First Life Update of 2022 :)

Dave and Blake finally got a ski day.  Dave missed getting the WOW card so it's more difficult to go.  He has decided to to take Blake to other hills this year.  And we are really hoping to get to Banff area to ski with Cora and Leah. It was a good day.  Blake said it was like skiing on a cloud.  They had a lot of fresh snow and it had warmed up some.  

They had a fun day together.  I had sent them some left over chicken pot pie, apparently there are not microwaves there any more.  Blake is not a fan of pot pie anyways and then he had to eat it cold.  I felt bad.  I will know better for next time. Fingers crossed for many more ski days.

Blake is back in school.  I have tried to avoid the Covid issue mostly in my blog the last two years.  I was tired of hearing about it and discussing it and dealing with it.  But as I have been going through my ancestor journals and things, I realize that it is important and a fact of life.  So I suppose my posterity will want to know. :?  So......... Covid is annoying, I am tired of wearing a mask every time I go shopping, and wondering if Blake can still play basketball from day to day.  I feel less sociable at church, cause I don't like talking through a mask. I wish we could just treat it like a flu and open everything up and  just be normal again. Ugh!!

A few years ago I thought it would be fun to have a Grilled Cheese food truck.  I started testing all types of different sandwiches on my family.  Philly cheese steak, Pizza, Apple Pie, and many many more.  I had pages of sandwich ideas and names for my truck.  One of my favorite was Goat Cheese and Raspberry.  I made some again for Blake the other day and he loved it again.  It was so good.

Dave's birthday was very quiet.  We had Myrna over for dinner Sunday.  Just pot roast and birthday cake.  Yesterday Blake had YM's and we were not home together long.  We checked cows and watched a sitcom.  When Blake got back, scripture reading and bed. Happy 50th to him.  He didn't want fan fare and it was nice to be home and warm. 

And on into the New Year

 28th: Leah had seen the new Spiderman movie on it's opening day.  She loved it and wanted to take everyone on cheap day, Tuesday.  Cora and Ammon couldn't go yet, they all rode down together, Cora and Ammon had some appointments and errands. Leah and Blake went to the movie.  Said it was awesome. It was nice for them to all get out of the house.  Dave and I had a quiet day.  I put away the Christmas decorations as Dave finished a puzzle that Cora had gotten him. 

29th: Ammon and Cora were set to head home and then up to Valleyview.  Ammon was very sick from his shots and wasn't able to sleep most of the night.  He finally fell asleep in the morning and was OUT! We helped Cora pack up their car and had lunch, played some games and just let him sleep. Poor guy. 

30th: I had to work.  Blake and Dave needed to feed cows and check water and Leah got ready to head home.  That night we meet all the Puzey parents for a wonderful steak dinner.  It was nice to be out and almost normal again. Blake was supposed to have a game, then just a practice.  It got canceled and put back on, canceled, and put back on the whole time we were at dinner.  They also announced on our way to dinner that school Christmas break would be extended for a week.  All sports cancelled for that week as well.  Blake is going crazy with no ball.  We aren't allowed to go to the church to play right now either.  It really is not a good thing for these kids to be shut down and roaming around at home so long.  I am glad he has trucks and other things to work on. 

31st: I went for a run. Dave had some EQ things to finish up.  We cleaned the house and did some laundry.  We decided as a group to order Chinese NYE instead of having a lot of work and dishes to do with all the Puzey's.  We went over just before 1.  Chinese was good and a good idea.  Easy clean up.  We hung out for a bit, opened some presents and then went to the neighbors for fireworks.  They put on a good show.  We stayed and talked to them until it got to cold and then back to Myrna's for appetizers.  I love appetizer meals, one of my favorite things.  We ate late and I was trying to get some things sorted for seminary.  When we were all done, we headed home.  We watched a short movie and rang in the New Year.  Leah had a great party at her house and Cora was in Valleyview.  We all had a good NYE, no matter where we were.

I'm thankful for the blessing we have seen this year and the great kids we have.  They decisions they are making and the paths that they are on with their lives.  Covid is still around.  As much as I would like to ignore it.  I still hate masks and that I can't just go watch a basketball game.  But we have been blessed beyond measure.  I am thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the guidance of my Savoir and the love and steady influence of Dave.  I scored the jackpot with him.  

Happy New Year!

