Wow! How has everyone's Christmas been? Ours has been wonderful! Here's the listing of events-
-26th-We're off to Steinbach, to my mom & dad's. It's been awhile since the whole family has been together, and today was the day. Mom, as always had done a great job of cooking. This year, she'd done more of her own baking/cooking, and theres nothing better than mom cooking from scratch. Of course, its handy to buy things, but there's nothing better than down home cooking. The chicken she did was amazing. She had baked cheesecakes, rhubarb and a cranberry cakey thing. MMMMMM! Excellent! Yes, we did the traditional sing-song, and the girls did a great job of leading. We even had to repeat some, as some family members thought they could skip out of the singing, but came back too early, while we were chatting, and Dad said, 'oh, they missed out, lets sing some songs again." So out came the guitars, and keyboard, and we sang again!! One of my nephews is into writing his own songs, and he performed two of his creations. He played guitar and sang two beautiful songs. He's amazing, he only started playing guitar a couple years ago, and has not taken lessons. He's a lesson in determination. Some of my neices, along with their father, also did a piece, and as always, was lovely! There's nothing like listening to a piece in 4 part harmony! Finally, after the singing, presents were exchanged, we ate again, and then the packing up! We stopped at a friends house for a few minutes, shopped at Walmart in the city, and then home to unload, and off to bed.
-27th-I started the day after a wonderful sleep in, by picking up Del 12 miles away, helping to set up an auger for loading the grain truck. Then home, to shower and pick up some nieces to go for a lunch date. Yes, we went all the way to ARborg, Chicken Chef for our date. I had a great time, catching up with them. Its an interesting stage of life, early twenties for them, and they're becoming such responsible adults. I love my nieces dearly. They're the closest I've got to my own girls. They've grown up just down the road, they've helped raise my boys, and they're very special! Two of them are studying in nursing, much against all my arguments! I think the more I discouraged them, the more determined they were to go into nursing. They should be well aware of the things they're going to face, after seeing what me and my family deal with, with shiftwork and all. Their other sister is working at present, and is dealing with getting into her program of choice this fall. Oh, the trials of growing up! They're a great group of sisters, and I love spending time with them. So, after lunch, its off to home to get ready for the traditional Barkman boys get together at our house. We invite a couple of Del's brothers, with their families, and we do a meal and a gift exchange. We had a table full of food-everyone contributed-and then we did a gift exchange. It was so much fun to see all the little boys playing together. Then we sat around the table, full of desserts, and had a wonderful visit!
-28th-a not so fun day. A dear friend of ours lost his mother this Christmas to a long fought battle of cancer/heart disease. So, we, a group of friends, went to his moms funeral, together.(did that sentence make any sense???) Funerals are always difficult. For me, its makes me re-evaluate my value in life. Anyway, we spent the afternoon, together with our friends, and that always makes everything easier. After the meal and program, we finally pulled our selves and our friends away from the visiting, and made our way home again. And everyone came in and I managed to warm up some leftovers and make some space in the fridge again! Another wonderful evening of visiting. I love our friends!
So here we are on Dec. 29, a quiet day at home, must be time to clean and do laundry. I'm on call the next two nights, and we have our last family gathering at Del's parents tomorrow. Did you ever imagine i would be so wordy with my posts?? I didn't. I guess its true, a woman says too many words; I guess I should speak more at home, and then I wouldn't be so full of words here! Have a good day everyone! Happy New Year!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Christmas night-family, friends-the people you sourround yourself with
So I wonder what everyone did, or is doing for Christmas. We had a wonderful 2 days at home. I came home on the 24th in the morning, from work, and slept till noon. I slowly came to life to check if the boys had done the jobs they'd been assigned, and YES, they had. Once Del got in from tending all the animals, we finally got to exchanging presents. We try to make this a priority for Christmas-that our little family gets its own special time, before all our other get togethers. We then had a relaxing supper/evening. Del & I even went for a walk outside, in the bright moonlight, over to the neighbours for a visit. So, Christmas morning, we're all scrambling to do chores, cook, and clean the house for company. We had a couple families for lunch today; families that don't have family close by. Then this evening, we are relaxing and doing nothing! Awesome days! That brings me to my serious thoughts of the day!
