Still Alive!

Well he wasn't an ax murderer ( I guess he could still turn out to be one but I'm being careful) We met at a local restaraunt (he wore his black australian cowboy hat so I'd recognise him) Over all I'd say it was a successful first date, no fireworks or heart thumping tension but that would have been a little scary. He was a nice, christian man trying to reach out to others the same way I am. We have agreed to continue to get to know one another but there is no commitment there, just a casual friendship which is great for now..... wish I had some funny cartoon or something to depict the scene but I don't , just use your imagination and thanks to those who have been so encouraging.

Back in the Saddle Again

O.K. friends and family, whether you like it or not you are invited to come along with me on my latest adventure. Be prepared for a wild ride (or to be bored out of your mind) either way I promise brutal honesty even if it makes me look like a complete idiot! (that should be worth a read don't you think?)

My goal this year was to allow my heart to be more open, allow myself to have feelings even at the risk of making mistakes and being hurt....Well I made my first mistake and got a little hurt but at the same time the experience has been good over all.....I had my first crush. It is embarrassing to even say that! but brutal honesty is what I promised! My new coworker/boss(bad start I know) has a lot of qualities I admire he is an incredibly hard worker, takes pride in his work and has fun at the same time, he is open and affectionate and wasn't scared off by my independance and "coolness" (by that I mean iciness not style)...I found I really enjoyed working with him and appreciated the attention he gave me....alas not all is as it should be..He is in a relationship and left this week to bring his family out west to live.... also there is no spiritual interest in his life and that is something I really don't want to compromise on...so to avoid the mistake of thinking he is the only one who will ever be interested in me, and with the advice of Dr. Henry Cloud(boundaries author) I have signed up with a reputable internet dating service (again, horrifyingly embarrassing to admit) I am now in communication with one gentleman on the west coast and have my first real date this afternoon! I have never gone out with someone I don't know...it is a little scary I have to admit but good for me. The focus is not to find that special someone at this time but to meet new people and practice my people and communication skills. Dating for fun not dating to find a mate..is how Dr. Cloud describes it..so here goes.

I will update occasionally but feel free to not read these if it bores you to tears. Mostly this is for my benefit and protection....the more open I am and honest with others the less opportunity there is to make poor choices and continue in unhealthy thinking patterns.

Favourite Things

Uncle Peter and the trampoline are still some of our favourite things! I got to go to one of Pete's games this week (my first since he's been playing college ball) Everyone was always complaining that he doesn't get enough time on the court but at this game he was on almost all the time! So exciting, even though they just lost at the end. Hope we didn't jinx him!

Our pets

Jake is still with us and enjoying life in Three Hills. He still loves his walks and escapes every once in a while but he has always come back!

Tyson was with us for a while as Jon's pup. After training him quite well Jon decided he would enjoy life on an acerage a little better so we will miss him but he did keep life interesting!

Campfire

This is one of my favourite things to do in our yard. I have even been known to get one going when the kids are away.(its all part of my work of course..I have been doing a lot of clearing of overgrown brush and trees and choose to burn it instead of hauling it away. so its not all fun and games)

first day of school

Here goes my baby off to grade one! I usually am gone in the morning before they wake up and the boys are doing a great job of getting Ocean ready and out the door on time...but for this day I went in to work late and went with her myself. She likes her teacher, is doing great and making friends!

Hogg Wild Corn Maze

It didn't look like much from the outside, but the corn was really over our heads and you could get quite lost(well, I could)


Below is a "maze inside the maze"....there were different points with games etc. even a 9 hole mini golf! This is a finger maze.

Thanksgiving Footbal

Grampa Andy and Ren (international student from Japan rooming with Amy and Garron) plan and execute our strategy.

Garron carries the ball and his team to a victory! Grampa Andy just couldn't cover his Man!

Post Game conference. This is one of my favourite ways to spend time with my family! The day was beautiful and the competition was fierce!

Our Home

Finally getting some pictures up of our home. The floor actually looks pretty good here but in real life it is in rough shape. My plan is to restore the hardwood throughout but first priority is to get the foundation fixed so we are level!





























This is Ocean's room. Small but cozy and she does a great job of tidying.