When we opened our front door this morning we were greeted by a package wrapped in floral wrap - we brought it inside to find a beautiful plant with an anonymous card which simply states "She is never forgotten".
It's been three years and of course for us and so many people who knew Karen that brief note on a card is so true. It's also true that in many ways, parts of Karen are here with us every day - whether its the way we go about doing our Christmas baking or packing for a trip or decorating for a holiday or any one of the other habits, practices and rituals we follow in our daily lives. The kids are growing up fast (too fast some days) but they show their mother's influence in so many things they do.
Often when people ask how we are doing, my first response is we are busy. For those who check this blog that shows itself in the growing gaps between posts but trust me we are always on the go. In just the last couple of weeks Jen's high school presented it's big Arts show (a great performance by all the various arts programs in the school), she performed at the neighbourhood family of schools concert, Kris and a classmate manned the sound board for his school's Grade 8 drama production, we've had the usual choir rehearsals and percussion lessons and attended a meeting for Kris' upcoming trip to Quebec this spring. Besides that I've had a few evening client meetings and of course I've been at work and the kids have been at school.
Many things are so different than they were three years ago - Jen has settled in to high school life with new friends and different experiences and a new kind of independence in a school Kris and I aren't really a part of (certainly not compared to the old school). Kris has also settled into middle school apart from his sister and particularly embraces the sports and social aspects and the independence those activities bring to him. I find myself not needed in the same ways but somehow don't seem to have much more free time for myself (they may not need me, but they still seem to need me). I haven't really embarked on any new activities or friendships but it is easier to get out with friends from time to time without having too worry as much about what the kids will do.
Spring is upon us and with that will come a whole raft of new activities - there will be more concerts, that trip to Quebec, exams and of course yard work, opening the cottage and a couple more busy months at work.
That's about all for today, we will keep moving forward and experiencing new people and things, while not forgetting those from the past. We'll keep working on that balance among all the things we want and need to do. We'll keep trying to keep in touch with all our family and friends. And we'll try and keep you up to date on this blog, but in all honesty the current updates are found on Instagram or for a couple of the younger people in this house, Snap Chat (apparently my age is hindering my adoption of that one!)
Thanks for checking in and thinking of us today
Take care and keep in touch!
Love
Doug, Jen and Kris
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Catching up
As promised here's that update on what we've been up to since we last posted:
In July, the kids convinced me to go to Toronto for an extended weekend during the Pan Am Games in July (Aeroplan points and Air Miles are great things!) Anyway, we took in some beach volleyball and soccer and also spent a day exploring Niagara Falls and Niagara on the Lake, as well and some time out and about in Toronto.
Of course, we also spent most weekends from May to October at the lake, along with a couple of weeks mid summer. We spent lots of time in the boat, with the kids skiing and wake boarding – Kris improving his skills, and Jen achieving her goal of dropping a ski. And it’s always good to be close by with Bob and Cathy while we are there. This summer seemed to fly by and before we knew it we were closing things up for the year.
That’s been a common theme this year – time flying by – as we always seem to be on the go!
Jen headed off to high school in September. It’s been a big change but she seems to have embraced the high school life and settled in pretty well, making new friends and trying new things. Music is still a big part of her life - at PTV she’s moved to the senior choir where she’s just finished Christmas concerts with the MB Chamber Orchestra and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. At school she’s joined the Concert Choir as well as the Vocal Jazz group. In November, Jen got to participate in Take Your Kid to Work Day. She went to St B with Lise, which she really enjoyed. She is still curling, skipping her team.
Kris is enjoying some new space at school now that his sister has moved on! He has continued his focus on music and sports. On the music front he continues in the Band as the sole percussionist. Sports wise he’s continued with volleyball this year and basketball is just starting. Kris is once again a class rep for the Student Leadership Team, where he’s played a big role in organizing events for the school. This past summer he went to camp and had a great time (and came home with a nice cut under his chin – a souvenir from the skatepark!). Kris is also continuing with curling.
That’s about it but as you can likely imagine these are only the highlights. As always it’s great to visit with friends and family so if we haven’t seen you in a while, hopefully we’ll catch up in 2016!
Sunday, December 6, 2015
A Prairie Christmas
It's hard to believe it's December and the Christmas season is upon us (especially given the weather we've been enjoying!) but it certainly is here and as this weekend winds down it seemed like a good time for a post (yes, it's been a long time and we'll catch you up on the last few months in a separate post in the next few days, I promise).
We started out the weekend with a pretty big and successful Christmas shopping trip and then today Kris and I sat back and enjoyed A Prairie Christmas with the WSO, which again this year included Jen's PTV choir. We had lunch with Maria, Lisa and Sandy and they joined us at the concert. It's the third time in 4 years that PTV has been part of this WSO tradition and it struck me part way through the performance that it's a tradition that Karen never experienced. Jen had told me at breakfast that last night she had dreamed her mom had been here today and seen her in the long sleeved dress she now wears as part of the senior choir. (Some of you have heard the story of how in grade 2 when Jen participated in her first PTV choir concert she told me she would one day wear the senior choir dress.)
It's an interesting evolution as time goes by - there are more and more things in our life that Karen wasn't here to be a part of - not just WSO concerts, but high school, sports teams, travel and yes boys with facial hair and girls with make up and heels, not to mention new fashion considerations for both! Of course Karen is a part of all of them, her mark is very clearly on both kids and her influence comes through in most everything we do, just not in that in person way we sometimes long to experience.
Last weekend we spent a night in Altona and attended Lisa's play (the Beverley Hillbillies) - it was great to spend time with good friends and share Lisa's acting accomplishments, just as it was great to have them share in Jen's choral achievements today. In all of it we felt Karen's presence, and talked freely about her. Tonight Jen's friend Kaden invited us to his hockey game at a nearby arena. Again it was nice to spend time with good friends who know us well. The kids, particularly Jen, have experienced many new things this year meeting new people along the way and sometimes its really nice to spend time with old friends who know us well and share our love of Karen.
We'll tell you more about our summer and fall in that post I promised at the beginning and we'll also tell you about what's coming up as Christmas approaches. In the meantime, to all of you who share our love of Karen and share our good fortune of having had her be a part of your life, please know how much we love having you as part of our lives!
Take care and have fun preparing for Christmas!
Love as always
Doug, Jen and Kris
We started out the weekend with a pretty big and successful Christmas shopping trip and then today Kris and I sat back and enjoyed A Prairie Christmas with the WSO, which again this year included Jen's PTV choir. We had lunch with Maria, Lisa and Sandy and they joined us at the concert. It's the third time in 4 years that PTV has been part of this WSO tradition and it struck me part way through the performance that it's a tradition that Karen never experienced. Jen had told me at breakfast that last night she had dreamed her mom had been here today and seen her in the long sleeved dress she now wears as part of the senior choir. (Some of you have heard the story of how in grade 2 when Jen participated in her first PTV choir concert she told me she would one day wear the senior choir dress.)
It's an interesting evolution as time goes by - there are more and more things in our life that Karen wasn't here to be a part of - not just WSO concerts, but high school, sports teams, travel and yes boys with facial hair and girls with make up and heels, not to mention new fashion considerations for both! Of course Karen is a part of all of them, her mark is very clearly on both kids and her influence comes through in most everything we do, just not in that in person way we sometimes long to experience.
Last weekend we spent a night in Altona and attended Lisa's play (the Beverley Hillbillies) - it was great to spend time with good friends and share Lisa's acting accomplishments, just as it was great to have them share in Jen's choral achievements today. In all of it we felt Karen's presence, and talked freely about her. Tonight Jen's friend Kaden invited us to his hockey game at a nearby arena. Again it was nice to spend time with good friends who know us well. The kids, particularly Jen, have experienced many new things this year meeting new people along the way and sometimes its really nice to spend time with old friends who know us well and share our love of Karen.
We'll tell you more about our summer and fall in that post I promised at the beginning and we'll also tell you about what's coming up as Christmas approaches. In the meantime, to all of you who share our love of Karen and share our good fortune of having had her be a part of your life, please know how much we love having you as part of our lives!
Take care and have fun preparing for Christmas!
Love as always
Doug, Jen and Kris
Friday, June 26, 2015
Celebration
June is drawing to a close very quickly, but not without much celebration around our house!
Yesterday was Jen's grade 8 graduation with a ceremony in the afternoon followed by a dinner for the grads and families in the evening. It was a great day and a nice way to mark the conclusion of 9 years at the school - there are 23 in the class and 8 of them (including Jen) have been there since kindergarten.
The day started with me heading across town for an early client meeting (I skipped 2 others later in the day and didn't think I could ditch 3). Then I circled back home to get the grad and take her to get her hair done, then back home and off to the school. I even managed to sneak in a few minutes to wrap her gift!
Kris had spent much of the previous day helping one of the teachers with preparations, helping decorate the stage and get the certificates in their folders (of course he informed his sister that there wasn't one for her!). On grad day he was ready to go, decked out in dress shirt and tie, to sing with the choir.
Grandma and Auntie Cathy joined me in the audience and the ceremony wasn't without it's tears for me. Jen had the solo in the choir's song and one of her closest friends (and one of those 8 "lifers") gave the valedictory address - Karen would have been so very proud and I really missed having her sitting beside me to share in the day.
It was pretty amazing to see the group all dressed up in their party dresses and suits while looking at the class pictures from their early years - they've come a long way! Jen and her group of friends headed off to 7-11 after the ceremony for Slurpees - slightly over dressed but they had a great time.
