PATIENCE FAMILY EVENTS

Claire's 2011 Christmas Voice Recital

2011-12-19T17:59:00.001-07:00

On December 18, 2011, Claire performed at her Christmas Voice Recital.

This is Claire's first year with her new teacher, Dori Whyte, and she is really enjoying it. I think that she had out grown her previous teacher and it is great that she gets to challenge herself a little more with Dori.

She is starting her 2nd theory book already and Claire will be taking her Grade 3 practical exam at the end of June.

Claire's friend, Addison, came to offer her support. They celebrated

Claire's success in the hot tub when we got home!

OHS Christmas Concert

2011-12-19T12:49:00.001-07:00

On December 9, 2011, the Onoway High School held their annual Christmas concert to showcase all of the students that are taking part in the band program.

Daniel is again a member of the Honor's Band and his Grade 9 Class Band.

The evening started with Carlam and the kids and I heading to the school to have supper in the cafeteria. The graduating class hosts the dinner every year as a fundraiser for their grad celebrations. This year we had lasagna, ceasar salad and garlic toast with some kind of caramel pudding with ice cream, for dessert. It was very yummy!!!!

As always, the performances were fantastic and I could have stayed and listened to the tremendous music forever. Well, until I had to pee, anyway. (gg)

Here are some of the pics I took and the performance from Daniel's grade 9 class band. Sorry, but it appears that I didn't take any video of the Honor's Band performing. You will have to wait until spring for that.

Daniel playing in the Grade 9 Band

Hyrum and his Tuba

One of the Gregson girls playing her GIANT tuba!!!

Mr. Saumer in his awesome Christmas hat. The hat lit up and

stood at attention!!!

The Saxophone Quartet

The tuba duet

Daniel again.

2011 Onoway Elementary School Christmas Concert

2011-12-19T07:53:00.003-07:00

On December 1, 2011, the Onoway Elementary School performed their "area famous" Christmas concert. The 2011 concert did not disappoint.

Tryouts were held in the middle of November and Claire tried out for, and got the lead part as Santa. We were very, very proud of her and of course, she kicked butt!!!!!

She was also involved in the Senior Choir (grades 4-6) and the Hand Bell Choir. The members of the Hand Bell choir get up and head to the school for practice every Thursday morning at 7:00 am. That means that we are up and out the door at 6:40 am every Thursday so that we can pick up Claire's friend, Addison, and head to the school. It is totally worth the sacrifice of a few minutes extra sleep to see the kids performing soooo well.

This year was Claire's last elementary school concert as she will age out when she moves up to grade 7. I have to admit that I was a little teary when this realization hit me during the concert while I was watching Claire and her friends up there on the stage. They are all growing up into such amazing young women. It just all seems to be slipping away so quickly, but at the same time I am so excited to see what becomes of all of them as they grow. Ahhhh, being a parent!!!

The Beginning of the play with the Senior

Choir on stage, ready to perform

Claire and Emma ready to sing

Eve singing her heart out

Here is a video of the Choir performing one of their songs.

Claire performing in the Hand Bell Choir

Emma with her bell in the Hand Bell Choir

Here is a video of the Hand Bell Choir performing!!!

Claire watching the music

Emma playing her hand bell

The Hand Bell Choir

Sheraya and Addison, the reindeer

Claire as Santa. HO HO HO!!!!!

Emma, the Pirate. ARRRRGGGG!!!

This is a video of Emma singing the Pirate Song. Sorry it is sideways. GRRR!!!

Eve as an Elf. She had a speaking part and was AWESOME!!!

Spencer and Troy. Troy was one cool cowboy pirate!

Adorable Eve again!!!

Weekend with Family

2011-12-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

In October, we had the pleasure of Matthew and Stephanie coming up to our place to spend a few days. The draw of seeing Matthew and Steph was too strong for her best friend, Jenn, to ignore so, she and her sweet Maddie came to spend some time with all of us as well.

I didn't take a lot of pictures, but this is what I did manage to snap.

Claire obviously doesn't want her picture taken

Daniel enjoying a super funny birthday card

Daniel enthralled with his new phone

Matthew and Papa seeing what he got for his birthday.

It was pretty cool to be able to celebrate D and Papa's

birthdays together.

The onlookers. Matthew wanted to sit on his own

stool when Maddie decided that she was going to sit on

her own stool.

Papa and the kids outside.

Steph and I catching up

I love this picture of Dexter and Matthew. Dexter's feet

don't even touch the ground. He is definitely going to get

that soccer ball before Matthew.

Onoway High School Honor's Night

2011-12-11T22:41:00.000-07:00

At the end of September every year the Onoway High School has their awards night to celebrate the academic achievement from the previous year.

Both Daniel and his BFF, Hyrum, received the grade 8 academic achievement award. This means that they maintained an average of 80% or higher in all their grade 8 classes.

Congratulations to all the grade eight students, especially Daniel and Hyrum!!!!!!

Daniel with his award

The group getting their awards

Hyrum with his award

The group with their awards and their plaque

Congratulations to Daniel and Hyrum

When Greyhounds are Left Home Alone

2011-12-11T22:12:00.000-07:00

So, I am not sure how this happened, but somehow our foster greyhound, Darrell, ended up under the couch. We had him this fall for a few weeks and he is now happily living with his forever family.

Darrell is saying "stop taking pictures and get me the heck

out of here"

Summer Visitors

2011-12-11T21:59:00.000-07:00

Over the course of last winter I got stuck in my driveway many, many times. This was due to shitty tires, my absolute hatred of snow and cold and my very poor reversing skills.

I am very lucky to have AMAZING neighbors, Garth and Courtney MacDonald. They live just up the road from me and Garth was very happy to come out and unstuck me every time I needed it. He also suggested that I work on my "backing up" skills so that we didn't have to keep meeting in the dark beside my garbage can.

During the process of unstucking me he mentioned that he would be grateful if I would agree to pasture his horses for him and Courtney over the summer. Me???? Want horses on my property that I didn't have to be responsible for and would just be free to spoil with treats and loves?? Well, needless to say, I said "YES, how soon can they come over"!!!!!