Christmas 2021

Christmas has been fun this year.  We were not sure if we would have anyone home and turns out we have them all for a week +.  We are loving every minute of it.  I had only planned food for 3 days tho so its been interesting.  Certainly not a lack of, just lost of dishes and trying to get through all the leftovers.  Ammon and Cora got done their project on the Regina Temple early and made it here the evening of the 21st.  They almost made it in time to have donuts with us after the ward nativity. I had to work the 22nd.  I was glad they had made it so Blake wasn't by himself all day.  He was pretty bored they day before and was not looking forward to another long day.  23rd Blake and I went to town to pick up the last of the fresh food and his suit.  Ammon and Cora had some things they needed to do so didn't come with us in the end.  Then a quick house straighten and laundry.  24th Leah made it just after lunch.  It was a low key day.  I did some prep work for dinner, everyone had last minute gift wrapping and just hanging out. We had appetizers as always for Christmas Eve dinner and then acted out the nativity. 

I think it was one of my favorite nativities ever.  We all had multiple parts and I loved the baby Jesus Leah made for us. It may have been a tad irreverent, but it was very fun. A Christmas Story was watched as per tradition, Ammon had never seen it so that was fun for us.  But we also realized how much we quote and talk through the whole things since we do watch it ever Christmas Eve.  Such a great show. Christmas Day everyone slept in.  We had breakfast and then slowly opened presents.  

Cora wrapped Leah's gift to look like an alligator. 

They girls got and had given us some fun games that we have enjoyed playing. 

Dave was given a 22lb turkey.  We had a bit of a struggle with it.  I thawed it way to early cause I panicked.  They we had to try to keep it cold but not freeze it again.  But in the end it was amazing.  Dave took it over and did the whole thing.  He likes stuffing cooked in the turkey, I don't like it at all.  He called his mom and got her recipe and everyone that ate it loved it.  So we ended up having a traditional Christmas dinner for the first time, and it was great. 

  

We have been watching the forecast for weeks looking for a good ski day around the holidays. The girls brought their ski stuff and have been hoping, but -29 is just way to cold to ski.  Unfortunately it is to cold to go hooding or walks outside or anything.  We have been sticking inside as much as possible.  Playing games, reading, and talking.  I have enjoyed it, but feel bad they won't get a ski in while here. 26th my parents, Myrna, and Cannon and Nicole came.  Church was short so we decided to do something a little different and had brunch together after.  Lots of fun syrups, fruit, bacon, eggs, waffles and juices.  It was delicious, quick and easy.  Turned out great. All the family stayed an visited for a while then got in their chilly cars and drove home. 

More relaxing, reading and fun.  Ammon pulled out his guitar again and this time, he and Cora sang.  It was fun to listen to.  Leah joined in a few of them, and Ammon got her to play a song with him as they all sang.  Dave and I had got a mic last week in hopes of some karaoke, but no one wanted to sing loud, just fun in the background.  But it was beautiful.

More game and daily scripture reading to wrap up the evening. 

Leah thinks she will be her until just before New Year's Eve and Ammon and Cora have no idea if they are leaving Tuesday or Wednesday, so we are just hanging out, having a blast and trying not to freeze.  It has been fantastic Christmas.  Filled with kids, noise, fun, food and lots of laughter and love. 

Merry Christmas!

Basketball +

Blake's basketball has been going well.  They won their first game and had a tournament the next weekend.  They have some skill on the team and some good coaches.  If a few of the players can learn to rein in their attitudes it is fun to watch.  Blake was very frustrated with some of his teammates rudeness after one game and vented in the car most of the way home.  He decided going back the next day that he was just going to be the antidote to it and always be kind and encouraging to his teammates no matter what.  By the third game that weekend they came together and did great.  I hope they can keep the positive attitude going. So far we are still watching in person.  Hope it continues. But he is fun to watch and I am so glad he gets to play again this year.

Blake has been working on this truck in his space time.  It say in the yard for 4 years.  He decided he wanted to get it running.  Dave got him a few parts and they drove it out of the yard last week.  Blake was pretty proud.

Blake was a wise man in our church nativity.  It was an interesting time.:)  But in the end it was ok.  It was as short program with donuts and hot chocolate outside after.

Christmas Card 2021

Another Update :)

End of August Leah finished her course at NAIT as an Ophthalmic Assistant, and started working for Alberta Retina Consultants.  A few weeks ago she got fully certified.  I have asked her for a picture but this is the best she got me so far.  Look real close in the mirror. 

Leah really enjoys it, and it is a great place to work.  She like to point out that the Drs she works with and assists have been to school longer than she has been alive.  They are very specialized.  Has some fun stories and car pools with her roommate.  It has been great.  Apparently she is certified in Canada, most of the US and most of Europe.  I suggested we travel to Europe and she can work and support me as I tour around. 