Today the middle schoolers ran the events at the early years field day and Monday they'll head off to Birds Hill for a beach day and Tuesday the year will officially end. The grade 8's have truly had a great wrap up month with a 3 day camp out at Spruce Woods earlier in the month and canoeing at Fort Whyte (both were part of their outdoor ed practical arts term). There were of course some exams in the mix (which went well) but there's been a lot of fun too, mixed with the wonder about high school fast approaching. They visited the high school for "grade 8 transition day" and met the others they will be joining in school next year and had a school tour - it will be a bit different with 150 kids instead of 23 in their grade.
This weekend we'll celebrate Jen's birthday at the lake - the boat will have to make it into the water as the kids both tell me they will be skiing/wake boarding. It seems the weather will cooperate so it should happen.
Kris has been busy too with his first year of exams (his also went well). He didn't have quite as many out of class activities as his sister but did make his acting debut when his drama class (his practical arts subject this term) presented to a middle school chapel.
The rest of spring has been full with musical performances (Jen's choir, both of them in the school choir a couple of times and Kris in the school bands - he not only played with the grade 6 band but also with the gr 7/8 band when their pieces required another percussionist). We've done birthday parties, been to the lake a few times and I've been busy at work as well as getting the yard through the spring clean up and fixing up a few things that were needing some TLC.
That's about it for now - we'll continue celebrating this weekend and head straight into Canada Day - July always means no homework for the kids and a lot less client work for Dad so it should be fun!
Take care and thanks for checking in - maybe we'll see you soon
Love as always,
Doug, Jen and Kris
Yesterday was Jen's grade 8 graduation with a ceremony in the afternoon followed by a dinner for the grads and families in the evening. It was a great day and a nice way to mark the conclusion of 9 years at the school - there are 23 in the class and 8 of them (including Jen) have been there since kindergarten.
The day started with me heading across town for an early client meeting (I skipped 2 others later in the day and didn't think I could ditch 3). Then I circled back home to get the grad and take her to get her hair done, then back home and off to the school. I even managed to sneak in a few minutes to wrap her gift!
Kris had spent much of the previous day helping one of the teachers with preparations, helping decorate the stage and get the certificates in their folders (of course he informed his sister that there wasn't one for her!). On grad day he was ready to go, decked out in dress shirt and tie, to sing with the choir.
Grandma and Auntie Cathy joined me in the audience and the ceremony wasn't without it's tears for me. Jen had the solo in the choir's song and one of her closest friends (and one of those 8 "lifers") gave the valedictory address - Karen would have been so very proud and I really missed having her sitting beside me to share in the day.
It was pretty amazing to see the group all dressed up in their party dresses and suits while looking at the class pictures from their early years - they've come a long way! Jen and her group of friends headed off to 7-11 after the ceremony for Slurpees - slightly over dressed but they had a great time.
Today the middle schoolers ran the events at the early years field day and Monday they'll head off to Birds Hill for a beach day and Tuesday the year will officially end. The grade 8's have truly had a great wrap up month with a 3 day camp out at Spruce Woods earlier in the month and canoeing at Fort Whyte (both were part of their outdoor ed practical arts term). There were of course some exams in the mix (which went well) but there's been a lot of fun too, mixed with the wonder about high school fast approaching. They visited the high school for "grade 8 transition day" and met the others they will be joining in school next year and had a school tour - it will be a bit different with 150 kids instead of 23 in their grade.
This weekend we'll celebrate Jen's birthday at the lake - the boat will have to make it into the water as the kids both tell me they will be skiing/wake boarding. It seems the weather will cooperate so it should happen.
Kris has been busy too with his first year of exams (his also went well). He didn't have quite as many out of class activities as his sister but did make his acting debut when his drama class (his practical arts subject this term) presented to a middle school chapel.
The rest of spring has been full with musical performances (Jen's choir, both of them in the school choir a couple of times and Kris in the school bands - he not only played with the grade 6 band but also with the gr 7/8 band when their pieces required another percussionist). We've done birthday parties, been to the lake a few times and I've been busy at work as well as getting the yard through the spring clean up and fixing up a few things that were needing some TLC.
That's about it for now - we'll continue celebrating this weekend and head straight into Canada Day - July always means no homework for the kids and a lot less client work for Dad so it should be fun!
Take care and thanks for checking in - maybe we'll see you soon
Love as always,
Doug, Jen and Kris
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
April
Another April has rolled around and again it's a month of many feelings and events. At our house we have the good feelings of hope, happiness and excitement about new beginnings that rise out of spring, longer and warmer days and Easter but of course those come along with the not as good feelings of remembering April two years ago when we watched Karen slip away from us. It's an interesting contrast as Karen loved the longer, warmer days of spring and the chance to get out into the yard and start planning her gardens and having Easter somewhere in the weeks leading up to April 21 serves as reminder and reassurance of her place and presence now and forever.
On the Sunday before April 21 Kristjan attended a birthday party for a classmate, the same classmate at the same pool that he was at just before we got the call from Aunt Phyl to come to Riverview two years ago. It was a strange feeling to prepare to go to the party and strange for Jen and I as we had dinner while he was there, but at the same time somehow reassuring to be doing something familiar and connected to Karen.
Jennifer needed to provide a baby picture for the school yearbook this year for the grad page and that resulted in us looking through our pictures (which are now all together on one computer for easy viewing). It was a fun walk down memory lane but what really struck me was to look at the pictures of the kids in 2010 when Karen was diagnosed, or in 2013 when she passed away. They were both so young in those pictures and have grown so much to now. They are definitely growing and maturing, but it's that awkward age where they want to grow up and be treated that way but also want to hold on to being little kids and be treated that way. I'll admit to sometimes getting mixed up and not responding the right way. When they went for their check ups last week the doctor looked at their ages, offered me his sympathies and wished me luck (and "prescribed" that I might want to drink! :) )
We've also had lots of events this month, badminton and run club have been in full swing, choir preparations for tour this weekend and year end concert coming up, percussion lessons and lots of work and meetings for me. We did get down to the lake for a day to check the place out now that the snow is gone and see our neighbours and we attended the musical at MBCI which the Peters kids were performing in and the kids have found time to spend with friends.
That's about it from us for now. It's nice to see spring well underway in April this year and we're planning on enjoying it. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and support - we appreciate it!
Love
Doug, Jen and Kris
On the Sunday before April 21 Kristjan attended a birthday party for a classmate, the same classmate at the same pool that he was at just before we got the call from Aunt Phyl to come to Riverview two years ago. It was a strange feeling to prepare to go to the party and strange for Jen and I as we had dinner while he was there, but at the same time somehow reassuring to be doing something familiar and connected to Karen.
Jennifer needed to provide a baby picture for the school yearbook this year for the grad page and that resulted in us looking through our pictures (which are now all together on one computer for easy viewing). It was a fun walk down memory lane but what really struck me was to look at the pictures of the kids in 2010 when Karen was diagnosed, or in 2013 when she passed away. They were both so young in those pictures and have grown so much to now. They are definitely growing and maturing, but it's that awkward age where they want to grow up and be treated that way but also want to hold on to being little kids and be treated that way. I'll admit to sometimes getting mixed up and not responding the right way. When they went for their check ups last week the doctor looked at their ages, offered me his sympathies and wished me luck (and "prescribed" that I might want to drink! :) )
We've also had lots of events this month, badminton and run club have been in full swing, choir preparations for tour this weekend and year end concert coming up, percussion lessons and lots of work and meetings for me. We did get down to the lake for a day to check the place out now that the snow is gone and see our neighbours and we attended the musical at MBCI which the Peters kids were performing in and the kids have found time to spend with friends.
That's about it from us for now. It's nice to see spring well underway in April this year and we're planning on enjoying it. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and support - we appreciate it!
Love
Doug, Jen and Kris
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Four years - then and now
It's been a while - sorry about that, we've been busy!
It's a little over four years since we started this blog - back then Karen wrote the posts and I typed and posted them. They came almost daily early on and when she wrote them I made sure I found the time to post them.
I've thought back to those days often over the last few months. We've been busy, sometimes maybe too busy, this winter and I've thought back and wondered how we did all this stuff plus all the trips to CancerCare and everything else that winter. The short answer of course is we didn't. The kids weren't teen/pre-teen middle schoolers with all the activities that come along with that. This winter we've been on the go with 2 basketball teams, hockey, choir that now includes some Saturday practices, yearbook for the co-editor, piano, drums and we still have curling as before and of course there was that visit to the high school open house and the high school grade 9 application to submit. All that and I'm at work, not part-time like then but full-time, so the days fill up quickly.
The other part of the answer is a little deeper. When Karen was sick we were in full battle mode in our war against cancer. There was no thought of letting our guard down or taking a break and the adrenaline made sure we always had the energy to keep going. Four years later we aren't in a battle, but just living our lives, and instead of adrenaline, we need things like sleep and quiet time to recharge our batteries. Unless you've done both I'm not sure you can really appreciate the difference.