Well, Garth and Courtney thought we should wait until spring arrived at least and then much to my disgust, we had a very wet spring/summer and it was well into September before they arrived. Monty and Sam were ridden down the road to my place where they stayed until just a couple of days ago.

They were very fun to have for the few short months they were here. They LOVE horse treats, especially Monty, and the kids were able to approach them with no issues at all. They even brushed them a few times.

Can't wait for them to come back next year!!!!

Claire, Daniel and Monty (Sam in the background)

Claire and Monty. There are more pictures of Monty

because he is the boss of Sam and Monty really, really likes

horse cookies.

Claire and Monty in the pasture with Sam

See Monty's ears. He thinks Sam is coming up behind him to

steal cookies from Claire.

Claire and Monty discussing how many cookies are

appropriate for a guy his size. Claire thinks two or three,

Monty thinks the entire bag.

Monty and Sam enjoying their fall digs.

Last Weekend at the Cabin

2011-12-11T20:44:00.000-07:00

So, since I currently find myself with a little bit of extra time on my hands these days since I am no longer employed, I thought that I would take some time and update the blog.

The following are the pictures that I took at our last weekend at the cabin this summer. The "bonus" child is Claire's sweet friend Maya. She lives just down the road from us.

Daniel being a pain

Claire letting him know that there will be no more of that

Finally a nice picture

Changes

2011-11-01T09:59:00.000-06:00

So, Daniel's school pics are back for this year. The top picture is last year's. The bottom is this year. Do you think our good friend puberty has come to visit? Me thinks so!!!! My baby doesn't look so much like a baby anymore!!!! :(

Claire had to have retakes this year so, her picture will be up later.

Drag Wars, 2011

2011-10-03T13:08:00.000-06:00

HI!!!

I know that I have been lax in updating this blog, but I have an excuse, I have been busy!!! School is back in full swing and there are a million and one things to do at work lately!!!

Anyway, back in August, the kids and I accompanied Carlam to Drag Wars in Grande Prairie. He was volunteering as the race announcer and the kids and I were just there to suck in the exhaust and relish in the loud noise. Oh and they had mini donuts!!!!

Here are some of my favourite shots from the weekend.

Racer's meeting

Good to know the rules before you get started

Start your engines!!!!

Mini Dragster. These are driven by kids under the age of 16

Eyeball headlights

Major Burnout

Bing 1 This little guy gets the funny cars to the track

Super cute, but very shy, announcer guy.

Smoke is a big deal and very much loved at the track.

Where there's smoke there's usually..... fire.

My favourite car of the season.

Mustang burnout

Duck hood ornament on the front of a Chevy Nova.

Car driven by my racing crush, Luc. This is the loudest

car at the track and it literally rattles your cage. LOVE IT!!!!!!

Seriously, can we go home yet?

September 11

2011-09-09T15:22:00.000-06:00

So, on Sunday it is the 10th Anniversary of September 11th. I feel like I should write something, but honestly I am not sure what to write.

Daniel was almost 4 years old and in pre-school at Kids in Harmony. We were up and getting ready to take Daniel to school when the first plane hit the first tower and Matt Lauer and Katie Couric were trying to make sense of it, just as the rest of us were. By the time Claire and I got home from dropping D off at school the second plane had hit the second tower and there were reports of another plane having hit the Pentagon and another having crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. I remember immediately hoping that it wasn't anywhere near Jeff Staples house. I remember going through the possible emergency plans that Steph would need to get back to Canada if something happened in Seattle and wondering if she would come and leave those she loved.

I remember spending the rest of the day glued to the television watching every bit of the unfolding events and being in complete shock that something so horrible was happening. I remember in the days following the pictures that went up on the wall of all the missing people. I remember just sitting on the couch and crying. I didn't know what else to do. I didn't want to step away from it and it totally consumed me for many days.

For just over two years I have been in the most wonderful relationship with Carlam. He is a volunteer firefighter. I remember the sacrifice the firefighters made on September 11, 2001 and the days that followed as they tried to do everything they could to help save, and later recover the bodies of those involved, including many of their own that were lost that day.

I have now seen first hand that it is something that these men and women feel compelled to do. To put themselves second to those that need their help. I am truly blessed to have someone so completely selfless in my life.

So, I hope that on Sunday you take a moment to think about where you were and how your life has changed since that day. And to say I love you to all the important people in your life.

I love all of you.

1st Day of School 2011/2012

2011-09-01T15:08:00.001-06:00

Flynn

2011-08-24T15:13:00.001-06:00

Flynn has disappeared.

Clear as I can figure out she got out of the fence sometime yesterday afternoon. We didn't even notice she was missing until we went to feed the dogs last night around 8:00 pm. She has been spending her summer just sleeping in the dog run so, when she wasn't there to greet me last night after work I just assumed she was sleeping. We looked until dark and the kids have been out looking all day. I went home at lunch and she can't seem to be found. I will go home and look some more after work, but I am losing hope.

Flynn is 12 years old and a skinny little thing of a greyhound. The biggest part about her is her ears. She has escaped before, but has never been gone this long and never overnight.

Rainbow

2011-08-23T16:35:00.000-06:00

So, I am taking the time to play with my camera a little bit this summer. This lovely rainbow was behind me one day when I made a quick trip into Onoway to get Daniel from the Friars. Had to stop and take pics of it.

Summer in Northern Alberta

2011-08-18T13:19:00.000-06:00

Over Night Guest

2011-08-05T11:38:00.000-06:00

So, I am beginning to get a reputation in the small town that I live near as the lady that you call if you have a dog that you need to find a home for. I was contacted last week by a young lady that needed a place for her 4 month old black lab puppy. I had no sooner suggested that she take it to the new facility that the SPCA has in Edmonton when Carlam suggested that I contact his best friends, Rick and Karen, to see if they would be interested. Guess what??? THEY WERE!!!! So, we had the privilege of overnighting Nova and Carlam took him to his new home in Hines Creek.

He is absolutely beautiful and very happy with Rick, Karen, Theron and their lab, Pearl.

This is Nova at his new home with his new friend, Pearl.
Rick and Karen have done a wonderful job with Miss Pearl. She
is such a nice dog to be around I just know that Nova has found
his forever family.

