warming up....T-bone coming up...

feb 28

2011-02-28T15:36:00.002-06:00

February has certainly flown by! Between the boys at rinks every day, and actually taking vacation time to spend at the rink and clean the house, this month is gone!

This last weekend we were invited to spend in Vegas. What a wonderful weekend; spending time with friends from home, and getting to know new friends!! Shows, shopping, good food, walking, checking out the Hoover Dam, and checking out what else Vegas had to offer. Packed the weekend with many activities-had to make the short time count!! I'm so grateful for meeting Dale & Rhonda-what an awesome couple!! Hours of visiting/acquainting! And Heather and Doug-well what can I say??? It's not every day you get to spend time with a close co-worker/friend, in Vegas! Awesome time! The weather was a little temperamental, as it actually threw us a few snowflakes-Im sure to remind us of why we love to live where we live!!! Right. Anyone wondering whether to check out the Love-Beattles show by Cirque de Soleil-well, its truly amazing!! incredible talent!! Definitely an amazing choreography of music, dancing, gymanstics, .......hard to believe some of those feats are humanly possible!!! Just a few hours spent practicing.... ! Even the flights were good-i think I'm getting better at this flying thing. The 'boss' steward on the flight home was a hoot-a comedian/singer tucked into a Bette Middler face! Great way to get away from a cold winter and rejuvenate!
Back to reality now....to the rink. Jayde's team won their first round of playoffs, so they move onto play next round. First game on Thursday. Kyle's Bantam team lost game 1 of their series on Saturday, and game 2 is tonight. Kyle's midget team won game 1 so they play game 2 tomorrow. Hmmm, think Wednesday evening might actually be at home. Kyle's Bantam team is playing provincial this weekend, so that means hitting the road first thing friday morning!
Laundry is washing/drying, food is going to be on the table soon, leaving the suitcases out for next weekend...and time to prepare mentally for work tomorrow. yes, all good things come to an end.....back to work tomorrow!! Ugh!! Hard to go back after a few weeks off. Oh well, it will be like a holiday from home!!
Bring on spring temps!!! I'm ready!!! March here we come!

musing...

2011-02-06T20:08:00.002-06:00

Here I am....watching the Super Bowl. Well, it's on, and I've watched the best parts-the singing of the national anthem, the half-time show, and now I'm waiting for the post-game show. Del is right beside me just wishing he could write here for me! :-) We have been away this weekend, as Jayde had 2 games in the city, so we stayed with family overnight. Enjoyed some wonderful food and visitation!! Kyle had a weekend off of hockey, but I'm sure he will make up for it this coming week! His bantam team had a bye last week, so this week will be their turn to play for the privilege to go play at provincials.

I was rushing through Superstore yesterday, and i had this crazy thought that I wished I could blog right then!! I am a people watcher, and thats an awesome place to go and see people. The things I could have described for you! Do you ever wonder what people think when they leave their homes to go grocery shopping???? Do you think they think no one will be in the store to see their hair that obviously hasn't been combed/brushed/washed......for who knows how long??? Or the clothes combinations??? Because its Saturday, people think its a day off of looking like they care about themselves??? One couple I saw...I laughed.....and this will sound downright mean,,,,, but it was funny!!! Both of them appearred to be in their mid fifties... with still brownish colored hair. Both were wearing glasses. Both were carrying a shopping basket. His hair was totally stuck to the side of his head, while the other side was standing straight up. Her hair was just below shoulder length and was greasy, straggly and going in totally opposite directions!! Like they totally belonged together. She in a plaid jacket, he in a grey parka. Clean. And maybe I should stop my description......you are thinking I'm being stupid!! But doesn't it make you wonder what they do for jobs???? I seriously think they were both professionals, that were taking a day off of looking good for the public!!! maybe celebrities.... :-)
Different priorities. I love imagining what people are thinking, what they do for a living, and who they hang out with. I could spend hours watching people at stores/restaurants/rinks/parking lots...... so much to learn!

1 quarter to go in the game......till one team wins and the other team is 2nd place. Sucks to be 2nd, hard to remember that 2nd place is still better than the other teams in the league.

have a wonderful winter week ahead!

Hockey road trip

2011-02-01T20:24:00.002-06:00

This internet speed is sucking!!!!!......can barely load this page.......maybe the satellite air waves are frozen due to wind chills!

Another wonderful relaxing evening at home-makes for nails done up for tomorrow-to match hair and uniform.

We had an interesting weekend!! Kyle stayed home with his wonderful cousin, Michelle, to chauffeur him about, while Del & i went along with Jaydes hockey team for his weekend road trip. And an adventure it turned out to be.....left at 745 on friday am, to meet the bus at 945. Bus showed up at 10 amidst a snow storm! Yes we quickly loaded hockey equipment, luggage, drinks, food, players and parents, and off we were!!!! No joke, but 10 miles down the road the bus hit the ditch!!! Yes, you read right! at probably 5 miles an hour!!! I guess visibility was a problem, especially for the 'well-experienced' driver! He calls dispatch for a tow truck and we sit and wait.....about 5-7 minutes later......the emergency rescue vehicles start pouring in!!! No kidding!!! So, I pulled out my camera and started taking pictures-too bad i can't post any due to that 'fast' high speed I'm experiencing!! Anyway, someone had called 911 and reported a bus on its side in the ditch, with multiple passengers! Multiple amblances, cop cars, and then the large EMS ambulance/rescue bus!!! And 1 tow truck. After quick discussions between the EMS guy in charge, and our team manager, it was decided that all people would be relocated to the EMS bus for assessment and triage, while the tow truck did his thing!! So off we went to the EMS bus, and the paramedics started doing their thing. Very efficient with their electonic entry system!! All 37 passengers/patients were entered into their system and then each parent/passenger signed off to refuse treatment, as all were fine. Then we waited in the bus while the tow truck pulled out the team bus. Alas....the EMS windows were covered up and I could not take pictures of this process. Anyway, evetually we were given the go ahead to head back to the original bus, once again on the road. We were informed we would be transferring to another bus, while the powers that be would decide whether our trip would continue or not. So, our 'Old' bus carried on down the road a couple miles and pulled into the city into a mall parking lot. Here we moved over into the new 'older' bus, with a different driver, uhmmmm, younger driver. -) And off we went down the road-between 60-70 ms/hr, until we made it to our destination at 3 am. The bus trip turned into a 15 hr ride!!! from 7 hrs...... I tell you that felt like a long time. The kids were supposed to be up at 6 am for breakfast and a game, which the manager informed the other team at 3 am, would not be happening. So, a 3 game weekend, turned into a 2 game weekend. Sunday's ride home went very well!!!! Only cold and sunshine-perfect for travelling!!! Certainly memorable!!!

That is my little story of the week-back to work tomorrow. And then vacation time off. yay!!! Hopefully will get this house cleaning up to par, and keep on top of end of season and play off hockey!!!

Shift work advantages

2011-01-26T08:15:00.003-06:00

Good morning! A relaxing few minutes this morning, as Jayde was planning to go to school later as he is driving himself today, and his classes don't start till just before lunch....and the rest of us forgot to set an alarm! :-) So, now Kyle gets to go to school later too! Del is off to work, and I'm here looking at hair pictures, trying to decide what it is I should get done to my hair today. Love going to my hairdresser-and not just for the hair do...its for the massage, the great hair wash, the wonderful smells, and for the wonderful visit we get it!! Then off to Jaydes game tonight. It has felt so weird this week! Jayde drove Kyle to practise on Monday, and last night he drove himself to his ride in town. That freed us up to do whatever. I have not had 2 evenings like that in a long time!!! Bookwork, cleaning, patching up clothes, laundry, reading, and even gave myself a mini pedicure last night! wow!

I had a thought yesterday that i should blog about the advantages of working shiftwork! Often we talk about the frustrating parts-but, I'm gonna try and spin it otherwise.
Shift work lets you-become accustomed to the oddest sleeping hours.
-sleep in the weirdest positions.
-be on the road when others are not, and thereby reduce road rage.
-do business in hours others are stuck at work, on your whole day off.
-eat meals in the middle of the night, thereby screwing your body into thinking, yes!!! i want to slow down my metabolism, but no! not really!
-go to work early and come home late-after 12 hrs, and if you do this enough days in a row.....in this part of the country....you don't get to see sunshine for days, and save your sunglasses to use some other time of the year!
-save on clothes expenses-cuz you go to work in a uniform, come home and collapse, and do it again. and when you are off of work, you just stay home in a bathrobe cuz you're so happy you're home, you're not leaving again till you have to go to work. Oh, maybe thats just me!! :-) Yes, I love my bathrobe!
-you get to have the most awesome friends in the world, cuz when you work night shift with someone, you can spill your innermost guts at 5 am and they have to love you forever and hold those secrets in forever!
-get a second family due to holiday and special moments spent away from your first family-that bonding does work!
-get to take phone calls while you're asleep during the day, and never remember agreeing to those canteen shifts you've accepted while in another world.
-have to wonder whether its am or pm when you wake up and the clock says its 9:00. And madly scramble around the house deciding whether you're late for work or why the kids are still home and not at school!
-an odd 8 hr shift feels like a holiday when you leave, cuz normally 12 -13 is acceptable-and you feel guilty for leaving your partner behind cuz they are there for the normal marathon shift.
-oh, ya, the $$$ you make for getting night shift premium!! ha ha ha.....

Seriously, there are advantages to working weird hours, along with all those disadvantages! All sarcasm aside-you get time with friends and family that regular hour working people don't get. And you make those moments count!! And, when it comes down it....there's always another job out there if this one doesn't cut it.

Don't know if any of the above made sense, except to the person who does work the shift work! Thats my thought for the day! oh, one more0-shift work helps for versatility! Thats a definite advantage!! Got to be able to go with the flow......

Have a wonderful winter day!

its a cold one out there-stay warm!

2011-01-21T12:07:00.003-06:00

Yay!!! I'm enjoying a day at home... with my 16 yr. old. Even that is enjoyable. I'd like to say he missed school because he just missed me and wanted to spend time with me, but alas..... he has been fighting the flu all week, and this morning, he was too beat to go to school. My gain!! i even had lunch with him already. He doesn't know it yet, but he will be doing some little 'chores' this afternoon. This house has been neglected too long and he is going to help me whip it into some semblance of a home again, and not just a teenage gym!

It has been an exciting month for Jayde. He was selected by his coaches to play in his leagues all-star game, on Jan 8. And he went for his drivers road test on Wednesday....and passed with flying colors!!! Lucky for him! He thinks now that hes allowed to drive legally he can just go wherever he likes, but his parents seem to disagree with him a bit on that. We will figure it out and make this work too.

His drivers day was interesting for me. I had this feeling/fear he would not make it cuz of overconfidence. And he did us proud. Jayde & I went to the insurance office to get his paperwork done before I dropped him off at school, and they closed for an hour just as we went in. So, I dropped him at school and was thinking ahead of how we would accomplish this the next morning among everyones schedule. I was driving along on the road out of town-and I was not speeding or texting-when I felt the tires start pulling on the soft edge of the road. I guess I had wandered off the edge of the highway on to the shoulder and it was so soft there, the wheels could not grab to get back on the road! So, I hit the ditch for the first time on the day my oldest got his drivers!! :-) My first thought was "Jayde is going to love this!" Reminded me of the time about 6 weeks ago when Jayde was driving on a gravel road and pulling aside to meet a semi, and I semi-freaked on him telling him to stay out of the ditch and get on the road before the wheels got sucked in! I could feel it then that it was too soft on the side! And here it happened to me! I could only be embarrassed and laugh at myself! Thank you to my kind friends who willing dropped everything to pull me out-yes, you, Chad!!!- and then subsequently didn't have to because the town tractor happened by and took care of me!!! There are definite advantages to small towns!!

Kyle-is busy playing hockey, going to school everyday, and trying to sleep in between. His 2 team winter has become a bit of a circus in keeping schedules straight, and rides happening. The midget team he plays on has been so good for him and his confidence! He loves playing with them, and has looked forward to those games! Fortunately there are some generous parents on both his teams who have helped get him to and home from games.

I figured out that my rotation at work takes up 14 days of 28, and this same rotation happens every 28 days. And with the 12 hr shifts, that means all 14 shifts, my evening is gone. That means if Del is unable to transport the boys at the appropriate time, and I'm at work, that we are dependent on someone else to drive our children. Talk about being dependent and grateful!!

A note on my dad-he seems to be doing so well! I'm so proud of him for managing the way he is! He knows he needs to keep busy, and has immersed himself in volunteering at the local Thrift Shop. He puts on average 2-3 days/week there, and seems to enjoy it! He has helped us out with some child transport, and does not turn away an offer to eat a meal! He also rotates thru the restaurants in town for coffee and soup. He stopped by work the other day looking for lunch, as he was in town with a group of volunteers to pick up stuff for the self help store-and they had all brought bag lunches-I guess he knew he could come to work and we'd look after him. (mich and I were working together) So, fortunately the kitchen was still open and Mich quickly went to pick up lunch for him! It was so 'cute' to watch him sit and eat lunch, read the paper, and relax, and then go on his merry way-yes, its like his second home....everyone at work is so good to him when he stops by to check up on us....coffee, cookies, or whatever else we have around to give him!

Enjoy this fine -30 winter day! Stay warm!

Happy New Year

2010-12-29T01:39:00.002-06:00

This is a post born out of a necessity to distract. A nagging cough is keeping me awake, and I decided it was time to move myself out of bed and onto something more productive than cough out both lungs tonight. So, here i am, sucking on my wonderful 'breezers-halls', and tucked into my cozy housecoat, and my fluffy blanket from my mom, in front of the main computer in the house. In the dark.
Gonna unload a bit.......stupid flu has hit our house. I guess thats what happens when you work in a germ loaded enironment, day after day, and you mutate what you work with and around. Bring it home to share with your family. Awesome. The head cold/sore throat/fever/chest cold viral influenza is definitely hitting hard this Christmas season. The surrounding communities are all struggling with this strain. And I managed to pick it up. Worked right thru Christmas tho, cuz who else will work. And Kyle started up with it on Christmas Day. Del is sporting some form of it as well. Fortunately, so far Jayde is winning, and hopefully that continues! Of course, my sore throat turned into a laryngitis, and my low, sexy, voice is here, competing with the non present voice. LOL! People love hearing my voice on the phone! (Rated material, I know!)
What else can I say?? Christmas was wonderful! I worked nights from Christmas Eve, Christmas night, and Boxing night. We celebrated at home on the 23rd. Christmas Day I slept till noon, and we had a wonderful afternoon playing Settlers of Cataan-an awesome boardgame you need more than half an hour to play! On Boxing day, I slept till noon, and then we were off to Dels parents to celebrate with the family there. Wonderful food, and games during the afternoon-and Del delivered me home early to go to work. On the 27th, we had invited some of Dels family over to celebrate. This is an annual tradition where we've invited some of his brothers, with their families, to spend an evening of food, presents, and games. This little tradition has evolved from a couple bachelor brothers to a lively group of men with awesome wives, and children! We've moved onto pulling names for tickets, and dividing up food duty. What a truly wonderful time we had. Awesome supper, great gifts, and a rousing game of Phase 10 for the adults, and the kids played playstation games, and movies, of course! I have to mention that I did win eventually, and I'm sure its the first time ever that I've won Phase 10 in that family!!! They are a competitive group that challenges everyone to rise to the occasion, and usually I'm the one with the most points. The aim of the game is to finish your sets with the least amount of points. Finally, I actually finished those sets!! First! Just barely!! Yesterday, Del was back at work, and the boys and I cleaned up at home. Cleaned up dishes from the night before, laundry, put away the tree, and stuff like that! Jayde had hockey practice once again last night, and Kyle has a friend over. Poor Jayde came home with a strained back issue. Advil & ice, massage and heat are in the works. Nothing he can't handle again.
Tomorrow, I've enlisted Jayde to help me haul garbage. I'm sure we are going to fill the box of the half ton with all the garbage of the last few weeks! It always amazes me how much garbage accumulates in such a short time!
Weatherwise, today was beautiful! Jayde shoveled the snow off the deck, and the sun melted away the little bit on the bottom. 0 degrees and sunshine! what a treat! Just read that a storm system is headed our way-so grateful we had the awesome temps this last week!
Oh, ya, I should mention my extended family is meeting this saturday, at Michelle's house. She bought herself a house, and moved in last week. She mentioned she would gladly host this event, and she won the lottery! She cleans, and I cook!!! We all win!! Food duty is divided up and everyone knows whats coming!!
Enough of this day to day event stuff. gonna attempt the bed again shortly!

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T04:13:00.002-06:00

Here we are-Christmas Eve/Christmas morning. And lucky me, its my turn to work. At my workplace, we alternate working Christmas. So, I'm working Christmas this year, and off for New Years. Next year, will be my turn to have Christmas off and work New Years. Yup, thats how it is when you choose my profession. Work the holidays, weekends, nights, and all that good fun stuff. It's what you sign on for, when you become a regular ward nurse. And that's what my husband and kids are used to. Versatility. And when I work Christmas, we celebrate before I start my shifts. Just doesn't seem fair to make the kids wait till after my shifts are done, and doesn't feel right to fit in between shifts. So, this year 'Christmas' was yesterday, the 23rd, at our house. The boys and I did home stuff in the morning, like cleaning, cooking, and making lots of meatballs for the functions this next week. Then, Del came home early, and we played games, and had an early supper. After supper, we did our gift exchanges, and of course, played around with all the new 'toys'. Had a wonderful time together!! Today was relaxing at home in preparation for my 3 nights of Christmas shifts. My extra special bonus is, when I get to work, I'm working with family. Michelle and I signed on to work nights together. We figured if we're working Christmas, we might as well be together-and we are! So far so good.........

Wishing all a wonderful weekend!!! Merry Christmas! Enjoy your time well spent with family and friends!

Mid-Dec

2010-12-15T03:19:00.002-06:00

On another night shift-so far this one is a little less eventful than last night. Whew!!! last one was a blur from beginning to end. And I'm sharing this night with michelle-lucky me. So, December is half over. The days are getting shorter and the nights longer. I asked Del today, if it wouldn't be nice on Monday-the shortest day of the year-to go to bed at sunset and actually get to sleep till sunrise, thus enjoying the longest night of the year!!! Oh to have such a good sleep! Not in the works for me, cuz I get to work. But if anyone does get to try it, please let me know how that 15 hr sleep was!
Del's last single brother got married this weekend. Don & Noreen had a beautiful wedding! If I could post pictures, I would, but you know how thats going for me.....
Del's grandma stopped in for a visit at our house on Sunday night. That was special. She had decided when she came out for the wedding, she would visit all her grandsons in this family. I was quite impressed with her determination!!
Christmas shopping has wrapped up again. Ahead of all of the crazies at this time of year!! :-) Now I just like to shop and watch everyone else scramble for that special item on their list! Went for a fun shopping trip last week with a couple friends-had a wonderful time together!!! Between appts, eating, shopping, laughing, telling stories, and walking/sliding to where we wanted to go-special memories were made once again.

My mind is full of words, just waiting to come out.......not right now. I have work calling my name. Someday, when things are quiet, and nothing to do (yeah, right) then I'll have a long post once again.

Hope everyone is snug in their beds-snoring-dreaming-resting-rejuvinating-preparing for another wonderful day!

think its full moon!

2010-11-20T21:35:00.003-06:00

I have to admit that I'm a little disappointed......i have tried to upload pictures the last few days, and no such luck!!! Keeps telling me unable or something...! So no pictures. Makes for creativity and imagination. Word pictures.

I'm relaxing after a long, steady, busy, but good day at work. Day 1 of 4 12 hour day shifts. Sanity intact even after working an hour past my shift....just because my shift ends at 7 doesn't mean that the work ends. Nope, we just keep giving till its done, or at least till its done enough so next shift isn't totally swamped making up from last shift!!1 Once again, a good day and night crew work together to make it work. Our roles are dependent on each other......give and take, and more of the same......I could give you some interesting stories...but that would be breaching confidentiality, and can't have that!!! needless to say, we could write many interesting books that would blow your socks off!

The last month has flown by. As i was trying to post in pictures-Jayde's 16th birthday, Alyssa & Michelles birthdays, volleyball for Jayde and Kyle ( which has fortunately concluded for another school year!), hockey, hockey, hockey, and we have increaseed our family size. Of the four legged variety. Unbelievablly we have taken on the role of dog owners once again. In the matter of 2 days, we got 2 12 week old german shephard puppies, and a 1 1/2 yr old husky. Extremes I know. Puppies have adjusted well. And the big boy, and yes, he is a big boy, has adjusted a little. LOL!!! How do you teach a dog boundaries????? This poor dog has obviously always been on a leash and is in dog heaven, meaning he loves the space. Run, run, run. And jump! And chase cats!!! Poor felines don't have a chance here anymore! He has tremendous amounts of energy! He is settling down and not just running anymore. he likes to lay by our bedroom to sleep-like outside..... like he knows thats where we are. He is a beautiful dog!!!! I just need to like him after fetching him home from his adventures, and try to monitor his rambunctious playfulness with the pups.

Jayde is enjoying his hockey team; plenty of ice time there this last month. Due to injuries the defense has put extra effort in and played thru some aches and pains! Kyle is enjoying splitting his hockey prowess between the bantam and midget teams. Interesting, cuz his bantam team has too many children and ice time is a little sparse. The other extreme is the local midget team is desperate for players and he has been AP'd to play with them whenever he is available. He is truly loving this opportunity and has claimed them as his team and gets plenty of ice time. This is a wonderful opportunity for him to push his skating ability and speed, and has challenged him to play against players that are up to 4 years older-15-18 yr olds-making him stand up for himself!!! My fun loving, smiley boy is learning that its okay to stand up for himself and his teammates! :-) Wonderful sport to develop teamwork!! Definitely an asset to learn as young as possible!

Winter has come once again.....snow is here.......cold today, -22 this morning......parkas and boots are out.

So excited!!! 3 weeks till Del's brother Don, and fiance, Noreen, are getting married. Cute couple!!! Ceratinly looking forward to this fun day!

My brain is finally slowing down...takes awhile to unwind after a work day like today. Gotta get it prepped for another interesting one tomorrow. I'm sitting in my bed, listening to Kyle and Nathan talk and laugh, and Kyle is practising trumpet...Those two are so cute together! Best buddies!! And I could listen all day to my kids practise their instruments. I'm gonna find a book to read!!! Yay for me! Oh, ya,
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!!!!! I THOUGHT THIS POST DELETED RIGHT BEFORE I WAS DONE!!! I FOUND IT IN DRAFT LAND!!!
Anyway, oh ya......jayde is playing hockey tonight and thankfully Del could take him and watch the game....hope its going well for them!

what is the significance of Remembrance Day?

2010-11-12T08:31:00.002-06:00

It's that time of year-almost mid-Nov. Poppy time. Remembrance Day. What, why, and who????? Ever wonder truly why this is a holiday? A day off work, and kids get to stay home from work??? Every year we see poppies being worn by people on the street, and all TV hosts and celebrities. But, I wonder how much thought actually goes into this little ritual. Not to sound preachy or anything, but I think we are forgetting too easily of why this day is here for us to observe a historical event. I don't remember the wars. Before my time. At least the ones that started this observance. Maybe I'm getting older and have more time to consider why we do this. I asked my dad what he remembered of WWII, and he couldn't remember much. I found it interesting what he did remember-the sky turned very dark at 9 that morning-the start of the war. Odd, isn't it??? The weather was feeling along with the situation. He said he and his older sister were riding along with his dad, delivering milk, and the sky turned dark. He was 4 yrs old apparently. He doesn't remember anything else of that day. His father did not have to serve in the war because of family and farm responsibilities. I remember my mom telling me her father served, and received medals in honor of his service. Those are my family connections to the war. I don't have a close family member serving now, either. Can you imagine???? It would be difficult enough to send your family member now, in this era of technology. but, back then, you would let your loved one go, not knowing when your next form of communication would be, if there was one!!! What tremendous sacrifice was given of those people!!! Those that went, and those that stayed behind to support in other necessary roles!! I do take my 'free' country for granted. Lives were lost so that I can live the way I do-so our children can go to school and be educated-so we can express our thoughts and feelings openly-to believe what we choose-to travel-to maintain friendships openly-to be employed in our professions-to eat like royalty!!-.......the list could go on and on....... we are truly blessed!!! I admire the men and women who still serve today in the areas around the world that are struggling. To fight for freedom for people you don't know personally! To fight for the right thing! For the minorities, for the men, women, and children, who are stuggling, in dire need of basic needs. So hard for me to imagine this neediness, but its there, and there are people from our country serving in the capacity to enable these to be able to cope and improve their environment! So, my gratitude and respect, go out to those who have served, and are serving at present!

musing from a hockey game

2010-10-30T22:39:00.003-05:00

i was sitting watching a hockey game tonight and i felt inspired to write a post. del & i went to watch the Sioux play their second game this weekend. university hockey! what an interesting evening. some of the highlights were-a live university band playing in next section to us-what an awesome job the drummer did!-got to sit next to, and chat with Craig McTavish-remember him from his oilers days??-he left during the second intermission-we think cuz of the guy sitting on the other side of him, who had imbibed a bit much and was carrying on!!-i amused myself during the third watching the yahoo make obsene gestures, cheer wildly, get drowsy, lose his cell phone, and so on......-awesomefan support for the team, even in a losing game-skating cheerleaders, decent parking-and organized after game driving patterns. What a beautiful rink, as well!

Another thing that i re-learned today-shopping for myself with my husband and two teenage boys-well, its not the best idea I've ever had. i did get some alone shopping time while del and the boys watched a football game during the day. i thought they would want to hit the stores too, but, i obviously was wrong, and it was only me who gets a thrill of walking the malls. we had an awesome supper at texas roadhouse-reminds me, my leftovers are in the fridge-i should have them.

yes, we have gone away for the weekend. Booked it as going away as soon as we got jayde's schedule and realized it was the only weekend he did not have a hockey game. relax and have fun is the schedule!

I've been off work all week. last weekend, i worked , and throughout the weekend my back and shoulder got increasingly tighter(is that a word??), which on Sunday night culminated in constant muscle spasms and pain, and a useless left arm. Monday was spent getting a massage and multiple injections and meds.....which now 5 days later, has left me with an arm that is there, but alternates between numbness and pain, no more spasms thankfully. 3 sick days later, I'm on a scheduled week off and then a couple weeks of vacation. Hopefully that will be enough time to regain some use of that limb.

