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! 

Junction Creek

Dave brought home a gift for Blake after passing his license :) 

The night before school started Blake decided maybe it was time to sort through his books from the year before.  I mean really, you wouldn't want to do it to soon right!?! Crazy kid. He sorted out what he needed and grabbed a few things for school the next day.

We had him drive the first day and he really enjoyed that.  Said it was weird, but it really does make a difference to be able to drive to school rather than taking the bus.  He is liking the independence and I am loving having a driver again.

He had a party in town the other night and it was wonderful not having to take him in or go back and get him after.  Dave has started a welding course at his work.  They are still looking for about 20 more people and need welders.  So he has a great guy at work that has taken a lot of his own time to make up a work book and other things and Dave said he is fabulous at teaching others.  It is two Friday's, 9 hours each, that Dave offers to his workers.  As Blake loves to weld, he talked to the guy teaching and snuck his son in.  Blake said it was awesome.  He learned so much and said the other two in the course we really nice.  He will go back next week for the second half.  It is an early morning leaving at 4:30 a.m., but Dave and I get up and go with him, and get groceries as we wait for him.  Went back and ate lunch with him as well.

Leah had a blast in Salt Lake.  She had gotten tickets to a concert she wanted to attend back at the beginning of summer and decided she would worry about how to get there later.  In the end it was best to fly. She got a sweet deal on flight.  All the Covid tests she had to do added up but she said it was worth it.  We had heard some horrible stories before she left and said many many prayers, tracked, her flights and she kept in constant contact with us. Everything went smoothly. She had some nice seatmates and found all her terminals. Kailey picked her up and took care of her for the weekend.  The concert was awesome, she got to meet up with her cousins that she hasn't seen for years, did some shopping, took Uber, went to a party, and had a blast with Kailey.  It was a great experience for her.

For the long weekend I wanted to go for a hike.  I have a few requirements for my hikes.  I want between 10-15 km long, low elevation (cause I am very out of shape, my idea of hiking is more of going for a lovely leisurely stroll through the woods), shaded so I don't get heat stroke, and no bears:).  I had asked Cora if she and Ammon had the day off and wanted to come with us, but they didn't.  We found two possible ones near Pincher from a great book Cannon and Nicole gave us a few years ago.  Then Sunday morning, Cora said they did have it off and we started looking at ones more near them so they wouldn't have to travel so far.  We decided on Upper Kananaskis Lakes.  I was excited to try something new. Monday morning 15 mins before we were supposed to leave, I started feeling very apprehensive about it.  It really just didn't feel right.  I was a bit nervous that when I told Dave he was going to be exasperated with me.  It had been such an ordeal to coordinate and plan with Cora in the first place and we knew they were still sleeping, had only had about 4 hours so they were not going to get text of new plan for a bit. Of course Dave just said, "ok, let's choose a different one"  No need for me to worry at all.  We got a much later start.  Ammon and Cora had to do one last thing for work that took an hour longer than was expected and then we kept forgetting things in their car and had to got back 3 times. But in the end we just did Junction Creek Falls again.  Ammon hadn't been and Cora only once so it was ok. 

It was the weirdest, funniest start to a hike ever.  In the end it was great.  We hiked it faster than usual, they all went up to the third falls as I sat in the beautiful scenery.

It was fun to have them along with us.  And in the end we found out that the hike we had planned to do  was closed for bears.  We couldn't have gone anyways. Glad we didn't drive all the way up there and then not be able to go.

It was a great day, much fun, not to hot, and as much as Ammon thought it funny I was so worried about bears and liked to keep making me think he had seen one, we never did.  I told him that day he was my least favorite son in law. 

Much Behind

We had our Puzey reunion a few weeks ago. It was a nice time.  We had great food, lots of chatting, hanging out, and time just spent together.  Even braved the pool one chillier afternoon.  Emry drove all the teenagers to town for bowling and dinner.  Blake had a great time being with his cousins.  It was nice to have him have other kids around too. Dave went golfing with the boys. And I stayed and hung out with the girls and Jason. Saturday we didn't see everyone much.  I have just been called as a seminary teacher and had some online trainings I needed to watch and Blake had to work.  But we dipped over for a bit.  EQ was in charge of a ward party that night as well.  Dave was busy getting ready for that.  It was very well attended and even though it rained, people seemed to really enjoy it.  When Dave was planning it and they were trying to decided to do potluck salads or what I mentioned that my favorite activities are the ones that we don't have to bring food to.  We can just go and enjoy.  They had already decided they were going to go all out with pork chops, hamburger, smokies, and hotdogs. (Myrna made all the buns) and have corn on the cob.  They all like the idea of keeping it simple and just added watermelon and ice cream.  It was a great night.  All the Puzey's came to the ward party then went home after that.  

