New Year's Eve

 For ringing in the New Year so early, we kinda missed it. We ran to town to get the part Dave needed, some groceries and to look at shoes if any were on sale.  Dave and I really need new shoes, but just keep putting it off. When we got home I put away the last of the Christmas stuff and did some laundry.  Blake and Dave feed cows and went back to the Coop to do a few things.  About 4 I started thinking, oh yeah we should probably do something for Blake to celebrate.  He loves funeral potatoes and we had ham so I whipped that up.  Didn't have corn flakes so had to improvise.  Dave got a text from our neighbors, inviting us to watch fireworks they were putting on. We ate and then went up to watch the display.  It was really good.  They did a great job of giving us a show. After we watched another movie and read until midnight.  I was so tired. But I couldn't let Blake ring in the New Year by himself, no fun in that. And thought it would be unfair to tell him to go to bed early.  So Dave and I stayed up and talked, read, did some crosswords.  Very exciting stuff. :/  Poor Blake. We toasted at midnight and all went to bed.

  2020 was a different year than we had thought for sure, but there were so many great things.  It was wonderful to see how the world could come up with new ways to do things and still stay safe.  To celebrate birthdays, weddings, graduations etc.  Made some things harder and I really hate masks, but we have seen so much joy and loved spending quiet time with our kids, no running around and barely seeing each other.  Dave feels truly blessed to have Blake with him.  He is a hard worker and is his right hand man.  We feel blessed that Cora returned safe from her mission and loved serving the Lord.  Leah has made some good friends and has aeen who her true ones are.  We feel blessed that they were both able to find jobs in this economy and that they have each other in Edmonton.  Both have decided on a future plan and are doing all they can. I hope thing open up for them to enjoy all of YSA and Institute again, but our lives are in the Lord's hand and we are thankful for all that we have been blessed with and experienced this year.  Happy New Year!!

Christmas 2020

We had a great Christmas.  Despite all the lock downs and uniqueness of this year it was nice.  I had thought about getting Blake a new suit for a long time.  He likes suits best for church and has only had dress pants the last couple of years.  But he was growing so fast I couldn't justify the money.  All his previous suits had been hand downs from his Jones cousins.  A guy in our ward told us that at Moore's  we could get a decent price at the sale racks.  I took him in to look around, thinking with alterations and finding shoes it would be a few weeks till he could wear it.  He walked out with it that day.  The store had all in stock, did alterations there and  they were having a shoe sale.  Excellent!  His first fitted suit.  He looked quite dapper Christmas Sunday. To bad salons are closed for hair cuts.

We knew Cora and Leah were working Christmas Eve and Boxing Day and would not be able to spend Christmas with us.  We delivered gifts to the families that Dave and Blake minister to. Then we had a nice dinner,  read the Luke 2, watched the message from our stake president and then watched a movie.  After the movie I checked the girls' location to make sure they had made it home safe and sound from work, only to discover they were half way to our house. They were surprising us for Christmas.  They arrived a little after midnight.  We stayed up till almost 2 talking and laughing, then decided we really should get to bed.  Dave had been up almost 24 hours. The next morning we slept in late.  So late we ate breakfast before opening presents.  It was so good to have everyone home. Cora watched a YouTube video on how to cut hair, then cut mine. :)  Did a great job too. Had a wonderful steak dinner and played Monopoly.  I have never played Monopoly before.  Blake wanted it for Christmas.  It lasted a couple hours and was humorous to me.  No one else. Cora and Leah were so frustrated, said it was to close to real life with money and stress.  There may have been panic and stress tears and some mental breakdowns.  They vowed to never play again. Very early Boxing Day morning they left to go back up.  Both girls had to work.  Dave and Blake did some work at the farm and then Blake went to work. Dave worked on a puzzle.  I cleaned and did lots of meal prep and getting ready for when the girls came back down the next day. Sunday I got a chicken in the oven before church, then anxiously waited for them to arrive back safely.  While we were waiting Dave and I went for a walked, later as we were relaxing, I looked over to the farm and saw half the herd was wandering around Myrna's house. We quickly donned boots and coats and went over to chase them back in.  Cora and Leah had arrived while we were out and came back to a dark house and no idea where were all were. That night we watched It's  A Wonderful Life and the first of The Chosen.  The girls had been watching it with friends each Sunday until lockdown and recommend it.  We are enjoying it. After we packed lunches and bags to get ready for skiing the next day.