When the kids were younger, before Karen was sick, we spent a May long weekend at Clear Lake for a family reunion and on the way home stopped at an old church south of the park that had been converted into a craft and collectibles store. I bought a cap with the caption "Life is Good" on the front. Inside it says "Do what you like. Like what you do". I love that cap and grabbed it this morning when I took Jen to her rehearsal for the musical her grade 8 class is presenting in a couple of weeks. Through all of the busy days of this winter, and the last four years for that matter, I've kept that cap handy, if not to wear, at least to read, just in case I might have been close to forgetting that life is good and to try and remember and teach the kids to do what you like and like what you are doing. I think I'm mostly there and I think the kids are figuring it out too.
We have done a lot this winter. After Christmas we headed to Orlando for a week of Disney, Sea World and warm weather and in February we headed off to Montreal to visit Paul and Cat and the gang and do some skiing at their chalet south of Montreal (and ended up with a day in Toronto too thanks to a snowstorm and Air Canada!). We've done all the hockey, basketball, singing (including a PTV performance with the symphony and a school choir performance with the Philharmonic Choir), curling, yearbook, school and work I mentioned earlier. Jen's choir competed at the Winnipeg Music Festival last week (doing well as always) and Kris wrapped up another hockey season today with another goal, a second week winning the Golden Jersey as player of the game and another year of skating and skill development. Curling also wrapped up today with the annual wind up party - four years ago it was kind of Karen's coming out party after weeks in her bubble. Oh yeah and yesterday was report card day and Grad picture proofs came home. The report cards were good, Jen with another Excellence award and Kris with some pretty respectable marks despite his aversion to homework and studying! And the proofs - they aren't baby pictures - how did that happen?
There's also been the not so good stuff. Our friends who lost their wife/mom to cancer last year said goodbye to a friend at Riverview last week after her battle with cancer and a couple of weeks ago I learned friends of Karen's and mine were working through a marriage breakdown. Sometimes it's hard to remember life is good.
The next couple of weeks will be full as the final rehearsals for the musical happen and the big event happens before spring break - Jen's in the cast and Kris in the chorus. If you like Charlie Brown, this will be the event to see!
The snow is mostly melted and today was a beautiful, warm sunny day - not unlike a warm, sunny March day four years ago when Karen and I got the first good MRI results, that despite all the challenges we had with bloodwork, the tumour had shrunk! I think we will try something this spring break that we haven't done in four years and stay close to home, hopefully we will see you soon!
That's about it for now - take care and thanks for all the good thoughts people send our way, and remember, life is good!
Oh, one last thing, if you want to find more frequent updates on what we are up to find Jen and I on Instagram (or e-mail us and we'll tell you our usernames). If you don't have Instagram we'll try and not let so much time pass before our next blog post.
Love,
Doug, Jen and Kris
It's a little over four years since we started this blog - back then Karen wrote the posts and I typed and posted them. They came almost daily early on and when she wrote them I made sure I found the time to post them.
I've thought back to those days often over the last few months. We've been busy, sometimes maybe too busy, this winter and I've thought back and wondered how we did all this stuff plus all the trips to CancerCare and everything else that winter. The short answer of course is we didn't. The kids weren't teen/pre-teen middle schoolers with all the activities that come along with that. This winter we've been on the go with 2 basketball teams, hockey, choir that now includes some Saturday practices, yearbook for the co-editor, piano, drums and we still have curling as before and of course there was that visit to the high school open house and the high school grade 9 application to submit. All that and I'm at work, not part-time like then but full-time, so the days fill up quickly.
The other part of the answer is a little deeper. When Karen was sick we were in full battle mode in our war against cancer. There was no thought of letting our guard down or taking a break and the adrenaline made sure we always had the energy to keep going. Four years later we aren't in a battle, but just living our lives, and instead of adrenaline, we need things like sleep and quiet time to recharge our batteries. Unless you've done both I'm not sure you can really appreciate the difference.
When the kids were younger, before Karen was sick, we spent a May long weekend at Clear Lake for a family reunion and on the way home stopped at an old church south of the park that had been converted into a craft and collectibles store. I bought a cap with the caption "Life is Good" on the front. Inside it says "Do what you like. Like what you do". I love that cap and grabbed it this morning when I took Jen to her rehearsal for the musical her grade 8 class is presenting in a couple of weeks. Through all of the busy days of this winter, and the last four years for that matter, I've kept that cap handy, if not to wear, at least to read, just in case I might have been close to forgetting that life is good and to try and remember and teach the kids to do what you like and like what you are doing. I think I'm mostly there and I think the kids are figuring it out too.
We have done a lot this winter. After Christmas we headed to Orlando for a week of Disney, Sea World and warm weather and in February we headed off to Montreal to visit Paul and Cat and the gang and do some skiing at their chalet south of Montreal (and ended up with a day in Toronto too thanks to a snowstorm and Air Canada!). We've done all the hockey, basketball, singing (including a PTV performance with the symphony and a school choir performance with the Philharmonic Choir), curling, yearbook, school and work I mentioned earlier. Jen's choir competed at the Winnipeg Music Festival last week (doing well as always) and Kris wrapped up another hockey season today with another goal, a second week winning the Golden Jersey as player of the game and another year of skating and skill development. Curling also wrapped up today with the annual wind up party - four years ago it was kind of Karen's coming out party after weeks in her bubble. Oh yeah and yesterday was report card day and Grad picture proofs came home. The report cards were good, Jen with another Excellence award and Kris with some pretty respectable marks despite his aversion to homework and studying! And the proofs - they aren't baby pictures - how did that happen?
There's also been the not so good stuff. Our friends who lost their wife/mom to cancer last year said goodbye to a friend at Riverview last week after her battle with cancer and a couple of weeks ago I learned friends of Karen's and mine were working through a marriage breakdown. Sometimes it's hard to remember life is good.
The next couple of weeks will be full as the final rehearsals for the musical happen and the big event happens before spring break - Jen's in the cast and Kris in the chorus. If you like Charlie Brown, this will be the event to see!
The snow is mostly melted and today was a beautiful, warm sunny day - not unlike a warm, sunny March day four years ago when Karen and I got the first good MRI results, that despite all the challenges we had with bloodwork, the tumour had shrunk! I think we will try something this spring break that we haven't done in four years and stay close to home, hopefully we will see you soon!
That's about it for now - take care and thanks for all the good thoughts people send our way, and remember, life is good!
Oh, one last thing, if you want to find more frequent updates on what we are up to find Jen and I on Instagram (or e-mail us and we'll tell you our usernames). If you don't have Instagram we'll try and not let so much time pass before our next blog post.
Love,
Doug, Jen and Kris
Friday, November 28, 2014
November
Yes we disappeared again...
So when we left you, Terry Fox Day and student elections were just around the corner. So the big news is...Kris was elected to the Student Leadership Team and Jen, along with two of her friends, donated her hair for wigs for people with cancer. They had been growing their hair and planning this since grade five. The hair was donated to the place where both Karen and Lynelle got their wigs, which made it all the more special.
Since then, we have been super busy with all of our activities starting up. Kris joined the volleyball team this year and continued with hockey, Jen is now co-editor of the yearbook team and is enjoying it. They are both continuing with curling. Tonight Kris had his volleyball wind up and now they're both gearing up for basketball.
We spent a nice Thanksgiving weekend at the lake and closed up. We made a long weekend for Remembrance Day and went to Minneapolis where we did lots of shopping and drove through lots of snow.
November has had its challenges, as always. Its now been four years since Karen was diagnosed and two years since she went to the hospital. Some days get a little emotional, but we seem to find our way. Doug also always seems to have a lot of meetings in November just to complicate things.
But November is also report card time (which means two days off school!) and we came home with an Honours award for Kris and an Excellence award for Jen. Other than someone working on procrastinating a little less next term, all seems to be pretty good.
Also in November, Jen decided to change her hair a little more with a purple streak as purple was Mom's favourite colour.
Amazingly November is coming to an end and we've actually started some Christmas shopping. There'll be more of that, along with some decorating as we get ready for Christmas. December will bring lots of music. There will be four concerts in one weekend along with the school concert a few days later. Should be lots of fun!
That's about it for now. Hopefully we'll see you soon as the holidays approach.
Love Doug, Jen and Kris
So when we left you, Terry Fox Day and student elections were just around the corner. So the big news is...Kris was elected to the Student Leadership Team and Jen, along with two of her friends, donated her hair for wigs for people with cancer. They had been growing their hair and planning this since grade five. The hair was donated to the place where both Karen and Lynelle got their wigs, which made it all the more special.
Since then, we have been super busy with all of our activities starting up. Kris joined the volleyball team this year and continued with hockey, Jen is now co-editor of the yearbook team and is enjoying it. They are both continuing with curling. Tonight Kris had his volleyball wind up and now they're both gearing up for basketball.
We spent a nice Thanksgiving weekend at the lake and closed up. We made a long weekend for Remembrance Day and went to Minneapolis where we did lots of shopping and drove through lots of snow.
November has had its challenges, as always. Its now been four years since Karen was diagnosed and two years since she went to the hospital. Some days get a little emotional, but we seem to find our way. Doug also always seems to have a lot of meetings in November just to complicate things.
But November is also report card time (which means two days off school!) and we came home with an Honours award for Kris and an Excellence award for Jen. Other than someone working on procrastinating a little less next term, all seems to be pretty good.
Also in November, Jen decided to change her hair a little more with a purple streak as purple was Mom's favourite colour.
Amazingly November is coming to an end and we've actually started some Christmas shopping. There'll be more of that, along with some decorating as we get ready for Christmas. December will bring lots of music. There will be four concerts in one weekend along with the school concert a few days later. Should be lots of fun!