Cora and Ammon are in Calgary now.  Having a grand time working in the temple there.  Cora said they had a meeting the other day in the celestial room, with out their shoes on, and it was really cool.   They have been driving back to Edmonton for the weekends and getting to spend time in their own house and attend their own ward. 

Leah brought a group of friend home for the weekend.  I have been wanting my girls to do this since Cora graduated.  They were all really nice kids.  Everyone asked if they could help with everything and they were easy to be with.  We had the boys in the basement and the girls upstairs.  Moved Blake to our room.  They arrived very late Friday night.  Next morning we feed them breakfast and they went hiking.

Back for dinner and then they played games and watched an outdoor movie.

Sunday we had stake conference.  I left food on the counter and said goodbye to those that were up and we left.  They got ready to go and attended a YSA ward in Calgary on their way home. When we got home they had left us a very nice thank you note.  A lot of them had been friends with Cora before her mission, so I had heard lots of names before.  Interesting how Leah is now friends with the same group.  It was nice to put faces to names.  It was fun to have the here. 

Saturday afternoon Blake got to attend a 6 stake youth devotional with Elder Gary E. Stevenson.  They said there were over a 1000 youth in the stake center.  He caught a ride down with Emry.  I am so glad we heard about it in the end, because we almost missed it. Dave had had meeting with him earlier in the day and a few of the seventy.  They were attending our stake conference the next day as well. Both Dave and Blake said their messages were so good.  Both had a Q&A in their meeting that they said was fantastic. Blake also said it was really cool to be with that many youth in a building.

Blake took his drivers test last week and barely got any demerits, but did run a stop sign.  So that was a fail.  He was mad about it.  Later when he took me through the route and showed me the sign it was pretty stupid. The instructor was talking to the lady at the counter and said how Blake had missed the same sign everyone does.  And how it is to bad that no one stops for it.  So as he is showing me the sign I was just shaking my head, it is totally covered by a tree.  You barely see it if you know it's there.  Personally I think it would be a hazard and the town should have the lot owners trim their trees, but anyways.  We went back in today and he passed with flying colors.  He didn't have any demerits. 

He is excited to finish polishing the Jeep and drive to his first day of school tomorrow. So congrats to Blake.  I am so excited to have a driver in the house again. 

Happy 16th Blake

Blake is 16!!  That is so crazy, my youngest is old enough to drive.  He is a great kid.  Funny, doesn't care about what anyone things about him, he has truly grown into his own person.  He is just a smidge under 6 foot and that smidge is bugging him, :)  He loves working hard and loves farming.  Says that if he could do anything the rest of his life it would be to farm.  Grain and cows, he loves it all.  He has a small group of friends that he is very content with and doesn't like to venture out.  He is more of a homebody then the girls for sure.  Blake's birthday was Thursday.  Wednesday night he went bowling with his friends and out for pizza.  Gilbert drove them all and he had a blast.  While he was gone, Cora arrived.  She had dental appointments.  I purposely booked them over his birthday so she could be here for it.  And I was very excited to finally get to wrap all the items in his lunch.  I would do this lots for everyone else, but with a summer birthday I had never had the chance for Blake.  I got it all packed and hidden away.  The next day he text me from work and loved the surprise. 

For his birthday dinner he had requested Panko chicken, funeral potatoes, hamburgers, homemade chocolate ice cream and chocolate cake.  I told him there was no way we could eat that all in one meal.  Thursday he opened presents and went longboarding with Cora.

He got a lot of tools for his tool box that he has started collecting .  Friday after his work we just hung out and watched a movie.  Saturday we went early and took them boating.  Always a great time.  Cleaned the church and got some stuff done around the house.  Ammon surprised Cora and showed up Saturday night.  He had to drive back to Edmonton early in the morning to deliver a truck and then rode straight back down with Leah.  So we invited the grandparents and everyone got to be there to celebrate Blake on Sunday.  It was a good time and I loved having everyone in the same room again.  Blake really is a pretty awesome kid.  We are lucky to have him.

Happy Birthday Blake!!