Do you ever wonder what value your life is, or why you do what you do? I do that alot, especially when something happens to someone, and you re-evaluate what you're a part of . I've concluded that the people you surround yourself with a very important! What is better than having friends to talk to, at any time of day or night, when needed. You don't always agree on everything, but thats ok. You choose to love each other because you want to. What a blessing to have these special people. We have some very dear friends, and have been fortunate to spend some time together during this Christmas season-with some of them. You are all so special, and its such a privilege to have you as friends. And those of you we haven't spent much time with lately, you are very dear, and we really need to spend more time together! =)
Family-the people you are stuck with-whether you want to or not! Some families seem to have it made, and others you know should probably not spend as much time together. My family is interesting. Sometimes I wonder how 4 siblings, who are quite different, were raised in the same home. We don't even look alike! Maybe there's a story there, eh??? Nah! So, we spent some time at my oldest brothers house last night-yes, he's our neighbour. he, his wife, and his girls were home, and we had a great visit, as i said earlier! They have made such an impact in our lives! Usually for good! :) Our boys have been so blessed to have the best babysitters in the world, right across the road! So, my family is meeting at my parents tomorrow, the 26th. This should be interesting! I'm sure mom has cooked up a storm, and we won't put a dent in all she's made. My dad I'm sure, has been busy planning what we're all going to do there, and we probably won't cooperate, and we'll fall asleep, and be boring! Right, girls?? This year, we're going to be so lively, we'll shock ourselves, I hope. So, yes, even tho we're all different, and we don't agree, even tho we're family, in the end, those blood ties, connect tightly! Family is such a blessing! I keep reminding my boys, they better be good to each other, cuz they're all they have, and they need each other.
So, hopefully everyone has had someone special to spend some time with this Christmas! And if you haven't, its not too late. There's always people who are looking for an invitation for coffee, looking for a listening ear, someone who cares. Cuz when its all said and done, its about the people you've made a difference with. It's the caring spirit and commitment to friendship thats important to people! So on that note, thanks to all of you for being such great friends. Luv ya!
Merry Christmas!
Do you ever wonder what value your life is, or why you do what you do? I do that alot, especially when something happens to someone, and you re-evaluate what you're a part of . I've concluded that the people you surround yourself with a very important! What is better than having friends to talk to, at any time of day or night, when needed. You don't always agree on everything, but thats ok. You choose to love each other because you want to. What a blessing to have these special people. We have some very dear friends, and have been fortunate to spend some time together during this Christmas season-with some of them. You are all so special, and its such a privilege to have you as friends. And those of you we haven't spent much time with lately, you are very dear, and we really need to spend more time together! =)
Family-the people you are stuck with-whether you want to or not! Some families seem to have it made, and others you know should probably not spend as much time together. My family is interesting. Sometimes I wonder how 4 siblings, who are quite different, were raised in the same home. We don't even look alike! Maybe there's a story there, eh??? Nah! So, we spent some time at my oldest brothers house last night-yes, he's our neighbour. he, his wife, and his girls were home, and we had a great visit, as i said earlier! They have made such an impact in our lives! Usually for good! :) Our boys have been so blessed to have the best babysitters in the world, right across the road! So, my family is meeting at my parents tomorrow, the 26th. This should be interesting! I'm sure mom has cooked up a storm, and we won't put a dent in all she's made. My dad I'm sure, has been busy planning what we're all going to do there, and we probably won't cooperate, and we'll fall asleep, and be boring! Right, girls?? This year, we're going to be so lively, we'll shock ourselves, I hope. So, yes, even tho we're all different, and we don't agree, even tho we're family, in the end, those blood ties, connect tightly! Family is such a blessing! I keep reminding my boys, they better be good to each other, cuz they're all they have, and they need each other.
So, hopefully everyone has had someone special to spend some time with this Christmas! And if you haven't, its not too late. There's always people who are looking for an invitation for coffee, looking for a listening ear, someone who cares. Cuz when its all said and done, its about the people you've made a difference with. It's the caring spirit and commitment to friendship thats important to people! So on that note, thanks to all of you for being such great friends. Luv ya!
Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Initial Post-why????
December 23/07 @ 1 am-yes, I'm at work-on a break, of course! So, a good friend of mine has been reminding me of how good it is to journal. So, I'm going to try this her way. Some of you may not want to know anything that I ramble about, that's fine, please click out now. No, I don't have anything wise or enlightening to give the world. I just need a place to put my thoughts sometimes.
Christmas is 2 days away. I'm supposing most of you are ready for this big event. And some not! I like to be organized and be ready weeks in advance. This year, I've been quite organized, and I thought, once again, I'm ready ahead of time. And then, today I realized I'm not. So, tonight before work, I'm racing around town, trying to get those couple last minute details ironed out. And no, I did not get it all done. Oh, well, there's always tomorrow.
On to the reality of why I've decided to communicate my thoughts to these posts-the many different roles we assume in our home. Nursing, farming, child chauffeurs, and holding the family and home together. Sometimes those many hats seem to be worn simultaneously, and sometimes one trades for the other. Who of you is involved in the agricultural sector? What interesting times we're in! There seems to be no end to the frustrations that are involving every aspect of this business! I've ranted so much this week at the inadequacies of programs to support the agricultural specialist! Why do we continue??? Because we love what we do?? There's got to be a better way.
Nursing, my other job-what can I say??? I actually love what I do. Sometimes its hard to tell tho. Its so easy to get caught up in the politics and buracracy(did I spell that right?), that we forget the joy in the occupation. The reward of helping people is amazing, and, yes, it is more than the paycheck. The people I work with, makes it 'fun' to go to work. I have amazing co-workers! The relationships that get built at 5 am, theres no other!
My family, they are the best; A husband and 2 great boys! They keep the house and farm humming with activity. The boys also make sure that both vehicles are busy rushing in opposite directions, with Del & I chauffering them to all their functions! How can 2 boys, ages 13 & 11, be so involved??? Del & I consider this an investment in their future, and so we 'happily' continue to drive them about to hockey, school, volleyball, basketball, youth, church, friends, hockey, volleyball, school, friends, hockey........ I think you're getting the picture =)
Just to remind you, I'm not the greatest writer, and I do love point format. so this is a stretch for me. We shall see where this takes us!
Merry Christmas to all!
Christmas is 2 days away. I'm supposing most of you are ready for this big event. And some not! I like to be organized and be ready weeks in advance. This year, I've been quite organized, and I thought, once again, I'm ready ahead of time. And then, today I realized I'm not. So, tonight before work, I'm racing around town, trying to get those couple last minute details ironed out. And no, I did not get it all done. Oh, well, there's always tomorrow.
On to the reality of why I've decided to communicate my thoughts to these posts-the many different roles we assume in our home. Nursing, farming, child chauffeurs, and holding the family and home together. Sometimes those many hats seem to be worn simultaneously, and sometimes one trades for the other. Who of you is involved in the agricultural sector? What interesting times we're in! There seems to be no end to the frustrations that are involving every aspect of this business! I've ranted so much this week at the inadequacies of programs to support the agricultural specialist! Why do we continue??? Because we love what we do?? There's got to be a better way.
Nursing, my other job-what can I say??? I actually love what I do. Sometimes its hard to tell tho. Its so easy to get caught up in the politics and buracracy(did I spell that right?), that we forget the joy in the occupation. The reward of helping people is amazing, and, yes, it is more than the paycheck. The people I work with, makes it 'fun' to go to work. I have amazing co-workers! The relationships that get built at 5 am, theres no other!
My family, they are the best; A husband and 2 great boys! They keep the house and farm humming with activity. The boys also make sure that both vehicles are busy rushing in opposite directions, with Del & I chauffering them to all their functions! How can 2 boys, ages 13 & 11, be so involved??? Del & I consider this an investment in their future, and so we 'happily' continue to drive them about to hockey, school, volleyball, basketball, youth, church, friends, hockey, volleyball, school, friends, hockey........ I think you're getting the picture =)
Just to remind you, I'm not the greatest writer, and I do love point format. so this is a stretch for me. We shall see where this takes us!
Merry Christmas to all!
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