That's about it for now. Hopefully we'll see you soon as the holidays approach.
Love Doug, Jen and Kris
Monday, September 22, 2014
Fall equinox
Time for an update (the one we promised around when school started)
Summer vacation ended far too soon, but not before we spent lots of time out in the boat. Kris spent a lot of time on his wakeboard and Jen on her waterskis and they both did a lot of tubing and knee boarding. Dad got to spend lots of time driving his boat and visiting the gas station! I also got back on my waterskis after a couple of years and even braved a tube ride with Kyle driving (and survived it all - even at my advanced age!) The weather was great, we got in a couple of rounds of golf and also started something new, exploring some of the trails in the area on our ATV. It's always great to spend two weeks straight at the lake - it's long enough that it gets to feel like you've moved there.
We did however have to return (only for weekdays though) and the kids went on to spend some time at Grandma's and then another week of camp - this time Jen at Camp Assiniboia and Kris back to MiniU for a soccer camp. Both of them had a great week. As August wound down we started the back to school shopping and this year included a trip to IKEA for the loft beds they have been hoping for for years - of course as with anything from IKEA the purchase was the easy part - the opening of the 12+ boxes and the assembly was a joy! They also ended up with new (old) beds at the lake as a result.
One of the best parts of summer is visiting with friends and family - this summer we had Andrea and Kevin and the kids return to Winnipeg for a visit from Halifax and Lynne visited from Moscow. From not so far we had Kris' friend Caleb and family at the lake for a day of fun on the water - Carson was a bit winded falling off the tube but all was well! As usual at the lake we spent lots of time with Bob and Cathy too! It was great to see everyone!
September started with a shock as the temperatures dropped and school and activities ramped up. Jen is back to choir, piano, settling in as co-editor of the yearbook and awaiting the start of curling. Kris has his drum set and trombone ready for band, has started volleyball and cross-country running and is getting ready for hockey as well as curling.
The first full week of school saw Dad head off to Montreal for his annual BDO conference (and some time visiting with Paul, Cat and the kids) while Grandma stayed with the kids. Mid-week I got home and sent the kids off to Middle school fall camp (and lots of frost outside in the morning!). We've been back to the lake to start the fall close up process and the boat is now out of the water and off to the dealer for winterizing.....that was a sad day...
Along with my partners I took the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge on Friday - we raised about $3,000 for ALS and some lucky staff got to douse their favourite partner with ice water (I got it twice!).
This week is the school's annual Terry Fox Run and also the middle school Senior Leadership Team elections (student council for those who've been out of school for a while) and there will apparently be two from this house on the ballot! Wish them luck!
Stay tuned for more updates
Love as always
Doug, Jen and Kris
Summer vacation ended far too soon, but not before we spent lots of time out in the boat. Kris spent a lot of time on his wakeboard and Jen on her waterskis and they both did a lot of tubing and knee boarding. Dad got to spend lots of time driving his boat and visiting the gas station! I also got back on my waterskis after a couple of years and even braved a tube ride with Kyle driving (and survived it all - even at my advanced age!) The weather was great, we got in a couple of rounds of golf and also started something new, exploring some of the trails in the area on our ATV. It's always great to spend two weeks straight at the lake - it's long enough that it gets to feel like you've moved there.
We did however have to return (only for weekdays though) and the kids went on to spend some time at Grandma's and then another week of camp - this time Jen at Camp Assiniboia and Kris back to MiniU for a soccer camp. Both of them had a great week. As August wound down we started the back to school shopping and this year included a trip to IKEA for the loft beds they have been hoping for for years - of course as with anything from IKEA the purchase was the easy part - the opening of the 12+ boxes and the assembly was a joy! They also ended up with new (old) beds at the lake as a result.
One of the best parts of summer is visiting with friends and family - this summer we had Andrea and Kevin and the kids return to Winnipeg for a visit from Halifax and Lynne visited from Moscow. From not so far we had Kris' friend Caleb and family at the lake for a day of fun on the water - Carson was a bit winded falling off the tube but all was well! As usual at the lake we spent lots of time with Bob and Cathy too! It was great to see everyone!
September started with a shock as the temperatures dropped and school and activities ramped up. Jen is back to choir, piano, settling in as co-editor of the yearbook and awaiting the start of curling. Kris has his drum set and trombone ready for band, has started volleyball and cross-country running and is getting ready for hockey as well as curling.
The first full week of school saw Dad head off to Montreal for his annual BDO conference (and some time visiting with Paul, Cat and the kids) while Grandma stayed with the kids. Mid-week I got home and sent the kids off to Middle school fall camp (and lots of frost outside in the morning!). We've been back to the lake to start the fall close up process and the boat is now out of the water and off to the dealer for winterizing.....that was a sad day...
Along with my partners I took the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge on Friday - we raised about $3,000 for ALS and some lucky staff got to douse their favourite partner with ice water (I got it twice!).
This week is the school's annual Terry Fox Run and also the middle school Senior Leadership Team elections (student council for those who've been out of school for a while) and there will apparently be two from this house on the ballot! Wish them luck!
Stay tuned for more updates
Love as always
Doug, Jen and Kris
Saturday, July 26, 2014
3 of 3 - SUMMER!
OK, you are almost up to date!
So June was a whirlwind of stuff - not sure where to start.
Kris and I started the month at Assiniboine Park for the Spring Sprint for the Brain Tumour Foundation - The FooFighters had another great team this year and we had a great time and the weather cooperated! Thanks to everyone who came out and supported us.
Kris completed another swimming level, went to 2 more birthday parties at the paintball place (he started a trend!), had school field trips and more soccer. Jen completed her diving course, studied for exams (and did well), had a school field trip and had her birthday party - 7 girls dipping chocolate at Morden's - awesome! (slightly different atmosphere than the boys!). Dad worked :( (and watched lots of great soccer, swimming, diving, etc)
Spring finally came and we got out into the yard to plant gardens and out to the lake a couple of times as well.
The month ended with great report cards and another Excellence Award for Jen. We were sad to say goodbye to the kid's amazing grade 3 teacher who is leaving the school but we hope to keep in touch with her.
As the month ended we headed off to the lake where we celebrated Jen's becoming a teenager (wish me luck!) with family and friends, and of course some rain. We did manage to get the boat in the water finally though and ready for water sports.
July brought nice weather, a flooding river behind our house (the grass was just getting nice again after 2011!), quieter days and CAMPS!
Both kids have been away for a week and both have done a day camp for a week (the way it worked out they basically didn't see each other for 2 weeks (and I think might have been starting to miss each other)). Seems like a great time was had by all - Jen at the resort - Camp Cedarwood, and Kris at something more traditional (by that I mean no wallpaper or air conditioning!) - Camp Assiniboia. Jen worked on her badminton skills the other week while Kris developed his wakeboard skills among other "extreme adventures".
We also had a visit from our cousins from Montreal and yesterday had dinner at one of Karen's favourite restaurants and took in Ballet in the Park to mark her birthday.
Now we plan to enjoy the lake and be out on the boat together for what will hopefully be some great summer days.
We'll try and check in with you again when we start getting ready for school (not a word the kids want me to be using!)
Take care and enjoy your summer everyone - we hope to see you along the way
Love
Doug, Jen and Kris
So June was a whirlwind of stuff - not sure where to start.
Kris and I started the month at Assiniboine Park for the Spring Sprint for the Brain Tumour Foundation - The FooFighters had another great team this year and we had a great time and the weather cooperated! Thanks to everyone who came out and supported us.
Kris completed another swimming level, went to 2 more birthday parties at the paintball place (he started a trend!), had school field trips and more soccer. Jen completed her diving course, studied for exams (and did well), had a school field trip and had her birthday party - 7 girls dipping chocolate at Morden's - awesome! (slightly different atmosphere than the boys!). Dad worked :( (and watched lots of great soccer, swimming, diving, etc)
Spring finally came and we got out into the yard to plant gardens and out to the lake a couple of times as well.
The month ended with great report cards and another Excellence Award for Jen. We were sad to say goodbye to the kid's amazing grade 3 teacher who is leaving the school but we hope to keep in touch with her.
As the month ended we headed off to the lake where we celebrated Jen's becoming a teenager (wish me luck!) with family and friends, and of course some rain. We did manage to get the boat in the water finally though and ready for water sports.
July brought nice weather, a flooding river behind our house (the grass was just getting nice again after 2011!), quieter days and CAMPS!
Both kids have been away for a week and both have done a day camp for a week (the way it worked out they basically didn't see each other for 2 weeks (and I think might have been starting to miss each other)). Seems like a great time was had by all - Jen at the resort - Camp Cedarwood, and Kris at something more traditional (by that I mean no wallpaper or air conditioning!) - Camp Assiniboia. Jen worked on her badminton skills the other week while Kris developed his wakeboard skills among other "extreme adventures".
We also had a visit from our cousins from Montreal and yesterday had dinner at one of Karen's favourite restaurants and took in Ballet in the Park to mark her birthday.
Now we plan to enjoy the lake and be out on the boat together for what will hopefully be some great summer days.
We'll try and check in with you again when we start getting ready for school (not a word the kids want me to be using!)
Take care and enjoy your summer everyone - we hope to see you along the way
Love
Doug, Jen and Kris
Bonjour!
Hey everyone! This is a really late post but Dad promised me I could have a post to myself about my school Quebec trip.
