Halifax 1

Months ago when Cora mentioned that they may be going to Halifax for work, I was very excited.  I had a brief trip to the Maritimes before I meet Dave, but we got snowed out and couldn't go to a lot of things.  I had always wanted to go back.  We started making plans. Flights were more pricey then I thought we would be able to do.  Then I discovered Swoop. We got 4 tickets for the price of one on most airlines.  It was kind of funny as we learned more about the airline.  Our bag allowance was very small, we had to pay for bathrooms and seats.  No power on the plane etc.  But it was cheap.  Everything I booked I made sure we had free cancellation on, just in case.  We also didn't know for sure until about 2 days before if Cora and Ammon were actually going to make it.  Montreal was taking a little longer than expected and we waited to hear, hoping they would be there with us. We flew direct from Edmonton to Halifax. So we picked up Blake from school Wednesday and drove to Edmonton.  Leah had some friends drop her at our hotel near the airport so we could leave early the next morning. Not until we were in the air did I truly believe we were going to make it to Halifax.

We landed and picked up our mini van.  Cora and Leah had been texting to find a place for us to eat.  We were going to go to the temple first, but Blake was very hungry. Cora had flown to Halifax on Wednesday.  She worked in the morning, went to airport from temple, flew to Halifax, got picked up and drove straight to the temple to continue working there.  Their hours amaze me.  Anyways, so Cora was there.  Cora and Braydon came and met us for food.  Leah and Braydon were very excited to see each other.  I was instantly in love with Nova Scotia.  It did not disappoint. After food we took Cora with us and Braydon took Leah with him, we found our hotel, scooped it out and explored, then went to the Airbnb that everyone else was staying at to make some plans. They were there to work and we did not want to interrupt that, we thought we would just see them in the evenings and weekend. 

Leah learned about toll roads and bridges, she had not idea and we teased her about it the rest of the trip.

Friday morning as Cora and Braydon went to work, the rest of us went to the Maritime Museum.  It was very cool.  We spent a very long time there.  Cora text at 1 and said they were done, we hadn't expected them to be done until 3 at the earliest. So we had not eaten.  Haha that started a pattern Blake didn't love, but we seemed to just keep skipping lunch most days because we had so much to do. 

We finished at the Museum and went to the Airbnb to get the others. After picking them up we got on the road to Lunenburg.  We walked around and explored alot.  We were a little to late to go to the other museum, but the town was so neat to just walk around a be there.  Dave had hoped to see the BlueNose II and it was there. Braydon served his mission in Halifax and it was so fun to hear some of his mission stories and see places he had tracked.

He had great spots for us to see. And knew a fun restaurant that we could all eat at.  A little local hole in the wall that was so good. 

Cora had heard from Ammon in the mean time and we knew he was coming in Saturday morning.  He was working through the night and we would pick him up from the airport on the way to PEI.  As we were driving to Lunenburg we listened to some great sea shanties and had a blast.  On the way home there were a few more shanties and we decided to make a stop at the grocery store to pick up things for Sunday dinner and lunches on Saturday.  We got back late as always.  Dropped of the Airbnb people and Leah (Leah ended up always staying and hanging out with them, Braydon would bring her home later each night, also we invited Frank/Mark to come on all our adventures but he was content to stay home) Blake and I listen to a lot of Dateline and it was fun to find one on TV that night and actually watch instead of just listening.  When Leah got back we all went to bed and got smart and started sending her with her own key :)  But she had a blast hanging out with everyone at the Airbnb, she has been missing Cora and Braydon.  The four of them, 5 when Ammon arrived, made food, had debates, played video game, read scriptures and just were together. 

Thanksgiving 2022

Cora had a birthday.  She just loves life.  Trying new things and wants to do it all.  Her job is fun, her and Ammon are always up for an adventure and work long hard hours.  She makes up recipes and loves keep up with the boys.  (She is currently in Halifax with Ammon and two bachelors, right in her element.  They all travel to the temple together and work all day, then travel home and cook together, play games and have deep discussion.  She loves it.) .  I love hearing her stories and listening to her contagious laugh.  She just is always happy and ready to go. Anywhere for anything.