I.m typing , but as you've noticed, i:m not capitalizing all the letters I should, cuz its too much work. oh, well, i think it still makes sense.

my dad is scheduled for gallbladder surgery first thing monday morning. hopefully all goes well-day surgery and hes out. that should take care of that pain that has bugged him off and on the last few years.

okay, i'm fizzling out-i;m gonna go read a book.....

Quick one!

2010-10-19T19:35:00.002-05:00

Another beautiful fall day....spent at work and the rink. The drive to the rink was awesome! Sunshine and beautiful fall colors. Yes, the leaves are coming off the trees but it is still beautiful!

Jayde is at practice right now. I am in the parking lot-catching up on paperwork and such. Making use of time. I am in a stretch of nights at work, and once I deliver Jayde home, i go back to work. Jayde's team is in full swing-2 practices/wk, along with 2 games/wk. He is enjoying being on this team, and that certainly makes it worth the extra effort required to make this happen. Kyle's team started skating last week, and I'm assuming they will start their games next week. Both boys are still trying to manage school, volleyball practices and games, hockey, along with homework, chores at home, and playing around like all teenagers should.

My dad is hopefully in the air right now, winging his way to visit my sister and his brother and his family. A week away for him-this is well deserved for him!! And has been difficult to make it actually happen! So many deaths and funerals for my dad the last few weeks-he has been busy trying to get to all the functions. 2 rescheduled flights later, I think he has done it! At least he texted me he was sitting in the plane waiting for take off!

This is short and sweet-just informing all that are interested that we are still doing the usual. Work, school, hockey, and farming-yes, Del is on the field. Trying to get those fields in some sort of shape to seed for springtime. Time will tell once again.......

bathroom tissue

2010-09-29T08:14:00.003-05:00

You are gonna think I've lost my mind!! I probably did a long time ago!! :-) or its one of those times I shouldn't be in front of a computer. But I'm off work, the kids are gone to volleyball and school, and Del is at work. And I've started laundry, cleaning, and now here.

When you purchase bathroom tissue, otherwise known as toilet paper, do you just grab something off the shelf, or do you shop for the best value/deal? Or buy according to packaging, color, softness, or brand???? Really doesn't matter to me what you do. I'm here to tell you, the last packagee I bought is a joke....... serious. What a rip=off! The other morning, at 530 am, in my not so awake state-I''m not a morning person- even I noticed what a joke the toilet paper was! Like half a roll on the roll! And it was a new roll! I'm thinking i was shopping some sale and threw in this package thinking what a great price!!! and raced thru checkout and out the door. Toilet paper has got to be the greatest money maker. Wanna know how many sheets are on a roll? I think its usually 198, on a 2 ply roll. I actually have checked sometimes. Well this package looks like any other package of that brand, and each roll has only 133 sheets on each roll. Yes, I'm iimpressed with myself that I caught that in my morning fog.

This is all rather useless info-but, I thought you might find it amusing to realize the things I think of at a rather early and dark time of day. And it makes for some laughs after some of the things I think and post about.

Go out and enjoy this beautiful fall day!!

Beautiful fall day!!

2010-09-26T21:12:00.002-05:00

I have not fallen off the face of the earth. I am where I always am-work, home, on the road, and at the rink. I even tried to post pictures once, but it took too long to upload them, so I gave up! And there were times, I wished I could blog, but wasn't close to a computer-or fortunately there were times I was unable to blog due to time, or someother constraint. :-)

Got home from work an hour ago. Picked up supper on my way home, cuz that was the easiest way to cook tonight. Kyle wanted a night off from making supper. Jayde has been playing hockey for the last month, attempting to make it on a hockey team-somewhere! Therefore, Del has driven a fair bit, I've carried on with me shift work, and Kyle still holds it together for us at home!! Jayde skated for a week at the end of August with a Junior A team, and did very well-or at least they told him he did. (like what do I know!) They gave him a positive review, told him to look forward to next year, keep working on his game, and protected him on their roster. He is a young one, and has to be their top 2 defencemen to make it their this year, and no, hes not that good. So, prepare for next year, and to try out for a team his age group and region. Tryouts for the provincial team for our region were very short for him. Yes, I will sound a little disgruntled with the politics involved. Moving on, he has been skating with the regional team, at his age group, AAA in the city, and sounds like he will likely play there for the winter. If this sounds confusing to you, it should, cuz, I'm confused too. :-) Del and I just keep putting on a happy, positive face, and keep driving that child, and get to spend quality time with each other on the road and at the rink. Jayde is very excited to get the opportunity to play with other peers in his region!!! We are so blessed with his positive attitude!
We shall see where Kyle plays hockey this year. Another political gong show, that he chose not to tryout for the regional AAA team. In his words, "If Jayde has this much trouble, why should I bother". So, he will play regular minor league hockey, just not sure where at this time.
Del is still working his Monday to Friday job, and maintaining the farm. This grain operation, is well watered again this year. Truly, we wonder how much rain we actually need, or deserve. Enough already!!!

Work for me has been very busy-like the facility has been crazy!!! So many sick people!!! As well, we are so short staffed! Plenty of overtime for all who want!!! And even overtime for those who don't want, and are forced to stay hours after a shift is over.

I probably blog about this too often, but the subject came up again at work today!!! The subject of people assuming they are so smart and informed about things they're actually not that educated about. Like if I wanted information on how to build a house, would I read a book, hire a contractor, and try telling the guy how to then build my house.-this after he has been to university/college-taken his appropriate architechure/drafting/whatever courses???!!!! And the 20 years of experience!! Seriously, I need to leave the building to the professionals. Yes, to be informed and well read is good, but to assume I'm the professional seems to be overstepping my bounds. But, this is just me talking, and what do I know......
Sometimes the internet is just to convenient for people to do a quick study, and then provides way to much information, with out the background/experience/trust/support/credibility........ I think I'm getting my point across.

What beautiful sunshine we had today!!! And a few days this last week, when I was home!!! It was wonderful to go for a walk outside and enjoy the warmth, blue skies, and fresh air!!! This is a very good thing!!! Forecast is for a week of sunshine coming up!!! I sure hope so!!! That would certainly help with our harvest of our last crop of soybeans!!!

Alright I've gotten out my share of words today!!! I'm going to relax and mentally prepare for another day at work tomorrow!!! Hmmm, thats kind of like an oxymoron-relax and work in the same sentence!!! I'll say it this way-I'm going to lay in bed, read a fluffy fiction book, chat with my hubby, watch TV, and do nothing work related!!!! Good night all!

Aug 3

2010-08-04T11:42:00.002-05:00

So much to say and so little time to get it out! Here goes....

Had a wonderful weekend last weekend! We went for a short camping trip-Thursday to Sunday. Camped at 1 place and did little day trips. One day we checked out an old fashioned threshermens reunion. Wow!! That was very interesting. It took us through time and how it was done in the good ol' days. From horses to steam engines to gas jobs and now diesel. We are one spoiled generation!! To imagine doing the work the pioneers did, with the little horsepower they had! Amazing! We closed that day off with watching the rodeo. Cowgirls and cowboys-riding, bucking, falling-the works! Very relaxing day for us! Best part was-spending it with Del and the boys! Eating and enjoying the fair! So good. Then.. the next day we went on a whirlwind of visiting extended relatives! Four places in one day, including an uncle in hospital, and an aunt with her family on a colony. We so enjoyed meeting all the families!!!! Even came away from the colony with fresh bread, and produce from the garden! So good!!! And had awesome visits with all! Ended at the campground that evening-tired, but pleasantly reliving the good times we had! Ended the weekend with a relaxing start, drive home, and then of course, cleaning out at home and getting ready for the week.

Work-seems thats all I do. It's almost funny. The last two weeks, I've either been camping with the family, or at work with the 'family'. And I love it! My hubby and kids have been wonderful, and my friends and family at work have been great! We make it work. We are so short of staff at work. Everyone is helping out with extra shifts and hours here and there, so everyone can get some time off for vacation and family time.

Today I'm home!! Yay!!! I've kicked the boys out of the house. One is cutting grass and the other is tilling the garden. I have to get laundry done, clean house, bake, cook, and whatever else. And it will get done. Tonight we are celebrating Kyle's birthday. Family is invited and whoever else wants to drop by. Only one week late for him!

Kyle, my youngest, has reached 14. Unbelievable. From a screaming infant-oh the hours he cried-to the kind young man hes grown up to be. A ready smile for everyone. And his blue eyes. That combination is enough to persuade anyone to agree to his wishes. Good thing he is not unreasonable in his demands. lol... We are so proud of him!! I don't know how I'd have managed this last while without his willingness to help out. He is our sandwich maker, cook, cleaner, laundry getter-doner, whatever we ask him to do kind of guy. And a morning person to boot! And he's even the worrier/where is everyone/concerned one! Always looking out for the people around him. Thats my sweet, kind, and loving 14 year old. Belated Happy Birthday, Kyle!!! You are so precious!! We love you very much!!!

Whew! Got that out!! :) Last few days at work have been interesting! Between irate, unreasonable people to totally grateful families and patients, it certainly is a roller coaster of craziness. Thank you to my wonderful niece, Michelle, we've had good times. We share rides to and from work when possible, and we share the laughs when we're at work. I'm a lucky auntie!!

BAck to work for a bit-it still continues to not surprise me, but maybe it does, the amount of ego some people have. I don't know how people come to such amazing beliefs of self importance. or self absorption. Whatever it is, it still does take me by surprise. Illness does bring out some interesting characteristics, doesn't it???!!!

Okay, I need to get a bun dough going. and cake. Have a safe and enjoyable day!

Pictures!

2010-07-28T14:22:00.003-05:00

Finally!! My computer allowed me to load up some pics! Random of course!

Camping with family is always wonderful!!! Waiting for supper to cook-compliments of Gerald!
Gerald prepping the meat!

Bethany-Happy Graduation!!! Congratulations!

Nothing quite like the crackle of a wonderful fire! With knack zote!

Michelle and I had an interesting day at work this last month. To make a long story short-it was a trial at best!! When we finally escaped, it was to cursing, tears, and whatever else. So, it was only fitting, as Michelle is driving the car home, and I'm on the cell phone, that a prairie chicken forgot to cross the road, and ended up, perfectly placed in the front of Mich's car. After the shrieks-we doubled over in laughter in front of the car, till tears were streaming down our faces. As this was the perfect way to sum up our day!!! Ya, we can laugh now!

A couple of my very dear friends! Dawnett & Heather-you are very special women! Love working with you, and love hanging out with you after work even more! We have some good times together!

Happy Birthday to Dawnett-this was a little party we had at her house, with a few good friends! Wonderful relaxing evening on her amazing yard!! PS-the men are on the other side watching the women, of course!!

My two favorite boys!!! Mimicing the good 'ol UFC. Quite the pose, eh?

People post pictures of their diapers on the line, well, I couldn't resist taking this picture the day I asked the boys to bring me their socks, and I bleached them all!!!

I can't figure out how to delete this pic quickly as I posted it twice. So enjoy it twice! I'm off to check my pizzas and get ready for work!

Work!

2010-07-19T01:48:00.003-05:00

Work, work, work, work.

Went to an awesome concert last night. I'm now at work, still thinking about Del & I and our awesome evening out. And, I'm reminded of the song that was sung regarding work. Song written to honor the hard-working, everyday people that our countries need to make them succeed. And off we go to work.....

Yes, it was such a good concert. Outdoor, with an amazing light show, great sound. and awesome bands!!! Such a treat!!! It's been awhile since I've been at a concert, and I truly loved it!!! What a 'spiritual' experience. Don't laugh. Nothing speaks to the soul like music. Feel it in your inner self. Felt the reverbation of the bass guitar in my chest!!! Ahhhh, thats a good feeling!!

One of these days, I might take the time to download pictures from my camera onto the computer at home, and then post them. Maybe. On a rainy day. Oh, that could be any and every day. Other things seem to take priority.

My last scheduled days off from work, included yard work, staining the house, indoor maintenance stuff, bookwork, sleep ins, go-cart racing, visiting, reading, canning cherries, etc.....

Alright, I'm off to take care of patients again! Fine little break this was!

Happy Canada Day!

2010-07-01T01:25:00.002-05:00

No pressure for me now.......I know I haven't written in awhile, and here I am in a room at work, with 2 co-workers, and I'm gonna do it.
Third night here. Then a quick switch over to days. Sleep is over-rated.

Days are passing by. You know when your kids are little it feels like a day never ends. Well, I'm telling you now that they are teenagers, its flying by. Take them here, there and everywhere! Thats beside jobs, and everything else that has to get done. Fortunately, school is done for another year. Yay!!! ANd both children managed to move on to the next grade. I am trying to make lists for them of jobs they are to do at home. Much to their chagrin. But, I can't stand the thought of them lazing around all summer.

The other night I showed up at work, and I met a co-worker that was leaving out the back door. Quick 2 minute how are you discussion. She's such a sweetie!!! Then, she brought tears to my eyes, as she hugged me and told me she was reminded of my mom. I'm not telling you this to brag. Not at all!!! I'm saying this cuz it was so sweet to hear. Cuz my mom was so sweet to everyone, and I will never be as good as that. So to receive a wonderful compliment like that was so encouraging. (Think she was sucking up, right??)

Weather here is sickening. Would love to feel a drought. I know that sounds extreme. But enough is enough alreadys. Seriously, how much rain do we actually need??? Yard is floating, even the frogs don't know where to go!!

Ever wonder what your biggest pet peeve is??? Like not something little like bad breath. I've concluded what mine is. Two facedness. Is that a word?? It is for me. I truly don't know how some people can look in the mirror in the morning. Say one thing and do another. How do they sleep?? Be true to yourself. Come on already. I just asked my co-workers if it was okay to write that. They agreed. Maybe they're scared of me. Lol. Nah, they are the best!!! I know we need to put up with people that aren't always our favorite to deal with. Hey, I can hold a conversation or work with anyone. Anytime. I can tolerate, but seriously. That doesn't mean I have to suck up to them.

Hmmmm..... what else can I bitch about?? Lets see. Can't talk about work. I've whined about the weather. Discussed my pet peeve.

i have awesome friends at work. We put up with each other, and still talk to each other at the end of the day. We even have fun sometimes. Lol.. With all the overtime, even when our families want us home, and we're stuck at work. Our co-workers become our second family. Thank goodness!

Today is Canada DAy!!! Happy Canada Day to all!! We are truly blessed to live in a country of freedom. Enjoy your families!

its 5 am somewhere.... here

2010-05-21T04:41:00.002-05:00

My buttons have been 'popping off' a bit this last week. Yes, I admit I have some pride issues. All over something wonderful and good. And not about me. Then its okay, right??? Let me fill you in...... last Friday evening, was a social evening for the school choir and band. Let me give you a mental picture. (Cuz thats what I create in my head-it helps to envision it) Imagine a community hall, built to hold maybe 450 people. I could be wrong on this number. Imagine 600 tickets sold to parents, friends, and supportive community members. Now imagine sitting with the lights dimmed. Children have been required to be here by 6 pm. We've been visiting with people at our table and surrounding tables/chairs. The background noise is people visiting, chairs scraping, and band instruments warming up. at 645 pm, we observe a lone, young female, face the entire group of musicians-count them at about 120 children- she raises her little baton, and she coordinates them in warm up. You feel the ground reverbrate with the sound of deep bass. She moves from musician group to group, and warms them up separately, and together. Its like the appetizer to the real thing. And my heart beats in anticipation!!! Then comes stillness. Its 705 pm, and someone approaches the podium and welcomes the crowd. Introduces the band numbers to come. And then, its the real thing!! That amazing group of Grades 7-12 kids, from 4 different schools, come together and play their first public piece. And they do a second piece. Then its a 5 minute break as the band is done, and children move about and a childrens choir assembles to the right of the crowd. On risers, for all proud parents to see their children. And then to the utmost pride of all parents in the room, they perform 4 pieces of beautiful music. Beautiful is an understatement. Imagine hearing 100 male and female voices-4 part harmony-lifting the rafters. Angelic sounds. Beautiful song choices. Solo pieces. Deep male bass parts. High female sopranos. Ahhhhh! Heavenly sounds! My heart
has been so full since that night. I'm so proud of this group of kids. These kids come from many different backgrounds/homes/experiences/ etc..... and from different schools......you get the picture...... and here they are-performing under one roof, in one large group-together. Was it perfect??? No. It was better than perfect. Cuz, they accomplished what some said could not be done. Yes, it was beautiful. And, I admit there were tears in many peoples eyes that night. Pride, happiness, joy, relief........ many emotions. And impressed that one music teacher could pull this off in such a short time. Children who have not played instruments before, to pulling it together in 4 short months. She handled them with a great deal of respect, encouragement, and pride as well!!! Great job all around!

That takes me to my next little moment of pride-drama production at the high school on Wednesday night. Jayde elected to take drama this year instead of home ec. (sewing is not his forte!) So, drama class culminated in putting on a short Shakespeare production. Two evenings. All of 5 kids in this class. And they put on a half hour play. History and modern day together. Jayde has always enjoyed acting, and this was his kind of evening. It wasn't that they had to memorize exact lines. Apparently part of the project was to know how the play went, and improvise and come up with their lines as well as they could. And these kids pulled it off. Among the laughter and giggles, came a story line, that they could all relate to. And feel good about accomplishing what they set out to do!

And it was so good to see all these positive things. Sometimes we can get down on our school system, or kids, and its so good to be reminded of how much potential there is in our children, if we give them some support and a little effort!

Weather-its been extremely wonderful this last week. Beautiful sunny skies!!!! And balmy temperatures!! Now to have this last year long. Is it too much to ask for??

Seeding is almost complete. The boys have been helping out, and my dad has been pitching in. Hopefully another good day, and we can say its in the ground.
Dels work is at its busy time. Thankfully. Always good when a farm business is busy. Means there is positive production somewhere.
My work is busy. The place is full to overflowing-not good when my place is busy, cuz that means people are ill, and we never wish that on anyone.

Shall i bitch a bit?? Don't know if I should, but I feel like. My partner at work and I were just visiting and the topic came to government and bureaucracy........ like where do groups/people/persons get off playing God? Who deemed someone so important that they think they have the right to control others and make decisions in their stead?? I'm all for people being in charge, but at what expense do these people lord their positions over others?! Just because someone needs to be responsible, does not mean they are more important, smarter, more special, .....whatever, than anyone else, does it??? Thats an issue that really confuses me. Respect. Isn't that what should be included? Dignity and respect get forgotten so easily. Ya, I could go on and on.....really, I could, but I won't.

Thank God for friends. These are the people who choose to be with you. Not cuz they have to, but cuz they want to. Tough times, good times, laughs, crying, sickness, health-sounds almost like vows, doesn't it?! To my dear friends........love you!!!

May 14 early early morning

2010-05-14T03:06:00.002-05:00

Still at work....... yeah, I did get to go home last time. After I started phoning staff. :) Sometimes you just have to know who to phone, and other times, you get stuck here! 3 am. Interesting time of night/day to be thinking about what to write. I could comment about what I've done at work tonight. Hmm, don't know if thats presentable to write to you about. Lets say a couple interesting situations-and I can say I'm proud of myself!
Yes, I did say I'm proud of myself. I've realized I can be a pushover. Sometimes its easier for me to put up with other people's garbage, and I just carry on. Well, tonight I stood up for what needed to be done, and I did good!!! We'll see come morning! he he he....
The sun was shining yesterday, and the forecast is for sunshine today! yay!!! Awesome temperatures coming our way! Grass is growing, and the dirt/mud is drying! Washed some bedding yesterday and hung it our to dry. I love the smell of laundry that has dried hanging out on the line.
The boys school choir & band are having a special night tonight. A concert with them performing, along with special presentations by two other groups. I'm sure its going to be awesome! I'm looking forward to hearing the two groups. This will be the first time the band will perform publicly!
I've not planted a garden yet, much to my dads dismay. I'm thinking it will be a good year to work it regularily and just have a few tomato plants. I see all the weeds and grass growing in it now, and it would be so nice to get rid of that stuff. But, then its so nice to eat the fresh produce that comes out of the garden......I love gardening in January, and even May. Its July and August that become the challenge!
Seeding is underway once again. Hopefully all goes smoothly. Right.
I'm off to check on my prize patients!

whatever

2010-04-30T16:02:00.003-05:00

Can you say bone weary??? That's me. Friday afternoon, and there is a lull at work. Amazing, I know. And I'm beat! Just want to lay on the floor and sleep. Feels like that would be no problem......... The weather is rainy and dreary, caught up at work after a busy week, and the phone has stopped ringing here for a millisecond. I feel a second wind coming.
Dad is doing well. Up and about-back to volunteering with whatever he can find to do.
Boys are doing well. At school. Jayde did another round of hockey a week ago. Full weekend of hockey. Think they're done now till August. Soccer practise twice a week, and games start next week! This is going to be interesting!
Jayde had his CT on Wednesday and will follow up with a specialist for his headaches next week, as well as fit in a plastics appt. Along with me working my busiest week. Sleep is definitely over rated! Someday!
Jayde is driving!!! Yay!!! He did pass his learners test and is now in the drivers seat with mom or dad beside him.
DAMN!!! Just got a sick call! Off I go to trouble shoot this! I'm not staying......

dad, hockey playoffs, and headaches

2010-04-20T19:46:00.003-05:00

Came home early from a day shift, actually, not early, but late. Hmmm....come to think of it, I'm not sure. We are in a crunch at work, being short a few RN's. So being the kind and generous person that I am, I agreed to work an 8 hr day shift today, as no one else was available. I realized in the last few days that there was no one to work when I was supposed to go home, so I nicely phone my boss yesterday and asked what the expectations were of me and when I would be allowed to go home.......yes, I would have to stay a couple hours later. And reality is, if there is no RN to relieve me, I can't go home. I can't just leave!!! So, come 6 pm today, I did get to go home. I'm a little curious as to how the next few months will go with this arrangement. But what a blessing to go to work with wonderful co-workers. Good attitudes, willingness to work together, and the ability to laugh, all makes for a successful day at work! Yes, another great crew today!

My dad is having some health issues again. He was admitted to hospital on Sunday with an acute pancreatitis, once again. He had this a year ago. So, same treatment, same tests, on and on...... and he finally was allowed clear fluids at supper today-much to his delight! He is doing well. Coping well. Loves to ask when someone will bring him food. Time will tell what this will bring. Some further testing and referrals will be in our future, I'm thinking.

Hockey playoffs-now who is keeping up with all the excitement??? I am the lone female in this household, and therefore have no choice but trying to stay caught up in the hoopla!! I'm all for Crosby!!! What an amazing kid!! He has accomplished so much for a young man! I could have a child his age! Wow! So many people slam him-I don't understand it! We should be so proud of this young and talented Canadian!

The boys have put away their hockey equipment, and are caught up with badminton and soccer now. Our first spring of laying the hockey stuff to rest this early and trying out soccer. Bring it on!!

Jayde has been having occasional migraines the last couple of years. For some reason, they have come around a little more often in the last while; so, appts are coming. Just to make sure. Or to figure out what is triggerring this. I've battled with this for years, and to see my child now having to cope with this, makes this mama feel so bad. Hopefully this stage will pass quickly!! ( To top it, Kyle had one the other night too-a sympathy headache I'm thinking) lol!

What a gorgeous spring we are having!!! The beautiful sunshine has been awesome! And we are certainly enjoying the dry spell we are having!!! Hopefully this continues!

Gerald and Kathy and kids came to visit us last weekend and that was relaxing....good food and good visits.

April 26 brings us to the one year anniversary of moms death. A time to reflect and focus on the special person she was. Her legacy continues to live on!

Alright-gotta join the kids and see what the game updates are!

Abstract musing

2010-03-27T12:41:00.002-05:00

Among my travels in the last few weeks I've come up with some thoughts-yes, they're a little abstract
-we are spoiled in our country
-we have too much
-I'm a fussy eater
-i didn't think i was a fussy eater, but my taste buds are obviously accustomed to eating the same things
-our society is crazy
-our country is totally extreme about body image
-other cultures have different appreciations
-other cultures respect body image totally different than our culture, which thinks that size 3 should be what we want to be
-sometimes to have nothing, must be freeing
-to work for what you have is to develop an apppreciation for what you have.
-i think i'm overcoming my fear of flying
-to go somewhere by flying is a whole lot faster than driving
-did i mention we're spoiled in our country? yes, we have too much!
-'entitled' people are frustrating at times
-yes, lyss, I'm waiting for your post on entitlement....lol

the list can go on and on.........

-i have the best kids in the whole world
-i also have the best niece in the whole world!! Thank you Michelle for everything!!!
-i have the best nieces in the whole world-check the plural
-some hockey parents are extreme
-parents expectations of their kids can overshadow the real child inside

getting too deep-i wasn't going to do that today.

We are at my wonderful cousin, kathy's house, this weekend. Jayde is skating this weekend for a rookie camp. So far he seems to be doing alright. He is having a good time! And so are the rest of us!!

I'm off to visit and hang out with my favorite cousins kids. What do I call them????? Great cousiins???

February 2010

2010-02-22T12:25:00.006-06:00

February-the month of love......

To my wonderful husband-I love you!!! For more than just the beautiful roses you bought me!!! Thank you-they were awesome!!!

February also brings about thoughts of moms birthday. Feb 12. We as a family got together at dads that evening; a meal of salads, pizza, and cake & ice cream.

And, the Friesen family has a new addition!!! Announcing a baby girl-my newest great niece. Emery Shae Friesen. Congratulations to Keith & Stacey. And to the proud older siblings-Rowan & Bria! Check out Alyssa's blog, or Stacey's blog, for pictures. I had to smile at Alyssa's comments about being the proudest aunt. I think I have dibs on that! Reminded me of my younger years. Not many aunties are as fortunate as I was, being young enough to still live at home when nieces and nephews are being born! I was a lucky one. We lived 3 miles from Roland, and 3 miles from Roger. So, those precious nephews and nieces were just down the road! And when Vicky came to visit, it was for the weekend with her kids. Yes, I changed countless diapers before my own babies came along. I got to play with the cuties, change diapers, have fun with hairdos, bake, and on and on. And I got to watch my parents interact with their oldest grandbabies. They adored the grandkids. And so with those kind of thoughts in my mind, I found some pictures to put on here to give a glimpse of the good ole days!

This first one is one of my mom, cutting grass on the farm. Endless hours on a lawn tractor! And when that didn't do a good enough job, she pushed the push mower, cuz it cut nicer! :)

Yes, even I was little and cute once. A long time ago. My dad, Vicky, and I.

Tyrone & Katelyn-there was one year, the third year we were married, that I delivered a birthday cake on each niece/nephews birthday. Kate got a 'little miss muffet' cake with doll.