So we started our journey at the Winnipeg Airport at 3:30 am! (no that's not a typo, we really were up that early) When we landed in Montreal we got on our bus to go to Quebec City. By that evening the teachers were stuck with a bunch of tired teenagers.
Wow Quebec City is really beautiful. During our 3 days in Quebec City we did lots of walking, went to the Citadelle, the Plains of Abraham, Montmorency Falls, Ste Anne du Beaupre Basilica, a copper museum, and I'Ile d'Orleans (where we had delicious ice cream and played on the banks of the St. Lawrence River)
After 3 busy days in Quebec City we boarded our bus for Montreal. I was lucky enough to be able to meet up with my cousins there. In Montreal we spent almost a full day at La Ronde - the huge 6 Flags amusement park. Two of my friends and I went on a roller coaster (twice) that had a drop that was 86 degrees (down!) - SO FUN! In Montreal we also went to the Biodome, the Olympic Park/Tower and went shopping on rue Ste Catherine.
When we got home there was a crowd of our families waiting for us (I've always wanted to be greeted by a crowd at the airport :) !)
All in all it was a great trip! Probably the best week of my grade 7 school year!
Love
Jen
So we started our journey at the Winnipeg Airport at 3:30 am! (no that's not a typo, we really were up that early) When we landed in Montreal we got on our bus to go to Quebec City. By that evening the teachers were stuck with a bunch of tired teenagers.
Wow Quebec City is really beautiful. During our 3 days in Quebec City we did lots of walking, went to the Citadelle, the Plains of Abraham, Montmorency Falls, Ste Anne du Beaupre Basilica, a copper museum, and I'Ile d'Orleans (where we had delicious ice cream and played on the banks of the St. Lawrence River)
After 3 busy days in Quebec City we boarded our bus for Montreal. I was lucky enough to be able to meet up with my cousins there. In Montreal we spent almost a full day at La Ronde - the huge 6 Flags amusement park. Two of my friends and I went on a roller coaster (twice) that had a drop that was 86 degrees (down!) - SO FUN! In Montreal we also went to the Biodome, the Olympic Park/Tower and went shopping on rue Ste Catherine.
When we got home there was a crowd of our families waiting for us (I've always wanted to be greeted by a crowd at the airport :) !)
All in all it was a great trip! Probably the best week of my grade 7 school year!
Love
Jen
Wow, it's been a long time
We haven't forgotten about keeping you up to date, we've just been busy (very busy it seems!) So we have 3 posts coming together to get you from April to July
So April came to an end with an accountant busy at work and also trying to get 2 kids ready to leave for trips on May 1st. We did get everything done to prepare them and Jen and I managed to get to the Father Daughter ball (our 4th year) while Kris had an evening with Uncle Garth and Auntie Shari.
I got the first one (that's Kris) off to the school to meet the bus at the very uncivilized hour of 4:30 am for a 5:00 am departure (thankfully the school is 2 minutes away). The kids were surprisingly awake for that hour (not so much the parents!). After the last goodbyes the bus was off to Calgary for the music festival. After 16 hours on the bus they arrived at the festival opening show and after the show they met their billet families - Kris' family took 6 grade 5/6 boys into their home for the festival. It was mostly singing until Saturday when they went to the Calgary Zoo in the snow! (May in Calgary, eh?) Sunday was the big Stampede Breakfast and concert. Their pianist was Cindy Klassen's sister and they met Cindy at chapel and Kris got a picture with her. After the concert they boarded their bus and headed east through the night to Winnipeg. Everyone awoke when the bus stopped, thinking they were home but it was 1:17 am and the driver was only stopping at Tim's. When morning did really come, everyone sang Happy Birthday to Kris and shortly after they were back at the school. Kris thought it was cool to get the day off school on his birthday - needless to say he had a pretty quiet day after a great trip! The day ended with the 3 of us going to Kris' favourite restaurant for a birthday dinner.
Back to Thursday, Dad didn't really get much sleep after getting back home, then it was time to do the drop off thing all over again, this time at the much more civilized time of 8:30 as Jen's choir headed off to Steinbach for a weekend tour. It may not sound that exciting compared to Calgary but Steinbach was actually really fun. They sang (of course) but also swam at Steinbach Pool, had fun with friends and put on skits (Jen's was about flies in people's soup - sounds crazy to me - she has the details and video).
Dad had a weekend without kids and actually was able to go to the office end of tax season party and out for dinner with friends, not to mention sleep in and get a few things done around the house - but I missed them too.
The rest of May involved lots of soccer, more swimming, diving (she's up to the 5 meter now), choir concerts and opening up the cottage. Later in May we also had Kris' birthday party with his friends when I agreed to a paintball party for 10 boys......despite what you might be thinking right now, it turned out well, they all had a great time and escaped with only a few minor bruises. Of course 2 of the players were on crutches and when the skies opened just as they were finishing, who do you think got soaked getting back to the building?
Kris and I also participated in the Physio Fit run/walk again this year - Kris ran the 10k with his friend and his Dad while I walked the 5k again.
May ended much like it started, getting up very early to get someone on a trip (3:30 am at the airport this time) but Jen will tell you more in the next post.
While she was away, someone defaced my front lawn with the spray painted question, "Who's 50?" I don't know (or admit maybe) the answer, but Kris, Garth and Shari did take me out for a great birthday dinner that night!
That's about it for this post - stay tuned.......
So April came to an end with an accountant busy at work and also trying to get 2 kids ready to leave for trips on May 1st. We did get everything done to prepare them and Jen and I managed to get to the Father Daughter ball (our 4th year) while Kris had an evening with Uncle Garth and Auntie Shari.
I got the first one (that's Kris) off to the school to meet the bus at the very uncivilized hour of 4:30 am for a 5:00 am departure (thankfully the school is 2 minutes away). The kids were surprisingly awake for that hour (not so much the parents!). After the last goodbyes the bus was off to Calgary for the music festival. After 16 hours on the bus they arrived at the festival opening show and after the show they met their billet families - Kris' family took 6 grade 5/6 boys into their home for the festival. It was mostly singing until Saturday when they went to the Calgary Zoo in the snow! (May in Calgary, eh?) Sunday was the big Stampede Breakfast and concert. Their pianist was Cindy Klassen's sister and they met Cindy at chapel and Kris got a picture with her. After the concert they boarded their bus and headed east through the night to Winnipeg. Everyone awoke when the bus stopped, thinking they were home but it was 1:17 am and the driver was only stopping at Tim's. When morning did really come, everyone sang Happy Birthday to Kris and shortly after they were back at the school. Kris thought it was cool to get the day off school on his birthday - needless to say he had a pretty quiet day after a great trip! The day ended with the 3 of us going to Kris' favourite restaurant for a birthday dinner.
Back to Thursday, Dad didn't really get much sleep after getting back home, then it was time to do the drop off thing all over again, this time at the much more civilized time of 8:30 as Jen's choir headed off to Steinbach for a weekend tour. It may not sound that exciting compared to Calgary but Steinbach was actually really fun. They sang (of course) but also swam at Steinbach Pool, had fun with friends and put on skits (Jen's was about flies in people's soup - sounds crazy to me - she has the details and video).
Dad had a weekend without kids and actually was able to go to the office end of tax season party and out for dinner with friends, not to mention sleep in and get a few things done around the house - but I missed them too.
The rest of May involved lots of soccer, more swimming, diving (she's up to the 5 meter now), choir concerts and opening up the cottage. Later in May we also had Kris' birthday party with his friends when I agreed to a paintball party for 10 boys......despite what you might be thinking right now, it turned out well, they all had a great time and escaped with only a few minor bruises. Of course 2 of the players were on crutches and when the skies opened just as they were finishing, who do you think got soaked getting back to the building?
Kris and I also participated in the Physio Fit run/walk again this year - Kris ran the 10k with his friend and his Dad while I walked the 5k again.
May ended much like it started, getting up very early to get someone on a trip (3:30 am at the airport this time) but Jen will tell you more in the next post.
While she was away, someone defaced my front lawn with the spray painted question, "Who's 50?" I don't know (or admit maybe) the answer, but Kris, Garth and Shari did take me out for a great birthday dinner that night!
That's about it for this post - stay tuned.......
Saturday, April 26, 2014
One year
It's been a year since we gathered with family and friends to celebrate Karen's life.
In some ways it's hard to believe that a year has flown by and in others it feels like forever.
We have done so many things in the last 12 months but it also seems like Karen was just with us.
The kids have grown inches (I might have added a bit in a different direction) and they have also grown in character in so many ways including caring, concern and empathy for others - I'm so very proud of them and know Karen is too.
We are blessed to be surrounded by so many loving and caring people - thanks to all of you that have thought of us or checked in this week (and always). Thanks also to the folks at the office that dedicated this week's denim day to Karen's memory with donations going to CancerCare again this year (I even got to be part of it this time).
As always, thanks for all the thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Doug and the gang
In some ways it's hard to believe that a year has flown by and in others it feels like forever.
We have done so many things in the last 12 months but it also seems like Karen was just with us.
The kids have grown inches (I might have added a bit in a different direction) and they have also grown in character in so many ways including caring, concern and empathy for others - I'm so very proud of them and know Karen is too.
We are blessed to be surrounded by so many loving and caring people - thanks to all of you that have thought of us or checked in this week (and always). Thanks also to the folks at the office that dedicated this week's denim day to Karen's memory with donations going to CancerCare again this year (I even got to be part of it this time).