Bear Lake

A year and a half ago my parents sent out an invitation to join them for their 50th wedding anniversary and my mom's 70th birthday celebration in Bear Lake, Ut.  They gave us all a lot of notice to arrange our lives so hopefully we would have the entire family there.  (We used to have July 1st always in HillSping.  We just knew we were getting together then, but this year it was different)  Well then Covid happened.  We really were not sure how many of us we going to be allowed to make it.  As it turned out everyone but Levi (on a mission), Justin (had to work),  Brynn (would not have been good for her) Leah, Cora, Ammon, (had to work and are Canadian) and Dave (Canadian not allowed through the border) made it.  Pretty impressive for 36 of us. Blake and I started out Wednesday morning.  They were not happy letting me through the border.  My passport has expired, and Blake of course is Canadian, but he is a minor so was allowed to travel with me.  It was touch and go, I was sure they were not going to let us, but after some grumbling she couldn't deny me entrance.  On our way we went. It was a long hot drive.  I enjoyed spending the time with Blake.  He drove half of the way.  We had downloaded some mysteries to listen to and talked a lot.  We stopped in Idaho Falls at Reed's Dairy for milkshakes and a stretch. We were the last to arrive.  Mom had sloppy joes ready for us and lots of good fruit.  Josie's family had lots of fruit trees and it was all delicious. 

That night we played a few games, got sleeping and bathroom arrangements sorted and just relaxed.  The house my parents found was really nice.  Beautiful view, lots to do, lots of room.  It was great.

 Thursday morning we went to the beach.  Steve brought hot dogs to BBQ for us all.  Along with everyone's, chips, fruit, vegetables, and treats.  Kita had rented a pavilion for us all. Cannon, Nicole, and McKay had brought their Stand Up Paddleboards for us all to try.  It was fun.  Everyone shared and took turns.  Steve rented some jet skis and Blake had a blast with those.  We mostly swam, snacked, talked and hung out.

Thursday night for dinner was Taylor and Kita's night.  They made chicken fajitas and they were excellent.  I have always loved how dinner time is a family event.  Everyone helps, whether it is your night or not, with prep,  cooking, and clean up.  We all just stick together until it is all done.  All the kids get along, never any fighting or anger.  It is wonderful.

Thursday my parents had a special FHE.  We do this every reunion.  Levi had made a slide show of my parents 50 years and then everyone was asked to tell a favorite memory and bare their testimony.  Those that couldn't make it submitted a video for Cannon to play.  The reminiscing and spirit were awesome.  My parents have been true examples of love, forgiveness, hard work, service and kindness. and it shows in the stories everyone told and the unity we feel. We then surprised them with T-shirts.  Kita had the idea and Taylor mostly designed them, Kita and Nicole got them made.  Taylor decided black and red for HillSpring colors, Wayvel brand and then we each had the number that we entered the family on the back.  My parents loved it.  Us siblings had a gift for them and then they surprised us with a finished copy of their history for each kid and grandkid.  I very much enjoyed reading it.

Friday was beach day again.  We got going a little slower as we spent most of the morning just hanging out and talking with each other.  The tent that Cannon and Nicole brought was a life saver.  I would not have been able to stay out long with out it.  We took left over fajitas to the beach and lots of fruit, vegetables and snack again. 

Kids played in sand, men and teen boys played frisbee in the water, we SUPed and swam.  Another great day.

Friday dinner was Nicole, Natalie and I.  Nicole did pulled pork. Taylor did a run to the store for some stuff for Brody and Kita, Natalie and I jumped in for the ride.  We had no shoes, just going along.  We did a little tour of Bear Lake.  On our way back I saw Blake on the side of the rode with Colton and then we saw Kailey.  I was a little surprised thinking how did they get down here.  Kailey had decided to keep with tradition and take the two teens on a short teen night and got them milkshakes.  I thought it was so sweet of her to think of them even though she isn't a teenager anymore.  They didn't have licenses, but she wanted to still do it. 

Cannon had brought the stuff to do our traditional sundowner.  Something we have done ever since we all went to Africa. 

We stayed up to late and didn't want it to end.  The next morning Blake and I were the first to leave. We had an appointment in Great Falls for our Covid test to get back through the border.  We tried to clean as much as we could, but needed to leave.  Everyone finished clean up after we had left.  We made good time and switched off driving again.  Got our test and through the border, did our other test and were free to go. It had been way to long since we had gotten together and I was sad that Dave and the girls couldn't come.  I did enjoy my time with Blake and my family.  More memories made, traditions carried on and a truly wonderful time to relax and be together.