Happy 23rd my beautiful first born.

We had a nice Thanksgiving again this year.  Leah was able to come home.  She is the only one around and we had fun hanging out with just her.  She had some appointments Saturday morning so couldn't come Friday after work.  But we still got her for 2 full day.  We hung out and made some plans, watched a movie and helped with the shop.  Called Cora and feed the sister missionaries. Monday we went to Puzey's for dinner.  Excellent turkey and good company.  We built, ate, chatted, built, ate and chatted then built some more. :)  Leah left right after dinner as she had some FHE stuff to take care of and had to work the next morning. It was a lovely long weekend and we enjoyed getting together with everyone.  And of course love when every any of my kids get home.

So Behind, Computer Died

Our computer died the death. It did this the same week that Blake and tons and tons of homework.  Dave was bringing his work computer home in the evenings for him, but also needed him to help with the shop.  It was a really fun week. (Sarcasm) I was very glad that they guy we took our computer too was able to get all our files and pictures off.  He just transferred right over to our new computer.  It was awesome. We have got some gains made with the shop.  A friend let Dave borrow the their skid steer and he rented a drill for all the footings.  We co-own some scaffolding with Jared and Dave rented a few more.  Then got hit with more homework, a service project, Thanksgiving, rain and co-op went down twice.  Dave was a little frustrated. But we have been blessed with very warm weather 

Things are coming along.  Slowly, this will not be a quick project, but it is coming.

I was the air hose switcher.  Dave and Blake each had a side, after we cut all the boards and got them up to the top of the scaffolding.  Each had a nail gun and Blake would nail his side, I would switch the hose, and Dave would do his side. Then any thing they needed I ran up and down all day.  More nails- I gotcha, measure to the bottom-on it.  I am an excellent gopher.  At one point I was grabbing something Blake had dropped and I ran smack into the cross bars of the scaffolding with my eyeball.  Really felt like I squished it.  Was a bit dazed, and extremely shocked the next day when I did not have a black eye. 

Girls wanted an updated picture on our progress.  I got this Sunday and thought it was cool.  

That Saturday Blake invited a few friends over and they went star gazing. He took his orange truck and went down to the sand.  They had gym mats, blankets, hot chocolate and cookies.  Just layed under the star and hung out.  It was a beautiful clear night and not to cold.  Dave and I just turned on the spotlights and kept working. 

A Little Update

This year really has gone so fast.  Blake had a neat experience a few weeks ago.  Bro Ballard from the YM general board was coming up.  He did some training with those that work with kids and had a fireside for the youth.  Many areas were invited to zoom in for the fireside from Canada and the US.  There were 12 stakes in our area that were invited to attend in person.  Each of those stakes were asked to have their stake presidents invite one YM from their stake to attend a dinner with Bro Ballard before the fireside.  Our stake president asked Blake to attend with him.  He said it was a really neat experience and he felt so honored that he would be given that chance.  Blake said he was so nervous it was hard to swallow dinner, his throat just felt dry the whole time.  But he felt he gave ok answers.  The questions were in regards to the current Youth programs and what changes needed to be made.  Blake said he was nervous because whatever they said had the potential to change parts of the program world wide.  It was a lot of pressure.  After he said the fireside was also excellent.  I love that our youth get these experiences. 

Leah's job has been going better.  Some of her leads went in and demanded some changes.  Things started to change and the next day she got two calls for interviews.  Funny how things works out.  She has decided to stay where she is at, it is a great place, especially if they can hire a few more people.  This last weekend at work they attended a healing circle and smudge ceremony.  I had to look up what that was.  She said yes there was sage and tobacco burning, she had to swish it around her and there were dancing and such.  She said the rest of the day at work she smelled like sage and tobacco.  Lovely! 