As always, thanks for all the thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Doug and the gang
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Hop, hop, hop...
We seem to have been hopping around a lot lately, not just because it's Easter either.
A lot has happened since we last updated you. The kids followed up their good swimming results with good report cards from school (and Jen got a middle school Award of Excellence (average over 90%)).
We found time for a couple of ski days close to home in March, once with Maria and Lisa, and got our ski legs back in time for spring break. On spring break we headed west.....to Whistler!! We spent 3 days on the mountains, mostly skiing but Kris also tried snowboarding for an afternoon and Jen and Kris convinced Dad to go on the BIG zip line course!
The Eagle course (the big one not to be confused with the little Bear course) starts with a 2,500 foot dual zip line that crosses the creek valley about 350 feet above ground at the highest point. We were in a group of 10 (8 Winnipeggers) and Jen and Kris were the 3rd pair to go. All the kids were told to tuck for this one but Mother Nature played a little trick and had a gust of wind for Jen and Kris which stopped them a little short of the landing platform. So the guides got to come out and pull them in and the kids enjoyed the view of the valley longer than those of us that zipped across at 80 km/hr - Jen argues they got the better deal. The next 4 lines were less eventful, other than intentional flips upside down and leaps of faith!
The skiing was great, with mostly sunny days, lots of snow and not too many people....and no broken bones! Kris skied in a free style terrain park a few times, checking out the jumps (some 7 ft high he estimates). Dad skied around the jumps. Jen made some new ski friends who gave her a hand if Dad wasn't close enough. We met lots of Aussies, Europeans and even some Canadians with lots of cool accents. We also checked out the Olympic landmarks and ate lots of good food and Cows ice cream.
Then we went back to Vancouver for a couple of days before we came home. We saw some rain (who would have thought?!), saw the Olympic touch actually lit (not sure why) and ate some great seafood (ask Kris about his lobster). Also enjoyed the hotel pool and the Science Centre.
Back in Winnipeg, school is back in full swing (with choir tours and Spring Concert preparations underway), Jen has started diving lessons (already off the 3m and planning for higher) and Kris is swimming and excited for soccer to start soon. Kris' latest mouth piece is a (insert drum roll here.....) bright green retainer with the Jets logo on it). Dad is busy working.....imagine that at this time of year!
The snow actually finally seems to be melting.....yay!!! The ice still hasn't broken up on the river though so we took down our fence to avoid letting an iceberg rip it to shreds like a few years ago. We went to see a movie Thursday evening (Heaven is for Real) as we know one of the lead characters and a number of the extras - it's a good movie - good job Lane! Yesterday we checked out the Zoo - the boy bears were pretty lazy but at least the 2 little girls were busy.
That's about it for now....some kids need to get off to bed in hopes of finding some bunny droppings in the morning.
PS - one last thing before we close - Happy 40th Donna!
Hope everyone has a good Easter, love,
Doug, Jen and Kris
A lot has happened since we last updated you. The kids followed up their good swimming results with good report cards from school (and Jen got a middle school Award of Excellence (average over 90%)).
We found time for a couple of ski days close to home in March, once with Maria and Lisa, and got our ski legs back in time for spring break. On spring break we headed west.....to Whistler!! We spent 3 days on the mountains, mostly skiing but Kris also tried snowboarding for an afternoon and Jen and Kris convinced Dad to go on the BIG zip line course!
The Eagle course (the big one not to be confused with the little Bear course) starts with a 2,500 foot dual zip line that crosses the creek valley about 350 feet above ground at the highest point. We were in a group of 10 (8 Winnipeggers) and Jen and Kris were the 3rd pair to go. All the kids were told to tuck for this one but Mother Nature played a little trick and had a gust of wind for Jen and Kris which stopped them a little short of the landing platform. So the guides got to come out and pull them in and the kids enjoyed the view of the valley longer than those of us that zipped across at 80 km/hr - Jen argues they got the better deal. The next 4 lines were less eventful, other than intentional flips upside down and leaps of faith!
The skiing was great, with mostly sunny days, lots of snow and not too many people....and no broken bones! Kris skied in a free style terrain park a few times, checking out the jumps (some 7 ft high he estimates). Dad skied around the jumps. Jen made some new ski friends who gave her a hand if Dad wasn't close enough. We met lots of Aussies, Europeans and even some Canadians with lots of cool accents. We also checked out the Olympic landmarks and ate lots of good food and Cows ice cream.
Then we went back to Vancouver for a couple of days before we came home. We saw some rain (who would have thought?!), saw the Olympic touch actually lit (not sure why) and ate some great seafood (ask Kris about his lobster). Also enjoyed the hotel pool and the Science Centre.
Back in Winnipeg, school is back in full swing (with choir tours and Spring Concert preparations underway), Jen has started diving lessons (already off the 3m and planning for higher) and Kris is swimming and excited for soccer to start soon. Kris' latest mouth piece is a (insert drum roll here.....) bright green retainer with the Jets logo on it). Dad is busy working.....imagine that at this time of year!
The snow actually finally seems to be melting.....yay!!! The ice still hasn't broken up on the river though so we took down our fence to avoid letting an iceberg rip it to shreds like a few years ago. We went to see a movie Thursday evening (Heaven is for Real) as we know one of the lead characters and a number of the extras - it's a good movie - good job Lane! Yesterday we checked out the Zoo - the boy bears were pretty lazy but at least the 2 little girls were busy.
That's about it for now....some kids need to get off to bed in hopes of finding some bunny droppings in the morning.
PS - one last thing before we close - Happy 40th Donna!
Hope everyone has a good Easter, love,
Doug, Jen and Kris
Friday, March 14, 2014
Is Spring Ever Coming?
It's been a while since our last post but we have been quite busy. Jen had her choir concert and competed at the Winnipeg Music Festival and Kris wrapped up his hockey season with one goal and numerous assists. Dad's just been working and driving us around.
Jen's choir was really happy to hear at the Festival that they are most likely going to Nationals (a recording not them physically) and they have been invited to sing at the Gala Concert that wraps up the Music Festival (first PTV choir ever invited!). She's also been busy with basketball. Though her team only won 2 games (grade 7's playing in a grade 8 league) in their season, they had lots of fun and really improved as the season progressed - the coach is looking forward to next year as they will be together again. Jen's also been busy with swimming lessons (passed level 7 last night).
Kris had a great hockey season with 2 special extra games at an outdoor rink one of his teammate's grandfathers built in his back yard (you might have seen it on TV). The big goal came in late February - a back hand through the five hole. Not to be outdone by his sister, Kris also passed his swimming level tonight, surviving 10 weeks in a class of all girls except him and the instructor.
Dad's big event was a trip to Calgary Airport for a 2 day meeting (yes just the airport hotel, not any more of Calgary!) Grandma came to stay with us and baked and cooked our favourite foods!
Last month was "I Love to Read Month" at the kids school. The theme was Reading Olympics and the school goal was to read enough minutes to get to Sochi and back. They exceeded the goal and the 2 classes with the highest minutes from grade 5 to 8 were Jen and Kris' classes - their prize is a bowling, pizza and pop party with the principal next week (or a BPPP as the principal calls it).
Tomorrow is the wind up for another season of curling. The wind up will have the special addition of meeting Kaitlyn Lawes and Jill Officer from Team Jennifer Jones, with their gold medals - should be exciting!
Other than that we've pretty much been staying inside out of the cold. We celebrated some warmth last weekend skating at The Forks and hope to get out and do some skiing soon! Spring break is almost upon us and then we'll switch to soccer, badminton, diving and a bunch of travel for choir and school trips in the spring.
Hope everyone has survived the winter and we'll talk to you soon
Love
Doug, Jen and Kris
Jen's choir was really happy to hear at the Festival that they are most likely going to Nationals (a recording not them physically) and they have been invited to sing at the Gala Concert that wraps up the Music Festival (first PTV choir ever invited!). She's also been busy with basketball. Though her team only won 2 games (grade 7's playing in a grade 8 league) in their season, they had lots of fun and really improved as the season progressed - the coach is looking forward to next year as they will be together again. Jen's also been busy with swimming lessons (passed level 7 last night).
Kris had a great hockey season with 2 special extra games at an outdoor rink one of his teammate's grandfathers built in his back yard (you might have seen it on TV). The big goal came in late February - a back hand through the five hole. Not to be outdone by his sister, Kris also passed his swimming level tonight, surviving 10 weeks in a class of all girls except him and the instructor.
Dad's big event was a trip to Calgary Airport for a 2 day meeting (yes just the airport hotel, not any more of Calgary!) Grandma came to stay with us and baked and cooked our favourite foods!
Last month was "I Love to Read Month" at the kids school. The theme was Reading Olympics and the school goal was to read enough minutes to get to Sochi and back. They exceeded the goal and the 2 classes with the highest minutes from grade 5 to 8 were Jen and Kris' classes - their prize is a bowling, pizza and pop party with the principal next week (or a BPPP as the principal calls it).
Tomorrow is the wind up for another season of curling. The wind up will have the special addition of meeting Kaitlyn Lawes and Jill Officer from Team Jennifer Jones, with their gold medals - should be exciting!
Other than that we've pretty much been staying inside out of the cold. We celebrated some warmth last weekend skating at The Forks and hope to get out and do some skiing soon! Spring break is almost upon us and then we'll switch to soccer, badminton, diving and a bunch of travel for choir and school trips in the spring.