They had so much fun all skiing again together.  Looking snazzy on the hill. They said it was a pretty good day.  Still some ice, but it had snowed.  Long lines since they have to stayed distanced, but it moved quickly.  The girls had given Dave a great thermos for Christmas.  He filled it with very hot chocolate that morning and it was still totally hot by lunch.  Even sitting in the cold car all morning.  They ate in the car and hit the slopes again till it was all closed down.  The lodge is not open anymore, so I can't go with them and sit like I usually do.  So I stayed and straightened up, went for a run, and made biscuits, bread and other things to prepare for the next day appetizer meal and to send as much food up with Cora and Leah as I could.

The 29th was relaxing in the morning. I had taped all the recipes with times that they needed to be started up around the kitchen.  We invited Grandma Puzey to come over.  For Christmas Eve we always do an appetizer dinner. We celebrated Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve this day. We got food ready, Cora signed up for classes, more puzzles done and just hung out. 

It was an awesome dinner.  I love appetizer meals.  After dinner we watched A Christmas Story, and another episode of The Chosen.  We read our memory jar and then toasted in the New Year.  By this time it was about 10, someone joked that we were 2 hours early, then we started laughing cause it was the 29th, we were a bit more than two hours early. 

Wednesday morning we preg tested the cows.  It went smoothly and was fun.  Great weather, no wind this time. Big bonus.

We had leftovers for lunch and just relaxed until it was time for Cora and Leah to pack up and head back to Edmonton.  Leah was meeting Dawson in Calgary to exchange gifts and so they left a little later than they had originally planned.  In the afternoon, Dave got a call saying that the Coop was flooding.  He and Blake took off to see what was going on.  It took hours for them to get it fixed and a part off that he needed to take to town to get fixed.  They ran back quick to say goodbye to the girls and went back out in the dark and cold to finish.  I loaded Cora and Leah up with lots of food and off they went. We packed in as much as we could in just a few days, but it was lots of fun and so great to all be together. 

December so far...

The first part of December was still warm enough to play Frisbee in our T-shirts.  I don't enjoy Frisbee, but I enjoy Blake, so I go out and toss one around with him.  Much more than I would like, not near as much as he would like.  But it was a beautiful day for it. 

A few weeks ago, everyone went skiing.  Castle wasn't fully open yet.  It was just the early bird runs at the top that had received more snow.  The boys got a discount with their WOW cards and another with the early bird special.  It was a bit sketchy.  They really had to watch it, but of course had a great time.

They were not sure about Blake's boot size.  His ones from last year were just a bit to tight.  They went over to the farm to grab Grandpa Puzey's old boots but they were a bit to big.  Dave decided to take both and see how the day went.  A few runs in, Blake kept slipping out of his skies.  He was getting a little annoyed.  Dave said they would tighten bindings at lunch. As they were walking in, Blake looked down at this boot and saw that it was cracked. No wonder he was slipping out.  So he changed into Grandpa's boots and he skied great the rest of the day. He was pretty excited since Grandpa's boots were orange and black like his ski gear. And Dave was feeling inspired to have thrown the second pair in.

That same weekend Cora and Leah went to Marmot Basin in Jasper.  There were about 12 YSA kids that all went from Edmonton. They left at 3 in the morning to make it to the hill by opening time.  This was the girl's first ski not on Castle and Cora's first in two years.  She was so happy to get back on the hill.  They had a blast.  The drive up and back, the skiing, being with that group of kids.  All around fun day. They were asked to go again today, to Lake Louise this time, but both decided it just wasn't in their budget this time. 

Every year I say it's the last time I am going to send out Christmas cards.  But here we go again.  This started out as a simple, hey what about this, and grew.  Dave says, "suddenly I was building props!"  but I like how it turned out and we had fun.

I had seen a postcard style on one of the card sites I was looking at, and loved it.  No licking envelopes.  But it was much more than I was willing to pay.  I did a lot of looking around and finally found a site that would let me design my own.  Twas fun.

This year for Grandma Puzey's tree I did just one decoration for all the kids instead of individual ones.

We got to go over and set up her tree this year and see all the past ornaments from everyone.  It was so fun to look at them all and remember. 

We used to get a live tree every year.  I love the smell, and watching it fall open when it warms up. I didn't like the watering everyday, and hoping it didn't wreck our carpet, or the needles all over the floor. A few years ago when we went to Mexico, we just didn't think it was worth it as it would die as we were gone. So I stuck a small tree we had on an end table and called it good. Then we just kinda started doing that each season.  We kept saying we were going to get one on sale after Christmas, but still could not believe how much they were.  A lady in our community put up on the local buy and sell they she was giving hers away for free. So Blake and I went into town to get it and worked fast to get it all set up before Dave came home.  I wanted to see how long it took him to notice. Well long story short, Blake walked in from the garage behind Dave.  Dave was staring right at the tree and Blake said, "I see you have seen the new tree" faster than I could stop him.  Dave had not noticed.  Haha Ha seriously after we had worked so hard.  He felt bad, but in the end it was kinda funny.  Dave insisted on still lifting Blake up to put the star on...because....tradition.