Oldest nephew, Keith, with special cousin, Tyrone. Can you believe it, Keith has 3 of his own now??

Keith, Tyrone, Alyssa, & Michelle-at Grandma's house.

Katelyn, Stacey, Michelle, Tyrone, & Alyssa-posing for Grandma in front of her farm house, among the flowers, of course!

Bethany, Tyrone, & Katelyn-now atop Grandma's walkway project. Yes, mom hauled in those stones, and put it all together-herself!!

Jessica, Justin, & Grandpa-of course, its story time, and guess who falls asleep first??? Not the kids. Guaranteed, its the adult in the bed. Only way to get those kids to bed was to bribe them with a story, and telling them grandpa needed a rest!

More stories on the sofa-Tyrone, Michelle, Grandma, Justin, Alyssa, & Keith.

Alyssa & Michelle, with my grandma-their great-grandma- on their birthday. They shared a birthday-only way to get my grandma on the picture was with the babies!

My mom on the floor with Michelle, Alyssa, & Keith.

Once again, me, cute in my early years. With Vicky.

Vicky, Mom, & I.

Vicky, me & Roland. On the farm yard, before Mom had time to turn it into a park. And yes, my brother seemed to take care of me back then! :) Love his hat!!

Love this one!!! Mom with the twins. Michelle & Alyssa. Yes, Grandma loved all those kids!!! Her smile is genuine. She's another one who didn't like to be on pictures. But put a kid on her lap and she was happy!!!

So, with tears in my eyes, and a smile on my face, I love to look at these pictures. Just a little glimpse of what was, and is, and will be for the future generations!

And yes, to my nieces and nephews, you were adorable babies, funny toddlers, mischievous children, hormone laden teenagers, and turning into unique adults-and I'm proud to be your aunt. Your favorite aunt-I hope! I love you all!

Blustery!

2010-01-25T12:53:00.002-06:00

Ahhhh....... its a snowy, windy, blizzard day. Yes!!! I'm home-did not have to go to work, even tho I got called (as if its any easier for me to drive in than someone else! I could have but chose not to), and school was cancelled. So its me and the boys at home. As, of course, Del went to work! No staying home for him cuz he's no wimp! :-) And he made it there safe and sound. The boys had dentist appts in town today which were cancelled so its home for us during the day. Hockey tonight, and time will tell if that will go ahead. Wait and see.

Nothing new to write about again. Not that anyone wants to know anyway! Work, hockey, school.... and more of the same. Can you tell thats a cycle? Makes it difficult to write updates in our lives when it revolves around the same stuff.

But, I will share some thoughts. At work a couple of weeks ago, I had one of those moments where a light bulb went off for me. Nothing spectacular, just a different view of a mundane chore we do at work, on a very regular basis. Medication. Ever put any thought into it?? I often think about why, what, and when, and who. But that morning I was passing regular patient meds, and i thought, 'here is life in a cup'. A little, white, paper med cup. I'm trying to recall what meds they were. Lasix, Slow K, ASA, Calcium, Vitamin D, Altace, Tylenol, and one I can't remember. I remember it was 10 pills. We've solved this persons struggle with congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and recovery from a fractured hip. All in one little cup. Isn't it amazing! oh, yeah, the other pill was thyroxine. Without these little lifesaving meds, this person would become short of breath, fill up with fluids and the circulatory system would slowly tire out and shut down. With a couple tiny little colorful pills we give the patient the opportunity to carry on life as a regular human being. Who was the bright scientist who came up with this??? Why has life expectancy lengthened in the last 20-30 years? Because some very smart and wise people have researched long and hard and enabled others to make progress in the medical field. And why not??? A way to improve someone's quality of life. An easy fix! So for the next while, my mundane task of pouring routine meds has a new spin on it.
It's easy for me to see the results of giving some medication by intravenous and seeing it work immediately. Try some cardiac drugs-change a heart rythym just like that, if you're lucky. Or a sedative.......within seconds to minutes. Done. Or a few months ago.......someone thought it was cool to go out and drink a few. A few too many. Passed out. Ambulance called. Comatose. Unable to rouse by any means, including pain. Pop in an IV, push the med in, and voila!....... 2 minutes later, a miracle, the patient is opening eyes and wondering what it going on! Those are the moments we live for in our field....... adrenaline rush at its finest!
Kudos to the people doing the grunge work that has gotten us to this pinnacle of medical excellence. Hopefully this pinnacle is only going higher.

Thats my wise thought of the day. :-) Now onto regular house wife/mother duties. Like cleaning house and bathrooms. Laundry. Necessary. Nothing too glamorous or fancy. Rewards are smiles, kisses, and hugs. The important stuff!

2010-off to a rousing start!

2010-01-07T04:41:00.002-06:00

Good morning & Happy New Year to all! Early morning greetings are the best, aren't they? 4 am and unable to sleep. Woke up to being unable to breathe........just a head cold fortunately, and the nasal passages are FULL! Flu of fever and muscle aches earlier this week has just gone to this head cold. So, I sprayed some nasal decongestant and received a head rush when one side got too much..... therefore its easier to just get on out of bed and type some thoughts on out of that merry go round going on in there. :-)

Kyle came home from the first day back at school this year, with the same flu as I, and we spent the day together at home on Tuesday. Fortunately for him, he only missed one day at school, and is back to normal routine; oh to be 13! Jayde & Del have managed to ward off the germs so far, and have been at work and school, and at the rink, like always.

I've been back at work-first shift back after Christmas was New Years Eve. A full moon on new years eve....makes you a little wary of what to expect. Nothing we couldn't handle, fortunately, but yes, it was steady, and yes, some people need a kick in the a**.

I'm going to try and create a mental picture for you of a situation at work-without breaking any confidentiality or anything like that! So work with me here, please.
I admit a patient late Thursday evening. A stranger to me. A very pleasant, elderly person. Is brought to us from another community due to a lack of beds in their facility. This patient is supposed to be a routine admission. I settle this patient in a bed, thinking that maybe they are sicker than initially thought. Color is off, respirations are labored, you know, you get that sinking feeling, when your instincts tell you that something is off. But this patient is grateful for any little thing that we do for them. Constantly thanking us and apologizing for any inconvenience they are to us. So, we treat this patient as we need to. I speak to the family on the phone, as they are a distance away. Very pleasant conversation on the phone. I'm impressed with the caring attitude I'm picking up from this family and patient. This patient tells me they have the best spouse in the world. They have the best kids in the world. The kids don't live close by, but one of the children has travelled across the world to surprise them on Christmas Eve with a visit for Christmas and a birthday. Tears in patients eyes as they tell me how wonderful a Christmas they had with their family.......I hope you're getting my picture. Very sweet. So, forward now to yesterday. I'm off my nights, and back on day shift. I get to see my patients with their room lights on. I get to meet patients when they're supposed to be up and awake. I get to meet visitors during normal visiting hours. This patient is still in my facility and I get to meet this family and see the interaction with each other. Its so tender and sweet. The words and emotions I saw the other night weren't empty. You can feel the love in the air between this couple and their family....... Tender touches, smiles, hugs, laughter, treats for each other, time, holding hands. Yes, it was beautiful! And then reality comes to bite-a CT report comes in. Results. Damn!! A 5 pm meeting with the doc and the patient and family-a bomb for this family. The results are accepted with tears, questions, and grace. 56 years together...... and now this. You know, I don't know how to aptly describe how tender this couple was...... they were emanating an aura of love and peace. For each other, totally. 56 years!!!! And the sweetness, respect, and caring was still there! Don't know where they've been along the way, but they still have it!
I've been so honored to have gotten to know this patient and family! What an example! How heartbreaking to watch this devastating news throw a wrench into this family's senior years! But how beautiful to be a part of it!
Don't know how this saga will end-time will tell-but I think I'll always remember this family, and hopefully I'll take a little bit of what I've seen, and apply it to my life.

And so I mentally prepare to go back to work today. Yes, I'm short of sleep, and my head and nasal congestion is sickening, but I will be just fine. And I'm gonna do a fine job at work, once again. So, I'm going to hit the shower. Have a wonderful day everyone!!! And please, if there's anything you take from this.......... appreciate the family you've been blessed with!

Del, Jayde, & Kyle- I love you!

Some favorite pictures from December

2009-12-30T12:27:00.005-06:00

Jayde & Matthew
Del & 3 of his brothers

Matthew

Me & my hubby!

Rowan & Del

Friesen dinner-Jayde & Abigail

Del & Kathi

Terri & Amber

Jayde is ready to eat!!!

Dad & Del-relaxing after lunch

Dad checking out the toy!

Me-unwrapping a present from Jayde

The boys checking out their new clothes.

Del watching the boys.....

Alyssa & Bria

Kelly & Tyrone

Michelle & Alyssa

Stacey & Darren

Mich & I

Whew!!!! Putting pictures on here is a chore!!!! And I put one up of Kyle and a couple of his cousins, and its disappearred! :-( This high speed of mine is the slowest ever!!!! So please enjoy the few pics that I've managed to get here! These are just a few of the wonderful family members that we've spent time with this last month.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-21T07:58:00.002-06:00

Ahhh, its a Monday morning, and I'm not at work. The kids are at home, sleeping. Del is off to work. And, yes, I'm up. For some reason I couldn't really sleep last night, and I am up and about this morning; even had porridge for breakfast! I'm actually on vacation right now as we speak. This is my third day of holidays. I booked the week off, right before Christmas, cuz I just can't ask for vacation right over the holidays. This is my week of fun in the hot sun, wading in the ocean, enjoying tropical breezes.........yeah, right. That certainly didn't pan out, but I'm still having a good time. It's a good time to be at the rink, and do spring cleaning. Yup, you read that right! We are early for next year!!! This house is getting spring cleaned long before its time!! And as for the rink, between both boys, in the last 7 days, we've done 4 practises, and 7 games. ( And, Del worked his full time job all week, and yes, I worked 3 nights last week!) Practise again tonight for the boys, and then its time for some time away from that hallowed hall! I've persuaded the boys to willingly pitch in with this flurry of cleaning. It's called bribery. Let's get it done by Tuesday noon, and then we're off so they can shop in the city. It's amazing what 2 teens and a mom can get done if you give them the right bait! And here I'm blogging and wasting time, right??? Nah, this is called warming up for the event. The boys are 'sleeping' in till 0830, and then we're off and running or scrubbing.

Meatballs are made-compliments of the boys first chore after school was done on Friday. Butter tarts are in the freezer. Cabbage rolls are made. Now, just bring on the 24th. We are ready for games, food, relaxation, visiting, and all that other good stuff that comes along with family celebrations.

I told a friend yesterday, I wasn't sure what to blog about, cuz our lives are rather predictable. Work, school, rink. And do it all over again. And then, here I am a couple of paragraphs later, and don't know if I've said anything worth mentioning. If you're still reading, I'm impressed. Or maybe you don't have a life either. :-) I can't really talk about work. Thats an effect of working in a small town hospital, where everyone wants to know everything, and if they can't find out, they make up something that sounds good. And due to confidentiality issues, it just wouldn't be good. Work has been very busy. Until a week ago. Our compliment of four docs has dwindled to 2 for Christmas holidays, as they've traveled home to be with families. So, that limits what we can safely do in the facility. But, as always, we are prepared for anything and everything. Our doors are never closed-always open for business. And you never know what will come thru the door when the buzzer goes at 3 am!

On that note, I think I'm going to get going on my project. I aim to make that Thrift Shop pile grow today; It's a good feeling to sort out and make room!

On behalf of my husband & children, I'd like to wish all of you a safe and happy holiday. Enjoy the time spent with family friends! Merry Christmas to all!

thoughts of mom

2009-12-07T00:22:00.002-06:00

Stacey's & Darren's wedding was beautiful!!! I'm at work, or I could post pics. Beautiful colors, beautiful decorating, beautiful attire. And no one fainted. Wonderful food. Nice size crowd. What more can I say? Congratulations to the bride and groom!

My dad stopped by work tonight. He hung around and read the paper and such. He's like part of the family here. We feed him and visit with him. Everyone knows hes my dad and caters to him. We had an interesting conversation. We discussed the wedding, kids, family, and whatever else. Then we discussed mom. Good things. Like how it used to be. Reminiscing, you know. Its interesting, cuz i had thought earlier in the week how I would write about her, and then we talked about her tonight. So, i thought I'd drop a few lines about my mom.

She would have loved this last week. Nothing like planning a function to make her happy. Food, decorations, clothes.....yeah, that was certainly exciting for her! She would have been so proud to see her granddaughter walk down the aisle. To be given away by her parents. My mom would have cried tears of joy and sadness, all at the same time. (Instead, I did it for her!) She would have ironed and cleaned dads clothes and shoes. It would be exact. She would have held her great-grandchildren tight, and been so proud of their beautiful walk/stroll down the church aisle. She would have smiled and cried at the slide show that was shown at the wedding. She would have taste tested all that amazing food. She would have brought food to Rol & Laureen's house, even tho they probably had too much already. She would have loved buying a wedding present for Stacey. She would have hugged and kissed that girl till it would have been embarrassing! She would have worn a wonderful new dress for the occasion-and would have told dad she had it a long time already! :-) And those sweet baby peas-those were her favorite!!

Yeah, I miss my mom. I am doing fine actually and I get through most everything without too much ado. Its just these family events where we see everyone surrounded by the people they love, and we are reminded of the ones that aren't there. And yes, Mom and Katelyn are in a better place, and we wouldn't wish them back. But seriously, we do miss them! It's not the same without them.

Christmas season, and its time to think of what the menu will be for the Friesen family. I asked some family today what we should have, and of course, its potatoes and meatballs. Then with a little thought, came the suggestion of egg rolls. Grandma loved to buy and serve egg rolls. They were her favorite. So I guess we'll continue on in the tradition. Comfort food. See what else we come up with. Whatever we decide, there will be plenty of it, like always, cuz mom taught us well!

There's some thoughts about my mom. There's so many more, but if I continue this, I'll have to find a box of Kleenex, and with my luck some emergency will show up at the door, and I'll be unfit to care for them. So, I'm logging off for some other day.......

Appreciate the people around you while you have them....... xxoo

December already!

2009-12-04T01:41:00.003-06:00

No, I've not fallen off the face of the earth....... still here. It's a rat race of work and hockey.

A whole month has gone by and I'm trying to think of something new and exciting to post, but i'm not coming up with anything exciting! So, back to the regular stuff.

Jayde and Kyle are either at school, at the rink, or at home in front of the TV. Teenage boys, or what!!?? Hockey schedules are definitely picking up. Other than Jayde's team right now. They played last week, and some fistacuffs occurred. Therefore they are short of players, and unable to play their games until everyone can commit to be there. Next week will be makeup week, I imagine. Kyle had a game last evening, will tonight, and again on Sunday. He was in a tournament last weekend. Thankfully, Jayde has finished volleyball, and Kyle will be done today. His volleyball team is in zones today. Apparently next week, they both start basketball......why not??!! The good thing they'll be together and no separate driving will be required!

Del is in a crunch at work. Big ordering deadline for discounts for the farmer! So, order up your canola and corn seed! Now!! We are such a last minute society, eh?? This last week and the next are busy with this kind of pressure.

I've been working. And I'm at work tonight. Finally, most of my patients are sleeping. Not all, mind you. Oh, no. Some would rather sleep during the day, and be awake at night. Cycles are messed up.

Alrighty then......its now 3 hours later. Those last few 'flew' by as we had an ambulance call, and therefore spent a few hours in the ER.

One of my nieces is getting married this Saturday. This is Friesen grandchild # 3 that is tying the knot. The family is expanding! This is going to be a formal affair, as it is a Saturday evening wedding; its going to be beautiful. I've been out of the loop with this one, as I've been at work, and the family is overly capable of doing it all! Think we will show up and enjoy the event!! :-)

We've had a sprinkling of snow the last few days. Just enough to lightly cover the ugly ground. If we're lucky that's all we'll be blessed with. I wouldn't mind at all if that was all the snow that was sent our way!! Too good to be true, probably.

Signing off now as work calls! 21 days till Christmas!!!

Sleepy!

2009-11-08T23:45:00.002-06:00

What a beautiful weather day today; hard to believe its Nov. 8!! I think it actually got up to plus 10! The sun was shining. I love going to the rink with short sleeves! So much more fun than going bundled up in parka and boots! Jayde played hockey today. They tied at 5. Was alot of fun watching them play! Kyle played yesterday, and I think they lost by a goal or two. Good effort by his team. I had to laugh tonight, cuz I couldn't remember what the score was or who they had played. My memory is like a sieve!!

I'm at work tonight. Where else would I be?? Ha! There are worse places to be. And yes, we are feeling the influence of H1N1. Parents are worrying about their sick children. And older children, adults, are worrying about their senior and aged parents. So, thats indicative of how the winter will be. Snotty nose and off to the doctor! Yes, I did 'give' in and get my H1N1 shot. Its supposed to be the best preventative measure, so I offered up my arm. And, I have decided when the children are accepted onto the qualifying list, that they will go to. And, I'm hoping Del will go when other adults are accepted. I'd rather be safe than sorry at this point. Someone told me a story about the epidemic in the 1920's, and mentioned that families would have done anything at that point to save loved ones, and that persuaded me in the right direction. For me at least. Everyone gets to make their own decision on this one!

The boys are still busy at school. And at home. Actually not at home much, cuz they're not there much. Jayde is almost done with volleyball at school. Tomorrow is Zones for his age group, and then they're done. So then all he has left is one more week of volleyball with the Varsity group. He has loved the experience of playing up with them!! They played in a tournament yesterday, and he came home excited and full of stories of the skill he saw from other areas!! Kyle's team has practise a couple times a week. Their schedule is not quite as grueling. Both boys have hockey practise a couple times a week. With a minimum of one game a week. Jayde actually had three games this last week.

My sister took a fall last weekend, which unfortunately has put her in a hospital bed for a few weeks. Multiple fractures will certainly slow her down for a little while. Took my dad and Michelle to visit her on Tuesday. Had 'fun' strong arming her into a wheelchair with the physio boys! Michelle was a sweetheart and helped with all the little tasks. My poor dad tagged along pushing the 'pole' and trying to keep up!

Yesterday morning my brothers, their wives, and I spent some time at dads house. (And Kyle, of course!) We sorted and cleaned. Didn't take long to get a few projects done! That fifth wheel trailer of dads is getting a little costly to heat at this point, and he has been, and will be spending more time in town.

Thats my update for now. I'm tired already and I have 7 hours to go in this shift!! Ugh!! Have a patient that is refusing to settle to bed and is wandering the halls. That should keep me entertained! Hope you all are having a sound sleep! lucky you!! I'll get my nap in the morning while the phone rings and the sun shines!

Belated happy birthday!

2009-10-24T10:39:00.003-05:00

There isn't anything that makes a mother prouder than talking about her kids, and I'm no exception to that! My firstborn had a birthday 2 days ago! 15 years old already!!!! How can it be???? From a forever labor, to surgery, and then out of me.....came a red haired, blue-eyed, beautiful, perfect baby boy. Two days later, we were home to feed that child every 2-3 hours. 15 years later, not much has changed, we're still feeding him every 2-3 hours! :-) Jayde is a typical 'oldest' child. He takes responsibility well, he's 'wise' beyond his years, but he balances that all with a crazy sense of humor, his ability to be 'heard above the crowd', and his joy for doing what he loves. Not much gets in his way when he decides to put his mind to something. My worry 4 years ago with his accident and scarring, has been put to rest-he has plenty of self-confidence!!!! He has an intense love for sports-playing and watching. He loves music. He has musical ability-even though he's much too cool to show it right now. :-) He can cook and clean. He can haul bales and work the fields. He can drive. And............. he stilll hugs and kisses his mother goodnight. He's my firstborn, and I love him so much. Belated Happy Birthday to Jayde!!!!

Moving on.........had a fun night at work the other night. Have been at work so much in the last few months, and it was so nice to be able to have a night there of good laughs with good people! For the most part, all shifts are okay, cuz we make it that way. But Wednesday night was a treat, as we played cards, visited, and laughed till we cried!! Thank you to my wonderful friend, Dawnett, and my special niece, Michelle, for making those memories!!!

We finished combining oats, and baling straw on Thursday evening. This was after the snow flattened what was remaining of our oats crop. But we tried to trim off what we could. It's a wrap! As true farmer fashion, we look ahead to 'next year'. Surely, next year has to be better!!!!
Del is out on the front yard right now, scraping dirt, trying to make some ditches on the front yard, and filling in some of the low spots. This front yard of ours is a masterpiece in the works. It just doesn't look like it yet. But it will get there. Give us a few years, and hopefully the floods will drain appropriately and the grass and flowers will be beautiful once again. I have visions of dry stream beds, and swings, and all such good things. Dreaming is good, isn't it????

A very good friend of ours is having a birthday on Monday!!! Andrea, you are such a special woman! Your ability to multi-task with 5 kids is amazing!!! We wish for you-a truly special day on Monday! So, any of you who know Andrea-please, wish her well. Happy Birthday, Andrea-we love you!!!

Friends and family-basic and important necessities in life. Love them, hold them close!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

2009-10-14T08:38:00.001-05:00

Quick note, cuz I'm at work, but I can't resist to put this out there!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BIG BROTHER, ROL!!!!

Have a wonderful day at work!

Thanksgiving '09

2009-10-09T05:18:00.003-05:00

Into October already.......how time goes!! Between working fulltime+, harvesting, and chauffeuring the boys, the days are getting shorter and definitely getting cooler. September was such a treat after the summer coolness. We certainly enjoyed the sunshine and balmy temps. Now its from spring weather directly to winter, it seems. Forecasting rain and snow for the next few days. Time will tell what will actually develop.

The boys are attending school faithfully, even tho they still insist they are not enjoying it. :-) With Jayde being cut from city hockey tryouts, he has taken on the role of playing JV volleyball, as well as playing with the varsity team. Last weeks tournament saw him coming home with a huge smile due to the challenges of playing against other tall kids. It also brought him home with another injury. The weekend before did him in with strep thoat and a neck/shoulder injury following a hit in hockey. This weekend a jump at the volleyball net, to block the ball, resulted in the opposing team member landing on Jayde's leg on the way down. Resulting in a bruised and very painful leg. But a good tape job, and he played the day to completion, on one foot. And with a smile!!! Kyle started hockey again last night with the regular minor hockey league. His age group at school has started after school volleyball as well. So, both boys are loving their after school activities. WEdnesday night, had them both at youth at church. They need a parent to drive them around full-time!!! No joke!

Del's job is picking up steam. Its amazing how some farmers can bounce back, and once again plan ahead to next year. Yes, its time for farmers to make cropping decisions for the next year, and seed needs to be ordered accordingly. I'm so proud of my husband, for doing an exceptional job at this!!!

Me......I'm just trying to fit in where its needed. I tried to help del with hauling grain and baling straw on my days off. Yes, we did get some combining done between breakdowns and rain showers. Work has been busy. Full house. And, of course, not enough staff. Sick calls do not people available to work them. Thus, the full timers are expected to pick up the slack. This has been a challenge. I'm curious how the fall and winter will go, with the expected flu season coming. Someone needs to be able to work when someone is sick.......

Thanksgiving weekend this weekend. Always known for good food and family time. Always plenty to be thankful for. First Thanksgiving without Mom. This was her kind of weekend. Always cooking up a storm, and enjoying the family coming together. Went into her pantry the other day and collected some food she had put away, and so she still contributes to the food going onto the table. Not everyone will be able to make it home for the Friesen get together. Too bad. Thats what happens when kids grow up, families enlarge and change........It will still be good, tho!

I can hardly wait to get home to sleep this morning!!! Crazy night shift. I'm stuck here at least an hour longer than my shift as no RN is available to relieve me when my shift is over. Who knows when I'll get away!!! I can always persuade myself Its been a good sleep....

So much to be thankful for today!!! Love my husband and kids!! Love my family and friends!!! Thankful for a warm home!!! Thankful for the beautiful wildlife that crossed the yard yesterday-those deer were amazing! Thankful for a freezer full of food! Thankful for a job that pays! Thankful for a vehicle that gets me home from work! Thankful for the beautiful leaves on the trees!! The list could go on and on.......

Happy Thanksgiving!

The sun is shining!!!

2009-09-20T11:11:00.003-05:00

Not sure what to write about. There's a couple things confirmed in my mind, but not sure its something for public viewing. Oh, well.....here goes one. Politics in hockey is alive and well. Yes, the boys have been to a couple hockey weekends, and have had a wonderful time. Seriously its not about how you do, or the potential, or anything like that. Its about sucking up, connections with someone, and probably what kind of financial status you have. Am I wrong???? Maybe. But thats my viewpoint. And thats been the story thru the years. There's always a sliver of light at the end of the tunnel, but that gets kiboshed again. Not sure where Jayde will play this year as above details are reigning strong. If he's not good enough, just say so. But if you want to include someone else who is just not doing as well, and he doesn't, it raises questions. ANd Kyle, didn't expect him to make it to a different team this year, as he is simply too young, but numbers in our home town look lean, so time will tell what happens there.

My second confirmation is -people are generally crazy. Yeah, that is what I wrote. Maybe its the age, or maybe its the state of affairs in this part of the country. I don't know. Selfish, self-serving, egotistical, psychotic, and unrealistic people. Wake up already!! What happened to helping your neighbours, loving thru thick and thin, trust, and all those traditional values that have seemed to become old-fashioned and have disappeared??!! We need to start a movement of genuine, caring attitudes.

I had a third confirmation, but can't remember what it is now...... :-)

This month has been sunny for the most part. And it has been such a blessing!!! Sunshine and warmth. Beautiful July weather!! The top of the ground has dried for the most part, the exception still being the large bodies of water that had accumulated the last year. But the front yard is finally not holding water. Have been able to cut grass, and Del actually got to straighten out some of the ruts in the front yard. Now to find dirt to haul into the low spots. Big project, and hopefully the weather will hold to get into it. But, first harvest. And that is just great! Not! Had parked the combine last fall, and it was ready to head right back to the field. No repairs needed. Until we took it out of the shop and into the yard for greasing and then unable to start it. After much investigation, looks like an internal problem of antifreeze and oil mixing in places that shouldn't be doing that. In technical terms-the heart and lungs of the machine are messed up and the blood is not sending out oxygenated blood. Therefore the heart cannot function under this strain and correct surgery is needed to repair malfuncioning valves. Or in mechanics terms-the head of the engine must be cracked and will need to be replace. Unable to start the machine, and needs to be towed to a shop. And due to no system functioning, the steering and brakes do not work. That means towing does not work as cannot make it around corners. So, someone needs to load that sucker and haul it there. Hopefully tomorrow morning. Yeah, the crop that is out there is ready to come off and no machine to take it off with. Ugh!!! Patience is a virtue that is in short supply at our house right now! But the sun is still shining!