Hope everyone has survived the winter and we'll talk to you soon
Love
Doug, Jen and Kris
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Return from Paradise
...Island that is, in the Bahamas.
We spent a week after Christmas enjoying the beach, water park and heat of Atlantis in the Bahamas only to return to the Manitoba deep freeze, which fortunately has started to thaw the last day or so.
But first we need to back up to mid-December and our last post.
We were busy with lots in December. We had our school Christmas concert, Jen's choir concert, curling with turkeys, Kris' hockey games and Jen's first basketball practice, not to mention shopping, baking and present wrapping.
Christmas eve was at our cousins', Christmas morn at home and Christmas dinner at Auntie Cathy`s. On Boxing Day we went on a sleigh ride with Liam`s family.
Before heading off to paradise we had a few errands to get done to wrap up the year...And for Jen and Dad a Jets game.(Jets won!)
With the cold temperatures here we got on a plane and headed south, via Toronto and fortunately our flights didn`t get cancelled. We spent a week over New Years in the Bahamas - we spent our time swimming - swimming in the ocean, in pools, with dolphins and on water slides and lazy rivers. We ate lots, saw some great New Year`s eve fireworks and most importantly got lots of R&R. (oh yeah and made a number of visits to Ben & Jerry`s). We had lots of fun and would definitely recommend you go. Despite looking at the Weather Network which told us the temps there and here were the same (except for that minus sign) we had to pack up and fly back home (again avoiding any travel problems) and were greeted by freezing cars and a snowy driveway.
It was good to see all our friends back at school (not so much the school work). Jen`s playing basketball, back to choir and yearbook. Kris is back to hockey (his team is 5-6-0, Kris hasn`t scored a goal yet) and they are both curling and taking swimming lessons. That should keep us busy til spring!!!!!!
Today was Lynelle`s funeral. Joel had told Kris not to miss his hockey game but to make a good play for Lynelle - he got an assist and blocked a shot. Jen and I went to the funeral - there were lots of people and the service was a great tribute to Lynelle. Jen got some ice cream this time. We`ll keep our friends in our thoughts and prayers in the coming days as things begin to settle down at their house.
Anyway, that`s about it for now. Things seem to be warming up so maybe we`ll be able to get out and enjoy winter for a while.
Love
Doug, Jen and Kris
We spent a week after Christmas enjoying the beach, water park and heat of Atlantis in the Bahamas only to return to the Manitoba deep freeze, which fortunately has started to thaw the last day or so.
But first we need to back up to mid-December and our last post.
We were busy with lots in December. We had our school Christmas concert, Jen's choir concert, curling with turkeys, Kris' hockey games and Jen's first basketball practice, not to mention shopping, baking and present wrapping.
Christmas eve was at our cousins', Christmas morn at home and Christmas dinner at Auntie Cathy`s. On Boxing Day we went on a sleigh ride with Liam`s family.
Before heading off to paradise we had a few errands to get done to wrap up the year...And for Jen and Dad a Jets game.(Jets won!)
With the cold temperatures here we got on a plane and headed south, via Toronto and fortunately our flights didn`t get cancelled. We spent a week over New Years in the Bahamas - we spent our time swimming - swimming in the ocean, in pools, with dolphins and on water slides and lazy rivers. We ate lots, saw some great New Year`s eve fireworks and most importantly got lots of R&R. (oh yeah and made a number of visits to Ben & Jerry`s). We had lots of fun and would definitely recommend you go. Despite looking at the Weather Network which told us the temps there and here were the same (except for that minus sign) we had to pack up and fly back home (again avoiding any travel problems) and were greeted by freezing cars and a snowy driveway.
It was good to see all our friends back at school (not so much the school work). Jen`s playing basketball, back to choir and yearbook. Kris is back to hockey (his team is 5-6-0, Kris hasn`t scored a goal yet) and they are both curling and taking swimming lessons. That should keep us busy til spring!!!!!!
Today was Lynelle`s funeral. Joel had told Kris not to miss his hockey game but to make a good play for Lynelle - he got an assist and blocked a shot. Jen and I went to the funeral - there were lots of people and the service was a great tribute to Lynelle. Jen got some ice cream this time. We`ll keep our friends in our thoughts and prayers in the coming days as things begin to settle down at their house.
Anyway, that`s about it for now. Things seem to be warming up so maybe we`ll be able to get out and enjoy winter for a while.
Love
Doug, Jen and Kris
Sunday, January 5, 2014
An angel friend
Today we learned that Karen's good friend Lynelle, who also battled cancer has joined Karen in heaven. Karen and Lynelle met when Jen and Jaden started kindergarten and shared many adventures and fun times. Please keep Joel, Caroline, Jaden and Katrina in your thoughts and prayers.
We've got some updates on our holiday adventures but those will wait for another post - today we think of Lynelle.
Love
Doug, Jen and Kris
We've got some updates on our holiday adventures but those will wait for another post - today we think of Lynelle.
Love
Doug, Jen and Kris
Sunday, December 8, 2013
The holidays are almost here!?!?
It's hard to believe that it's December and we started decorating the house for Christmas today....didn't school just start? Time seems to be flying by, certainly the last few months and the last year for that matter. We seem to be keeping ourselves busy, mostly good busy with some challenging stuff mixed in along the way, thus the lack of a posting for a while.
The fall has seen a lot happen - Jen's been to middle school camp and choir camp, I've been to Toronto for a week long conference, choir is in full swing with one concert behind us and another coming up, both kids are in the school choir and have been to Choralfest and are preparing for the school Christmas concert, Christmas piano recital was last week, we closed up the lake, curling has resumed for the kids and Kris has started hockey, I seem to have been taking a lot of training courses (that time of the year) and even presented part of one, Grandma's visited us each month for a few days each time (took in Grandparents chapel, hockey, curling and whatever else was happening) and will be back again soon, the kids joined me for the Recognition dinner when I received my FCA certificate, we spent a long weekend in Minneapolis (shopped and visited cousins), had cousins in to visit from Montreal and managed to make it to work and school on a regular basis (and based on the first term report cards and teacher conferences school is pretty normal and going well). Wow - no wonder why I'm tired!
It's also been challenging at times - November is one of the big months for remembering things over the last few years - between the 21st and the 24th we had the anniversaries of Karen's seizure and hospitalization last year and her initial diagnosis three years ago. Our trip to Minneapolis earlier that month was our first time back there since our last trip with Karen just before her diagnosis at a time when we were starting to begin to notice something was not quite right. Each of us deals with all of this differently and it's sometimes difficult to always be able to support each other the right way while dealing with your own emotions at the same time....we all try to remain patient with each other and find our way through.
Today we were the readers/candle lighters for the Advent candle at church and after a quick lunch we went to Chapel Lawn for Christmas cookie decorating and a Holiday memorial service - it was much smaller than the Mother's Day one we attended in May but we were glad we went none the less. I passed on the office Christmas party on Friday - not quite ready for that kind of event solo just yet.
I still follow the blog that inspired this one (a man with a brain tumour and his wife we met at CancerCare) - he passed away 2 years ago but like us, his wife maintains the blog. Her latest posting struck a familiar cord with me - she also experiences many milestones in the fall each year and wrote about her feelings - check it out at http://ramsyshannonunruh.blogspot.com. I also visited last week with another client/friend who lost her husband to a brain tumour last year. Both that visit and the blog posting helped me know my experiences this fall have been pretty "normal". It's good to have these supports and reference points as we find our way.
I need to thank all our friends who help out and check in regularly - whether it's helping get the kids off to school when I have an early meeting, chauffeuring from choir, going for lunch and letting me bend their ear, making a regular phone call to check on me, planning get togethers including the kids for a fun dinner/evening or just the check ins to see how we are doing - it's all appreciated more than you know.
The kids will likely have more to say so hopefully we'll get another posting up soon as the holiday season moves along
Thanks again for all the support and caring. I hope everyone has a happy holiday season and we'll see or talk to you soon!
Love
Doug and the gang
The fall has seen a lot happen - Jen's been to middle school camp and choir camp, I've been to Toronto for a week long conference, choir is in full swing with one concert behind us and another coming up, both kids are in the school choir and have been to Choralfest and are preparing for the school Christmas concert, Christmas piano recital was last week, we closed up the lake, curling has resumed for the kids and Kris has started hockey, I seem to have been taking a lot of training courses (that time of the year) and even presented part of one, Grandma's visited us each month for a few days each time (took in Grandparents chapel, hockey, curling and whatever else was happening) and will be back again soon, the kids joined me for the Recognition dinner when I received my FCA certificate, we spent a long weekend in Minneapolis (shopped and visited cousins), had cousins in to visit from Montreal and managed to make it to work and school on a regular basis (and based on the first term report cards and teacher conferences school is pretty normal and going well). Wow - no wonder why I'm tired!
It's also been challenging at times - November is one of the big months for remembering things over the last few years - between the 21st and the 24th we had the anniversaries of Karen's seizure and hospitalization last year and her initial diagnosis three years ago. Our trip to Minneapolis earlier that month was our first time back there since our last trip with Karen just before her diagnosis at a time when we were starting to begin to notice something was not quite right. Each of us deals with all of this differently and it's sometimes difficult to always be able to support each other the right way while dealing with your own emotions at the same time....we all try to remain patient with each other and find our way through.