Cora's job is also well.  Her and Ammon seriously have so much fun together.  They just love every moment.  Some set backs with the latest project, but that is not unexpected.  Most days they are working from 7am to midnight trying to hit their deadline.  She sent me a short video of her 10 min walk to work and it is so beautiful.  The fall colors are out in Montreal.  Their BNB rental was up yesterday and there is a kind lady in the ward very close to the temple that has taken them in for the next 3 weeks.  Cora said she is great and makes them breakfast and is so kind, but she does miss having her own space. Every story she tells us, I just say, you are keeping a journal right, your posterity is going to want to know this.  

Blake is getting into a system at school.  He truly is exhausted all the time and is concerned about basketball.  He will push through for the love of the game, but he is going to be tired.  His ankle is still bugging him and we have got him into start physio coming up soon.  I made the mistake of saying therapy instead of physio once and he was like, mom don't call it that. :)

We moved cows home yesterday.  I was completely useless.  For the first very short bit it was great, then suddenly they just took off.  Even with my little jogs I couldn't keep up.  Calum was on the quad and he kindly came and got me.  TWICE! So I would help for a bit and then get behind again.  I see no reason why they thought they needed to hot trot it for 3 miles.  Blake has a friend that has an exchange student staying with them.  A really nice girl.  Always up for and adventure and to do anything. I asked him is he thought she would like to come help us.  I thought if she was in farm country she should experience some farm work.  The two girls came out.  Blake is such a hard worker all the time and gets right in.  Seems like most times he can read Dave's mind and know what is needed.  Even with his friends around they get right in to help.  Not so much with these girls.  They did great, but Blake was a little slacking.  Part of it was he was trying to be careful and make sure they didn't get hurt or injured and helped them know what to do.  We were gently teasing him that lesson learned, he can't invite girls again.  But they had a blast and the exchange student loved it.  She said she can't wait to come in April and see the new born calves.  

Dave has been wanting to build a shop for years.  It was in the original plan with our house and we decided to wait on it.  Wood price is just going up and so he made the decision that it is only going to get worse, might as well get it done.  What put the decision over the edge was at work there have been wood that can't be used for the trailers.  Dave offered to buy it at cost and they gave him a very very good deal.  Has saved us an unbelievable about of money.  I love how Dave works.  He is a perfectionist, a planner, and very meticulous.  Every step is thought out before, drawn up and planned out.  He made jigs for repeat pieces and cut out lots a head of time.  So when he actually starts, it is all laid out in order and there is a very precise system that is so fast.  I went out to let them know conference was about to start and just watched for a few minutes.  Blake and Dave work so good together.  It was like watching a dance, every movement is planned before and efficient. 

Dave keeps all the needed tools in this wagon and just wheels it out ready to go whenever he has free time.  When he is all finished it is going to be great to have the extra place to work on tractors and cars.  He designed it and we are excited.  Not that it will be done soon by any means, but we are excited.

Conference is this weekend.  I love conference weekend.  So many good messages, good solid family time and good snacks.  Leah was going to drive down and join us but in the end it was such a long drive for such a short time and we will see her next weekend. 

Still loving the fall weather.  We are getting some perfect warm days. 

Back to School

We had a great end to summer.  The Puzey's had a few days together.  Myrna did some fun meals.  I booked the teenagers to do baptisms together.  

Blake started grade 12.  It truly has gone by so fast.  His last year.  He is a great kid.  I am so grateful to his friend Gilbert.  High school would be so different with out their friendship.  The two of them stick together and are partners in all their classes together. 

Blake tried volleyball for a few practices and decided it was not for him.  He has a really heavy course load this year and since it isn't a great love, he thought it best not to use his time on it.  I did a throw back to when the kids were younger and did a back to school dinner with the rolo pencil and school paper placemats.  Except I couldn't find rolos anywhere for some reason so had to use something else. 

It was fun to do again. 

Blake has been doing more farming with Bach's. He has been driving the grain cart and loving it. He was showing me the app that he has to calculate the bushels and when to dump.  He does a lot of hard quick math in his head.  Pretty smart kid.  He says he gets in a routine were it is like a well timed dance.  Dave is worried, but glad, about how much he is loving it and that he won't be able to continue.  Dave misses it all the time, and wishes that he was able to have his son to do it more than we do. Very thankful for the great people around us that have given Blake the opportunity to work hard and do what he loves.