More Kia for Kathy

2011-08-05T11:19:00.000-06:00

This is just a quick post to put up some more pictures for Kia's potential new home to see a little bit more of her and see her personality a bit.

Enjoy Kathy and I look forward to hearing from you when you have made your decision.

Dog Update

2011-07-29T11:21:00.000-06:00

Hi! Just thought I would put up a little post about the doggies.

We have an amazing foster dog, named Kia. I LOVE HER!!!!!! I know that I will have to let her go (hopefully to a wonderful home in NWT), but I am loving every minute with her while she is mine.

She has an incredible zest for life and she is just a little bit terrible. My favourite kind of dog!! She fell out of my van while I was driving down a gravel road last weekend. Wasn't going very fast so no damage done and I didn't run her over. She got right back in and continued to stick her head out the window. Carlam and I think that she is addicted to air.

It has rained here everyday except for 11 since the beginning of June. We have sooo many mosquitoes that even the government has quit counting them!!! As my friend, Cindy, said today, the dogs are all starting to quack!!!

Bye for now! Have a great long weekend everyone. Carlam and I are going to pick up Claire and Daniel on Sunday and I can't wait to have them home!!!!

Carlam turns 40

2011-07-26T14:55:00.000-06:00

On July 23rd, we had a camp out at Figure 8 Lake to celebrate Carlam's upcoming 40th birthday. Fun was had by all and here are a few pictures of the day.

Carlam opening presents

Carlam's friends, Doug and Rick

Carlam checking out the snazzy panties that Rick and Karen gave to him.

Carlam's BFF, Rick

Carlam in his snazzy bday outfit. Panties from Rick and Karen
and hat made by me!

Learning to fly fish with Merle

July 27, 2011 was Carlam's actual 40th birthday. The following is what happened while he was at work:

They shrink wrapped his car; and

Put up all these snazzy signs and balloons in his office.
They also made a point of letting everyone that came in the store know
that he was the big 40. An email with pictures of the shenanigans
was sent to every member of UFA as well!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Summer Office Outing for 2011

2011-07-25T15:19:00.000-06:00

So, last week on Thursday we had our annual summer office outing. Last year we went to an Edmonton Capitals baseball game and this year we went to see the Capital Ex Parade in downtown Edmonton and then to The Taste Of Edmonton in Churchill Square.

Parade was sort of boring and waaaay too long, but Taste of Edmonton was yummy!!! Amanda was my date since neither Carlam or her boyfriend, Jay, could come with us on Thursday. We all got 25 tickets from Ed and Michelle along with some spending money. I had a mini steak sandwich, crispy wantons stuffed with cream cheese and crab meat, chocolate strawberry crepe and lava cake. I had a lychee bubble tea to drink. All was delish!!!

Here are some pictures that I took of our day.

There were three pipe bands in the parade.
This one looked the best. LOVE the wolf
drapes on the backs of the drummers.

Big dude, tiny car.

Every parade has Shriner Clowns

There are never enough horses in a parade for me. They bring back
memories of watching the Calgary Stampede Parade
with my Grandpa Cryderman when I was young.
I even love the way they smell.

Westjet flying high

First Nations dancer

Red Serge marching in the morning sun.

This is the sample of the lava cake I had. Mine had raspberry
ice cream instead of the rubber ball!

This guy was just thrilled with the jazz music being played.
Amanda and I enjoyed watching him dance with all the little
kids while we sat in the beer gardens and sipped our
Sangria!!

At a Loss

2011-07-13T15:42:00.000-06:00

Nick, Daniel and Brock

On July 5th, my friend Krissy lost her oldest boy, Nick, in a tragic accident at the age of 14, one year older than his cousin, Daniel, my son. I have not seen Nick for a long time, but when the kids were younger, and as recently as last summer, they had moments like the one in the picture above. Cousins should get to run wild, like weeds. Daniel, Nick and Brock got to do that. Nick and Brock taught Daniel how to pee standing up. True story.

I remember that Krissy's boys had these amazing toothless grins. Nick was always smiling in a shy, sweet way when I saw him. That is the Nick I remember.

I don't understand this. I don't understand why whoever is in charge of this earth felt it was necessary to take this child and cause his family this pain.

I don't know. I don't know how Krissy is getting up out of bed and carrying on with her life. I don't know how a mother picks out a casket for her child and puts him in the ground and says goodbye for the last time. I don't know how she and her husband and her other boys will move forward. Does she pack up his things quickly, like ripping off a band aid, or does she shut the door of his room only opening it to sit in the silence and smell his boy smell? I don't know.

What do you say? "I'm sorry" seems so very inadequate given the circumstances. "I'm thinking of you" every day, Krissy, every day.

I know that Krissy, Ian and their family have an incredible support system in the little community in which they reside. I know that they have the best chance of getting to the other side of this as anyone. The best chance of living as normal a life as possible.

I will send her a card when Claire and Daniel get home with our memories along with the pictures I have of Nick and I hope that brings her some comfort. I will think of her every day and send her positive thoughts and love from my heart. I will send her hope for her family and their future and maybe in some small way that will help. Maybe.

It Was Great Having You Come to Visit

2011-07-08T13:57:00.000-06:00

I don't know about the rest of you, but I have thoroughly enjoyed having Will and Kate come to visit our country. I think that they truly have seen the best that Canada has to offer. I have watched the news every night (rarely do I do that) to see what they have been up to everyday and I have religiously checked the website, http://www.whatkatewore.com/ to get the details on all of her great clothes!!!

Before I share my favourite moments of the tour, I would like to make a couple of comments. I think that, while on their tour, they should have spent a day with Claire and Daniel's Baba for some serious and seriously fattening Ukrainian food! Kate needs to eat a little bit more and get a little bit more meat on her bones. I found that most of her clothes looked big and I am sure that they are a size 0 already!!! I just think that us Canadian granola girls would feel a little bit better if her bum was just a little bit rounder. The other thing that I found disturbing is that Kate has a English accent!!!! I know, I know, DUH!!!, she is from England, but I just think that she is very, very down to earth and that an English accent just doesn't suit!!!! I think she should speak Canadian!!!! Anyway, I know, where are my meds!!!