My dad went on a 5 day trip with my sister to visit his brother. Very nice for them to get away together. Got a text from them the morning they flew out. My sister texts me saying 'Grandpa lost his phone'. I text her back, 'where are you'? She responds by saying shes in an airport waiting for their next flight. So, how do you find a little phone in a very large and busy airport. I tried phoning his cell and this ladies voice answers. She had found the phone on the plane and was turning it in to the front counter. So, yes, there are nice people left in this world. And , yes, my dad did get his phone back from her. My response to my boys was-"90% of people in this world do actually care and try, its the other 10% that mess it up!" Don't know if any of that is true, but it sounded good to me.

My goodness, I don't write for a few days, and then it all comes out like verbal diarrhea. or written diarrhea in this case!

Work is busy as always. And political. Politics is alive and well there too. The system may be about patient care, but somedays its hard to tell thats why we do what we do. A while back, someone said, 'the tail is wagging the dog', and that holds true in my mind.

I need to get going and catch up here at home so I can farm and nurse for the next 8 days. Laundry, cook, clean, yardwork........and I'm off to make a little dent in that list.

This'n that

2009-09-07T11:05:00.006-05:00

from water-logged fields/yards/ditches/roads..........

to working night shift. Ya, Michelle and I get to work together sometimes. And we always have a great time!

YTy & Kelly's wedding

to dad's 73rd birthday party at Rog & Anita's

to holding individual mosquito coils to fend off the monstrous swarms of mosquitoss!!

Wedding!! Congratulations Ty & Kelly!

2009-08-28T11:07:00.004-05:00

Yay!!!!! August 28-Ty's wedding day! How exciting! The 2nd Friesen grandchild is getting married today! I'm so proud of Ty and Kelly-they have come so far. Their growth and maturity are truly something that they are to be commended for! It's a bittersweet day-thinking of grandma and Katelyn not being here in person. They would have loved this day! But, they are here in spirit. It's a day to focus on joy and celebration! Two kids making a public commitment. A fun evening with family and friends! Will be wonderful!

Two weeks have gone by quickly. My vacation is drawing to a close. Should be back tomorrow, but I took banked time so I could spend one more day with family after the wedding. As it turns out, Kyle has hockey tomorrow, and I will be taking him. It's a tryout of sorts for him. Saturday and Sunday. It's more of a look see for the team, as its the first year he is able to skate with them, and has to be a pure superstar to make it at his age. And he may be my superstar, but certainly not one for everyone else! :-) Certainly a good experience. The boys have been running all summer, and gradually increasing the amount of physical exercise. They are now at running 3 miles, skipping 15 minutes and then lifting weights. Don't know if thats enough, but it has certainly helped them stay in skating shape. Jaydes endurance last weekend was greatly improved from what it has been. Its been good to see them shave time off their runs!

Back to work for me on Sunday. Good and bad, I guess. Good for the paycheck and bad for the sleep. Have to set an alarm!

Maybe I should give on update on my dad-he seems to be doing well. He is still spending a fair amount of time at his camper. Its easier for him to pass his evenings when he can be in the country, close to family. We did that switcharound in his house, and that has helped him be able to spend a few nights there as well. He has been busy volunteering at the Thrift Shop, and helping his kids with odd projects. Helped Roger with cutting grass and getting ready for the wedding. He needs to feel like he's contributing in some way, and is looking for ways to help others. Good to see him doing stuff.

We went camping last week for another 5 nights. Another wet campground. Took it easy for a couple of days and then we moved to another campground, to where Jayde was having hockey tryouts for a junior A team. He is eligible to skate with them at their camp but too young to actually play for them. Was an excellent experience. He was playing with other guys, ages 15-19. He did not look out of place, and he loved it. Coaches spoke to each player after their last skate, and gave him advice of what to work on and then told him he had had a very good camp. Good news for him. Extra incentive to keep working out and working on his game. Don't know if he'll ever advance beyond this towns hockey, but he'd be one happy boy if he could!

Friendship-thats been on my mind alot lately. What is a true friend???? I don't have any great answers or wise admonitions. I do know that people will always let people down. Thats a given. Remember the saying, "You can't choose your family, but you can choose your friends."? Friends are the people you choose to surround yourself with. To relax with; to talk to; to laugh with; make suppers with and for; to go camping with; to have a weekend at a hotel; to text; to send jokes to; to be there when its really rough; to call when you lose a family member; to unload your ugly day; ......... The list is never ending. What happens when a friend lets you down?????? Love and keep loving. Thats the hardest thing, cuz you simply don't have to keep up that relationship...... Is it true friendship????? Some days are certainly easier to be a friend than others. But it shouldn't be that way. Thick and thin, bad and good. One of my favorite quotes speaks to the connection between friends, and thats why its at the bottom of my blog, but I've included it here as well.

Don Marquis:There is nothing we like to see so much as the gleam of pleasure in a person's eye when he feels that we have sympathized with him, understood him. At these moments something fine and spiritual passes between two friends. These are the moments worth living.

And thats why we love and maintain relationships with our friends. They make it worth it. Those are the people we will be rocking with side by side in the personal care home some day. (lovely thought, isn't it??? drooling, pullups, and open back dresses!!) With that mental picture, I'm closing this thought process!

Have a wonderful weekend. Get out there and enjoy the sunshine. Love your family and friends. Make sure they know you love them. Thats what is important. Work on relationships. Truly care for the people you surround yourself with!

Love you!

Camping pics

2009-08-14T10:20:00.002-05:00

One of the best parts of camping-reading-paper, books, or magazines! And eating sunflower seeds!

Kyle with his favorite drink

Kyle, winning another round of Phase 10 -should have Jayde's face in that pic-he's not as excited! :-(

Jayde, enjoying wireless internet at a campground-how spoiled we are, eh?

Playing Phase 10 by the light of camp lights and firelight

Love those fires!

Boys took turns chopping wood. Always a contest!!

Couldn't resist but adding this one. One of the Mother's day gifts from Del-yellow rose bush. It bloomed beautifully! Love those flowers!

lessons learned

2009-08-13T14:02:00.002-05:00

I'm paying for time off! Seriously-it happens every time! I take more than a week off, and my body sets me straight and lets me know who is in charge. And this time was no different. I had a week off of vacation followed by a scheduled week off. So, at about day 5, the headaches started. Nothing new there. Thats normal for me. Advil and Tylenol are a staple in our house. Except, this time, I scheduled vacation off at the same time as my doc, my chiropractor, and my massage therapist. No joke!!! Well, the lesson learned is that 5 weeks between massages is 2 weeks too long. Last evening, after spending an evening at my dads with family, the visual disturbances started. Along with an incredible hotness. Ingested Tylenol and Advil, and did make it home. Yes, I was driving. Slept fairly well. This morning, I'm feeling not too bad for the first 15 minutes, and then the eyesight starts going weird. Again. Just my luck. So more Tylenol and Advil. I take Jayde to work. Come home, and back to bed. I'm supposed to work tonight, so I made that phone call. You don't want me at work, and unable to see straight. Or in the bathroom. Or in a bed. Had to do that once when it hit at work. Not good!!! So, fortunately my chiro was back in town today. Gave his hands a workout! He's a great masseusse! His diagnosis was 'tight and tender'. I love it!! Apparently theres a reason I had a tension headache that escalated on. So, whats the lesson learnt? No need for vacation? or, Don't stop taking analgesics on vacation? or, take more vacation more often?? Beats me. And I was looking forward to going to work tonight to catch up with my work friends!! Figures. Oh, well, tomorrow night will be here soon enough. So, today, my ice pack and my meds are my good friends. And my bed. Sofa. Oh, ya, the other lesson i Learnt was on the hottest day of the year, its not a good idea to hoe the flower beds and lay in the sun, and not drink plenty of water. I should know these things. I do, actually. Except when you're enjoying it at the time you don't always take time to do the right thing, right???

Time off was wonderful. Two different camping trips. Both 5 days long. Long sleepins. Beautiful campfires. Excellent food. Games. Biking. Walks. Beach. Picking rocks. Even played tennis for the first time in my life. Great times with the family!!

Working this weekend. Then I have 2 weeks of vacation. What will i do this time?? Visit my massage therapist, the first day of my vacation, and her first day back. Gonna start it right. And then I'm going to stay busy enough that my body doesn't realize its supposed to be relaxing. Ha ha! My nephew, Ty, is getting married in a couple of weeks. Thats a perfect way to end my vacation!

Enough screen for me right now. I'm off to hold my ice pack and rest up. Again.

What with my emotions???

2009-08-06T09:04:00.002-05:00

Maybe its the hormones or something. But, seriously, I don't like good-byes. I don't like saying good-bye, and I don't like watching someone else having to say good-bye. This isn't about saying good-bye to death, its about just parting ways in regular everyday activities. I've always had a hang up about this. But, I thought I was getting better at this. Until the other day-I can't even remember exactly where we were. I was with Del and the boys and I think we were walking in the mall or something. And I watched people hugging each other, obviously parting ways. Looked like they must have spent some vacation time together and had to go home to different parts. And wouldn't you know it but I walk away with teary, reddened eyes. Jayde, of course, notices me sniffing and asks me whats wrong. And I reply to him, "you know me-any reason to cry!" What else can I say??!! I'd rather avoid a farewell gathering, and not say good bye, than have to go through the emotions-especially in public. I'm a mess with that!!! It doesn't help that if I see someone else tear up, my eyes instantly follow suit and tear along as well! I've tried to assess and diagnose, and figure out where this comes from. Maybe some crazy parting when I was two??? Someone left me behind?? I don't think its anything like this. Unless someone hasn't told me something. :-) Just a sidenote-I've been this sickening since young-When I had surgery at the age of 2, and longterm hospitalization was necessary, apparently I didn't take too well to staying there alone, as well. I admit it. I don't even like saying good bye to my kids or husband, even for a night or two. I'm a sucker for the people i'm close to. My saying is 'If I choose to like you, I love you a whole lot!!' I've been proud of me tho.......i've gotten much better at letting my kids go. I've managed fine with them going to friends houses and such. And I know they'll be fine where they are, cuz I wouldn't leave them somewhere that I'd worry about. It's just that act of saying good-bye, and then leaving.
Don't know how I should finish this post, as I don't know of a great solution or ending to this. I know of others who have this kind of problem, and they seem stable and fine to me. So maybe thats my consolation-I'm not as nuts as I think I am. I do cope with good-byes, and I do say good-bye when it necessitates. But, my emotions on my sleeve gets a little tiring! Reminds me of the Rascal Flatts song.
Or maybe I take the Bible verse literally-laugh with those who laugh, and weep with those who weep. I can do that. Maybe its empathy......caring.......love........craziness...........friendship.......hormones.........lack of sleep...........

Del, the boys, and I are off camping once again. I better clean the house before I go. Cook some real macaroni salad. Throw some clothes in the camper. Hope you're enjoying this summer! Make the best of it. Make the best of the time you're given!

Camping

2009-08-04T21:43:00.003-05:00

5 whole days away with the family. Camping. Awesome!!! Pure laziness...... sleeping, walking, shopping, sleeping some more, cooking, campfires.......Yes, it was wonderful!!! Weather wasn't great, but thats okay. It was away from home, and we were together. Can't remember when we last relaxed and slept in like that!!!

Tonight we are catching up at home. Cutting grass, laundry, and putting away stuff. My dad stopped by to get his ears checked. And I syringed them for him, as his wax build-up is crazy!! Then I gave him a hair cut, which in turn, made the boys have their turns. All in all-successful evening. 4 loads of laundry done, 3 haircuts, supper, ears washed. And the evening is not over.

Rained here when we were gone. Just under 4 inches! Will this never end???? Thinking we would get some yard revision done this year, but at the rate its going, I don't know when it will happen.

On Thursday, we are planning to set up camp at a local campground. Close enough for us to go home if needed, and for Del to go to work. I'm so looking forward to biking, and beaching. Really optimistic, I am, that the forecast is wrong, and there will not be continuous clouds and rain. :-( Then I guess we'll read and play games. It will be what it will be!

I'm out of words. Don't know what else to add thats positive....... I'm off to put away laundry.

Happy Birthday!

2009-07-29T04:32:00.002-05:00

Yes!! My youngest is a teenager today! Unbelievable, after a few short years, here we are with our youngest being 13 years old. Happy Birthday, Kyle! My recollection of this fine young man being born, are, being admitted to hospital the evening before and preparing for a scheduled c-section. Kind of planned. In utero, this child caused me difficulties-turning, tossing, flipping-when he should have been staying put. This moved up his birthdate to being the 29th, the first section of the day for the doc, coming back from holidays. Being checked my my local doc every other day, to finally having this young man being born safely and without any difficulties was a miracle. And wasn't he the cutest little baby. Round face and little fuzz for hair-light blond with a hint of red. Beautiful blue eyes. And a very short stubby, square tongue. When he scrunched his face to cry, I smiled. (for the first few days). The cute little baby grew into an adorable toddler, who loved to smile by day, and screamed by night. 2-3 hours of screaming a night turned an otherwise wonderful child into a nightmare in the dark. Countless of appts later, the resulting diagnoses of esophageal reflux, finally gave him some meds for this, and the insanity for the parents seemed to have an end. The toddler grew into a fine young lad, blond hair and blue eyes. The likeness of his dad, other than the color of hair and eyes. He loved to smile, play, laugh, and share with his brother. Endless hours of playing hockey, tractors-he kept himself busy. Blondie started kindergarten with a grey front tooth-having bumped it during some sporting event with his brother. And now here we are with my 'baby' almost grown up. Starting grade 8 this fall. He is an inch shorter than I am. No more bending down for hugs. He is still willing and wanting to hug and kiss mom and dad good night. He is still rubbing my back when he hugs me. He still smiles with his beautiful smile, and gets away with too much because of it. He still shares easily with the people around him, cuz thats just who he is. He still gets up early in the morning, and prefers to go to sleep early. He still loves to play his favorite sport of hockey. He loves to spend time with his brother. He adores his brother, but won't admit it publicly. :-)
I'm so proud of my youngest son! His loving spirit is such a blessing. He truly cares for the people around him-I can only hope to guide him through the next few teenage years, and keep his true self intact. So, Happy Birthday to the new teenager!

Can you believe this is my youngest???!!! He was just born the other day.

Happy Birthdays!!!!

2009-07-26T11:30:00.003-05:00

Almost thru this month. So far so good

Friday evening was Kelly's bridal shower. I'd post pictures, but I only have four on my camera, and they're not that great. ( thought my camera was being used to take pics, but my nieces camera was being used. We have the same one! So, Hopefully Alyssa will post some) Anyway, I thought the evening went very well. Kelly is sooooo sweet. So grateful and appreciative for anything done for her. She oohed and aahed over everything. Had a good turn out-about 30 adults and 10-12 kids. So hard to know what to expect when you have an open invitation, on a summer Friday evening. Everyone had a chance to mingle and meet. Plenty of food for everyone-at least I brought leftovers home, so no one can say they didn't have opportunity. Kyle was extremely pleased when I brought home the leftovers!! Thank you to Laureen & Michelle for all the help with the event!! And to Alyssa, Stacey, and Dayna for helping with setup. And to those who stayed for clean up. Takes a good team effort to pull off a successful event!!

The evening made some special memories. It actually was a bit difficult planning and getting ready for this event, as this was my moms specialty. She loved to do this!!! So, she was in the back our minds continuously. And on Friday evening, we wished so badly for her to have been there. She would have been beaming with pure joy. Her table clothes covered every table there, and that was our way of including her presence.

Yesterday was the 1 year anniversary of Katelyn's passing. What is a good way to honor this??? Beats me!!! STopped at the graveside last night, as obviously many had already during the day. Then, we spent the rest of the evening at Roger & Anita's. Still so hard, but time does heal. What a precious family!!!

The sun is out today. Need to hang out my clothes on the clothesline. Nothing beats the smell of clothes dried out on the line. And since the forecast is for rain to start tonight, we need to make the best of the sun while its here.

July is the month for birthdays in my family. Started on the 20th with Nathan & Rowan, and we progress thru Roger, Laureen, Kyle, Bria, And end with Ty on Aug 2. Hoping to head over to Roland & Laureens today to spend some time with them. Big 50 for Laureen yesterday-Rolands is coming up in October! Happy Birthday to all these special people!!

Yes, Kyle has invited friends over for Wednesday to celebrate his 13th! I am working MOn, Tues, and Wed night, but will make this work. Have to. He is so excited!! Remember the days of being excited to get one year older??!!

I'm off to make lunch and catch up on the rest of my day. Have an awesome and safe day out there!!

20 years of together!

2009-07-22T15:49:00.003-05:00

July 22-Happy Anniversary to me!!! And Del. It is now 20 years of married bliss. Ha Ha......Ups and downs just like anyone else. But, the joy is its still special being together. For me. I guess I shouldn't speak for Del. I'm at work, and Del is at work. What a way to spend the day. We did go out for supper last night. Was wonderful! Improptu and all.

I'm at work today. Steady day so far, and needed to escape for a few minutes so I'm jotting a quick note. Ever wonder if you're doing or employed in the right job? Doing what you're good at? I often wonder if I am. Maybe I should do something else? Am I doing my job to the best of my ability? Ugh!!!! Maybe change careers? It's interesting, cuz I think alot of people go thru this 'phase'.........wondering if, what, when, and where. If only there was a clear cut answer somewhere. Maybe I should drive truck. Be a pig farmer. Waitress. Lawyer. Saleslady. Telemarketer. Veterinarian. Physician. Chef. Teacher. There's so many options!!! Can you imagine? Why is it we think once we have a career we can't switch to another? Many variables, I guess.

So off I go to be the best nurse that I can be today. Don't laugh.

Rambling at 5 am

2009-07-18T04:46:00.002-05:00

This is a random blog-I'm musing at this interesting hour. Hopefully most of you are tucked into cozy beds, snoring. Those of you who aren't asleep-I hope all is well. I'm at work again, and thinking. Its rather interesting what you think, and what comes up in conversation at this time of day.

I had an awesome visit with a very dear person tonight. My niece to be stopped in and we caught up on our lives. I'm so proud of Kelly & Ty. They've matured beautifully. Their wedding next month will be such an exciting celebration!

Topics of discussion tonight with my co-workers were across the board. We can talk about anything. From gardening to intense discussions regarding deepest worries/feelings. It truly is a blessing to work with people you can do this with.

It makes me think-how many people have someone they can actually talk to??? Do all of you have a close friend that you could share any information with, and know, that you are loved and accepted regardless of what you've brought into the relationship? Do you have someone who will love you despite the baggage? How about someone to just talk over the nitty gritty things in life? Who will not try to solve your problems, but will just listen and actually hear what you're saying? (There is a difference between listening and actually hearing). For some people it may be a spouse or a partner. For some its a close friend. Some may have have a professional tohelp them with issues. And then there are those that just don't share with anyone. I know it. Yes, there are so many people that simply do not feel the trust and confidence to share their feelings and thoughts with anyone. Very simply put, they feel alone. Now that makes me sad. Cuz everyone needs someone. Its more than just the words to a song. Its a basic need of every human being-to feel love and acceptance. Imagine a mind full of thoughts and words and worries/anxieties/concerns, and no where for those thoughts to go. They just swirl around in your head, and they seem to go faster and faster-like a merry-go-round. Eventually it feels like your brain cannot stop the pace-it just picks up speed, as more and more concerns are added onto the tilt-a-whirl. Eventually, the circuits start to overload, spark, fizzle, and what happens? I think this is where burn out occurs. Quite simply too much, without enough having been unloaded. Onto someone elses load. Thats why friendship seems to be such an important aspect. A true friend is someone who will help unburden that weight. And love no matter what. To help in time of need. To be there thru thick and thin. And still be there when the day is done. And not judge whether decisions being made are right or wrong-just be there cuz its the right thing to do. Cuz we love someone.

And thats the kind of friend I wish and strive to be. I can only keep trying to be the person that people want to be around. And be the person that will love without reservation or conditions.

Thats my rambling for now. I've now successfully dumped/unloaded some of my thoughts. :-) I've found to write out/or type out thoughts actually is quite helpful in sorting out some of my dilemnas/opinions.

Two hours and I'm hoping to head out of here and head home to a warm bed. It will be wonderful!!

mid july update

2009-07-17T01:38:00.002-05:00

Made it half way thru this month. So far so good. Even have some exciting news. Have a niece who got engaged last weekend!!! Yay! A wedding is always exciting.

This last week has been spent away from work for me. It has been wonderful to be away and relax. We set up the trailer at a local campground and camped for 4 nights. Had my cousins 2 girls with us. We went home a couple times to shower and water the flowers. Then we went back to the campground to cook over the campfire, relax by the fire, lay on the beach, visit with friends who happened to also be camping, etc.... Was wonderful. Saturday night, Del & I enjoyed spending time with people from Del's work, celebrating the 100th anniversary of their farm. How interesting to hear the family history that made the farm work. I pulled the trailer home early on Tuesday, cuz the weather was not cooperating for us to stay the last day. We managed to clean up camp before it rained, and it started raining 5 miles from home! So glad I packed up when I did!! Set up the trailer at home, and the kids have slept in it since.

Managed to work on my tan on Monday. The one nice day that was sunny and warm, and no stiff breeze blowing us away!

I picked up some clothes for my dad the other day. His were getting kind of sloppy looking. And he actually tried them on and accepted them yesterday. Roland told my dad shortly after mom died, that we had made a deal with her to look after him. And obviously this has impacted dad, because he has brought it up a few times, to question whether this actually happened. I keep telling him yes, and then he behaves again. :-) I think he was actually proud of his hot new jeans I picked for him. He was going to wear them today when he was going to work at the Thrift Shop.

That was my week at home. Awesome. I felt so lazy!!!! I did do laundry and cleaning and such, but no major projects. And wasn't home enough to work on the yard. Next time.

Tonight I'm back at work. First shift of four. What can I say about work???!! Busy, full. It's like you never leave!

Have to finalize shower plans for next Friday. Kelly's bridal shower. Michelle and I are working together on the weekend, and we need to assemble our food lists. Its going to be a good time!

Thats our July so far. Del working, the boys doing their thing, and me doing whatever! :-) Now if we could find some summer weather, it would be wonderful!

July, here we are!

2009-07-07T21:52:00.003-05:00

Ahhhhh, how sweet it is.......to come home after work today. Finished another round of shifts. A week off coming up. And, I came home today to find my house being cleaned up. The kitchen help was scrambling to clean off the counters. The dishwasher was being loaded. This was after the hired help had worked in the pasture, pulling out old fence post, for four hours. Then they even cleaned out all the garbages. I love my workers. Yes, my boys did a fantastic job of maintaining 'stuff' while mom and dad were at work. My floors have been washed and vacuumed. The grass cut. All that jazz....... Trying to keep them busy so they can't get into trouble while we're away. And, I didn't cook ahead this round. The family is becoming independent! Yay!!!

The last four days of work have gone really well. Worked with my wonderful niece, Michelle, the last couple of days. Thats an added bonus! Seriously, I work with an awesome group of people. (for the most part)! We play music, laugh-even when its not funny-, cry, work, and pool food. Hugs, tears, sharing of issues, and everything else......well, it makes you appreciate each other. When you spend the amount of hours together with only a couple of people, it bonds you like nothing else can. You're dependent on each other for making a healthy work environment. And for healthy relationships. So, I miss the good friends when I'm away from work, but it makes you look forward to go back when its time.

We are looking forward to going to the city, camping, attending an anniversary party-all in the next week. This along with Del working every day, and maintaining the yard at home. My cousin, Kathy's kids, are coming out on Thursday, and are spending 10 days with us. This is going to be interesting. Two girls, to complete our little family. Should be fun!!!

My nieces are helping me plan/organize a bridal shower for my niece-to-be. we've planned a community shower for July 24. Lots of work, but it will be worth it! They're an awesome couple, and it will be good to honor them. So, have to get my head into that next.

My oldest brother and his wife left on a holiday today. I'm so excited and happy for them! They are planning to drive without a plan. Stop whenever they want. I'm wondering if they're going to make it out of the province! Hope they have safe travels!

I do have to admit I'm a little nervous. It is July once again, and that makes me a little leery. The last few years of July have really sucked, and I'm wishing for a safe month for all. I can tell I'm tense-when I hear running footsteps, I wonder, whats happening! I have to make a concerted effort to relax. Can't let this crazy phobia ruin such a wonderful summer month!

Del & I are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary in a couple of weeks. How do you celebrate 20 years together? I have to work that day! That should be fun! Lots of good things to anticipate in the next while.........

My friend and the C

2009-07-01T02:06:00.002-05:00

It's a record, I'm writing two nights in a row! There's a reason. Have to get this out of my system.......My head is full......to the point where sleep was difficult today. The ride home from work this morning was rather emotional. My heart is heavy. Actually, it feels like its breaking. And not for me, either. A friend called me into a side room this morning, and after the good mornings were out of the way, she informed me that the 'Big C' had struck their family. Her spouse was diagnosed with the dreaded 'C', and further testing was underway to decide how to procede. You know, this makes me so angry and so sad, all at the same time! Why is it every way you turn, this disease is taking someones quality of life and shredding it apart. Yes, I'm an advocate for fighting the disease and winning-you don't necessarily lose the battle when you're diagnosed. But the process is so painful and emotional. Why does a vibrant family, with wonderful summer plans, have to go through this???!! This changes everything. It changes the way you get dressed in the morning-the way you go through even the minutest things in your day. This disease doesn't seem to care who or what you are. Doesn't care how old or young you are. Doesn't care of skin color. Doesn't care how much money you have tucked in the bank, or how much money you can spend in one day. Doesn't even seem to care if you've looked after yourself in the most healthy fashion. Doesn't seem to discriminate between differing belief systems. Doesn't wait till its convenient-actually seems to rear its ugly head when people are least able to 'handle' it. This disease makes me want to kick its a**! Yes, it does make me want to use some foul language. Its an ugly disease! Yes, it can bring people closer, it can make people re-evaluate their priorities. But, can't there be an easier way to accomplish this??! I'm so sad for all the unfortunate souls who have to battle this disease. I feel for the families who have to stand by and support the patient through this crippling disease. Seems to me that I know too many people who are experiencing the ravages of this illness. Life just is not fair. I've copied and pasted the following poem-its been on my mind all day.

What Cancer Cannot Do
Cancer is so limited...
It cannot cripple love
It cannot shatter hope
It cannot corrode faith
It cannot destroy peace
It cannot kill friendship
It cannot suppress memories
It cannot silence courage
It cannot invade the soul
It cannot steal eternal life
It cannot conquer the spirit.

