My 36th Birthday Party

When I got back from bin building we got around to celebrating James family style. Even in our oversized kitchen it gets a little crowded. This is one of the few pictures I have of my Jon.(we actually have 3 jons in this photo!) It was a great celebration 

September news

I don't have any photos this time, I have to get together with Laura at her house to get that going but I just felt like writing about my month.

We are all back at school/work. Ocean has started Kindergarten and is enjoying it. She does cry when she sees me in the hall but that will stop soon I'm sure. She just loves her mommy.

Some of you are aware that I made an offer on a house in Three Hills this summer and the final papers should be signed on the 28th.(this Friday!!) I say "should" because I still don't believe it is real and am expecting something to go wrong at the last minute. I mean who ever heard of a single mom who makes 11 dollars an hour being able to buy a house? If it does go through I am not planning on moving but will rent it to Amy and Garron for a while. I'd like to stay in Calgary until the boys are done high school (I promised them no more new schools when we moved here.) Brad graduates in only 6 years so I know that will go by quickly.

I decided to become more involved in the church as well this year. I will be teaching grade 3/4 sunday school and am the Pioneer Club Leader for the grade 1/2 class. I will also be co-leading the Celebrate Recovery group with Sara. My small group will be focusing on co'dependancy and love/relationship addiction. This group has been so good for me this past year and has allowed me the time, safety and direction to work on some issues. Recovery is ongoing but it is going!

Personally, I am enjoying being around my family (immediate and extended) I am not dating or even close to that but I am happy and content. The kids seem to have settled into a comfortable pattern of being with me during the week and with Derek on the weekends. They have also adjusted really well to his girlfriend (it helps that she enjoys playstation) Although it is hard to share your kids with another woman, that is where my life is and I think I'm handling it in a way that will not cause any more damage to them and allows them the freedom to be who they are and enjoy life.

Well I think that's about it for me. Talk to you all in October!

Manda's latest Adventure

Thanks to my brother in law, John P. I had the opportunity to try something completely new and different this summer! I joined his crew in northern Alberta (right near Cold Lake) and spent 10 days building grain bins. Much to my surprise (and delight) this experience turned out to be the highlight of my summer and provided some breakthroughs for me personally. Ask me about this later its a bit to personal to send to cyber space. We spent 12 hour days in the sun and wind(and a little rain) working very hard. as you can see there is some heavy lifting involved but my team took care of that part (they had enough testosterone and muscles without me. ) but i did my fair share and tried my best to not be a drain. If you ever get a chance to work with my brother Jon, jump at it. Not only is he an incredibly hard worker but he is funny and a good dancer. Seriously, I have never had so much fun while doing such hard work. We also got to camp by a lake the whole time so that was awesome. I slept in my van while the guys shared a motor home. I would really like to do this again next summer. Maybe for 3 weeks and bring my son Jon along. Any one else interested? They're looking for crew members!

Just want to add how impressed I was by these three gentlemen. They were patient and respectful of this old lady and made me feel very welcome. I was honoured to have met them and get a chance to work along side them.  

The next pictures are from Ocean's 5th birthday in April. We had games and of course hot tubbing. Guests consisted of cousins Sierra, Ethan, and Journey and a friend from church, Samantha.


 

Dad's 60th birthday. We sing to him our traditional bedtime song... God Loves you and I love you....We as parents now sing it to our kids. 

Brad and Ethan. My two quiet boys. Brad is very good with the younger kids and is a real joy to be around. Ethan has been my special friend since we first moved out here and spent the summer at his house.
hot tubbing at our house. This has been such a blessing and a way of bringing us all closer! Literally!!! This is where the kids and I have our family meetings. I find in the hot tub and especially at night they are much more open and honest. A lot of secrets have come out and good communication too.
Dad's family. Sister Erika from London...she has been an incredible host to any number of us over the years as we fly in and out of Heathrow. We love you Erika!

And uncle Scott from Toronto.. we are just starting to get back in touch, he is a great guy and so very funny. We are lucky to know him.
While in Kananaskis we went for a short walk and enjoyed the incredible scenery. My brad and Ocean are always up to whatever crazy adventure I suggest.

On our way to Calgary. We did stop at each provincial marker but the camera broke at Alberta! Ask Jon how.