With that all being said, here are my favourite moments:

Kate threatening to throw Will off the dock in PEI

Kate looked like she was having a genuinely good time while she was here.

This and the following were my favorite outfits that Kate wore while
she was here.

On Canada Day in Ottawa, she wore the dress that she wore previously
for her engagement photos. The critics thought that it was great for the photos,
but too short for an official visit as Dutches. Carlam thought that it looked
just fine! And the Fascinator is AWESOME!!!!
Way better than those Dr. Seuss style Canadian hats!!

This is our military at it's best. Loading Will and Kate's fancy clothes!!
I don't know if they need full on fatigues for this duty, but they look good!

Kate hugging little Diamond. Diamond has cancer and her Make a Wish dream
was to meet Kate. Pretty heavy stuff for our Miss Kate.

This is the letter the Diamond wrote to Kate. Made me teary and laugh at
at the same time. LOVE how Diamond asks Kate who her favourite Princess is.

This little girl's look is priceless and exactly how I felt everyday
sharing this tour with Will and Kate.

This is my friend, Heather's little girl, Lauren, on Canada Day.
Lauren lives in England with her Mom and Dad. Isn't she adorable??
I know that this has nothing to do with the Royal Tour except Lauren
loves Canada too!!! Thanks for lending us your Prince and Princess!!!

Claire and the Daisys

2011-06-29T10:38:00.001-06:00

Grade Five Wrap Up

2011-06-28T13:38:00.000-06:00

Claire is officially finished with Grade 5 today. YAY CLAIRE!!!!! Daniel has already been off for a week, so, I think that she would tell you this has been the longest week of her life!!!

Claire's class, along with the other Grade 5 class at OES, had their Celebration of Learning yesterday and I took the morning off of work to go and check it out.

The kids were all dressed to present their projects on a Canadian they felt left an impact on our country and the world. Claire and her partner, Dawson, both did Wayne Gretzky.

Claire with her report on Wayne. The laptop is set up with a power point presentation.
Heels with a hockey jersey, that's my girl!!!

Ms. Schellenberg wanted the kids to feel like they were important influential Canadians too so, the following is the poster that Claire made about herself.

Claire has had a good year in grade 5. She has been a member of the Green Team, Leadership Council (basically elementary school student council), hand bell choir and voice choir and Jack Rabbits (although she didn't get to many practices because she couldn't seem to keep her room clean). Claire had two teachers this year as Ms. Schellenberg had to take a few months off to get over her husband packing up and leaving. I can't remember the substitutes name, but she and Claire got along just fine.

Claire excelled academically and socially which, I am sure that if you know Claire is no surprise.

Claire getting her Certificate from Ms. Schellenberg

Claire and her certificate of Academic Achievement

Claire and her friend, Baily. Baily is leaving us for warmer
weather in BC. She will be missed. :(

Claire and her BFF's.
From bottom clockwise you have Addison, Sheraya, Baily, Shelby, Dana, Emma and Claire
Have a great summer!!!

Gerry

2011-06-28T10:59:00.000-06:00

This is Gerry. He came to Chinook Winds by way of the SPCA when he was taken from a farm near McNutt, Saskatchewan. You can read his arrival story here and here.

Gerry is a wonderful, sweet dog. We have missed him since he has been gone. He was very quiet and spent a lot of time sleeping on my bed in my room. He came to us very unsure of his surroundings and he is still adjusting to his new life.

He has been moved to Olds, to live with the Halls for the time being. Mrs. Hall was away visiting her daughter when he arrived so, I hope, now that she is home, that she is falling in love with him and he will be able to spend the rest of his life playing with Pebbles.

Claire's End of Year Recital

2011-06-27T15:33:00.001-06:00

Claire sang True Colors (Glee Version) by Cindy Lauper for final recital for the 2010/2011 season at Weeds Music. This will be Claire's last year at Weeds Music. Her new teacher next year will be Dori Whyte and she will be working towards taking her Grade 3 exam for Royal Conservatory of Music. She will then be able to work towards earning credits towards her highschool graduation.

This is just a snippet of her singing. We were very lucky to have my friend, Dena, staying with us this weekend so, she got to come to the recital too. Afterwards, we all took Curtis out for dinner to celebrate Father's Day.

Claire and her Giant Balloon

2011-06-27T15:27:00.001-06:00

Claire won this balloon in a school draw. No idea what the draw was for, but she sure had fun with the balloon. She is holding a regular balloon in her other hand for size reference, in case you didn't notice that the blue balloon is almost as big as she is!!!

She blew this thing up herself and it is a good thing we got a picture because it popped when she tried to get it through the door of her bedroom.

OHS Honors Band Wrap up

2011-06-07T15:13:00.000-06:00

I can't put into words how happy and proud I am of Daniel. He has almost completed his first year at the high school. He is excelling in all his classes and is an important member of the Onoway High school Honors Band. Last Sunday the band gave their final performance for the year. They will be back next year, but it won't be the same band as the grade 12 members are graduating and moving on with their lives (insert sadness here). Can't wait to see what happens next year, but for now, I thought I should reflect on the year that was.

Daniel's best friend, Hyrum, plays the tuba

During the 2009/2010 school year the Onoway High school Honors Band received a gold rating at the Red Deer Music Festival. This got them the coveted invitation to compete at the Musicfest National festival in Richmond, BC. At Musicfest the 2010/2011 band received a gold rating, one of only two bands at the festival. INCREDIBLE!!!! The following video is their sight treading performance at Richmond, BC. They had 5 minutes to learn and then play this piece that no one in the band had ever seen before.

The Honors Band also competed at the Edmonton Music Festival this year at which they received a superior plus rating and the Adjudicators Choice Award.

The Sunday concert was MC'd by the Chance Quartet.

Daniel received an award for only missing 1 of 160 Honors Band
practices during the 2010/2011 school year.
(Missed for goose hunting with Papa, not because Mom slept in)

Daniel receiving his attendance award from Maestro Tom Saumer
Hyrum received one of 17 perfect attendance awards

Mak'in Memories

2011-06-02T11:57:00.001-06:00

So....... U2 WAS AWESOME!!!!!!