I guess thats the perspective I have to take-there is always hope, faith, and love. Family, friends, community. And so, my friend and her family need extra love and attention. Plenty of prayers. And extra hugs.........

And thats another day dealing with living in this generation!

Mid year rave

2009-06-30T03:36:00.003-05:00

Can you believe it?! June 30th already! Where did the spring go?? Oh, yeah, we're still waiting for it.....ha ha. Just over 3 inches of rain this last Saturday morning, and yes, we are once again singing the blues. Or crying the blues. Trying to keep our heads above water. I'd post pictures, but I'm at work, and can't. (Check out Alyssa's blog!) Ditches are full and running over. Fields are full and running over. The water doesn't know which way to run cuz everything is full. So, it just sits there, cuz it can't go down. It can only go up, and you know what they say-what goes up must come down. Obviously thats what its doing in our little corner of the world. Just to draw out my woes a little more......my yard was just getting to the point where we thought we could start moving some dirt around to take care of some of our issues, and now, well, we're back to precious lakefront property.

The one nice thing that came from all this rain, was.........we caught up on some sleep this weekend. Two mornings of sleep ins. Even went grocery shopping together. Watched movies. Was wonderful! Too bad it takes 3 inches of rain to slow us down enough to enjoy relaxing.

Del has been working long hours at work, cuz farmers have been seeding and spraying-all at the same time. I've been working overtime hours, cuz there are just not enough nurses to work all the shifts. Jayde is done school and has been doing jobs at home, playing house keeper and yard man. Kyle is relieved that he only has a half day of school left today.

That is our life in a nutshell. Nothing really exciting. Routine. And that works for me. I'd like a long time of routine. No surprises. Nothing exciting. Just everyday, boring stuff.

Dad is doing well. He is still camping out in his trailer across the road. He's visiting around, going to town, and loving his cell phone. I get such a kick out of watching him on the cell. He is getting and sending texts! Such a 'cool' grandpa! He stopped by yesterday and played 3 games of chess with Jayde.

Oh yeah, forgot to mention, that in our wonderful rain storm, the wind came and took down 3 old beautiful spruce trees, right in front/beside our house. Thankfully, they did not come down on the house.

It's 4 am, and this shift is slowly getting closer to completion. This has been a steady shift. Hospital is overful by 30%. That means we have no beds and are using the emergency room for admitted patients. But, we are still doing a wonderful job, being the caring nurses that we are!

Just to make your morning a little cheerier-imagine-6 months from now-Christmas will be over for another year! :-)

Interlake, east a soggy 'disaster' - Winnipeg Free Press

2009-06-20T13:00:00.001-05:00

Interlake, east a soggy 'disaster' - Winnipeg Free Press

Posted using ShareThis

So proud of my hubby!

2009-06-20T02:27:00.003-05:00

Have to start tonight by sending out accolades to my husband-for the prominent place he held today on the city's newspaper-on the front page, and page 4!! I am so proud of him!!! He did an interview at work, regarding the farming/cropping issues, and the effects of the weather and current situation affecting the local farmers. They quoted him, and inluded pictures! I'm so impressed and proud! Have I told you how proud I am?? :-))
So, the insurance deadline for coverage for seeding for this year, is the 20th. today. We ahve seeded just under half of what we would have intended. And thats how it will be. The other land will just have to keep drying, get sprayed with Roundup, and get worked over eventually. Get it ready for next year. Make ditches. The stuff that was seeded-well, we'll see how it turns out. Thank God, he's sent us some warm weather this week. Sunshine and warm temps. Awesome!

Even the yard is starting to dry up. There's only small lakes in the front yard. Some ruts are starting to dry a bit. Managed to cut maybe 75% of the grass already! Wow!

I'm back at work after a week off. Or it was supposed to be a week off. I jokingly said at the start of my days off, this will be my first week off in a long time. Well that didn't last long. I was called in for mandatory fitting of N95 masks for the flu pandemic. Then I finally agreed to go in on Tuesday night and work night shift. Then, Thursday night, I'm back on my regular rotation. Tonight I'm on my 2nd night of 4. It's like escaping reality and going to work. Here, I know I can't leave. I'm stuck here, having to deal with whatever comes running thru the door. No escaping this!

I'm gearing up to attend another funeral. I'm getting tired of this. But its a necessary evil. A good friend of mine from work is saying good-bye to her grandpa on Monday morning. So many people having to say too many good-byes. Ugh!

Jayde is officially done school for this year. Hopefully, its grade 10 for him in the fall. Barring a disaster in the final exams, this should actually happen. He says even if he gets 0 on his finals, he'll still pass. Kyle has 6 1/2 days left of school. He's feeling a little ripped off that he still has to get on the bus for school. It's not like they're doing any cramming in of information at this point. Playing soccer, watching movies,,,,,,,,,.........you'd think they could just tell the kids to stay at home and work.

WE did seed a garden last weekend. Kathi & Gerald, and their girls came out for the weekend, and they all pitched in and we got'er done. Filled my whole garden space. Now hopefully those seeds can sprout thru those thick clods of clay! Gerald even helped us turn some bulls into steers. Quite a rodeo we had going last SAturday morning. Gerald has been such a wonderful help when he comes out. He gets right into the thick of things-certainly makes life easier for me. Yes, I was still in the pen, chasing and doing my thing. Just ask Gerald about my wonderful fence vaulting scene, as I'm trying to get out of the way from a newly turned steer. Ha ha!! I felt that for a few days!

I had invited my family to come over for supper last Saturday, as well. Those who came, had a great time, I think. I did, anyway! Thats what counts, right? We barbecued, cooked, sat around and visited. Laughed. You know, just had a relaxing time together. Special times!

My mind has been going thru mixed emotions this last while. I don't know about the rest of you, but to me it seems that this stage of life just never slows down from constant ups and downs. Look around you, and tell me who has not got something going on, that they wish wasn't. Check out your family, friends, and neighbours. Somethings going on in their lives, that we would just like to make better for them. And if you can't think of anyone, you're not looking close enough. No kidding! There's people in need everywhere we look. We're all in need in some form. Some days more than others. Somedays I wish I knew better how to help those in need. It seems there's just not enough that I'm doing for those close to me. Wish I could do more. So, I guess, I just keep trying in my own little twisted way, to love and support those around me. Cuz, yes, that's whats important in life.

Two more nights after this. Jayde is helping out in Wyatt's barn again tomorrow and Monday. Del has to work because people are still seeding and some are spraying their crops. So, lucky Kyle gets stuck doing stuff at home. Sunday is FAther's Day. Can hardly wait to give Del his present! Think he'll love it!! I guess I better make him a lemon pie tomorrow too. Now what will I do for my dad??? Have to think on that!

Beware-its a serious ending.

2009-06-05T11:28:00.003-05:00

Its June 5 and it would be hard to tell that by looking out our windows. Its dismal/dreary, with clouds, drizzling rain, and the thermometer shows its all of plus 6. Not hightly motivating to go outside and work on the yard. Not even motivating to work inside. :-)

Sometimes I feel like I'm a broken record. This is a forum for me to talk about what my family and I are up to. Well, its kind of the same old thing for us every day. I found out something the other day and asked the person how long that had been, and he said, "where do you hide that you didn't know that?". I in turn responded, "at the rink or at work". Yes that is still my story.

Jayde's team played their last tournament last weekend. They lost 2 and won 3, for a total of 5 games. His equipment is in the garage, airing out, waiting for a warm and sunny day, for me to wash and dry outside in the sun. He is done with hockey for this season. Finally. Yes, its been fun watching him play at a higher calibre of hockey. And he has had a wonderful time. Developed. And thats why we do it. Jayde now has 2 weeks left of school. Final exams on June 18 & 19. Then its time to put him to work. Makes me think he should get a summer job, but thats rather interesting with us living 11 miles from the closest town. We'll see what we find for him to do. 14 years old is an interesting age-an adult, but not really.

Kyle has one more week left for his hockey season. His two nights a week has been a good experience for him. It was my turn to drive yesterday, and it was a dilemna-do I stay home and farm or do I take the boys?? Andrea helped by solving my problem, Blayze has a birthday this weekend and they're away, so she preferred him staying home. Del wanted me to help on the field, so I wasn't going to just drive Kyle. So, we stayed home. And wouldn't you know, When Del got home, it really started to rain, and 'kiboshed' the farming plan. So, we had supper, and I went for a nap. Kyle has 16 days left at school-just over 3 weeks-and then its summer holidays. Can't wait!

Del's work has been slow, due to the inclement weather. Its not only the farmers that the weather affects. Many businesses are feeling the heat of how to get through another year of tough times. Del continues to work during the day, and evenings and weekends are spent farming. Most of the cattle are on pasture. Good thing Del got those couple hundred of acres seeded a couple of weeks ago, cuz its been too wet to get out there since. Don't know if we will get anything more into the ground. Its a massive gamble , this farming. Totally dependent on something that is not in your control.

Me-well, I've been at work. I'm in the middle of my crazy stretch. Last week I worked days, this week I'm working nights. And this weekend I do 4 days before my week off. Last weekend was spent driving back and forth to the city for Jayde's hockey, in between helping Del on the farm. I have spent a couple of afternoons outside weeding and such. Its so good to be able to do that. I guess tonight I'll haul in all the flower pots so the flowers don't freeze. I haven't planted out anything into the ground, cuz there's forecasted frost for this weekend. Hopefully next week.

One of my nephews, Justin, is part of a band in the city. His band is performing tomorrow night, and my sister has invited us to come watch. So, a friend and I switched some hours and she is coming in to work so I can leave early, so I can head into the city and watch him. Should be interesting. He has sang and played guitar for us at family functions, and our family funerals, but this will be the first time I'll see him play with his band.

Work has been busy. The hospital has been at full capacity. Its been a mix of acute and chronic admissions. Due to confidentiality issues, and nursing in my home community, I don't discuss work situations on my blog. Needless to say, somedays are easier than others. Sometimes I think people wonder why I'm serious most of the time-yes, I've heard that-she can't let loose, yadayada........ I can, you know, just with a few close people, tho. :-) Anyway, between what I deal with at work and with family, It makes me who I am. Thats what you get with me. So, work. We've dealt with some sad situations lately at work. Nothing new really, just over and over, the same stuff. Theres alot of grief and sadness in this world. Time is short. I was the 'lucky' one last week to be on for a young woman that had lost control and rolled her car. Exactly where Katelyn had her accident last year. Another young, beautiful woman. We worked on her, long and hard. We transferred her to the city. I had to go on the transfer with my doc. Quick trip, I'll say. I got to meet with her family. I had the privilege of telling them what happened. If you can call that a privilege. Then I had to walk away, get in my ambulance, and go have lunch, like nothing ever happened. And then go back to work, and carry on like nothing ever happened. And look after some snotty nosed kid, whose mother thought this was an emergency. And treat them like this was a very important situation, and nothing had ever happened. And deal with another family who was upset their mother hadn't had her meat cut at lunch that day, cuz that was much more important than the emergency we had going on in the emergency room. And on and on. Then I got to go home, and hug my sons close. Real close. For a very long time. And my husband. For a long time. Don't want to let go. What if its the last time??? You never know. And thats another day at work. I go to sleep and get up again. And do it all over again. Different people, different situations, different illnesses. You go from life to death, to laughing, in seconds. To dealing with Child & Family Services, to the Coroners Office, to some uneducated parent not giving fever relief. Switching off and on, in a matter of minutes and seconds. With compassion and empathy for everyone. Easier said than done. (By the way-the family took their daughter off life support that evening, so yes, another family is grieving the loss of a special daughter)

Thats what makes me who I am. Live life like its your last day. Live it to the fullest. Love the people that are close to you. Make sure they know! Laugh easily, cuz somedays thats all thats left to do. Crying just isn't enough some days. Yes, nurses have a sick sense of humor, but that seems to be the easiest way to cope with what life deals them on a daily basis. And thats why we're good at what we do.

Enjoy your day! Live, laugh and love. Hard.

42 hours and counting

2009-05-25T00:28:00.002-05:00

I had a wonderful week off of work. Spent some days on the go, and then the last days before going back to work, I had at home. Cooking and cleaning. I even made three good suppers in a row!!! Loved it! Jayde had a tournament in the city last weekend. 6 games in 3 days! Crazy! Since we got blessed with rain prior to the weekend we all managed to stay in a hotel for the Saturday night. Was good to relax.
Now, I'm working on my fourth night in a row. Yup, I've done 3, 12 hour nights, and I'm almost halfway thru my last 12 hour night. I think I'm going on about 15 hours of sleep in the last 4 days. Hmmm, thats why it feels like I'm tired. :-( Tomorrow will be sleeping in the morning, and quick catchup in the house in the afternoon. Then, off to the city for hockey. Tomorrow evening is Jayde's last hockey practice. His last tournament is this weekend. Kyle has another 3 weeks of hockey. It's winding down. But tomorrow evening, I get to take all 4 boys. Should be a wild ride there and back. Jayde and Trent in one rink north of the city, and Kyle and Blayze in a rink in the city. Throw in some grocery shopping, and we'll call it a successful trip!
Del actually started seeding in the fields yesterday. By this evening he had completed 180 acres, and now its down time again. The rest of the fields are much wetter, and will need much sunshine, wind, and heat to get them to a state of driveability. Rain is certainly not what we are wanting, and so the forecast is a little frustrating. If only we could skip tomorrow and move right ahead to Tuesday. Forecasted rain for tomorrow, of course, and the chance of it missing us, well, Murphy's Law would state that we would get the rain!!
I went to a local green house the other day, and spent too much money on wonderful flowers. But, it was so awesome to walk into that greenhouse, and see the bright colors, and smell the flowers.........it was invigorating. So, I loaded the back of the truck and brought home some cheer. I only bought plants for my pots and containers yet, and I actually planted them into the containers on Thursday. All 24 of them. Hopefully with the forecast of sunshine on Tuesday, all the plants will reach up for some rays and become more beautiful. Then I'l be off to the greenhouse again for some annual flowers and some vegetables. Have to pick up some flowers and veggie plants for Dad, as well. He apparently planted 75 potato plants in his garden in town! Don't know what he'll do with them. Guess I'll have to teach him to peel potatoes and cook them! My dad has never been very efficient in the kitchen.....he does not cook. But he is certainly getting very proficient at doing the laundry and yardwork. That is a start!
Dad is getting along okay, in his own way. He usually stays at his RV trailer on the farm, for night. Suppers and evenings are spent at Rol's, my house, or his house in town. Time will heal, and he will eventually be able to spend more time at his house in town.
The flu has been 'sickening' this last week. All of us have been dealing with some form of ailment. Headaches, achy, stomach cramps, cough, fever, and the dreaded de-a-rea!!! We should have bought company shares in the Ibuprofen and acetaminophen industry!! I've actually now combined the advil and tylenol into one bottle and we just pick our favorite color when we need it!
I'm certainly looking forward to spending time camping this summer. Time with Del & the boys in the trailer, or by the fire, or biking. Its going to be great. Reading, playing cards, listening to music, napping, eating sunflower seeds, chatting, cooking over a real fire, browsing in little country stores........the list goes on. So many special memories to be made.
I need to go make my grocery list for tomorrows power shopping. And do my work here. Ha ha, yes I've been coming and going while typing this. I do know where my priorities lie! Thats why I'm good at what I do. Ha-whatever!

May showers, pictures, funeral stuff..........

2009-05-14T09:46:00.004-05:00

Laureen giving mom something to drink.

A Schroeder get-together of sorts. Mom, Vicky, me, Kathi, Laureen, Alyssa
Auntie Sandra, Sonya, Lorna
Stacey, Michelle

Mom and her sister, Sandra

Mom, Lucille, me

Helen, Vicky

Dad-lonely exemplified

Lucille & I

Flowers on casket

Left side of front of hall-we arranged flowers and pictures across the front of the hall.

When you entered the hall, we set up a table of some of moms favorite things. Flowers, cookbooks, Bible, candles, birdhouses, music, and of course, pictures of family.

Del, and our model niece, Beth.

Dad's family

Ed & Marion, Leonard & Sharon, Dad, and Sarah & Dave

Looking at the piles of cards, after the funeral. Keith, my nephew, and I.

Two Friesen brothers, Dad & Ed.

Relaxing the day after the funeral. On Rolands wonderful deck. Wow, that was a beautiful day!

Monday morning, bright and early, loading calves and cows onto the truck. Yes, the calves went up in ones and two-poor things.

What a two weeks it has been. Its been a time of wonderful time with family, close and extended. Meeting people you haven't seen in a very long time. Reacquainting and introducing to new and old friends. What an emotional time. The time between mom's passing and her funeral was 6 days, and initially we were a little wary of that length of time. But, that was a very special week. We spent days and evenings, together. Chatting, cooking, and singing and playing music. Pianos, guitars, and accordians. It really seemed to help dad to get thru, and I know the rest of the family will carry many special memories. Including the evening of washing ears. Its kind of a joke in my family, that dad has poor hearing. He does wear a hearing aid, but it doesn't seem to do enough all the time. Along with his hearing aid issues, he also has a great deal of wax build up. So, needless to say, I flush his ears quite regularily. One evening, at Roland's , we lined up some family members and started checking ears. Oh, we laughed. You may think you're clean on the outside, but you never know what your ear canals are hiding. I flushed 4 sets of ears that evening, and you wouldn't believe what came out!!!

Shopping for funeral outfits was interesting. Rol gave Laureen and I 1 whole hour to shop! Usually when I know I have to find something, its impossible. But, one hour later, we met in the food court, and we felt quite relieved that clothes had been found.

Family and friends were so supportive during this time of organizing and grieving. The food, flowers, card, phone calls, and visits, were so appreciated. The attendance at moms viewing service on Friday, and then the funeral service on Saturday, was overwhelming. She had impacted so many people in her life.

Saturday after the service, it was nice to kick back with family and relax, and re-hash the days events. Sunday brought more of the same-even celebrated Keith's birthday.

Then came Monday-back to reality. We sold our breeding cows, with their calves. And we were expecting the semi to pick up the animals at 11. Del heads outside at 8, and I get up to make breakfast. Our wonderful cousin, Kathi, Gerald, and kids, had stayed an extra day to help us. The phone rings at 830, and its a dispatcher asking me where to send the truck. At the same time, Gerald pokes his head in the door, telling us the truck is here. Get the boys going!! Well, that truck driver was in for a wait, as we needed to sort the calves from their mamas. He kindly helped us sort and load. It went rather well. Time consuming, but good. Monday night, I went back to work.

Bring that to today. I worked 80 hours in 8 days, was in the city for hockey a couple of times, and I have survived to tell it. Advice to others tho, its rather exhausting to follow up your mothers funeral with a week like that! It can be done. I have an awesome group of co-workers; they are so supportive and encouraging.

What kind of emotion is involved with all this? Everyone deals differently. Some deal loudly, some quietly, some don't, some hide, some cry, some giggle, some get angry, some turn to addictions, some reach out to others...........there's no easy path to get through. My challenge was to work on Sunday, Mother's Day, and remain professional, while looking after my patients, in the room my mom had died in 2 weeks earlier. My mind had to not go there that day. Not till leaving work could I really process the fact that Mother's Day had come and gone, and my mom was celebrating her day in Heaven. Lucky mom! Wouldn't take that from her-but we miss her here.

So, life does go on. For us, its anticipating spring seeding. Will we seed????? Beats me. The weather is throwing a wrench into those plans. An inch and a half of rain yesterday, put an interesting touch on already wet fields from last fall. Hmmmm, we'll see what happens in the next couple of weeks. Snow, maybe?

Hockey is still a factor in our lives. Kyle continues to play his 4 on 4, twice a week. He is really enjoying the skating and fun atmosphere. His enjoyment of going to the rink is coming back. Jayde is playing in a tournament this weekend, and two weeks from now. He is loving the opportunity to play on a team of equally skilled players. Its so much fun to watch him & Trent working hard and pushing themselves to play.

On a mushy note, I think I have the best kids in the whole world. They have been such a blessing! They have remained strong, they have helped where they could, and they've given mom hugs and kisses when needed. I love them so much. My husband, he has been there, right beside me, loving and supporting me, truly a blessing!! I have been so privileged to have the family I have!

Mom's obituary

2009-04-30T10:10:00.002-05:00

-Mom's obituary, as posted in the Winnipeg Free Press

MARY FRIESEN (published on April 30, 2009)
MARY FRIESEN Peacefully, and with her family surrounding her, Mom went to her eternal Home, on Sunday, April 26, 2009 at the Arborg Hospital. Mary was born February 12, 1941, in Steinbach, Manitoba, to her parents Sam and Agatha Schroeder. At the age of 12, she, along with her siblings, were placed into foster homes. Mary was blessed to be placed into the home of John Barkmans, in Steinbach, Manitoba. It was in this home that her faith was strengthened, and was baptized upon her Christian faith at the age of 14. Mary developed many new friendships in this home, which is how she met the love of her life, Milton Friesen. They were married June 20, 1958, and settled on Milton's parents' land, north of Riverton. In 1963, they established their own piece of paradise, a farm north of Arborg. In August 2000, the move was made from the farm to the town of Arborg, where they lived for six years, until they moved back to Steinbach. One and a half years later, shortly after Mary's diagnosis of bilateral lung cancer in June 2008, the family relocated Mary and Milton back to Arborg, so that they could once again be close to the majority of their children and grandchildren. Mom was known for her giving spirit and her hard work ethic. Mom and Dad volunteered countless hours through missions, as well as teaching school in Texas and Kansas, on more than one occasion. They volunteered through Mennonite Disaster Service (where Mom would always cook for the crews) in North Carolina, Alabama and California. Mom worked out of the home once her children were old enough to be independent, her first job being at Camp Arnes in the kitchen, of course. Her love for cooking has taken her from her first job at Camp Arnes, to the Arborg Hospital kitchen, Seniors Resource Cooking in Arborg, Doreens Restaurant in Riverton, and her last job at MJ's Restaurant in Steinbach. Mom's love for cooking ensured that all company was well fed -no one left their home hungry! And not only did it taste good, but Mom made sure it looked good as well. Mom was an artist at heart. And this was exemplified by her ability to sew, embroider, and paint. Mom sewed numerous blankets for the Church sewing circle group. This last year, Mom had been unable to get out much, but kept busy at home, still contributing by sewing baby blankets from the comforts of the living room sofa. Mom's artistic spirit also came out in the way her yards were developed. Her ability to plan, develop and maintain her many rock gardens, flowers, trees and vegetable gardens was amazing! She had an awesome green thumb, and could get anything to flourish. She spent many back breaking hours, hauling plate rock to develop pathways and flower beds. The vegetable gardens were also seeded so that there was plenty of produce to share with family, friends and neighbors. Mom loved music. She had not been given the opportunity as a child to play an instrument, but she supported her children to play any instrument they could get their hands on. Mom had an amazing singing voice, a gift she passed on to her children. Mom and Dad's home was always filled with music, either homemade, or listening to something being played. Family time before bed was usually spent singing and making music together as a family. Mom and Dad sang together with friends, in church, and in outreach programs in the area. Mary was predeceased by her parents, Samuel and Agatha Schroeder, her sisters, Emily, Gladys, Valerie, and her granddaughter, Katelyn in July 2008. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Milton; her sons, Roland (Laureen), Roger (Anita), and her daughters, Victoria, and Pat (Del); her grandchildren, Keith (Stacey), Alyssa, Michelle, Stacey, Tyrone (Kelly), Bethany, Nathan, Justin, Jessica, Jayde, and Kyle, and great-grandchildren, Rowan and Bria. Also surviving Mary are her sisters, Doris, Violet (Cliff), Amelia (Bill), Grace (Ben), Sandra (Larry), Rose and Susie; brother Ed; her brother-in-law Ed (Marion); sisters-in-law Sarah (Dave), and Sharon (Leonard) and their families. Also mourning their loss are members of the Barkman family, who lovingly took Mary and accepted her as their own family member, and have continued to love and support her through the years. Viewing will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Drive, Steinbach on Friday, May 1, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. followed by a short service at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Service will be held Saturday, May 2, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Riverton Hall, with viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment to follow at the Mennville Church Cemetery. Pallbearers are the Friesen grandsons, Keith, Tyrone, Justin, Jayde, Kyle and Nathan. In honor of Mary's memory, donations may be made to Mennonite Disaster Service, 306-2265 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5J3. The family is so grateful and appreciative of all the love and support that has been given this last year, during Mom's illness; the many visits and meals have been so helpful. We express our sincere appreciation and thanks to the numerous healthcare members who have been part of the team this last year - Dr. Mokate and Steinbach Hospital staff, Dr. Navarahtnum, Lori, and Cancer Care in Winnipeg; Julie at Gimli Hospital Chemo Department; Arborg Homecare Workers; and Dr. Beukes, and medical and nursing staff at the Arborg Hospital - you are an amazing group of people Thank you! Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel 1-204-346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030

mom's release

2009-04-26T21:08:00.002-05:00

It gives me a great sadness, but an intense relief, to inform people that mom has passed away and entered Heaven's gates. Her suffering is over. She passed away this morning at 1110. She was surrounded by her family. What a way to go! In peace, with the people she loves beside her. She is now singing, gardening, cooking, and visiting with Kate. How fortunate for her.

I'm rather tired tonight, so thats all I'll say, other than her service will be Saturday at 2 pm at the local hall, with the viewing service at 7 on Friday evening at the funeral home.

Peace

2009-04-25T00:48:00.002-05:00

this has been a difficult day! I'm writing this from the hospital, where mom is resting peacefully at the present time. Mom has developed a pneumonia in her little patch of non-cancerous lung, and a blood clot is blocking circulation in one of her legs. So, things are detiorating medically. But, mom is at peace. That is such a relief for us as a family. To know she is comfortable is the most important thing! My brothers, sister, dad, spouses, some kids, etc..... spent most of the day and evening at the hospital. Now, everyone else has gone home to get some rest. I imagine tomorrow will be spent doing the same thing-spending time together. Due to moms condition, I had to opt out of taking the palliative care course this weekend. I am disappointed, but reality is, I needed to be here for mom, and the rest of the family. That does come first.

I am going to go stretch out on the recliner beside mom, just in case she needs someone or something.

Some blessings!