The girls are having some fun.  Cora and Ammon are in Montreal.

  It is fun to hear of all they are doing together and see the pictures they send us. 

 Leah got to go sky diving.  The videos she sent were crazy,  she had no fear and such joy on her face in all of them. 

 She is still looking into further schooling and thinks that she has found what she wants to do an what feels right.  Leah is just trying to get things organized so she can do it. The kids all seem to be thriving and doing well.  It is great to see and nothing so wonderful to see as a parent. 

Fall has always been my favorite season.  I love the cooler nights and the warm days.  The colors.  I love the rows of combines in the fields and watching them work.  We sat on the porch the other day and watched them for a while.  Then laughed at how entertaining it was to us.  Love the smell of the fields being cut and the perfect rows. The moon and the fresh garden vegetables that are coming out of the garden.  Autumn is such a beautiful season. 

17 Years Old!

Holy cow! Blake is 17.  He is definitely growing into a very awesome young man.  My man boy.   Such a weird thing. He really did not want anything for his birthday.  He said he was good, just wanted to hang out with friends.  I ended up not getting him anything until the morning of his birthday.  We really had no ideas.  Blake kinda had a week long birthday.  Tuesday night he met some friends in town and went to Get Air, grabbed some dinner and walked around them mall.  Wednesday he went with friends again and golfed 18 holes.  Blake said he terrible and held them all up, but he had fun.  Friday, his birthday, I went to get groceries and a gift, Blake and Dave had a few things to get done before we took his friends boating.  Blake's day started early with a call from a neighbor saying our cows were out.  Blake ran down and checked it out.  Later, while I was gone, Blake sent me pictures of the water truck turned over.  I was concerned to say the least.  Later I got the story.  Blake said they had filled the tank and were driving back, they had gone around another truck in the yard and hit a small dip  Just barely big enough to tip the water truck sideways a bit.  With this momentum, and the heavy water, the whole truck started to go over.  Blake said he looked up and saw Dave waving at him to get off  quick.  He looked back and the truck was going over.  Soon to take him with it.  They said it a was a very James Bond moment.  Dave said if there had been flames behind Blake as he jumped just as the truck tipped completely on its side, it would have been amazing.  Blake was disappointed that no one got a video of it.  In reality they both said they were very lucky that no one was seriously hurt or worse. I could have been bad.  They got it all right side up, banged out all the dents and miraculously found no holes. The boys then ran up and switched insurance from the orange truck to the Jeep and treat Blake to A&W.  We all got back and got ready to got boating.  Blake picked up Gilbert and Autumn in the Jeep and then we had a grand time at the lake. 

When we got on the water we discovered that there was no stop in one of the tubes.  Dave beached and sent them all combing for a rock that would fit to plug it. 

Lots of tubing and swimming. 

Picnic on the boat and water skiing.  Gilbert got up first try and did an awesome job.  It was fun to watch.  He stayed up for quite a while. 

Blake was very impressive as he skied.

We pulled them in and they had fun with that. 

Back at our house we had cake and ice cream, then they went down to have a Mario Kart tournament. 

I'm so grateful for the friends that Blake has.  He is not really interested in making a big circle, just a few great friends.  He was missing some on the boat as they had a camp and couldn't come, but was glad he had spent time with them the beginning of the week.  They are all great people and we enjoy having the around.  I think Blake had a nice birthday.  He thought Cora's gift was funny.  She transferred him 99 cent and then another 99 cent.  Told him it was for a frosty.  One for him and one for a date. Blake kept saying it didn't really feel like his birthday, but hopefully he had fun anyways. 

Saturday Blake and Dave hiked Crowsnest. It has a been a few years since Dave did that one.  He said he they accidently took the sketchy way up.  When Blake got home he said they did not go for a hike, they literally climbed a mountain.  Parts they were crawling on all fours to stay save and roped up together.