Claire and Daniel and I had a fab time last night with about 70,000 other people. One of them being my friend, Michelle. This is her favourite pic of the night (She was a little closer than we were). If you look between the two guitars, that is about where the Pollock-Patience family is seated (standing).

I give credit to whoever took this picture. Michelle and
Chip were numbers 314 and 315 for the mass standing area.
They ended up in the 2nd pit.

Daniel ready to ROCK OUT!!!!

This is U2 taking the stage!!!

This is the stage/bug/whatever you want to call it. They refer
to is as a spaceship. If you look way, way up to the tippy
top you will see a tiny cross on top of a silver globe.

This is our group shot!

Spaceship in the dark with the big LED screen thing in
the middle of it.

Daniel and I while Claire was in the
Merchandise line.

A little snippet of U2 singing Beautiful Day

This is a video of the song they did with all the lights
off. The lights you see are just every ones' phones.
VERY COOL!!!

U2 singing With or Without You!!! The highlight of the night!

Lock up your Daughters

2011-06-02T11:56:00.000-06:00

U2 TONITE

2011-06-01T11:14:00.000-06:00

OMG!!! I am insanely excited that I am taking Claire and Daniel to see U2 tonite. I feel that as their mom, it is one of my maternal duties to take them to see this band!!! U2 has been so influential in so many lives and have done so much for humanity. I know, it is just a band, BUT IT IS U2 PEOPLE!!!!

My U2 memory is from the TV show, Friends, and Ross and Rachel. I was completely blown away when Ross requested With or Without You for Rachel on the radio. I was 21 when that episode aired and living in an apartment with Curtis on Hermary Street in Red Deer. I was in my first year of College and so in love with that show and still so open to the possibilities of this world. Oh to still be young and carefree!!!!

I also think that this concert is a sort of a goodbye to Claire and Daniel's childhood. Daniel is 13 and Claire is 11. There aren't going to be many more concerts that they are going to be excited about going to with their Mom. They are going to want to hang out with their friends and do things on their own and surprisingly, I am OK with that. I am glad that they are growing up and becoming little independent people.

BUT, tonite is for the three of us and making a memory to last a lifetime and maybe even longer. Someday I hope and conversation between them starts, "Hey Claire, remember that time Mom took us to see U2......"

Oh How the Mice do Play when the Cat is Away

2011-05-27T09:39:00.000-06:00

This is not a good quality picture because it is taken in stealth mode. THIS is what goes on in my hot tub when I am not at home. Yes,that is snorkel gear. Really? In a hot tub?

Harvest Time

2011-05-27T09:32:00.000-06:00

May officially be the best crop of dandelions we have ever had at our place! I hope they don't poof before I can harvest them on Sunday!

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-04-24T21:19:00.000-06:00

Curtis in Hospital

2011-04-19T10:55:00.000-06:00

So, yesterday I was just working away at work when I get the following text from Curtis

"Hi. Fyi. Long story but I have a colapsed lung. going in for surgery tonite and will be in the hospital for the week. Royal alex. So you know"

followed by my response

"What?!?! Just tried to call you. No answer. Can u call me?"

followed by his response

"can't talk in the emerg room. Waiting on a room. Surgery tonite. No issues"

No issues, are you kidding?!?!? As you might well expect I thought there were major issues. What happened was Curtis had a cyst on his lung. The Dr. told him that he has most likely had it from birth. It ruptured during the wee hours of the morning on April 18. He spent the night in pain and short of breath until he headed to emerg in Devon around 5:30 am. They proceeded to rush him to the Royal Alex Hospital in Edmonton where all of this was diagnosed. The little bugger of a cyst had put a tiny hole in his lung when it ruptured and this little hole was leaking air/fluid and all sorts of other bad shit into his chest cavity, which in turn, collapsed his lung and caused the shortness of breath and pain. Apparently this is a fairly common problem for tall skinny men that smoke, not withstanding the cyst.

He had surgery last night and the kids and I were there shortly after he woke up, along with his girlfriend Shawna, who was with him most of the day. He was in considerable pain and we didn't stay long, but just wanted him to know that we were there for him and so that the kids could see that he was OK. I have called and checked on him this morning and the unit station said that he slept well and was looking good this morning.

So, I don't know how much experience you all have with this situation, but let me tell you, it is a little weird going to visit your ex in the hospital with your kids while his girlfriend, that you have only met once, is there as well. I didn't really know what to do. I didn't want to offend anyone, but once I was there, instincts just sort of took over and my hoodie came off and I was right in the mix making sure that he had everything he needed, was he in pain? How bad was the pain? Was someone bringing something for it? Had he had morphine before? How was the surgery? Did he remember anything? The weirdest part was I would talk to Shawna about him like her wasn't there and I talked to Curtis about Shawna like she wasn't there. It wasn't something anyone did on purpose, it just sort of happened.

Now, with all that being said I don't want to give anyone the impression that I have any feelings towards Curtis at all except friendship and more often complete frustration. Seriously, I quite frequently want to kick him. It was just weird. We spent the first 18 years of our adulthood together as a couple. Even though he would tell you I don't know him, I know him pretty well and he and Shawna have only been together for about six months. I didn't know what to do and finally just did what I thought was right and be damned with all the rest. I called his Mom so that she knew I knew and checked in with her to make sure she was OK because I knew she would be freaking out. I knew that Shawna had already spoken to her, but I needed to check in too.

Claire and I are going to go back tonight after we drop Daniel off at karate. I assume Shawna will be there when we arrive or shortly after and I am just going to pretend that Curtis and I have no history other than friendship and try to get to know her better, as a person. You know, where she grew up, how many siblings she has, how are her kids, etc. This is my plan. I hope that I can stick to it, but you know me, shoot first and analyze the situation and ask questions later.

Shawna and I have to get along for the sake of Claire and Daniel and I think for our own sanities as well. Curtis is moving in with her and her kids starting June 1, but I will save that blog discussion for another day. Let's just say it is a good thing that I am still " a fully medicated, functioning adult".