Today we were the readers/candle lighters for the Advent candle at church and after a quick lunch we went to Chapel Lawn for Christmas cookie decorating and a Holiday memorial service - it was much smaller than the Mother's Day one we attended in May but we were glad we went none the less. I passed on the office Christmas party on Friday - not quite ready for that kind of event solo just yet.
I still follow the blog that inspired this one (a man with a brain tumour and his wife we met at CancerCare) - he passed away 2 years ago but like us, his wife maintains the blog. Her latest posting struck a familiar cord with me - she also experiences many milestones in the fall each year and wrote about her feelings - check it out at http://ramsyshannonunruh.blogspot.com. I also visited last week with another client/friend who lost her husband to a brain tumour last year. Both that visit and the blog posting helped me know my experiences this fall have been pretty "normal". It's good to have these supports and reference points as we find our way.
I need to thank all our friends who help out and check in regularly - whether it's helping get the kids off to school when I have an early meeting, chauffeuring from choir, going for lunch and letting me bend their ear, making a regular phone call to check on me, planning get togethers including the kids for a fun dinner/evening or just the check ins to see how we are doing - it's all appreciated more than you know.
The kids will likely have more to say so hopefully we'll get another posting up soon as the holiday season moves along
Thanks again for all the support and caring. I hope everyone has a happy holiday season and we'll see or talk to you soon!
Love
Doug and the gang
Thursday, September 5, 2013
School starting....again
Sorry we disappeared off the face of the earth....again. We've had a good, busy summer and just haven't had time to update you. We thought we'd share some of our highlights of the summer with you...so here goes:
First Kris:
- going to Montreal and going ziplining
- going to Camp Assiniboia
- paddle boarding on the lake at Mont Tremblant
- seeing many of my cousins
- trying to go wakeboarding (not for me this year)
- going to MiniU
- going to the Canada Day parade at the lake
- pier jumping
- playing soccer
- going to the science centre in Montreal
- going to the orthodontist...NOT!
Now Jen:
- bungee jumping
- art camp
- rock climbing (lots)
- swimming
- shopping
- everything at camp Assiniboia
- ziplining (also more than once)
- sleepovers
- water skiing
- seeing Les Mis
- my birthday!!!
And last but not least... Dad!!!!
- relaxing on the beach or by a pool
- visiting with family and friends
- eating the strawberry pies Jen and Kris both made
- getting out in the boat
- tending to the yards and gardens (sort of successfully?)
- BBQ's
- not having to make school lunches
- successfully avoiding the media when they camped out on our street (nothing else happy about that story)
- going ziplining
- eating bagels on a patio at a Montreal street fair
- finding out last week that I've been elected as an FCA (used to think only old CA's got those!)
So all in all not a bad summer - we had a lot of fun and saw a LOT of our family and friends which was great! Now the kids are back to school and all the activities will be starting up soon.
Thanks as always for all your thoughts and prayers - we appreciate it!
Love,
Kris, Jen and Doug
First Kris:
- going to Montreal and going ziplining
- going to Camp Assiniboia
- paddle boarding on the lake at Mont Tremblant
- seeing many of my cousins
- trying to go wakeboarding (not for me this year)
- going to MiniU
- going to the Canada Day parade at the lake
- pier jumping
- playing soccer
- going to the science centre in Montreal
- going to the orthodontist...NOT!
Now Jen:
- bungee jumping
- art camp
- rock climbing (lots)
- swimming
- shopping
- everything at camp Assiniboia
- ziplining (also more than once)
- sleepovers
- water skiing
- seeing Les Mis
- my birthday!!!
And last but not least... Dad!!!!
- relaxing on the beach or by a pool
- visiting with family and friends
- eating the strawberry pies Jen and Kris both made
- getting out in the boat
- tending to the yards and gardens (sort of successfully?)
- BBQ's
- not having to make school lunches
- successfully avoiding the media when they camped out on our street (nothing else happy about that story)
- going ziplining
- eating bagels on a patio at a Montreal street fair
- finding out last week that I've been elected as an FCA (used to think only old CA's got those!)
So all in all not a bad summer - we had a lot of fun and saw a LOT of our family and friends which was great! Now the kids are back to school and all the activities will be starting up soon.
Thanks as always for all your thoughts and prayers - we appreciate it!
Love,
Kris, Jen and Doug
Monday, July 8, 2013
It's summer!
We made it! School is out and we are back from a week at the lake, just the three of us for the most part.
We survived June and celebrated Jen's birthday with early dismissal on the last day of school. The report cards were good, especially considering all that happened in the last term. We will miss the daily interaction and support from everyone at school over the summer but we know where to find you all if we need you. We were also touched by some year end tributes to Karen that will make sure her spirit lives on in that place she loved and spent so much time.
We headed off to the lake for some R&R and took in the local Canada Day festivities and spent some time with friends and family (and celebrated Jen's birthday too). For the rest of the week we were mostly on our own, enjoying some great weather and spending lots of time in the water or out on the boat (remember it was last July that Karen made me turn around on the highway and go back and look at the boat she knew I wanted and then made sure I bought it). All in all the week was great and we enjoyed being at the lake but it was also the first time we'd really had a chance to spend an extended time together just the three of us without things to do and at times that took a bit of getting used to but I think we are finding our way.
This week the kids are off to MiniU and I'm back at work hoping to clean up some of the piles in my office and hopefully get some contractors back to work on our office renovations....do they know I'm not always as patient as I once was?
That's about it for now. We are hoping the nice weather keeps up and plan on making time to enjoy it. We also plan on spending time with friends and family so hopefully we'll see you soon!
Thanks as always for your kind thoughts and prayers
Love
Doug and the gang
We survived June and celebrated Jen's birthday with early dismissal on the last day of school. The report cards were good, especially considering all that happened in the last term. We will miss the daily interaction and support from everyone at school over the summer but we know where to find you all if we need you. We were also touched by some year end tributes to Karen that will make sure her spirit lives on in that place she loved and spent so much time.
We headed off to the lake for some R&R and took in the local Canada Day festivities and spent some time with friends and family (and celebrated Jen's birthday too). For the rest of the week we were mostly on our own, enjoying some great weather and spending lots of time in the water or out on the boat (remember it was last July that Karen made me turn around on the highway and go back and look at the boat she knew I wanted and then made sure I bought it). All in all the week was great and we enjoyed being at the lake but it was also the first time we'd really had a chance to spend an extended time together just the three of us without things to do and at times that took a bit of getting used to but I think we are finding our way.
This week the kids are off to MiniU and I'm back at work hoping to clean up some of the piles in my office and hopefully get some contractors back to work on our office renovations....do they know I'm not always as patient as I once was?
That's about it for now. We are hoping the nice weather keeps up and plan on making time to enjoy it. We also plan on spending time with friends and family so hopefully we'll see you soon!
Thanks as always for your kind thoughts and prayers
Love
Doug and the gang
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Almost summer
June seems to be flying by and we haven't had time to post an update...sorry about that.
This month has been birthday party month (5 down now I think) as it usually is and this weekend was our turn, Jen had her sleepover on Friday night and Kris had his pool party this evening. We seem to have survived and the kids had some fun but there was no mistaking someone was missing. Apparently Karen did teach us enough about organizing a party to make it work though. We have one more friend's party to go on Thursday for Jen, and her actual birthday as well then I think it will be summer.
On top of that we've had soccer (the Grizzlies made it to the win column this week and Kris got a couple more goals), school field trips, exams for the middle schooler and various other recitals and such. The kids both came home from their track and field day with ribbons and they made Father's Day special for me despite the challenges of the day. The trips to the lake have been brief ones to cut grass and plant flowers and we now have some flowers in the gardens at home too. There has also been lots to do at work but we seem to be getting there.
Thanks as always to everyone who helps out so we can do what we need to do and get where we need to go - I won't mention names so I don't miss anyone but you know who you are.
School wraps up on Friday along with a bunch of deadlines for the accountant at work so I think we'll be able to finally enjoy some quiet time and enjoy summer together soon.
Thanks to all who keep us in your thoughts and prayers - after two months we still face lots of challenges but knowing we have many people supporting us helps us along.
Love
Doug and the gang
This month has been birthday party month (5 down now I think) as it usually is and this weekend was our turn, Jen had her sleepover on Friday night and Kris had his pool party this evening. We seem to have survived and the kids had some fun but there was no mistaking someone was missing. Apparently Karen did teach us enough about organizing a party to make it work though. We have one more friend's party to go on Thursday for Jen, and her actual birthday as well then I think it will be summer.
On top of that we've had soccer (the Grizzlies made it to the win column this week and Kris got a couple more goals), school field trips, exams for the middle schooler and various other recitals and such. The kids both came home from their track and field day with ribbons and they made Father's Day special for me despite the challenges of the day. The trips to the lake have been brief ones to cut grass and plant flowers and we now have some flowers in the gardens at home too. There has also been lots to do at work but we seem to be getting there.
Thanks as always to everyone who helps out so we can do what we need to do and get where we need to go - I won't mention names so I don't miss anyone but you know who you are.
School wraps up on Friday along with a bunch of deadlines for the accountant at work so I think we'll be able to finally enjoy some quiet time and enjoy summer together soon.
Thanks to all who keep us in your thoughts and prayers - after two months we still face lots of challenges but knowing we have many people supporting us helps us along.
Love
Doug and the gang
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