House all lite up.

I have been working at the local food bank this month.  Because of restriction they couldn't have volunteers as they usually do.  So they hired me to work almost full time making Christmas hampers and getting and wrapping presents.  It was a lot of fun.  The only thing was I started just when it was announced that Blake would be staying home for online school.  It bothered me to leave him everyday.  Dave and I tried to work it out that sometimes I would come home early, sometimes Dave could.  Once he was able to work from home. I really enjoyed 'shopping' for fun food and extras sometimes for the hampers and deciding what to give those in need.  I hope to be able to go back next Christmas.

Dave is the councillor over the teachers quorum.  Blake is the only teacher in our ward. So Dave was joking about the ski activities they were going to have and winter camp.  But they did set up a YM's zoom activity.  Dave put Blake in charge of the agenda and contacting everyone. They talked about their goals and things they didn't like about COVID and one thing they secretly liked about it. :) It was a short activity, but nice for them all to interact again.  It has a very long time. I think they have only been able to have 1 or maybe two activities since March. 

Christmas is coming soon.  Our house is still Cora and Leah's permanent residence, so they are allowed to come home for Christmas.  It really has been a strange year.  I wish that they could just get out and meet lots of new people.  They have meet some and continue to meet a few, but it certainly is not what we had thought. I'm glad they have each other. And we prayer that Leah's job will continue on in the new year.  She was hired for seasonal.  They take one of the seasonals every year and hire them on permanent, but with shut downs she isn't sure they are even doing that. They both finished their first semester yesterday.  Leah started again in March and Cora should start April.  They have lots of time to work and are very willing.  Lots of prayers. Blake finished his online schooling yesterday as well and is looking forward to the break. He was part of a Secret Santa this month as well with some kids in the stake.  They drew names and then he delivered the gift.  They then did a zoom meet where they opened and guessed who their present was from.  He enjoyed it.  He is also texting friends from school regularly, so he has some interactions outside of his house.  He is looking forward to going back to school.

What we have been up to.

We have had some fun the last couple weeks.  Monday a bit back, after Dave had had a really not excellent day.  His car died, he didn't have lunch, most of the guys that work for him had not made it into work for various reasons. As he was just crawling into bed, Leah called and said their car had also died. They had stopped at Tim Hortons with friends for hot chocolate after FHE and it was done.  Nothing they were doing was getting it going again.  We made plans to go up on Friday and see what we could do.  Leah had plans to go hiking in Banff that Thursday. Fortunately she was not driving and Cora had a few bus tickets, so she would be able to get to work. (Cora was most disappointed that she had to work and was not able to also go hiking) They had a nice friend that helped tow their car back to their place, where it sat and waited for us. Leah had a blast on the hike.  They drove to a friends parent house in Calgary Wednesday night and then went to the hike Thursday morning.  She said it was cold and windy, but a beautiful and so much fun.

This picture was taken by a friend on the hike.  He takes great pictures.

 Friday we started out very early.  Dave had packed every tool and car part he could think might possibly be wrong along with insulated coveralls and other warm gear.  I packed us a lunch and chicken in sauce to feed everyone for dinner that night. We even took sleeping bags just in case the car took a long time to fix. We got there, quickly said hi, Dave and Blake got to work.  He determined it needed a new battery.  We dropped Leah off at work and picked up a battery. The boys worked at getting new battery in, changed a belt that was starting to go, tightened some pulleys, and topped up all the fluids. He was done by 5.  Not to bad.  I was about to start dinner, but Dave wanted Seoul Fried Chicken. We drove to the mall to see where the girls work.  It is kinda fun, they work across the hall from each other and said they sometimes wave at each other.  We picked up Leah, picked up chicken, ate and back home we went.  It was a long day, late night but so thankful they were able to get the car running again.

Saying goodbye at the girls' house.

Saturday was our annual ward Food Drive.  It seems faster to pick up the bags every year.  It is by far my favorite activity of the year. After lunch we took Blake to work, his bike doesn't work consistently in the cold.  Jared was pounding posts, Dave and I went out to hang more boards.  We got a great system down and got a lot done.  We had gone out with Blake a few nights earlier and it was bitter cold.  We only worked a few hours and it was not fun. Saturday the sun was shining and we were on a roll.