An Amazing Night out in Onoway

2011-04-18T13:19:00.000-06:00

Saturday night was amazing. I keep saying that to everyone I talked to on Sunday and today. On Saturday the Onoway High School Honor's Band held their coffeehouse showcase. This is a fundraising evening for the band in order to continue to go on band trips such as the trip to Richmond, BC that they are taking in May to compete in MusicFest Canada. There is a HUGE silent auction (over 100 items) that everyone frantically bids on and mingles amongst. A BIG thank you to Nana, Papa and Carlam for their donation to the auction. The Honor's band preforms and all the small ensembles (made up of Honor's Band members) preform as well. There is coffee, tea and juice served along with many yummy dainties and cream puffs. Yes, I said it. all the cream puffs you can eat and not just the plain ones, chocolate covered as well!!!!!

The evening is topped off with a performance by the Joe Saumer Big Band. This band is directed by Tom Saumer, the director of the high school band and basically all round music legend in this area (including Edmonton). This man is the reason why my son is so happy and settled at high school. You could not ask for a better role model for your child and I hope that you are all blessed with a person like him in your child's life. Without this band and Daniel's keen interest, he would just be wandering around, a ghost, at that school. I digress, back to the band!!! The big band was AWESOME!!!! They play swing music from the 40's and for some of it they have a vocalist. LOTS of people were up dancing including me and my friend,Dena. It is worth the price of admission to watch my dear friend dance. She dances like no one is watching and THAT is amazing in itself. Claire and her friends, Emma and Sheraya, had Daniel up dancing and this resulted in Daniel being asked to dance by one of the girls in the band. I was very proud of him for being gracious and not saying no. He does, however, have to have some dance lessons. The last song the Big Band always plays is In the Mood. It is a tribute to the founding member of the band, Joe Saumer, who is our Mr. Saumer's father.

The Things I learned from Saturday night:

1. How truly blessed we are to live in this amazing small town;

2. Mr. and Mrs. Noble can dance like nobody's business and it is a joy to watch them every time I get the chance;

3. That high school boys today look just as awkward and self conscious dancing as they did back in my day and I hope that never changes; and

4. That my kids, my friends and my life right now is amazing and even though it seems to all be slipping away oh so quickly, it is wonderful to take it all in when I get the chance.

My idea of Heaven

2011-04-12T11:19:00.001-06:00

A cowboy doing dishes. Nuff said.

Kitty in the Sun

2011-04-08T14:51:00.000-06:00

Oilers vs. Canucks

2011-04-06T16:04:00.001-06:00

Claire and I got to go to our 1st NHL game last night. We watched the Edmonton Oilers beat the Vancouver Canucks 2-0. It was AWESOME!!!!! I was confused at the beginning because I am used to the commentator on the radio or TV let you know when everything is about to happen and there was no announcement that the puck was about to drop to start the game. That was I think, when I realized that I was actually witnessing an NHL game in person!!!! We had amazing seats right behind the visitor's goal and if I would have pressed my nose through a hole in the Plexiglas, I am sure I could have smelled Roberto Luongo and the Sedin Sisters. There was one ejection for a nasty hit and a sort of fight, but otherwise a pretty clean game. I think based on personal knowledge now, that I have decided that Ryan Jones, who plays for Edmonton, will be my official NHL boyfriend. I am currently looking for a new NFL boyfriend since Brett Favre decided to flash his goodies and retire. Any suggestions?

Anyway, Claire and I had a great time and I think that we will make an effort to go again next year, for sure. I will have to go with Daniel this time, but that would be OK too. The only thing that would have made last night just that much better is if Don Cherry and Ron MacLean had picked us up and taken us to the game.

The National Anthem (that is Roberto Luongo in goal for Vancouver)

Me and the players

Claire and the players

At the end of the game, all the Oilers converge on centre ice and salute the fans. I have no idea if this happens at the end of every NHL game, but I have always thought it was pretty cool.

Office Dog

2011-04-06T15:52:00.000-06:00

Monday was made much more fun at the office because Ed and Michelle brought their dog, Sam, to hang out for the day. She is super cute and I enjoyed sharing my lunch with her. I think she enjoyed it too.

Claire is Eleven

2011-03-11T14:01:00.000-07:00

Claire turned eleven years old on March 11, 2011. I have been sitting on this blog post since that day, not sure what I want to say about it. There are so many emotions wrapped up in watching your child get older and approach adulthood.

I am sad to see her grow up, but at the same time happy to see her blossoming into such an incredible person. Frustrated with her as often as I am utterly speechless over how amazing she is. There is also that need to address my own mortality because no matter how hard I try to take it all in and cherish every moment, it is just all going by so quickly.

Claire is definitely what you would call an old soul. She has been around the block and lived at least one other lifetime (no stick licking for this girl). I am not sure what she is supposed to learn this time, but part of it has to be dealing with me, an obviously brand new soul. I have countless worries like:

OMG, she is eleven!!
Did I teach her enough those 1st eleven years?
What if I missed something?
Can I have a do over? Lord knows I could use a few. No? SHIT!!! I hope I have it sort of right so far.
At least she knows all her body parts and can count to 100 right????

I do, however, have great back up with my Mom in my corner because she has had an eleven year old girl twice AND SURVIVED!!!

So, Claire and her whole family are moving on to the age of 12, whether we are all ready or not. We have puberty to get through with it's mood swings and tampons. We have boys ahead of us that are currently of little interest, but I know are just lurking around the corner. Fights over the TV and whether or not she has done her chores will turn into arguments over curfews and how long she has been on the phone. There will be tears, tantrums and slamming doors. I hope that there will also be long talks, laughs and more incredible amazement. I think we are ready so, we will all move forward with strong conviction, back up and a box of Kleenex. Well, maybe a more than one box.

A Day of Reflection and Thanks

2011-03-03T20:20:00.001-07:00

Today is the six year anniversary of the day my friend lost her brother in the most devastating and public way. I sent her my love and hugs on Facebook and sympathized with her from a distance, but I don't understand her pain and I am so fortunate that I have no idea what she is going through.