They did it and had a blast.  Both were pretty sore and tired when they got home.

Dave took his boots off and threw them in the garbage.  They needed to be replaced a long time ago, but after that hike they were full of holes and it was time.  Blake should have done the same with his but he doesn't have extra. 

Loved the view and loved the time the got to spend together. 

Summer's Rolling Along

We have been having a nice summer so far.  Some hot day, some rainy days, and some cool days.  Blake has been working lots.  His mission is almost paid for and he is very excited. We got the baling done.  Dave and I went out early one morning, I was raking and he was baling.  We started as soon as the dew was dry enough.  I had lots of water and lots of Dateline and conference talks downloaded and was set for the day.  Blake was anxious to get to work and get done so he could rake.  He loves it and couldn't wait.  Everything went very smooth and by the time he got off I only had 10 mins of work left.  Blake was disappointed, but then he drove the semi and trailer and hauled the bales with Dave.  Sorta made up for it. 

Last weekend we went and saw Shakespeare in the Park.  This year they were doing Hamlet.  We have missed the last few years when they didn't do it in the park because of Covid.  I am a loyal park fan and it was great to be back.  I love that my kids enjoy going as well.  We got a small meal at Popeye's before, grabbed some groceries and then off to the park.  It was great weather, even a little chilly, which is much better than to hot. 

Dave and Blake had planned to go hiking Saturday.  They asked me to come along.  I am not a good hiker, to out of shape, but they persuaded me to come. I think Dave may have trick me a little :).  They decided on Rowe Lake.  To the Lower Lake it is 4.2km, not to bad of elevation.  More than I usually do, but it was fun.  Then another 2.5 to the Upper Lake. Last km being quite the hike up, for me at least.  Dave kept saying we were just going to the lower lake then we would see how everyone was feeling.  Me with elevation and Blake with his 'broken ankle' 

Of course we continued on.  And I did make it.  There was a point that I was moving very slow, I looked at the trail and it just kept going up, no end in site.  I knew if I stopped I would not keep going.  Dave and Blake were very kind and encouraging, never pushed, just kept telling me to take it slow.  If I wasn't so scared of bears I think I would have sat right there and waited for them to come back.

I am very glad they encouraged me along.  Upper Rowe was beautiful. It was worth it.  We sat and ate our lunch.  Blake went wading and skipped a bazillion rocks.   We walked around the lake and a bit more.  Found a cool little water fall and followed it down and back. 

Then hiked back down.  Total we did about 18km with all our detours and wandering. I was exhausted and could barely move, but very proud of myself for doing it.  Also felt very blessed.  I don't do well in the heat.  We started very early and every time we came to a burn area or a meadow, there would be cloud coverage.  Even a little rain at the end.  So I never got sick, truly watched over. There were a ton of raspberry plants lining the trail. If anyone is going hiking next week, go to Rowe, they should be ripe by then ;)

After we drove past Cameron Falls.  We were to tired to get out of the car and it was crowded, but Blake hadn't seen downtown for a long time, so we drove around and then headed home. I always want to see a bear after my hike, once I am safely back in the car.  This year we did.  We saw two, just as we were leaving Waterton.  They were pretty close to us as well.  Crossed the road one car ahead of us.  I like them from a nice safe distance with my car protection. Dave and Blake plan to do Crowsnest next week. I will enjoy a nice book at home. 

I have made Blake two hair appointments and he keeps saying maybe not yet.  It is getting pretty long.  I have been trying to get updated pictures for my wall of the kids.  These are some they have sent me so far.  Dang I got good looking kids. 

Cora and Ammon are now in Montreal.  They have started on the temple out there. They love these projects and adventures.  Cora has been sending us little videos which we love.  They have a nice airbnb.  Should be about 10ish weeks then they move on to Halifax. Leah is doing great at her job, just got a bit of a promotion.  She is lamenting the fall as most of her friends are going away for a few months. She will keep Ammon and Cora placed cleaned and plants watered and has some institute classes to take. But Leah always find friends and fun things to do, so I am not even worried.