2009-04-23T22:34:00.005-05:00

Thru every tough time, there are blessings. And I'm going to expand on some of mine tonight. 1) family-yes, when the going gets tough, you either grow closer, or you fall apart. And this family has taken time to get closer. Something about many hours spent at the hospital, together, is making for many bonding moments. 2) Expanded family members-what a wonderful surprise to have a cousin from BC surprise us with her presence!!! Yes, Lucille has flown out and is spending time with us, chatting, cooking, entertaining, and so on. Don't know how long we get to keep her, but its wonderful while we have her! And, my other cousin from the other side, kathi, and her family-well, they just continue to bless us with their support and presence. Its so wonderful to have support like that! 3) Friends-Thank God for good friends! Does that say enough? 4) Wonderful hospital staff-think I'm prejudiced? We have wonderful nursing staff caring for mom. Yes, they're my friends and co-workers, and they are treating mom like she is special, cuz, she is!! 5) Cell phones-isn't it wonderful to be able to communicate easily, almost all the time?? Sometimes you want to stomp on the phone, but generally, its so convenient to be able to connect with the people you want to connect with! 6) Sunshine-the day started out sunny today, and it was awesome! 7) Medication-for control of moms pain and nausea, and everything else. Whatever works, is managing to do a good job.

That list could go on and on. I'm also grateful to be able to be sitting at home, typing this. For a warm, comfy home. ........... on and on.

To top the list tonight, my husband and boys. I love them so much. They are being so supportive and loving!!! I am truly blessed!

I've got to go to bed. Tomorrow will be spent at the hospital with mom, and then I'm signed up for a palliative care course all weekend-to start tomorrow afternoon. So, if moms condition holds, I'm going to try to follow thru and actually attend the course. We'll see how that goes!

Wednesday-ah, mid week-this roller coaster keeps on going!

2009-04-22T19:27:00.003-05:00

Mom update-Ct results-confirmed Rt sided stroke with Left sided body weakness/paralysis.
-mom had a stable day today, sleeping off and on, and listening to the action around her. She had company for short periods, including some nieces, who sang for her. It was beautiful.
This evening, I went with the boys to their parent-teacher conferences, that had been rescheduled due to last weeks evacuation. I was quite pleased with both boys efforts in school. No surprises from both of them. They are no artists-have never been, and probably will never be their strong suit!
One of my cousins from BC showed up today, surprising the family! So Wonderful to see her, and she is coming to my house tonight-i think......going to be some awesome visiting coming up. So, Del & I are off to the hospital once again, while the boys clean the house for me. Thank you boys!

quick one

2009-04-21T19:00:00.003-05:00

Here we are at the hospital. Mom is resting comfortably in bed. She went for her CT today, but no results until tomorrow at the earliest. She sleeps most of the time, with waking for short periods when roused by being spoken to. Its rather interesting as the family is in the room, but she sleeps on usually. Quiet conversation is good. Family is coming and going.
There's the update for now.

Mom update

2009-04-21T07:47:00.002-05:00

Well, this week is off to a different start. To make it short and to the point-my mom has deteriorated over the weekend, resulting in a hospital admission yesterday at noon. She has become lethargic, to the point of sleeping most of the time, and has lost the ability to use the left side of her body. Due to the difficulties of managing this at home, she was hospitalized, and will be recieving comfort care there. She does rouse when spoken to, and does speak in short conversation. Her pain is under control, which is a blessing.
So, now the time seems shorter........ I'll try to update later in the day.

Flood waters

2009-04-17T21:02:00.003-05:00

As you can tell, I've not mastered the art of uploading photos in the correct order. And, I'm not taking the time to figure it out. The above photos are taken of the 1)local river, that has caused two towns a great deal of issues, 2) our pasture where noted bull was one day still finding dry ground and the next swimming, 3) the view across the road from our house-Rol's field and shed/yard, and 4) the road on the way to town.

That poor bull-Del & the boys went to rescue it and brought it up to higher ground. Lucille, I thought you might find those pasture pics interesting, as its the drainage ditch field that we talked about the other day.

Yes, this week has brought a quick spring thaw. Beautiful mid-teen temps, has wreaked havoc with overland flooding all throughout the area. Today, tho, things are looking up, as water levels are starting to go down.

It was our turn to bring supper to mom and dads tonight. I actually made a decent meal, and everyone seemed to enjoy it. That is rewarding! I even baked fresh buns! Mom is holding her own. She is managing to move herself between the sofa, the bed, and the bathroom-the most important places in the home!! :-) Dad is ever attentive to her, and they are coping. Yes, the visitors are stopping by, but seem to be considerate of short and sweet visits.

I'm on a few days off of work, and am trying to catch up at home. The boys have been home the last few days. Today was a parent teachers day, and yesterday, school was cancelled due to the flood issue in town. They actually evacuated the schools and some homes, on Wednesday at 330 pm. So, that was my bonus-having the boys at home to help out with some projects.

Have a good weekend everyone-I'm going to find a good book and lay in my comfy/cozy bed.

pictures!!!

2009-04-15T10:13:00.002-05:00

Kyle and his friend, Blayze, ready to go play hockey. Love the fact they had to dress up! And they actually enjoyed it too!

The one picture I got of Jayde on his Directors Cup weekend. Dressed in tie and dress shoes, all weekend! I was so proud!

Rog, Me, Mom, and Vicky. Rol had left a few minutes earlier. This was after our Easter Supper at Mom and Dad's house, before we took Grandma back to the hospital.

DAd & Mom

This was when Dad and Mom were both in the hospital. Typical picture-dad putting his feet up on the recliner in Moms room, and watching mom trying to eat.

I feel much better about it after putting it into writing! Beware!

2009-04-09T17:36:00.003-05:00

Ah, I'm home. The weather is wonderful-plus 4 and sunshine today. Worked my last night and slept this morning. Off to town I went to take care of some business for my parents. Visited at my parents for a short time, and then I went for a full body massage. Oh, it was awesome!!!! Total relaxation! I could have stayed in that little world for a lot longer! Alas, I did have to get off the massage table and once again enter the real world. Then, I shocked Del by going to wash the Blazer. That thing was camoflouge grey/mud/whatever! Now, we can once again see the navy that it is, and the windows are now visible. Yes, somedays I shock even myself! :-) Back home, and I went for a walk. That was so good-the fresh air and sunshine!! Love the spring season! I have to dream up a healthy supper, and I think I will BBQ sausage and veggies. Fresh buns, from the freezer, and maybe beans from a can. Sounds good??

Anyone who doesn't want to think deeply, please move on to the next site you want to go to. I'm going to talk out some emotion-my kind of therapy.
Some days and some moments I feel like I'm banging my head against the wall. Seriously, the subject of alternative medicine is making me sick.......
I'm frustrated. So, we manage to get our mother home, to spend her last days in peace and comfort. To spend time with family and friends. Isn't that what you want when you reach that part of the life cycle? But people just won't let it lie. So many people have life saving solutions, that of course, have worked miracles in other peoples lives, and should of course change my moms as well. Okay, maybe I don't give it all enough credit. Are we not all created to die at some point? I know to lose a loved one is such a sad situation, but it is part of life. To die at 68-yes, thats young. Are we created to live forever? I don't want to be preachy or anything, but don't we actually strive to go to Heaven? Not that we should go out of our way to get there, but God has a plan for all of us, and maybe we shouldn't mess with that too much. Take care of yourself, seek reasonable medical help from people who are qualified and well trained in their fields. But, when the verdict is, it is finished, then what?? When are people supposed to come to terms with their demise, or the demise of people around them? The grief process is difficult and very different for each individual. Everyone copes differently. Some people don't cope. Some very wise person told me a few years ago, that, if a person struggles at dealing with someone elses death, they probably are not comfortable with thinking of their own immortality. And, in my life experience, (short as it is), I've come to agree with that philosophy.
So what to do with all the suggestions for moms miracle recovery? I just don't know. I feel like saying something very impolite, but of course, I'd never do that! :-) Instead, I remind myself this is about mom and what would she want. She has gone on record as being adamant about what she would like or not like done. She does not want to pursue other avenues of treatment. So, how to tell all the well meaning folks, with all the remedies, where to go??? Haven't figured out that answer. I can politely discuss and thank all the people who approach me. But, what about the people who phone or show up at my parents home? They are so vulnerable at this time. My poor father is having enough of a difficult time dealing with this all, without having to decide whether 'he's done enough for mom', or 'what else could we do'.
Maybe I should post another sign along side the 'short visits' sign-one that says, 'leave your pills at home'. Think that would work?
Truly, I so deeply desire for my parents to have a meaningful time together at home. Laugh together, cry together, talk about things never talked about, re-hash old conversations, look at pictures, etc......... Is that simply to much to wish for?

Clarity

2009-04-07T00:56:00.003-05:00

You know, i just read over my post and thought I needed to add an addendum to that. I don't think it was clear of how mom is actually doing.
-She is going home tomorrow. Not because she is doing that much better and times are good. This is a discharge home, to go home and see how long she will manage before she will require hospitilization again. Her prognosis is very poor and is not given much time. Her metastasis will not enable her to cope very long. Even tho things aren't good, its so important for mom and dad to have that time together at home. To spend time together in their last home, to say good-byes, to come to terms, to just spend quiet time together-thats important. This time at home may be very short-lived-we don't know how long mom can hang on-but hopefully the time at home will be quality time. So, we are going to take each day as a blessing, each moment together is a gift, that God has decided to give our family. Yeah, some days are going to be easier than others.

I hope that puts some clarity into the situation. Good night!

The Barkman saga continues.

2009-04-07T00:21:00.002-05:00

I checked when I posted last, cuz I just couldn't remember! Last Wednesday-it feels like so much has happened since.........
Dad was discharged from the hospital on Thursday. He his feeling much better physically. His CT results came back normal, and so that means its still a mystery of what actually happened. A specialist referral will be going out for him. He has been busy walking the streets of town and visiting mom in hospital.
Mom is still in hospital, soon to be released. We are going to try the great escape tomorrow afternoon. This is a very big venture for mom. She is rather afraid of leaving a safe haven, to go home to cope without all the structure from the hospital to support her. We did a 3 hour pass on Saturday evening, where mom went home for supper. This went very well. So, we can only try, and see how it goes. There is a fear from mom and the rest of the family, that she will be swamped with company, that might not be able to limit their visits to what will be manageable for mom. She tires so easily, that what may seem like a short time to visitors, may seem like a long time to mom. And, she doesn't give in to laying down or resting while company is there. Always wanting to please and entertain! Not that she's entertaining. But, dad does still want to entertain. I reminded them tonight that fortunately for them, they live a 2 minute walk from a couple of restaurants-so that if mom isn't up to the company, dad can always take his company for coffee and his extended home-Chicken Chef. :-) Mom's pain is under control, and the nausea is much less as well. A couple changes in her meds have helped her alot. So, we shall see what tomorrow brings!
Hockey-hmmm, Kyle played 4 0n 4 tonight. Again on Wednesday. Jayde received a phone invitation last night to try out for a spring hockey team-so, he's off to the rink on WEdnesday night as well.
Del-working and babysitting his cows.
Me-working, driving, and I don't know what else. Just whatever comes my way.
We had a Friesen family get together on Saturday, for supper. A pre Easter meal. It was so good to spend time together. Most of the family was out, and we actually met at mom and dads house. Initially I had thought we would just meet at the hospital, but then it worked out to take mom on a pass, and it was good to be together at their house. That way it was more comfortable for everyone. (If I ever get 2 minutes where I might have time to post pics, I might, but I don't know when that will happen. ) Kathi & Gerald, and their girls came out Saturday evening, till sunday evening. spent it relaxing at our house. It was so nice. Played games, visited, ate, and played more games. I had a wonderful game at 'Settlers of Catan'-I kicked everyones butt!!! And Monopoly-well, I lost big time. I spent all game landing on chance. Awfully hard to buy land from the chance squares! Had a great time!!! I'm also reading a good mystery novel. Love a good book! Have I told you I started crocheting this Christmas?? I have crocheted myself a wonderful black hat, and now I'm working on an afgan. Don't laugh!! It's not that I'm very good at this, but it gives me something to do. I knew I would need something to do with my hands when mom was ill, cuz sometimes you just need to sit, even tho you don't feel like it! I might finish that afgan by the time I have grandkids-maybe!
Work-yes, I'm still working full-time, plus. We are still short staffed here. Some days are rather desperate! Why is no one interested in nursing in a rural facility? The rapport between staff is so much tighter here than an urban facility. Life long friendships are built on night shifts!
Weather-today was sunny with +2 temperatures. Finally. It was so nice to see the sun. There is alot of snow that has to melt. Its rather daunting to imagine how much moisture has to disappear before fieldwork can begin! But, they say double digits by the weekend. I can hardly wait!
So, tomorrow, I'm going to sleep till noon. Please don't phone me! Then, I'm going to get ready and go to town and pack up mom and take her home. Need to organize her into her space. Get her meds organized. And cook something healthy and good for mom and dad for supper. Dad is supposed to eat a low fat diet, with his issues. And no salt, cuz his blood pressure is up. So, no gravy and a low sodium diet it is. That means he will need to cut down on his take out food. He really misses his salt shaker! I tell you, when mom gets her meals at the hospital, he eyes her little salt packages, and he drools!! Anyway, a bland and healthy supper it will be!
I'm going to go check if my patients are sleeping, and not on the floor for some reason! Hope you're all having an awesome sleep!

2009-04-01T21:10:00.002-05:00

Another day down at work.

Yes, I worked today, and my parents were my patients. What an unusual feeling! Dad is looking good, and probably going home tomorrow. Still waiting for CT results. Mom had a good day. She actually was up for a couple of walks today. We will certainly take the good days as a blessing!
I work the next two days, as well. It's good to be close to them.

Monday, I spent trying to catch up with laundry, cleaning, and routine home stuff. I also went to town at lunch and met the oxygen guy at mom and dads house. Oxygen is set up for the time that mom is ready to go home. After that, I went and hung out at the hospital with mom and dad. Then quickly home to get Kyle off to the city for his hockey. He is now just in his 4 on 4 team. It works out to twice a week, of skate, skate, skate. Fortunately, Andrea offered to take Kyle along, and freed me to do stuff at home.
Tuesday, the boys and I spent at home, while Del worked. (No spring break for him!!) We baked, laundry, cleaned, checked cattle........on and on....... The boys each made a dessert. We even made real meals. Broccoli/Cauliflower cheese soup for lunch, and baked mac'n cheese, parmesan chicken, and stir fry veggies for supper. Hungry yet??? Homemade cinnamon rolls anyone?? Kyle made some kind of strawberry jello dessert, and Jayde made chocolate pudding-from scratch. Wonderful!!!!!! Even washed Jayde's hockey equipment today. EWWW that was quite the odor!

Had a couple of calves today, apparently. So far, so good. girls outweighing the boys. don't know how that works like that.

I'm listening to my boys playing baseball on the Wii. Getting loud and rambunctious!! So good to hear happy sounds! Love it!
I'm off to be lazy and imagine my next few days.. .......enjoy my moments of down time!
Oh, yeah, how about the weather????!!!! What can I say???? :-(

Home, Sweet Home

2009-03-29T20:58:00.002-05:00

Seriously, I truly love coming home! Settling back into the house, with all the stuff from the weekend, yes, its a chore, but its so good for my little family to be together, at home.

Kyle's team had their last game this morning. I thought Kyle played much better today, so it was with some relief that we left that tournament, feeling a bit better about things. Four hours after leaving the rink, we were back home-my second home-the hospital. There are my parents-Room 12 and Room 14. Cozy in their beds. Would be kind of cute, if it wasn't all a bit much. I thought Dad looked good. My brother informed me he looked much better today than yesterday. Must be something to do with the liver enzymes coming down from their through the roof high, and now being able to take fluids by mouth. Oh, he loved the tea, soup, and juice he got for supper. Mom on the other hand, well, I thought she was even more tired than when we admitted her on Wednesday. They've now limited her visitors to immediate family only, as there were just too many people stopping by. She's okay with her kids chatting beside her, but when others show, its too much effort for her to keep up to things. I'm meeting with the home o2 people tomorrow, and mom and dads house, to set up home oxygen, when she is able to come home. When???? Don't know. She is absolutely not ready to come home at this time. Will she rally? I don't know. Time will tell. She is so worried about dad and that is not helping. Her doc is wonderful, and will do almost anything for her. He will not let her go home, if she isn't ready, or if he doesn't feel she will manage. So, its day by day for now. Regarding dads issues, hopefully a CT appt will be available in the next couple days, and will enlighten us whats going on there.

Hockey-well, thats a wrap for this weekend! Kyle's team won one and lost two. Jayde's team won one, lost two, and tied one. Jayde played defence for the last two games, due to team injuries. Apparently he did alright. He said he had a wonderful time. He said he ate lots all weekend, and had a great time getting to know other kids. The hockey was fun for him-and challenging, which helps to make it fun.

I'm going to unpack my suitcase. Maybe even start the washing machine. Get a head start on settling back into 'home' mode. Whatever that is.

my soap opera

2009-03-27T21:58:00.002-05:00

What can I say??? Its just getting better........ Not only is my mother in the hospital, but now my dad is admitted as well. He was admitted two doors down from my mom, with pancreatitis. What next????? He has been having some epigastric discomfort, and had chalked it up to stress. Then, this morning, apparently had some vomiting issues. My sister booked him in for a clinic appt, and after being seen by the doc, and bloodwork done, tada, an admission. He is on IV fluids tonight, without having anything by mouth. We'll see. A possible CT will come next week, depending how the weekend goes.

And, I'm not there. I'm starting to think, that when I go to the southwestern portion of the province, that bad things are bound to happen. Del, I, and the boys, left yesterday, for Jayde to go to his tournament weekend. And it all hits the fan! Good thing the rest of the family is there to take over. I've spoken with mom a few times tonight. Stressed of course. worrying about whats wrong with dad. What the heck is going to happen next?

So, hockey. Jayde's team played two games today, in the Director's Cup. Jayde had a good day. Scored a goal and an assist in the first game. They won the first game 6-2. They lost 6-2 in their second game. I didn't see much of that one, cuz I was on the phone, figuring out what was going on at home!!! After that game, Del went to the WHL parent info meeting, and the banquet. Kyle and I left to travel south 3 hours to his tournament. And we made it. Felt like forever.

So, I had my mountain top experience on my ride to here. I had to drive over Riding Mountain on my way south. Linda, don't tell Del if you're reading this tonight, okay??? :-) I opened the engine on that truck, and cranked up Nickelback, and we flew over that hill. Ha ha. Therapy at its best. Speed and loud sounds!!! I wasn't an idiot, I tell you. Just a little bit extra sometimes. My, that felt good. I came out driving at speed limit, and all was good. Cleared the cobwebs out of my brain!

We're calving at home. Del's brother is checking on the cows. We're at 11 so far this last week. Hopefully it goes okay.

I have to mention the motel room we stayed at last night, and Del is at for the next two nights. What a dump!!! We had a kitchenette suite. I don't know how to adequately describe the rooms/suite. Other than, not clean, and outfitted with greatly used furniture. And the smell, acutally the stench-pure stale smoke! Off to Walmart across the street for Febreze. And the laughs we had when we pulled back the blankets. Torn blankets and sheets. Oh, the joys of playing hockey and renting motel rooms in rural Manitoba! The kitchenette-well i wouldn't want to cook or eat there. I only put a couple things in the fridge and thats it. Bought Lysol wipes to clean table and counters/dressers. Cable tv-well, supposed to be, but that was the most farmer cable I've ever seen in my life! At least we didn't have to drive an hour to the rink. 5 minutes. And a great many laughs. Remind me of the laughs when I start scratching cuz of bed bugs next week. Ugh!! Better not!!

The motel room tonight, is small, but clean. Big move up for us from last night!!!

Well, thats my life today. Tomorrow might be a whole different story.......who knows.........

Oh, yeah, have to comment about making it to the NHL. The chance of making it to the big league, is probably as good a chance as making it big in the lottery. You'd never guess that by the parents conversations at the rink. Not all, but certainly some. No pressure, boys. Just play your hearts out, while 150 scouts with big white clipboards watch you. And parent and coaches, expect the world!!!! Meat market, is what comes to mind.......things said like-he's so small, or, hmmm, his parents are small, or, his parents are big, or , he's too slow, or, his hair is too long, or, he doesn't brush his teeth, ha ha, got ya? But, seriously, its rather nerve racking, I think, for the kids. Need nerves of steel, or a really good focus to stay focused on the game, and not the show on the sidelines. Great experience for the kids on the team. Team bonding, making friends, listening to other adults, responsibilities-all that good stuff. Wonderful experience for Jayde! I'll check with him on Sunday when its over, and see what he got out of this weekend....

I'm off to meet the parents on Kyles team. Apparently they're meeting in a room down the motel line. It's all about people, you know!
Have a great night!

mom-updated

2009-03-25T20:36:00.002-05:00

Well, wasn't this an interesting day....... I went to work for an overtime shift. Mom came for her scheduled appt this afternoon. Actually, I had her come early and go for blood work and a chest x-ray. She saw her doc, and he concluded he wanted to admit her. She is so nauseated, and short of breath, that he wanted to give her some relief for those issues. So, she is on a slow intravenous, for medication purposes and slow hydration, and she is using oxygen, which is giving her relief at this point. So, that is the update.......don't know what I'll come up with next!

Mom

2009-03-24T14:04:00.003-05:00

My mom had her oncologist appt today. Her CT results are in. The news is not good.
The nodules in her lungs have increased in size and in numbers. Not only has the cancer metastasized to her bones, but has also moved into her liver and an adrenal gland.
This has happened while she has been on oral chemotherapy. There are no other medical treatment options that are viable at this point. She has has difficulty tolerating the chemo, and to continue would be futile. So, her last week of chemo medication has been 'scrapped', and she will be placed into a Palliative Care Treatment mode. She will be treated for her symptoms, and kept as comfortable as possible.
Her lungs are also filling up with fluid again, and will probably need to be drained in the near future. This will be done on a as needed basis.

So, our lives go on, we just change the jist of how we deal with the circumstances. We don't have a time line for mom, but we don't have one for ourselves either.........time will tell.
Hopefully, once the oral chemo effects wear off, she will find a little strength and rally a bit. We'll see............
So grateful they are close by..............
Thats it from here today............

McDonald's & hockey

2009-03-24T00:02:00.002-05:00

Ugh!!!! I could kick myself tonight! I gave in to temptation tonight as Garvis drove thru McDonalds drive thru, and yes, I ordered myself a Big Mac. Wrong move!!! I haven't eaten junk like that in awhile, and I learnt my lesson tonight. All the way home from the city, belching and stomach rolling. GROSS! I've eaten Tums, with no relief. Crud, pure crud. I've been so good-not eating junk on the road. I have no appetite for that crap. And I blew it tonight. Actually, lets view it as reinforcement of why I shouldn't order it again. I'm sure I'll order a Big Mac again someday, but it will be awhile.

Yes, its midnight. And, I'm still up. Got home 20 minutes ago. Went to check the cows. And now I'm back in the house. Del & Jayde are not home yet. You're thinking, what is with these people???? Sometimes we wonder the same thing. The thing is, this is a ridiculously crazy week for the boys and their hockey schedules. And the cows started calving the end of last week. And the weather is getting suckier by the day.
So.........hockey. Here's the update. Jayde's directors cup, regional team, had a practice on Sunday, and played a game tonight, 2 1/2 hrs away, at 815 pm. Apparently they lost 4-2. So, they're still on their way home. Kyle's regional team, practiced on Sunday, and will play a game tomorrow night. Kyle started his 4 on 4 hockey in the city tonight. 2 nights a week, until the first week in June. Pure and simple fun, and hard skating. It was awesome to walk into that city rink tonight!!! People we hadn't seen since last spring, greetings all around, it was wonderful!!! And Kyle and his buddy, Blayze, had a great time! They skated, and bonded with their 'city' friends. And, they came off the ice, smiling. Grinning, actually!!! Pumped!!! 1 1/2 hrs of end to end skating. No off-sides, no icing the puck, no penalties, just pure and simple skating and playing with the puck. The guy in charge of the team, was reffing, and guiding the kids. Putting the fun into hockey. A great work out for the kids, and putting fun into the game, with no pressure for winning, or performing for the parents in the stands!!! Kyle and I got a ride into the city with Garvis and Andrea-its so wonderful to be able to share the driving with awesome friends! Tomorrow night, we're off to 1 1/4 hrs away. Wednesday night, Kyle is off, and Jayde has practice-almost next door. In our home town. What a break for us!! Thursday, we're off to start our weekend. Jayde has to be at his teams hotel between 4 & 5 in the afternoon. 3 hrs from here. Kyle needs to be at his tournament Friday evening, to be at the rink for 8 am on Saturday. Its going to be an exciting weekend!!!!
So the cows started calving a little early this year. Caught us off guard. Oh, well. Might as well get it over with. Last night, i got to do my first internal of the season. Last year I did not witness one cow birthing, and we assisted none. Last night, Del checks cows, comes in and says, another one is in labor. An hour later, he checks again, and no progress on hooves out the back. So, I get dressed and go out with him, all prepared to help out. We actually got the cow into a pen by her self, and into the head gate. Calves hooves are out the back end by a couple of inches. And I volunteered to do the internal and see whats going on. It didn't take long to decipher that those were the calves hind hooves. That means the calf is coming backwards. I've not delivered a backwards calf before. Can we pull it???? Will it fit. I'm thinking the pelvis is a little small, and once you start pulling, you're committed, and it better work. I can feel the calf is aligned correctly-yes, I felt its bottom and the tail was in place. So, we decided to put on the chains to pull this calf. Put the rope on the chains hook, and we go to work. We pull with the cows contractions, and my hand is up its back end, trying to stretch and make it easier on the poor cow. We pull and pull with not much progress, and I'm thinking maybe this is a bad idea. So, I go in and phone a neighbour for advice. He is wonderful and always so helpful. He offers to come right over and check it out. I haven't even made it back out to Del, before we hear his truck on his way. He assesses the situation, decides I was right, but he needs an official calf puller-its like a pulley system. He goes home, gets his apparatus, and hooks her up. Wheeled that big beautiful calf right on out of there. Another girl!!! Work on her to get her breathing warmed up, dried off..........Another success story. And she's still alive!!! Both mom and baby!!! Hows that for a play by play of a bovine birth?? I thoroughly enjoyed that experience. What a rush!! I don't mind that kind of work at all. If I didn't have a million other responsibilities, and jobs, thats would be therapeutic.
Work has been frustrating. I am working full-time all winter, and it seems like thats not enough. We are so short of part-time/casual help. Any time an RN is on vacation, calls in sick, or needs time, there is no one to do relief duty. The one part-time nurse, and the one casual nurse, are working all they can, beyond the call of duty, and its not enough. The full-timers are encouraged/required to pick up the slack. So I've picked up 20 hrs on my days off. No rest for the wicked, I guess. People wonder why nurses burn out???? I can tell you why-not enough time away from their work situations. I tell you I don't go to a shift anymore without my glasses, contact case/solution, makeup, and extra clothes-just in case I'm required to stay because the next shifts staff is unable to make it in. Anyone looking for nursing positions????? We've certainly got some at our facility!
Tomorrow-Mom has her Telehealth appt with Cancer Care. They have her CT and blood results. We shall see how effective this oral chemo has been. I will try to do an update here tomorrow, for those of you who might be interested.
Well, some relief received from the Tums, but I don't know if its enough to relax in bed. Del & Jayde aren't home yet.......gonna be some tired boys at the breakfast table in the morning!