The only people that I have lost are my grandparents and although that was devastating at the time, I have moved on without scars. I can't even imagine not being able to pick up the phone and talk to my sister or my parents whenever I want. Could I move on from losing any of them? Could I get out of bed and put one foot in front of the other? I honestly don't know.

So, I am thankful that I don't have to deal with Kalhanie's pain today. That I get to just spend the evening with Claire at Starbucks conquering grade 5 math and that I can phone my Mom on the way home to discuss her quest for Roughrider green salt and pepper shakers and tell her that I love her.

SEEMS LIKE WINTER IS NEVER GOING TO END

2011-03-01T15:22:00.000-07:00

Today it was -33 when I was driving to work. Over the weekend we got another 4 inches of snow resulting in me getting stuck in my driveway and spending my Monday evening getting unstuck. Thank you to Faron and Garth who came and finally pushed me out and then helped push my dead quad back to the garage. Thank you to Carlam for talking me down off the ledge when I called him on my cell phone, completely hysterical, sitting in my van, stuck in my driveway. I am soooo over winter. I need a break from it all together. I am tired of buying wood to heat my house, I am tired of helping my poor old girl, Flynn, into the house when she freezes up in the yard and I am tired of cleaning up dog pee on my kitchen floor because my poor old Flynn just can't bear to go out in this shitty weather. I am tired of freezing when I go to bed and freezing when I get up in the morning.

I know that there are many of you fellow Canadians who feel the same so, I thought that today I would share some of my favorite pics from last summer to show us all that there is hope and that there is warmer weather around some distant corner, somewhere.

a stack of rainbow bees at Pride Day in Edmonton, Alberta

Water Lilies in Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba

A copilot at the drag races in Fairview, Alberta

Daniel and Claire swinging at Big Sky Montana

Daniel hanging on to a dino tail in southern Alberta

My dear friend, Christie

Claire sitting on that Dino in southern Alberta.

Conducting traffic at the Fairview, Alberta drag races

And my favourite summer picture from 2010 was taken by

Claire of her cousin Jorja. She just personifies summer in this shot.

Maggie

2011-03-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

Maggie was an amazing dog. She had personality. She was a Diva. She was loved.

The following is the post that Sue, Maggie's Mom, sent me after she crossed the Rainbow Bridge on January 7, 2011.

Airborn Magic raced into our hears and Maggie filled our lives with incredible laughter and joy. Yesterday, she lost her vinal battle with lymphoma and crossed the bridge to join her brother, Caine, and the many other wonderful grays who have passed before her.

You have my heart, Maggie. Race with it!

I have sometimes thought of the final cause of dogs having such short lives and I am quite satisfied it is in compassion to the human race; for if we suffer so much in losing a dog after an acquaintance of ten or twelve years, what would it be if they were to live double that time?

Sir Walter Scott

I first met Maggie when she was fresh off the track at the tender age of 3 when she came to be fostered at my place in Red Deer in March of 2004. We loved her right from the beginning. The following picture is of her in her xpen in my livingroom. She LOVED to collect toys (be they kid or dog) and pretty much anything else she could get jammed in that pen. I was so very happy for her when she found her forever home with Sue and her family and so sad that I had to let her go. I did not know when I dropped her off that day that I would see her often as Sue would become a fellow volunteer for Chinook Winds. I had the pleasure of watching her "tell" the newbies that showed up in her yard, the rules, I had the pleasure of watching her turn on the charm at more than one Meet and Greet and I had the pleasure of seeing her grow old as a happy, settled retired racer.

She wasn't mine, but she had a piece of my heart. God speed, Maggie.

An evening at the Ballet

2010-11-17T15:21:00.000-07:00

Last night Claire and I went into Edmonton to the Northern Jubilee Auditorium and watch the ballet, Swan Lake, performed by the Moscow City Ballet Company. We had terrace(balcony) seats and a whole row to ourselves (there were only 3 seats to start with).

It was beautiful, and so was my daughter. I just love getting to spend these evenings with her. They are so special and what memories are made of. We found her dress at Ricki's and I think that she looks stunning. Of course, winter arrived yesterday so, she wore her dress with leggings and boots, instead of bare legs and ballet flats.

If you don't know the story, here is a link to the Synopsis so that you have a better understanding. Knowing the story is great, but you don't need it to admire the amazing ability of these dancers. The girls have muscles on their bodies that I am pretty sure have never existed on mine.

An amazing night, now, what should we see next. Nana, want to come to the Nutcracker?

Trick or Treating, 2010

2010-11-05T14:02:00.000-06:00

Claire and Daniel went trick or treating with their Dad in Spruce Grove this year. I stayed home and had a nap!!! They came home with an obscene amount of candy that I have decided not to police this year. The sooner it is gone, the better, I say!!!! Mine are a little more menacing looking than Steph's Dino and Jenn's parrot, but we are in a very, very different age bracket and if I came at either of my kids with a Dino costume, they would be moving out the next day! The key to a tween/teen costume is scary/chic (sigh).

Daniel's First Official Goose Hunt

2010-10-20T14:34:00.000-06:00

Well, the time has finally come. Daniel got to go to MB for goose hunting and do something other than be the dog (retriever). He passed his Hunter Safety Training Course at the end of August and got a shotgun from all his family for an early birthday present, so, he was ready to, as he and his Papa like to say, "BLAST 'EM!!!!"

Daniel and his Dad went and stayed with my parents (yes, all the grownups in this family need to pat themselves on the back for making it possible for Daniel to hunt with his Dad and his Papa) for the week following Thanksgiving and had a great time. Daniel needs to be exposed to all the testosterone he can get when he lives with Claire and I!! He slept with his gun by his bed so that he wouldn't forget to bring it home.

By the way, Daniel will be 13 on Friday. Time sure flies.....

Tipper

2010-09-13T14:48:00.000-06:00

It is with a very heavy heart that I let you all know that I had to help Tipper across the bridge on September 8, 2010. She and I have been battling her congestive heart failure all summer with more pills than I ever thought I would give a dog. When we got home from the cabin after the long weekend, she was starting to look like it was all too much. She was tired of fighting for her every breath and it hurt my soul to watch her struggle.

Curtis met us at the clinic and she went peacefully with one of us on either side of her. There was no struggle, just silence.