We signed Blake up for drop in basketball.  He has really missed playing this year.  He said it was fun and felt great to get back on the court.  Dave is going to try to go with him as much as he can.  We all had a good week.  Nothing significant.  School, work, house cleaning.  Blake didn't have school Friday.  He needed a haircut and some new shirts.  I had decided to do an advent calendar for Cora and Leah since we won't see them till after Boxing Day sometime.  Their registration was due and were coming down Saturday to pick up the pink slip and take pictures for our Christmas card. So we got up early and went to work with Dave, did our shopping and were home by noon. Dave and Blake then feed cows and made me props for the pictures. 

Saturday was beautiful.  I couldn't have asked for a better temperature to take winter pictures.  As we were getting ready, Grandma came for a visit. We then headed off for pictures.  The kids all had a lot of fun and took many pictures after my Christmas one, as Dave and I were cleaning up. We ate a late lunch, all  3 kids had homework.  Not all 3 DID homework. :) but they all had homework. We just relaxed and played some games before dinner.

Dawson was coming to hang out with Leah.  We ate late and then they played some more games and chatted downstairs as Cora and I chatted upstairs.  It was a fun day.

Sunday was church, lunch, and then Cora and Leah packed up and went back to Edmonton.  We had a youth fireside that Blake was asked to conduct. It was a really good fireside.  All the speakers did an excellent job.  The girls made it back safely and even had time to party with friends.  They took all their ski stuff and skates.  Things are very closed down at the moment, but they can do outdoor things.  I am glad they have the knowledge, ability, and equipment to do these things.  It was so great to see them again.  Blake really looks forward to being with them.  School is wrapping up for the semester. Both girls have decided what the next steps will be for their schooling.  Leah has enrolled in an optical assistant course and will start in March.  Cora is applying to her field and if all goes well will start in April. They are having a great time.  Despite the shut downs, in person church, institute and FHE are not being held right now, they are making the best of it.  Meeting in small groups, outdoors and trying their best.

Wisdom Teeth, Thanksgiving and Birthday oh my

We have had some fun already this month and lots happen.  Leah's last dental appointment in March she was told that yes her wisdom teeth were in but she had a lot of room in her mouth and didn't have to have them out.  She was a little concerned about them moving her bottom teeth and so we had decided to take them out anyways, at Easter time when she was off school.  Well we all know how that went.  Dentist had to shut down for a while.  Then not enough time between Cora's quarantine, moving etc. She thought she would just keep them.  Since school was online and she didn't have a job and one tooth was starting to go sideways and stabbing her cheek when she ate, we booked her an appointment.  A few days before she was coming down, Leah was told she had a job.  Hallelujah! She is working at Bath and Body Works and loves it.  It is seasonal and only goes to Jan. 2, but we are very thankful for what she has.  She was told that they usually take one person from the seasonal staff and keep them on.  She is working her butt off to be the best employee and be the one they keep. Fingers crossed.  Her appointment was for Thursday and she started work the next Sunday.  At first we thought we would need to cancel, but decided to go ahead.  Long story and many changing details later, I went up to get her Wednesday.  9.5 hrs on the road, 30 mins to see Cora.  It was a long day.  I had a great time just driving with Leah and hearing all her stories.  Thursday she got them out.  Meds did not really kick in.  I was really looking forward to Leah being drugged up.  She is off the wall and random anyways, I was sure this was going to be awesome.  But she was very lucid.  She even paid for her own appointment, which she likes to remind us of.  Dave has really great coverage.  For all meds and surgery it only cost me 72 cents.  I didn't have any change on me but Leah did.  So she paid.  Leah also remembers them asking each other if they remembered to put her back on oxygen, they had not. She got lots of good stuff, but really didn't do anything to her.  Sadly no fun videos. She did awesome. Some pain Thursday night and swelling Friday morning.  Friday night she was almost normal. I promised her I wouldn't post any pictures.  Dave and I went to Atwood's house Friday with all the Puzey parents for a dinner.  I used to call it a Puzey Adult dinner, but Leah and Cora kept joking that they were adults now too, so should be able to come.  I changed the name and uninvited them. It was nice to be together and talk.  It was a delicious meal and nice to relax.  Saturday Leah drove back up.  Worked Sunday and then the girls both drove back down Sunday after church and work. Leah was on the road a lot that weekend.

Monday was Thanksgiving and Cora's birthday.  I was excited to spend her birthday with her.  We have not been with Cora on her birthday since she was 17.  Four years ago.  And really, who knows when it might happen again. 

HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY CORA!!

We had an excellent breakfast then Cora opened her other presents.  We had given her a longboard the month before so she could use it before it snowed. Both girls had homework due and Dave and Blake needed to get some farm work done.  