Lesson learned-stay away from the fast food lineup!!! Pack food for the weekend away!

St. Patricks Day

2009-03-17T22:02:00.003-05:00

What a day this has been!!! I'm in no mood for celebrating St. Patty's day , as my sister called it this morning. I have completed 4, 12 hour shifts, and I should be be celebrating. But, instead, its been one of those days. Ever have one of those days where trouble just happens? Everywhere?? Had a meeting at work today. Oh boy! Three hours later, wrapped it up, but it still wasn't 'over'. Busy day with patients. Some better than others. Then, my dad brought my mom to work. She was feeling short of breath. Her ankles were swollen, and couldn't speak a whole sentence without stopping for breath. So, the good old nursy daughter that I am, I changed her meds, added one back into the mix, and told her to go home and pee all afternoon. Which she did. Hopefully she will fell better by tomorrow. Finished work at 715, and 'fly' out to Kyle's game, 15 minutes away. He lost game 2, best of three series, so now they're tied at 1 game each. Jayde's team lost again in overtime, and they are now out of the playoffs, Yes, Del had Jayde and Trent at their hockey game 1 hr 15 min away. Then I'm home 20 minutes this evening, and Del calls-the truck won't start. Can I come get them???? He asks for cell numbers of other parents that were there, and he and I both try to call someone who might have room to take all three of them home. Along with the equipment! Yay, a dad has room. Actually, I don't know how much room he had, but he was kind enough to go back and give Del and the boys a ride. I phoned CAA and made arrangements to have the truck towed to a Ford dealership for repairs tomorrow. Hopefully, its an easy fix.......Now I'm waiting for the phone to ring, to go pick up my family!
Yeah, I'm bitching. Yeah, I'll get over it. Yeah, I'm going to get a good sleep in. I think I'm even going to have a nap tomorrow.
Oh, yeah, I have a grade 12 student putting in 70 hours of job shadowing. I'm really impressed! 14 hours in, and he's fairly independent. A nurse in the making! There is hope in the nursing profession....... :-)
OH, yeah, I had an interesting experience yesterday at work. Got to work with Michelle, and Alyssa came to work to job shadow. Now thats a first. Three of us together. I was so proud of 'my girls'. They are very special, and are both wonderful, compassionate nurses. Oh, to be a new grad!
Feeeling lazy all of a sudden........wonder why....................don't want to lay down.................might never get up again......................gotta keep chewing gum..............................
one more thing.......the Ice dawgs play at home tomorrow night. They are down 2 games to 0 in their series of best of 7. They've been wasted both games-embarrassingly so!!!! Think they'll find some gas somewhere to not be embarrassed again? They keep this up and their playoffs will be over before it really began. It might be my last game with them tomorrow, thats actually a sad thought................suck it up boys!!!!

middle of march, already!

2009-03-15T09:45:00.004-05:00

March 15-can you believe it??? Where is the time going? this month is half over, and i thought it just began!
I am on a stretch of day shifts. Today is day 2 of 4. So far so good! Can't discuss work on here-small community, confidentiality, and all that good stuff. But the stories!!! Imagine away!!

Hockey-well, that has been interesting! Kyle's team played game one of their series yesterday-best of 3. And they won, 3-0!! They have not won against that team all winter, and they did it!! I didn't see it, but apparently our goalie was spectacular! Way to go, Keenan! Jayde-his winter team played game 1 of their best of 3 series, and they played into double overtime, and lost. Haven't heard when game 2 will be played. So him and his buddy are playing on their regional team this weekend. They played yesterday, and lost 6-4. Today they play 3 hours away, and lucky Del gets to take them! Jayde was so excited last night; he scored the first goal of the game. Sounded like a lucky bounce, but he'll take it.

Calving is getting closer 2-3 weeks away, and those babies should start coming. Hopefully the weather warms up a bit.

My mom and dad-well, they're holding it together. 2 weeks left on the oral chemo. She went for her CT on Tuesday, and all CT and blood results will be reviewed and discussed on Mar 24.

Here's a glimpse into my youngest son's mind-it made me smile. Thursday evening, he asks me, are you going to be home after school tomorrow? I tell him, yes. He asks me again, and i reply yes. And then, he says, really?? By this time, I'm wondering, what??? So, I ask him, is that okay if I'm home after school? He says, yes, thats wonderful! I'm wondering what is going thru his mind, and I ask , is something wrong? He says, no, I just like having you home after school. AWWWWwwww, that cutie of mine. He gives me a big smile. I'm a pushover! He could have asked me for almost anything at that point. Its a reminder to me of even tho my boys are growing up and very independent, they still like having mom and dad around, even tho they don't admit it very easily. Love my family!!!!

Alright, I'm off to check my patients. Have a wonderful day!

winter won't give in!

2009-03-11T01:42:00.002-05:00

Ever feel so tired you don't think you can move?? yes, that's how I'm feeling right now, and its only 143 am. That means I've got 5 hours to go on this shift. Augh!!! I wasn't cut out to work nights; except I can get more done on the side if I work nights. Maybe thats why I'm tired.
Can you believe it?? Its Mar 11. Already!! And it was -24 on the way to work with a wind that was at 200 miles an hour. Okay, maybe thats an exageration! It's that cold, but its windy, but not quite that windy. I'm anticipating spring. Sometime.
The boys are still playing playoff hockey. Both their teams survived their last rounds, and are moving on. Jayde's team plays game 1 tomorrow night of their best of three series, and Kyles team will play on the weekend. Jayde's team hosted Provincials last weekend and so they had a bye into that tournament. There team did not bad. But not great either. They won the first two, tied the third, and then lost in the last 2 games. They lost the bronze game. So disappointing for them. Jayde played well.
Jayde followed up the day at the rink on Sunday, by getting sick on Monday. He came home from school with the achy flu. Fever, and hurting all over. Went to school this morning, but got sick again at noon. Stayed there, and went to hockey practice in the evening. Nothing like advil and tylenol to help you get through!!! I had the same flu on Monday, and I still fell a touch of it.
I had to laugh last night. Del was telling me how Jayde ate at the rink on Sunday. His appetite is voracious! Del gave him $20 to buy supper while Del was a host for the team playing. So on Monday Del asked Jayde where the change was, and Jayde got him his change. $2. Yup. That's right. $2. Del asked him what he ate, and he said he'd been so hungry after those games, he'd had 2 cheeseburgeres, 2 taco salads, and 2 chocolate milks!! Can you imagine??!! And then he ate again at home after all that. And its not like he didn't eat all weekend before that!! A sign of a growing boy, I guess!!
My cousin, Kathi, her husband , Gerald, and their girls also were over this last weekend. We had a wonderful time with them staying at our house!!!!
Mom went for her follow-up CT today. Laureen and Michelle took her, thankfully. They were unable to do an infused CT, so she drank the contrast, and then they did the CT. She has that appt on Tues, March 24. We'll see what the verdict is then. She has another 10 days left of her oral chemo, hopefully she'll get some energy back after that!!
Went to a friends grandmas funeral this morning. She sounded like she was a wonderful woman!! Makes you think of all the people who've gone 'before us', and the ones who are expected to go soon.
Can someone please, please, please, send some spring weather???!! Sunshine, and more sunshine. And warm temps, please!!!??

just rambling.....

2009-02-23T08:31:00.002-06:00

Good morning. Yes, I'm at home this morning. It's so exciting! A morning at home. Doesn't take much to make me happy! Yesterday, we spent the whole day at home as well. As a family. It was so wonderful. We haven't had time together like that for too long. We napped, cleaned, did laundry, played games, ate.........Yes, it was wonderful.
This month has gone by very quickly. I'm going to try to recap it very briefly. The boys have been in school. And they've played their regular hockey. Del has been working and I've been working. How's that??!
Seriously, tho.
Jayde-is now on a new semester at school. He is now taking math and social studies, along with gym, drama, and ????, can't remember! Last semester turned out okay with mother not being quite satisfied with those final marks. I guess I expect too much. I have full expectations of 80% or above, across the board. And for the first time in Jayde's life, not all subjects met those standards. A couple below, just a bit, and thats how it is! So, this term he will pick up his grades. He is fully capable, but has a bit of an issue with organization. But, he informs me this term will be much better, because these are his favorite subjects. I guess we'll see. His hockey team is doing alright. They are hosting provincialsin 10 days. They've not skated much the last two weeks, as other teams are needing ice to finish their league and MAHA games. They get a bye in the first round of playoffs, as well.
Kyle-has dealt with the flu this last weekend. Upset stomach, and lots of aches and pains, and headache. No vomiting or diarrhea, thank goodness. But, sometimes that seems to pass quicker than this. But alternate the Tylenol and Advil, and life carries on. Kyle's age group on hockey gets to join regional teams this year, and the interested kids met for skates on Saturday. Teams were sent out by email yesterday, and Kyles so excited. He gets to be on a team with his best buddy, as well as other kids he knows. It's been so good for him to have skated with other kids from other areas, before this. This experience will be so much fun for him, after the season his team has had. Another coaching perspective, different drills, positive attitudes, and kids that want to be there for the same reason. He's very excited. School carries on for Kyle as well. He always surprises me. He seems to need more studying and effort, but in the end, his marks get above mama's standard. You may think I'm hard on my kids, and maybe I am, but they are capable, and they need to know they can push themselves on this. Life is not just about hockey. Almost, but not quite! :-)
Del-working full-time and maintaining the farm. Thankfully, the farm isn't busy right now. But the cattle still need to be fed, and the cows are getting ready for their calving season-so that means immunizations and such have to be kept up.
Me-working full-time. Plus. At work. There are a couple of nurses off with injuries/sick, and we just have one part-time nurse, and one casual nurse. And they're in those positions by choice. So, they're not available for all the hours that are available. I'm on vacation this week, and we'll see if it stays that way. They are going to pay me well, if I'm required to go to work! I miss my family, and they seem to miss me. Or maybe they miss my cooking skills, cuz my cleaning skills aren't the best! I'm also helping out for Jayde's provincial tournament prep. Actually, I'm putting together the booklet that will be available that weekend. that means I'm trying to get business support, and then putting everyone's ads/sponsorship together into this book. It's kind of fun. Just need the time to enjoy the process! The parent group has worked well together, so far, in pulling off this event. And of course, it will be a success! A friend of mine and I went for a trip to the city last Thursday. Had a good time. We went for consultations for laser hair removal. I've wanted to do this for awhile, and finally we did it!!! Had my first treatment. Going back in 3 weeks. This facial waxing is done on my face!! Hopefully it will be all its said to be!

Mom & Dad-well, they're plodding along. Mom is entering her 4th week of oral chemo. Her rash seems to be under control. She still has no appetite. Other than that, her spirits seem to have improved in the last month. Dad is still really struggling with acceptance. He is not accepting any of this. He is so caught up in this craziness, and its making him crazy!! (Like that play on words??) Laureen has made arrangements for him to get out and volunteer at the Thrift Shop. I'm so happy for him, and grateful for these arrangements. He definitely needs time out and away from all this, and mom can use the down time as well. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right??? Everyone needs a break now and then. So, I think he'll get out a couple of afternoons a week, which will give him a much needed change of environment. 5 more weeks of oral chemo for mom. She is busy sewing/quilting baby blankets for her churches sewing group. They apparently send these blankets north to needy families. It helps mom to have something to do, and still be able to make a difference in someone's life. Spring can't come soon enough for mom. I can hardly wait until the sun shines, and we can put chairs out on the deck and she can look at flowers and green grass. Those house walls seem so enclosed.

I'm catching up on paperwork these next few days. And I think I'm going to bake something for everyones lunches. Kyle has a hockey game tonight, and if they lose they're done their league playoffs. If they win, they play again tomorrow. It's only winning after this, cuz the next loss, eliminates them out of playoffs. Jayde has practice tonight, so someone will stay home to take him where he needs to go.

Ever wonder how justice is served through health issues?? There are so many schools of thought regarding this. I really have trouble accepting the line of thinking that 'your health is a sign of God punishing you'. Yes, there are some people that believe that! Unbelievable. Or, that 'if you believe enough, you will be healed." Seriously, don't people know that they'd cut off their right arm for being healthy?? There are people suffering from terrible things they would never choose to suffer from, and don't ever deserve to suffer from. Not that I think people 'deserve' any illness. But sometimes, it seems the 'best' people suffer from the worst things. What's with that?? It actually makes me question the pros and cons of euthanasia. My heart breaks for the patients and families who tolerate un-imaginable suffering. There is no justice in that. There is no 'rightness' in that.

Time to take the roast out of the oven. Get lunch and supper organized. Take the boys to the dentist this afternoon. It's been good to get some of these thoughts out........

Happy valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T16:02:00.002-06:00

Saturday afternoon, and I'm at work. I was doing up some paperwork here and thought I'd quickly check if the internet status had changed. And yes, I can once again log onto blogs. Don't know how they decide when its allowed!
This week has been one of those weeks. Work, and more work. I worked 3 nights to start the week. Then Thursday morning, I went along with Del to the city. And while he attended mtg's, I did some business, and I browsed. Then, we went out for supper to celebrate Valentine's Day. Friday, I took the boys to school and brought baking to the store, for the PAC bake sale. MMM, so many wonderful contributions. And the bonus for me was I didn't have to stay and work. I've really slacked off on this committee this year. From there I went to the next town, to do some business, and keep soliciting funds for our provincial tournament that we're hosting this year. I stopped and chatted with my mom, and then I met Del for lunch. Home to do some cleaning, laundry, supper, take Jayde to town for youth, home to carry on with other housework, and then it was bedtime. Back to work today. 1st shift of 4 twelve hour day shifts.
Work is having its issues. There are a few nurses off with injuries, and that makes it difficult for the rest of the crew to pick up shifts. We are so limited in staffing!!! Anyone know someone who needs nursing hours??? The sickening thing is, if there is no one to work after us, like for the next shift, they can 'mandate' us to stay. And that means working more than your original shift. so, yes, 24 hours consecutively at work is too long. But they are allowed to do that!
Mom had her 68th birthday on Thursday. She had a quiet day at home. The rash to her face and scalp may be looking worse to some, but its actually improving. Its reddenend, but drying up. Her pain seems to be fairly well controlled at this point, with meds. We switched her nausea meds a week ago, and that seems to be much more effective. But she is still extremely fatigued, and will continue to be so, I assume. She is due for her IV Pamidronate in 10 days, and is quite reluctant to agree to that due to the nausea she had the last two times. Maybe we can find a solution for that too. ??
Kyle is at a local hockey tournament today. 3 games between 9 & 530. A bit much for a big kid at that level of hockey. Oh, well, he will sleep well tonight. Jayde has his last league game this afternoon. Hopefully that will go alright;this will probably make a difference in where their final standings will be, and therefore determine playoff positioning. Kyle's teams last regular season game is on Tuesday evening. Playoffs, here we come....... Jayde's regional team has its first skate on Monday morning. He is excited. I am nervous.
There's my update. Oh ya, I purchased a new camera cable, and so next week, should I actually get a day away from here, I might even post some new pictures. We'll see.
Aunt Violet, I did get your phone call and the letter, thank you!!!! I am not forgetting about the pictures. As you surmise from my posts, I'm barely keeping up to my life, never mind with anyone around me!! :-)

Happy Valentine's Day!!!! Enjoy the people around you. Extra hugs and kisses to those you love!!!!

February

2009-02-09T08:10:00.004-06:00

Monday morning.....still no camera cable. So here is another post without pictures!

The phone rang this morning at 645, and my first thought is why is work phoning so late, and it should have a long distance ring. Answered it to hear the voice of a friend, informing us that school was cancelled for today! Yay!!!! So, the boys went back to sleep. I shall let them sleep in for a bit, and then I will get them motivated to do 'stuff' at home. They are going to wish they were in school. Nothing like a home day for them, for all of us to catch up at home. And the extra special bonus for Kyle is an extra day to study for that dreaded science test!

Our routine in this home has continued to follow the regular pattern. CHAOS! But organized. It is truly -make it work as best as possible with the resources available. Boys are one week away from playoff hockey. Del & I are working. Del & the boys are keeping the farming operation running smoothly.

Jayde attended Directors Cup hockey tryouts, a week ago. And much to his great joy, he and his best friend survived cuts and made the team. This brings with it a gamut of further practices, games, that culminates in a final weekend of hockey-the first weekend of spring break. That final weekend, called Directors cup, is a tournament of teams from regions in this province, that invites scouts and interested hockey personnel to check out the future of hockey. The teams are comprised of boys in the 1994 age group. This is their draft year for junior hockey teams, etc..... So its rather exciting to be attending an event of this calibre. The boys are dropped off at the hotel that Thursday afternoon and available for parents to pick up on Sunday. The team stays together, chaperoned and supervised by team management. The are required to dress up for all team events, including dress pants, ties, and dress shoes!!!! No hats or toques!! Awesome! Every mothers dream-to see her child dress up without having to bribe them! Parents are not allowed to have their child stay with them, but may book a room at a hotel in the same town, and watch the action from afar.

My mom has started chemotherapy. She is taking it in pill form, which she takes every day. She has now taken 9 doses, with the usual side effects. Nauseated, and with this pill, rash. She was informed to use moisturizer to protect against the rash, but of course, she didn't use any, and now she has this angry, red rash all over her face, throat, and entire scalp. And she's exhausted. This is going to be a long road........

Had a wonderful time this last weekend with family!! It started with Thursday evening-Rog and Anita took us out for supper. Then on Saturday afternoon, my cousin, Kathi, and her husband and girls came over for the weekend. And for supper, I had invited my family over for fun. Originally, Kyle and Nathan (Roger's son) had a hockey game scheduled for 3 on saturday, but it got postponed. So I had invited everyone for the game and then supper; so, I went ahead with the supper. Just to get together to have fun. That developed into a birthday party for mom. She turns 68 on the 12th of February. It was kind of interesting. My dad brought a birthday cake, with candles, writing and all. So, I lit the cake for him, set it in front of mom and expected dad to sing happy birthday. well, he started to talk, and talk, and talk! I'm sitting across from them in the living room, watching those candles burn down. They're burnt to cake level, and I'm envisioning the wax puddling across the cake and into the cake. In the middle of his speech, I go across the room and blow out those candle stubs, to see the wax around each candle-in the icing. What a mess. But it ended his speech. And how rude of me. Mom was happy for the end of that!! I ended up picking out those stubs and still serving the cake. The lesson learned for me is, don't light candles if Grandpa is going to speak before singing happy birthday!!!

Alright, I need to get my work done. I'm looking out the window, watching the freezing rain come down. Should be fun for the boys to work outside today! I hope it improves by tomorrow, as jayde has a doctor's appt in the city tomorrow, and with me working nights I'm going to be short of patience!!!

Off to clean my house, and then to work tonight. Three in a row.......got to find that cable! Take care!

moving along-i need my camera cable

2009-02-05T22:11:00.002-06:00

It's been too long since I've posted. We are so moving along with the flow at our house. Who said I can't do that??? :-) I have one more day shift and then I have a weekend off.
So, If someone can think of where I left my camera cable, let me know, and I will try to post up dated pics, along with a Barkman update in a couple of days!
Now, I'm off to pack for another day away, and get some sleep! Good night!

Alarms, organization, and Grandma

2009-01-27T07:54:00.003-06:00

Tuesday morning, and everyone is off to where they need to go; Del to work, and the boys to school. This mama is not going to work today, and will be doing domestic duties-including hauling garbage to the dump.
How is it the garbage bin gets full so fast?? The big news item yesterday was that our province is the highest in garbage wastes. Well, my garbage bin is indicative of this. I thought i just hauled a load, and its overflowing again.
Is it a stage of being a teenager, being a boy, or what?? But, whats with the procrastination of doing things till required??! That oldest boy of mine! Somedays I think he thinks the work revolves around him. I've been trying to stress the importance of organization, doing the best you can, be all that you can be, blah, blah, blah, and then there's this morning. The bus is supposed to pick them up 8 minutes later, cuz they're getting to school early. But its the first morning of this trial run, so who knows. Well, it shows up as usual. And there is Jayde, not ready. Of course, he's not gotten his homework put together, his lunch is not together, his clothes are everywhere, and his badminton racquet is not found and ready to take.....So, a last minute flurry, and of course, it all gets pulled together, and he's off to the bus again! Okay, now here's a mothers perspective. Last evening, place the homework in the binder-ready to grab, clothes are neatly laid out-ready to throw on, racquet is sitting beside the back pack-no panic required finding it, and you're ready to go in minutes; without having to really think about it in an early morning stupor. Yeah, that's pushing it a little, cuz it would be so much easier. I guess, its the lack of being a morning person that makes me cringe at the craziness in the morning. Don't know if I shared with you my little morning story from a month ago. I have learnt the importance of being organized the night before going to work. I have my uniform and such laid out. My bag is usually packed with any papers I want to take. So, its suppose to take as little thought as possible in the morning. If I'm really organized, I even have lunch ready to take along. Well, I have this problem of not always waking up to the alarm clock-but, I'm getting better! So, I know I set the alarm clock when I went to bed at 1130. I slept well. I woke up at 445, looked at the time, and told myself to go back to sleep till the alarm went. The next thing I know I open my eyes and check the time. 622. I close my eyes and think, nah, it can't be. I open my eyes and check again. 622. Now I roll over and check Dels clock, thinking I'm not reading mine correctly. Sure enough, his agrees with mine! I tell you, I didn't waste any more time in bed. I was in the shower instantly!! I was on the road by 638, and at work by 659. My shift starts at 7, and there was no way I was going to be late! Not that morning, with that night crew! :-) There by is the importance of doing things ahead! For me, anyway! By the way, I got home that evening to check why my alarm had not gone off, and I'd not activated the alarm. So, I also realized the importance of pushing the button to the ON position!

My mom had her second IV Pamidronate infusion last Friday. Much to her dismay, she got sick from it, again. She feels fine during the infusion, and for the first 12 hours, but then her stomach reacts. Nausea and vomiting follow. This time for 2 days. So my consolation to her last time that it must be the flu, is just not true. She has never been good with stomach flu, and the vomiting now takes so much out of her. But, yesterday morning, she said she wasn't nauseated anymore, so hopefully its uphill again. She still has not received her chemo pill, as the supplier has options for financial coverage and the paperwork is being done for this.

The boys hockey teams are still hard at it. Jayde played 2 games last weekend. Kyle has a game tonight. Jayde has tryouts this weekend for Directors Cup- We'll see how politics go for that. I'm not even sure where or what Kyle is playing this weekend. I'm back at work, starting Thursday night. Till Monday morning.

Have a good day!

Mid-january.......

2009-01-22T08:45:00.002-06:00

I have to start today by admitting I'm quite proud of myself this morning. This is my one day at home this week, and I've got 2 pots of soup on the stove, rice pudding is cooking, and the washing machine is doing its thing; in other words, I did not crawl back into bed like I felt like doing!!

Lets start by recapping Grandma Friesens appt-because everyone I'm sure wants to know. The Tuesday Telehealth appt went well. There is no advancement of further metastasis. So, the cancer remains in the lungs and bones for now. That is good news. Very good news. We were so concerned it might have moved onto other organs by now. So the new treatment plan is-start an oral chemotherapy medication, taken once a day. This will start next week, I assume, once the paperwork gets done on it. Radiation will done in the future for pain control, should the need arise. They are reluctant to do more radiation at this point, because there are no new areas of mets. We have started some new meds for pain and anxiety, and hopefully the new mix will help mom become more functional. She is having difficulty doing some regular daily activities, but with the new meds, and warmer temps, I think this will improve. Time will tell.......

Whats up with the rest of us?? Del & I are working full time. The boys are in school full time, and playing hockey full time. I five days, over this last weekend, the boys had 11 games between the two of them! No problem with them being inactive at the present time!!! I was on a stretch of days, so that meant Del and our friends chaffeurred the boys, while I got to be at work. It was almost a relief to be at work, away from the rink craziness; actually it was a relief! Both boys were in tournaments, along with regular league games. Kyle also played his first round of MAHA playoffs, and his team lost in 2 games. So, that eliminates them from that hockey. So, its regular league play and playoffs left for his team. Jayde's team is hosting MAHA final tournament this year, so they get an automatic bye into that weekend-first weekend in March. Should be some excellent hockey in town that weekend! I'm so excited for that team-they've actually had a good year this year. It's been a long time in coming for them!!

Del and I went to the Agricultural Show, 4 hours away, on Tuesday evening, till last evening. Del's main seed supplier had a supper on Tuesday, and held a booth there-so Del was invited to go. And I got to benefit as well. Wonderful supper. Got to meet some new people-which is always an interesting experience. Met some farmers from the south part of the province. Compared notes on our farm years. Hmmmm, they were almost dry last year! What a difference a few hours can make. Jayde and Kyle stayed at a friends house, and were looked after by a wonderful family!! What a blessing our friends are!!! (not just because they look after our kids!)

My mind is running dry.......its caught up in what I need to accomplish today. Tomorrow, I'm back at work for some overtime. There are so many shifts coming up, and with our lack of parttime and casual staff, there are numerous shifts not covered as of yet. And, mom was is scheduled for her IV infusion tomorrow, so I thought I might as well get paid for being there!! Kyle does not have hockey this weekend. Yet. Jayde has a game on Saturday, and on Sunday. I have an Ice Dawgs game on Saturday.

Yes, that is our life in a few paragraphs. same old, same old.....
Have a wonderful day!

Happy Birthday!

2009-01-13T14:48:00.003-06:00

Good morning! I know its not morning for anyone else, but today, its my morning. I'm on night shift and in my world its morning. The sun is shining, but its rather deceptive-the wind chill was rather cold this morning. I was so excited when I checked the current weather at work, to see that school was cancelled today. I love getting an extra day at home with the boys! A few years ago it wasn't as exciting, but the kids are a perfect age to have them at home.

Almost 2 weeks since I've blogged! Time flies. What have we been doing? I am in a busy stretch at work. Del is working and farming. The boys are at school and playing hockey. That's it in a nutshell! Throw in a couple extra things and 24 hours in a day is not enough.