I have started working at the Vulcan Clinic.  I have been there since mid October.  I love it.  I love being back in that medical office.  I am a part time/casual reception.  Right back to what I did before I had Cora.  I never thought I would be lucky enough to get a part time job in that field.  After I interviewed, I prayed and prayed that I would get the job if it was a good move for our family.  Right now it could not be more perfect.  I work Tuesday and Thursday.  So many things line up great with me working these day, my laundry day are Mon, Wed, Fri,-Dave brings home dinner from work Tues and Thur so when I work late I don't have to worry about cooking- seminary teaching day- it could not have worked out more perfect.  Prayers were answered.

Dave's job is also going well.  He has hit every target that has been set and has been blessed with great ideas of how to make things run more efficient and smooth. 

Blake has started basketball.  He enjoys his coaches and has about 13 boys on his team. We are so glad he gets to play this year.  We can't watch in person, which I hope changes soon.  But at least he is playing.  His last report card was awesome.  High 90's average.  He has good friends in school and is getting to know some kids in the stake some more and enjoys hanging out with them as well.  The missionaries asked him to participate with them in teaching a kid in our area.  They have had about 9 discussions.  Blake is like that as well.  It is getting him excited to serve. It is all done over the phone, so he hasn't actually met the guy, so it is interesting. 

Cora and Ammon are working in Regina right now on the temple.  I have never been to Saskatchewan and really wanted to go over and visit.  Few changed plans back and forth and we ended up going out last weekend.  It was a fast trip.  Longer drive then we had thought.  We left Saturday morning and got there about 4 their time. We made a quick stop to visit where Corner Gas was filmed.  Kinda sad as most of it was gone, but now we have been. 

We then went to Fuddruckers to eat.  I love Fuddruckers and haven't been to one for years.  We took it back to Cora and Ammon's to eat.  We had booked a hotel across the street from them.  We stayed late, played a game and had fun.  Next morning, they picked us up for church.  It was fun to go to their ward.  They aren't moving their membership as it is only a couple months.  Cora had been called to the Primary Presidency right as they were leaving Edmonton, and has been doing online meetings.  But they are getting right involved in the ward they are attending and looking forward to the activities they can attend.   Saskatchewan is more open than us.  We swung by the temple after church for a quick picture.

Blake needed to teach YM's.  I had forgotten he said he was teaching, but everything is online so he taught from Regina.  The things we can do now.  Cora's internet cut out about half way through his lesson, but we tried.  They made us the best homemade pizza ever, and some great fruit.  We ate quickly and then headed out as we had a long drive home.  It rained almost the entire way home.   I can now say I have been to Saskatchewan.  Yay for me. It was really fun to go out and see them. And was really the first holiday that Dave has had in 3 years.  It was quick but great. 

Now we are into basketball and getting ready for Christmas.  We are so blessed with the kids we have and the decisions they make.  With the jobs that everyone has, our health and associates. Life is good. 

Thanksgiving 2021 and Birthday

Thanksgiving was simple and lovely.  Everyone was able to make it home for dinner and church on Sunday.  And my parents came up.  Ammon, Cora and Leah came in about 1ish on Saturday.  Dave was finishing the backsplash in the kitchen, Ammon got right to work on helping him.  Blake was in the garage working on the Jeep.  The girls and I just sat and chatted and gave encouragement as the boys worked.  After dinner we watched a movie, I think haha it was just chill.  Sunday we had Thanksgiving dinner.  I took a few pictures.  My parents had brought up some house stuff for the girls to go through.  It was great fun.  Like Christmas.  They are downsizing again and had lots to get rid of.  Monday morning Leah left just before noon.  She had dropped a friend off at her familie's house on the way down.  She picked her back up and then with a group of them the had a leftovers Thanksgiving dinner in Edmonton.  Leah said it was a good turnout and the food and company were excellent.  We were happy to learn that Ammon and Cora were staying Monday with us.  It was rather a lazy day.  Cora had some laundry, we straightened back up.  Blake had to work.  Dave and Ammon worked on the Co-op again as they waited for Blake to get home so they could ride the dirt bikes.  Ammon enjoys the dirt bike.  Said he could see getting one for the farm to ride around on.  Not quite converted to street bike yet,  but I agree with him there.  Cora is working on him. :) They had a short drive home, so after biking and dinner, they decided to stay and watch a movie with us as well.

It was a nice holiday.  So good to have everyone.  It has been since the wedding that everyone has been in the same place at once.  And will probably be a long time again.  As Hatch's take off to their next work assignment next week and who knows what will happen for Christmas.  

Cora's birthday was the next day.  We had her open her present while she was here.  I could say so many wonderful things about Cora, but if you know her you love her and I don't need to list them all.  A few are:  I love her contagious laugh, her care for all those around her, how she loves to try ALL the new things, and lives life to the fullest.  Enjoys every moment.  She chose well and we love Ammon as well.  Happy 22nd Cora!