We had a small chicken and accessories for lunch with  Angel Food Cake for dessert.  Cora's requested.  I had made a pumpkin cheesecake the week before and froze a few left over pieces, as well as a small pumpkin pie for Dave and Blake.  Leah chewed slow and carefully. :)

After dinner we relaxed for a short time.  Leah and Blake played some games.  Cora played frisbee with Blake and we dug some potatoes for them to take. Dave switched tires on the girl's car to winter tires and made sure all fluids were full.  They had planned to leave at 3, but then a friend of Cora's called from England to wish her happy birthday.  It ended up being about 6. 

It was another short visit.  I am glad they live close enough that we can do the short visits.  It was beautiful weather.  Autumn is usually my favorite day of the year.  Hahah, but this year we got a good six weeks of perfect fall weather.  With the cool crisp mornings, warms days, gorgeous colors and things in the garden ready to eat.  I love it all. We had a great weekend.  Cora and Leah are having so much fun together.  They are making lots of friends and always have something going on.  They like to experiment and try recipes together.  Enjoy their roommates and their ward.  Both are really struggling with what to take next year in school.  Looking at lots of options and ideas.  It is a big decision. Blake is doing really well in school.  He has a group that have fun together.  He is not enjoying the homework that he gets, but tis life in high school.  Snow has come and my perfect autumn is over for now.  But we had a fabulous one. 

Another School Year Begins.

Blake had a staggered start back to school. He started on Sept 4th.  We are getting emails almost daily about protocols and stuff.  I have a series of questions I am supposed to ask him every morning and night.  Becomes a bit annoying really.  The school provided each student with two reusable masks.  He doesn't mind them near as much as I do.  He was a little nervous to start Grade 10.  He had not contacted his friends much over the summer and wasn't sure what to expect.  Blake is enjoying his classes, he has a construction class that he is really liking and got put in a psychology class for some reason.  He was going to transfer out and then decided, whatever, he wants all the credits he can get. His good friend Gilbert is in most of his classes and they usually spend lunch hour together.  He calls his sisters often when he gets home from school to talk about their days. His first day he came down wearing these same ratty shorts that he has been wearing all summer.  I have tried to buy him new ones twice, but he keeps saying he wouldn't wear them anyways.  Which is true.  He has always got attached to one outfit and will wear it completely out before switching to another on.

They have no lockers or changerooms, so Blake has to wear comfortable clothes the days he has gym anyways. His first full day was the 8th. He also started zoom seminary this day as well. It will be an interesting year for sure, but he is off to a great start.

Cora and Leah also started the 8th.  They are both upgrading at NAIT.  It is all online.  Cora was apprehensive as she hasn't been to school in 3 years.  She had taken all the courses she needed to be a drafter, but that is just not feeling right to her anymore.  So she needs Chem 20 and 30 and Bio 30.  She is really not sure what she wants to do and is hoping to figure it out soon.  Leah need to get a bit better mark in Bio and Chem 30 before she applies for the Lab and X-ray tech program she wants to go into.  It is very competitive. 

I asked them to sent my pictures and they did not disappoint. :)  The girl with the internet in their apartment moved out and they are having issues getting it back in.  Maycie has been kind enough to let them crash at her place every morning so they can do classes.  Once institute building opens they will start going there.  Hopefully internet gets resolved very soon. They have both attended some institute classes. They do get to do this in person.  Half way through Leah's first class she texted me to tell me how awesome it was and she is so excited for more. They have no idea if labs are in person or online yet, but everyday info is coming.  I am very sick of COVID.  I just want me kids back in school, meeting fun people at church, getting to play sports, etc. (sigh)  But I love online seminary.  College girls and last kid in Grade 10.  That went by in a snap.

Photo Shoot

One of Leah's friends had the idea to have a photo shoot before Leah left.  These girls have taken tons of pictures over the last 4.5 years.  Natalie Toone has done many photo shoots with them as well and always does an amazing job. (Still trying to get pictures from Leah of the group grad shoot Natalie did) This time they hired photographer Jordan Faye Photography, and she did an awesome job.  The girls had so much fun.  Leah and Emily became best friends the end of grade 8 and the group has grown since then.  Leah has been so blessed to have these girls as friends.  There has been some ups and downs and some that have come and gone, but it has been a good group.  They have had each other back and loved and supported each other through tough times and the best times.  I know she misses them as will I.  Having them in our home, travelling with them, hearing their stories at games, and all the good times.  Jordan took lots of pictures individual, each girl with everyone, and group.  These are just a few of my favorites.