Jayde is doing well post-surgery. He played a full practice last night. He tells me he only backed off on one drill, and felt good. So that is wonderful news. He has 5 hockey games from tomorrow till Sunday. That should be enough.

Kyle is Kyle. Smiling and being my willing helper. His hockey practise is cancelled today due to the cold. He has 4 hockey games this weekend.

Yes, and the boys mother is working this weekend. That means that papa bear has a few hockey games to attend. Or find drivers for his boys! Or, as Jayde suggested, just let him take a vehicle and go. If only! Couple more years.

Today is a special day! Del's birthday! So, Happy Birthday, honey! What will it be for supper tonight?? Del's favorites-cheeseburgers and fries. Homemade, of course. And, I guess I better create something for dessert. Hmmm, can't decide what it will be. And the bonus is, that with no hockey tonight, we get to be together, until I go to work. But its my 8 hour night shift tonight, so its a seriously special evening. We're all together!! Everyone's invited for cake and ice cream!!

Ruminating...

2009-01-02T10:14:00.003-06:00

Time does not stand still......that is the one sure thing in life! You may think it does, but life goes on around you, even if yours seems to be centered on one moment!
Christmas-2008-I worked at work. 4 twelve hour nights the week of Christmas. Del worked at work and he worked at home. And he was sick as a dog! Don't know where he picked up that awful flu, but it hit him hard! The boys got to laze around home. Kyle picked up the slack outside, and Jayde did my inside work.
The 26th-we went to Del's parents for Christmas family gathering. The whole family was there, with a new addition from last year. Del's last single brother brought home a special friend. She was a wonderful addition to the group!
The 27th-we worked at home in the morning-like feeding cattle, hauling hay, cooking, cleaning, laundry........-before we headed 1/2 hour down the road to a hotel, to spend the evening/night with my cousin, Kathi, and her family. We had a wonderful time together-visiting, shopping, playing games........
The 28th-packed up and headed home, to cook perogies to take to our Friesen family gathering. Friesen family get together at Rol and Laureen's. Wish I had taken a picture of all the food! The kitchen counters were covered buffet style with all the good stuff! The whole family was there, including boyfriends! Lunch, girls bonding time in the basement, program, gifts, and more food at faspa...... Friesen get togethers are simply not a get together, without way too much food! Thank you Rol and Laureen for letting us take over your space!!
The 29th-Del went to work, while the boys and I were at home. Kathi and Gerald and the girls came over, and we had a good time visiting. Well, Kathi and the girls did, while Gerald installed my garage door opener. What a sweetie!!! He offered to install our opener! He's Mr. Handyman!! They stayed until 330, and then we prepared for supper. Del's 2 brothers, their wives, and kids, came for supper and evening. It's a little Christmas tradition we started years ago, where we eat, exchange gifts, and play games. Had a great time together!!! Poker until 2 am!
30th-Del went to work, and we stayed home. time to do some catch up on routine stuff!
31st-Del worked till noon. Some EMO guy came to do an assessment of ruts in the field. More on farming later..... We headed to Andrea & Garvis for New Years Eve. This is becoming an annual tradition where they open up their home to friends, including kids. It's so nice to celebrate with the whole family!
Jan 1st-slept, and slept some more. I went no where. Wonderful!!! Then, last evening, we played games till 1 am. Had a wonderful time, the four of us. The kids are such a fun age to play games with!!!
Today-well, its back to reality. I have to work the next 3 nights!! Del is back at work.

Jayde's face is doing well. I'm a little disappointed with the results. And Jayde admits he is too. The skin below his eye is pulling a bit, therefore the lower eye lid is pulled down more than the doc would like it to be. Its still tighter than it was, but not as tight as it should be. Jayde can tell that he's tearing more, but I'm not sure if that's because his eye is tighter, or because of the eye still coping with the intrusion it had. He has a follow up appt with his surgeon on Tuesday. Other than that, Jayde is doing well. He's getting a little frustrated. Cuz he feels so good, its difficult to remain relaxed. But his surgeon gave him strict instructions on 'no contact'!!! So, hopefully after Tuesday, he will be back to regular activities!

Farming-hmmmm, I'm trying not to be too sarcastic or bitter. Submitted an application for farming program in October, and yes, we're still waiting on that reply. How is it that the government has declared this region a disaster area and all applications are supposedly expedited along, and ours is now 3 months in the system???!!! Yes, I spent some time on the phone the other day, calling some powers that be. I'm sick and tired of people in offices, telling others how it should or could be done!! I'd like to see some of these people get out there and try to cope with the conditions and try to 'get ahead'. Or say, "oh, you owe more money after this last year, how could that be?" Like, did anyone make money in this area??? Maybe farming pot! I'm a wonderful gardener in January! I plan all these wonderful plants, and dream of the bounty, and then in July when the weeds just won't die, and the rains just won't stop-well, there's not much I can do to stop the rotting-it's like a bigger scale in farming. There's just no guarantee in what the weather will do. The input costs go in, the work gets done, and then the ulitimate gamble happens-you wait, and watch.........what will happen??? You don't know. Yes, the government shouldn't be depended on to survive, but then let us market at will. They've created a dependent system. Or, maybe the farmers should unite in this country-how long would businesses succeed if the farmers united and withheld their services???? But, how could you get everyone to get on board for that one??? Not all farmers are on the same page! Yes, I've vented. If you're still reading, wow, I'm impressed! Yes, I've become quite cynical of powers that be. I don't want reminders of how many blessings I have-I know. This is my venting, and thats how it is. The initial intent of this blog-when I started it a year ago-was to write out some thoughts and be honest. So, honesty it is. There's a peek into some of my thought processes!

My mom is doing.......well, okay, I guess. I think she's looking good,considering her disease process. She is going for a CT on Monday, where they will do a comparison to the last one. She has an appt with the oncologist on Jan. 20, where results will be discussed, and options laid out. Some days she is up, and other days she lays on the sofa. She had a 'bad' day yesterday, where she said she had no energy and actually lay on the sofa when she had company. Very difficult for her to concede fatigue publicly.

Resolutions for the New Year??? I'm not a big believer in resolutions at the beginning of the year. But, its a good time to consider what we're about and if we're working towards achieving our plans, I guess. My motto becomes something like-do as much as you can for the people around you, because they're what matter in the end; It's not about me. Do I always achieve that?? Certainly not, but it's something I strive for.

I'm so grateful for my husband and boys. God has blessed me so much be giving me the privilege to be their mom and wife. I'm very proud of my little family.
I'm also so grateful for my extended family. They have pulled together this last year, and I'm so proud of them!
And, I have awesome friends. You can't pick your family, but you can pick your friends-I've picked the best!!
I love you all! I wish a blessed and prosperous year to all of you. Yes, there will be ups and downs, but my hope is we come out at the end of the year, together and closer than ever!

Katelyn

2008-12-22T12:15:00.002-06:00

Dec. 22, 1989

What a special day!! A new baby!! Katelyn was born just before Christmas. What an awesome Christmas present! And how fortunate for Del & I to have time off to come and spend time with the new baby, her parents, and older brother. That wonderful bundle of joy! I got to hold her for hours.

That little bundle of joy grew up into a bundle of smiles. She loved her dolls. She loved to play dress-up and dolls with her little sister, and her friends. Just picture her in a frilly hat, a long dress, and mommy's high heels. And carrying a doll! Hours spent in the basement, imagining all kinds of stories and acting out on them.

That little girl grew into a leggy, long-haired teenager. Hormones, moods and all. She even matured out of that stage! Into a beautiful, young, caring woman. When she spoke in her gentle mannered voice, you knew she meant what she said. When she looked at you, you knew she was taking in everything you were telling her.

18 years was too short for us as a family to have this precious girl. We were just starting to imagine what Katelyn would be like as an adult. We were picturing her in the city, attending university. We were imagining what an awesome teacher she would be! We were dreaming about the beautiful babies she would have someday. She had amazing potential. But, you know, that girl did amazing things without anyone realizing it. She didn't need to wait for being grown-up to do great things! She in death, has made us realize that she touched the people around her, and impacted them in many ways we couldn't imagine happening. The countless tributes, the many hugs, the never-ending tears of loss, have been felt everywhere.

Katelyn's spirit is carrying on around us. Have you ever felt as much love and acceptance as the hugs that are being given because of her?? How about the tears and smiles being shared because the connection thru that precious girl?? How about the young women and men in school, inspired to become better students and athletes, because of Katelyn's presence??? Or the adults, who because of a young woman, want to become better people and share of themselves because of what Katelyn shared with them??

So, today, as I think back on Katelyn's short life, and I think back on my visit to Rog and Anita's this morning, I remember a wonderful young woman. A woman who will be missed forever. A woman who has an awesome family, remembering and honoring her. Ty & Kelly, Beth, and Nathan, will always have that sister up in heaven, looking down, and smiling on them. Rog and Anita will always have that special daughter, with the endearing smile, live on in spirit, but better still, she's with Jesus; smiling and dancing with the butterflies in heaven. The many angels in their house-literally, and figuratively-are all a special remembrance of the sweetest angel up there now, for us. I'm sure she is wearing a beautiful outfit-a white gown one day, and jeans the next! :-) Her beautiful, long hair, is waving in the breeze. I'm sure her music is cranked up high, and she's singing along with full gusto!

What a blessing for us as a family to have had that young girl for 18 years. We were blessed and privileged to be able to share in her short life.

The important thing is what do we do with what Katelyn gave us in her short time that God let us have her. Can we take that love and caring and share it with the people we connect with?

I love you, Katelyn!

Surgery is a done deal!

2008-12-17T20:41:00.002-06:00

This is home tonight! Back at his games!
Kyle is taking the wonderful post-op photo!

Just before going in for surgery.

Check out Jayde's wonderful Bomber colors outfit!! Brothers, together, waiting for the docs to come in before surgery.

So, I tried to write before the pics, but I'm not taking the time to figure that out! I'm so grateful to be home tonight! What a day! Jayde & I took the Blazer and left for the city at 8 am. We got an hour of shopping in before we were off to the hospital. Del & Kyle left at the same time to do separate shopping and they met us at the hospital. This was all supposed to work out so Del & Kyle could come home tonight, and Jayde & I would have a vehicle in the city to come home whenever he was discharged in the next day or two. But, Jayde's overnight stay at the Hilton, to play Nintendo, were crashed! His doc did such a good job, and all went so well, Jayde was discharged out of the hospital by 530 pm. So, off we went, to Wendy's drive-thru, for a triple burger, fries, and pop. Then to McDonald's for a Rolo McFlurry! Yes, Jayde ate it all. I was fully prepared for him to up chuck on the way home, but it has all stayed down. And we are safely home once again! Yay!!! We get to sleep in our comfy beds tonight! I'm once again so proud of our brave young man. He is a trooper with an awesome attitude!

mid-December thoughts

2008-12-15T07:51:00.002-06:00

I don't really know how to start this blog-or end it, for that matter. So much to express, but words don't convey enough at times.
My mom's bone scan results are in-the cancer has metastasized to her bones. Namely, her lt ribs, lt shoulder and upper arm, some vertebrae, and possibly her hip. How's that for a slap in the face???? Yeah, not what you want for results. This news was given on Wednesday, and by Thursday morning, Cancer Care called to get mom in for radiation set-up for that afternoon. Thankfully, Laureen was available and willing to take mom. Not only did they discuss and set-up for radiation, they gave mom 2 shots of radiation. She received treatment to her ribs and shoulder-the areas where she is experiencing pain. The radiation was not given to cure, but was given as a measure for pain control. And as of last night, mom thought it was helping. We think Chemo is now done, as it hasn't done what it was intended to do. Or not enough anyways. Cancer Care is meeting on this today, and will set up final orders regarding all this, but we are leaning towards not bothering with the last treatment of the intended set. Mom felt quite ill with the last one, and we're not sure that its worth it, just to feel horrible. Dad is definitely struggling with the treatment plan. He would like to still try everything possible, understandably so. But, mom is so tired. She is so tired of feeling ill. I think for her the benefits of treatment just don't do enough. It becomes a question of quantity vs. quality.

Jayde's surgery is only 2 sleeps away. He says he is not nervous, and I actually believe him. He wants it over with, and move on! I'm doing ok so far with that plan. Can't make any promises for Wednesday tho. It's so difficult to trust and give up your child when they move on through those heavy OR doors. Yeah, I know he'll be fine! He will be in hospital for 1-2 nights, and I guess he and I will bond during this time. Yes, I still insist on staying with my big boy. He may be taller than I am, but he still needs his mother to look out for him! Or maybe I should say, his mother still needs to feel like she can look out for him! :-)

Jayde's team played their last pre-Christmas game yesterday, and tied. How exciting for them-they finished first in the Interlake. That's a first for that team, and I'm so happy for them. Kyle has a league game tomorrow and a tournament on Saturday. Then he's done till January. I worked my three shifts last week, and I work tonight. A friend, who works casual, is working Tues and Wed for me so I can be with Jayde. Del is wrapping up his busy time at work with the paperwork for pre-orders of seed for next year. I'm so proud of him on his first pre-order season!

Saturday, we were at home. Del and the boys did farming stuff. I got to spend the day in the house-lucky me!! I baked buns and cinnamon rolls. I cleaned and did laundry. I slept in! I sorted and bagged Christmas gifts. And, we had company in the evening! Our favorite, friendly neighbours came for coffee! Wasn't that wonderful!??! We don't do that enough!

So, the question in my mind today is-well there's alot, but this one isn't as deep as some-what's appropriate for Christmas gifting?? When is it enough or not enough? Do children need more stuff? Is it better to spend only $20 on a gift that is only supposed to have that amount spent, but not appropriate for that person, or is it better to spend $30 for a gift that person actually wants or needs?? Everyone's dollar is valuable and stretched to last as long as possible. Why would I want to spend $10 on a shirt that will not last 2 washings, when I could spend $50 on one that will last 10 washings? (I guess I could buy 5 shirts for that amount, eh??) You know what I mean. I want to buy the best gift possible, for the amount allotted, and I want it to be meaningful. Also, will my kids appreciate the gifts they're getting, or is it just a pile of whatever for them?? Hmmm, I guess every parent struggles with what to get their kids.

One week till Katelyn's birthday. How the heck do you help parents get through that first birthday without their child? Especially at this time of year?? What is appropriate to do to honor that day?

Told you. Don't know how to end this post. Too many questions. Too many thoughts. Too many emotions.

Hey, baby, let's go to Vegas..........

2008-12-09T08:19:00.003-06:00

I've not disappeared! It's just that there are not enough hours in a day!

Weekend in Vegas-that was interesting! I'll try to keep this short. If you can believe it, I was not nervous for the flight, but I guess I should have been. It started off by not being able to sit together with our cozy group of 5. Del & I got to sit across the aisle from each other, but everyone else was in front or behind, seated separately. How's that for an ominous start??? In the grand scheme of things, I don't think it was a bad flight. The people around us didn't look alarmed at all. But, there's me-wide eyed and stomach in my throat! Palpitations and all! I'm not meant to fly for fun! I'll never forget the look on Andrea's face as she turns in her seat to look at me, and I think our faces mirrored each other. Sheer terror. That turbulence over Denver, Colorado! We did make it to Vegas-Yes, it's safer to fly than drive, I know. As we land, my stomach is trying to find out where it should be. I power up my phone, and 2 minutes later, it rings. Ahhh, the joys of a son who needs to know everyone is ok before he falls asleep. His way of coping since Jayde's accident. So, there' s me, bluffing my way through that conversation-oh, yeah, flight was awesome, all is good, ya-da-ya-da......... drink some hot milk, and go to sleep! (I think it worked for him!) Okay, on to Vegas.......we checked in, we walked, we explored, we ate, we enjoyed the wonderful warm temperatures! Daytime temps of early 20s and nighttime temps of 13/14. Perfect weather!!! We shopped, ate, and walked some more! Del & Mark went on a 2 hr helicopter ride over Vegas, Hoover Dam, and the Grand Canyon. They had the royal treatment as a limo picked them up and brought them back from the airport. I had said before the trip that I was going on that ride, but needless to say, after the flight to Vegas, I knew that wasn't feasible. I wasn't signing on for another anxiety attack, and take away from Del enjoying the sights! So I enjoyed my time on the ground, and loved looking at the pictures Del took. Awesome!!! It would have been beautiful to see! We left Vegas Monday night-flight left there @ 1130. I was dreading this ride! But that was much better. Even a smooth landing in Winnipeg. It's a difficult thing to leave the balmy temperatures of Vegas only to come home to Winnipeg at -20. Okay, it wasn't that cold here, but it felt like it! Got home, to fall into bed and sleep. We had such a wonderful surprise when we got home-the house was immaculate!!! My wonderful niece had spent Monday tidying and cleaning my disaster. That was such an amazing gift! Thank you Michelle and Alyssa for the child care, chaffeurring and all the other stuff you did for us! And thank you to our awesome friends for the great mini-vacation! It was good to get away!

Back to reality in Barkman land-yes, its work, rink, and more of the same. I worked 3 night last week-a friend offered to work my 4th night. Boys played hockey on the weekend. Kyle had 3 games, Jayde had 4 games in 4 days. I had an Ice Dawgs game. Del is back at work every day. The cattle are getting looked after-its so exciting to see the boys being able to do chores independently!

Mom had her treatment on Wednesday-and she is feeling 'poorly'. She feels quite fatigued and worn out. She put it this way-"if you push me with your finger, I'll fall over". It's been quite challenging for her to be unable to maintain a lifestyle shes accustomed to. She's been the Energizer Bunny all these years, and now she's frustrated with the weakness. Dad is still having some difficulties coping. So tough for him to see his best friend struggling!

I'm gearing up to work the next 3 days. It will go by in a flash. Ice Dawgs game tomorrow evening, Kyle's School Christmas Concert on Thursday evening, and 2 Christmas parties on Friday evening. Yes, these will all be attended after work! Thank goodness for Saturday! And no hockey on Saturday, surprisingly enough! As Del said, "it will be a good work day on the farm"! Oh, YAY!!!

8 sleeps till Jayde's surgery. He is not nervous, and I'm not either, yet! My fingers are crossed for no last minute cancellations. Let's get'er over with!

Today is the day to get out the Christmas Tree. So, I'm off to it-Have a good week!

Less than a month till Christmas.

2008-11-27T07:58:00.002-06:00

My last 5 days in a nutshell-worked 48 hours, grey cup party, Del's work Christmas party, Ice Dawgs game, and a few hours of sleep. I'm on a week off from work, and I can't afford to crawl back into bed this morning. I have a hair appt this morning, and I need to shop groceries and stop and see my mom, and then I need to come home to do laundry, clean, and cook. BECAUSE...........tomorrow, Del & I are going away for the weekend, with some friends. A short, wonderful trip to the colorful lights of Vegas. The boys are going to stay home, with my niece, Michelle. They have a full schedule this weekend. Michelle is going to work and manage the boys lives. They have hockey games, and she is going to juggle it all. Thankfully, she has a wonderful family who is probably going to help her get it all done. Thank you Friesen family!!! Thats why I need to go grocery shopping today. So my boys can cook for themselves and Michelle. Ha ha, Michelle!! For those of you who haven't met my niece-she's awesome. I love her to pieces!! The 'older' she gets, the more fun she gets! We get to be in the same family, we get to live close to each other-for now-, and we get to work together, sometimes!! It's wonderful!
We woke up this morning to another sprinkling of snow. Sure is beautiful when all is white. Temperature is at 0 degrees, Celsius. But the wind is picking up, so the roads should be an adventure today.
Mom had her chemo yesterday. Spoke with her last night, and she sounded good. She wasn't having nausea issues at that point, so hopefully that will continue to go well. One of her best friends passed away this last week, and her funeral is on Friday. Mom is hoping to feel well enough to go to it. I have to stop by mom and dads today to sort out her pills before I leave.
I have to brag about my family this morning. This house was 'looked' after on my marathon of days at work. My boys have stepped up and taken care of things for me so I don't have to play maid when I get home. Kyle was so sweet the other night. Jayde had a hockey game on Friday evening, and I thought we were all going to go to it. Well, Kyle told me he was going to stay home, and clean up for me. He actually said, "I'll do laundry, clean out the dishwasher and clean up the living room, and you go with Jayde." I know, I better appreciate it while I get it. Of course, he did want to play on the computer and watch TV. We were thinking that when we'd get home, he's say, oh, I forgot about ........., but no, he had done what he said he would, and then he'd gone on to the computer. Am I ever blessed! Yes, they are still normal teenage boys, and their rooms are a disaster, but at least I get some help out of them. Talking about room disasters, oh, boy, they better clean them tonight, so their friends have a place to sleep this weekend. Yes, Michelle will also have the addition of two extra boys this weekend. Jayde and Kyle's two friends are coming over, cuz their parents are going to Vegas as well. These are a wonderful combination of kids. They will be fine. It's a bit of an awkward age for going away. They are old enough to take care of their own needs, but not old enough to get about. And not old enough to be responsible for 'the big things'. But, it is wonderful to go away and know they can look after things reasonably well.
Happy American Thanksgiving! The biggest celebration and shopping weekend, south of the border! And we get to be a part of it. I'm so excited!!
I'm off to carry on my day-Have a wonderful weekend!

the verdict is in.......

2008-11-19T23:58:00.003-06:00

let's just get it out of the way!!! I spoke with moms oncology nurse today, and they finally received the comparative CT results. It was a positive review. Chemo must be helping. The metastatic areas have decreased in size. That is wonderful news. Mom will now go ahead with 2 more rounds of chemo. She was quite encouraged by this news, and is ready to re-start chemo. My dad was very happy. He's been so impatient-waiting for those results. It's so hard to wait!!!! So I would imagine she will be at chemo again next week.

Moving on.....the boys and I spent the evening at the rink. The boys were at practice, and then there was a Midget game. It's my week to work at the canteen. What an awesome week to get! This was the only game scheduled. Don't know how our group got so lucky, but I'm sure we'll make up for it on our next week! (We have to do 2 weeks of canteen duty if our kids are involved in hockey or figure skating.) Worked the canteen with two other couples and we had a good time, working and visiting. Great to catch up on everyones lives. Del went to watch a AAA hockey game in town. By the time the boys and i got home, he was snoring. The boys dropped into bed, and I'm winding down on the computer.

So, on Monday morning, I was so motivated to get alot done in the house. My mental list went something like this-paperwork, laundry, bake, clean.........And I got a good start on that list. I answered the phone at around 945, and I was cleaning up the living room. I happened to glance up and out our front window, just as a cattle truck was driving by. Really slow. I happened to mention to Andrea-hmmmm, that truck couldn't be coming here, cuz we're not expecting it, but its going so slow, I wonder if they are picking up our cattle and no one told us. Not 10 seconds later, I heard the long distance call waiting beep on the line. I switched over to it, and a male voice asks if it Del Barkmans home. I say yes, and he asks if hes at the right place. I ask him all the particulars. He informs me hes picking up cattle, and was sent by our cattle buyer. So, I knew Del had spoken with our cattle buyer, but the guy had not called us to inform us of what was going on. So, I'm imagining loading cattle by myself, cuz Del was going to be on the road for work. I called his work, and fortunately for me, He was still there. So, he had to come home. We set up gates and such, and then we loaded cattle. And a bull. Yes, I landed in the 'muck' many times over. I slid down a hill of 'muck, and landed on my front side. I jumped over a fence, and landed on my back side, to avoid a run in with the bull. Let's say by the time we were done loading, I was covered in crap. Literally!!! When I got in, I was so tempted to blog immediately and vent about the joys of farming!!! Instead I hit the shower, threw in another load of laundry, and got to have lunch with Del. Lucky me!!! And, another job taken care of, without any anticipating. By the way, apparently those cattle were sent thru the auction ring yesterday. I don't want to know how they did. Some days I really hate farming!!! It seems like there are way more hate days than love days lately. Don't think you want to hear me rant about the injustices of farming right now!

A friend of mine lost a 33 year old sister to leukemia, yesterday. She had been diagnosed one month ago. This family had lost a 6 yr old son to leukemia 2 yrs ago. She leaves behind a husband and a 6 yr old son. A young man- in Jayde's class at school-his mom is missing for the last 4 days. Mother of 5 children. This young man has had to be a 'parent' for many years already. Okay-now where is the justice in all this?? How do people move on from these travesties? it's one thing as an adult to cope, but how are children and teenagers supposed to deal with tragedy? How much does God send someone's way?? When is it enough?
Kind of puts our lives into perspective. Life is a gift. Family and friends are gifts. They are precious and irreplaceable. Treasure and value them. Live life to the fullest. (Doesn't mean to be an idiot, tho!!)

Don't know if I've mentioned this before. Jayde is scheduled for plastic surgery on Dec. 17. Hopefully this will be his last reconctructive surgery. This is an attempt to 'redo' some of the previous work from 2 years ago. They will try to remove some scar tissue, and then do a skin lift to try to equalize the sizing of his left eye to his right eye. I hope for his sake that this will be a success. He doesn't feel the need for this, but I'd rather have this done now, before it becomes a self esteem issue. I remember shortly after his accident, when his face was bruised, battered, and rather gruesome-he wanted to hide. And yes, that would have been the easy way out. But, the stubborn mother that I am, told him to wear his face-stitches, scars, bruises, and mishapen areas-with pride. I told him it was a story of true courage and bravery. And then, I struggled with thinking I was too hard on him. Should I have eased up and let him feel sorry for himself??? I was so afraid of the emotional scars that this could create. Looking back today, I'm so glad we were tough with him. He seems to have managed so well. But, I don't want him to ever develop a complex about his issues. I actually get really angry when he makes fun of when people stare at him as if he's scary. He may be joking but I still wonder if deep down he hurts about it. He is so not a sensitive kid, but it worries me that his joking and bravado cover up for some inner need to look better. So, in a nutshell, thats why he's having the surgery now. :-) I am so proud of Jayde. He was my hero after his accident. I will never forget his extreme bravery and trust when he was hurt and in the midst of the craziness. I will always admire his ability to be strong and sensitive at the same time. He cared about the people around him, and how they were coping, even when we weren't sure how things would turn out. Okay, I have tears streaming down my face-it must be time for me to go to sleep!!!-but truly, I'm so proud of my son, for his ability to overcome adversity, and maintain a positive attitude! And I'm so grateful that both boys are safe, that they've maintained a close bond through the years, and that they look out for each other continously. They are a blessing from God!!!
On that note-please hug your kids tight! Enjoy the time you have with them, even at the rink! :-) Appreciate your parents and siblings. Time together is quality time spent.