Tipper came to us through Misty Creek Dog Rescue about 6 months after we lost our 1st bulldog, Rocky. She was the complete opposite. She could run, she loved to "go find a stick" and Frisbees. Her favorite, in the house toy, was her Squeaky Devil Man that drove us all crazy and had to spend some serious time on top of the piano so the humans in the house could keep their sanity.

Last year was a very, very hard year for me. When Curtis and I split up, I would sit in our walk-in closet and cry until I gasped for breath and Tipper was always at my feet, making sure that I knew she was there for me. When Curtis moved out and I would come home from work, or when I had to spend those first weekends alone when Claire and Daniel were with him, Tipper and Chester were always there as my constant cheerleaders, never caring what shape I was in, just loving me. I never had to put on a brave face around them, they would just be there.

Part of me hopes that she went on across the bridge and didn't look back. I hope that she knows that I am OK now and can do it on my own and that she can watch me from there and see that I am going to be fine. I hope that she isn't bossing Sidney around too much and is letting him have the time to eat his food. I hope that she isn't punting Freedom every chance she gets, but that she does get in a good one once in awhile to make her smile. I hope she lets Grandpa Cryderman scratch her butt, her snorts and noises would make him laugh.

My house is very quiet. Greyhounds don't make enough noise, no snoring, no snuffling....

See you soon, my English Rose, my girlie.

May Quad Rally

2010-09-07T14:54:00.000-06:00

Very dusty, dirty and even a little mud!!! Fun was had by all!!!

1st Day of School for 2010/2011

2010-08-30T15:28:00.000-06:00

I have all of the summer to update you all on, but today is the day for this post.

1st day back to school started this morning at 7:00am. Kids were ready to go and were out to meet the bus in plenty of time. Back to routine, back to earlier bed times, back to bliss. Daniel headed to the high school for the first time this morning as a member of the grade 8 class, graduating class of 2015, if you are interested. Claire headed to grade 5 and the big kid side of the elementary school. I have heard through the grapevine as today has progressed that she and Emma and Addison are all in the same class so, Claire will be ecstatic.

Happy 1st day back everyone, whenever it is for you.

Mother's Day Weekend

2010-07-22T15:33:00.000-06:00

Mother's day weekend this year was AWESOME!!! Shae came and stayed overnight, Friday night and then her Mom picked her up as well as Claire and went shopping at the West Edmonton Mall. Daniel, Carlam and I got to cut up some wood. I even got to use my chainsaw, but it was a little scary and was happy to load the trailer and stack the wood with Daniel while Carlam worked the saw.

The following are pics taken at Greenland with the new camera.

Daniel and Carlam goofing around.

My beautiful Claire

Claire and Shae SHOCKED that I would take a picture of
them while they were eating breakfast!!

My Goofy Daniel

Happy Mother's Day to Me!
(photo by Claire)

Trip to Seattle 2010

2010-07-21T15:35:00.000-06:00

Hello! I think that it is great that I am just updating the crap out of my blog and you know who's still have Blanket Love as the latest update!!!! I am now up to April, yay me!!!

For the Easter long weekend, Carlam and I went to Seattle to visit Stephanie, Aaron and Matthew. Had a short, but great trip. Arrived late Thursday night, visited Vashon Island on our own on Friday, Took part in Matthew's 1st birthday party on Saturday, checked out Pike Place Market on Sunday and flew home Monday.

By the way, all pictures are courtesy of Carlam and Kathy. Always gotta give credit.

Matthew gets up much earlier than Carlam and I do. So,
this is what would come through our bedroom door
every morning when he heard us up. Could he be any cuter?

Carlam enjoying the view and wishing I would
bugger off with the camera!!

Matthew and his Gramma Joyce before
he dives into his cake made by Gramma

The cupcakes we all got to enjoy!

Carlam pestering me with the camera

shot taken by Kathy. We are obviously having a good time.

Matthew and his Mom

Friday Carlam and I headed to Vashon Island.
This was the tree to the left of the fairy dock.
For April and coming from snowy Alberta, it was just soooo green.
Could hardly stop looking at it.

In line to get on the fairy.

While just touring the Island, Carlam and I were discussing
our favourite birds. His is the Eagle and mine is any type of crane.
We come around the corner to the marina and Carlam says
"well, look at that" and there stood this lovely
Crane enjoying shore nibbles.

It was very blustery and rainy that day on Vashon.

A leaf in the parking lot by a book store in Downtown
Vashon.

There were a bunch of these weird chicken thingys
on a road on Vashon. Ran right across the road in front of the car.
They made a horrible noise too.

Friday night Steph was tired from work and finishing last
minute stuff for Matthew's part so, Carlam came with me
to DSW. These flowers were in the parking lot of the mall.

Sunday was spent at Pike Place Market

Heading home tired, but happy that we got to spend an amazing time
together in Seattle. Thanks for everything Steph and Aaron!

Driv'in a Big Rig

2010-06-24T12:07:00.000-06:00

Guess what???? This spring when Carlam was down for a visit, he let me drive a 5 Ton truck!!!! For those of you not in the know, this is a SEMI!!!!! Air brakes and everything and even the pull down horn!!!!! I was very excited and SUPER intimidated, but he showed me how to do it and I got to drive it about...... a mile. Yep, but that was enough for me and another thing that I can add to my checklist of accomplishments!!!

THE TRUCK
I told you it was a SEMI

Doing the check of everything before I got to drive.
Carlam took me through all the steps before I got in the
driver's seat.

Carlam and I before we headed out. Claire is the photographer.

In the truck and ready to go!!!!

Checking behind me and freaking out because there is a car
behind me and I did not want to roll backwards and
squish it like a bug!!!

Claire and her bunny came along for the ride.
Daniel decided that it wasn't worth losing his life over.

Claire took Carlam's picture with Bunny too!

The end of our drive. Great fun!!!

Bunny is too exhausted to get out of the truck, poor bunny!

BJJ Seminar and Tournament

2010-06-10T16:24:00.000-06:00

In February Daniel took part in a two day BJJ Seminar and Tournament when Professor Behring was in Edmonton from Brazil. He only comes twice a year so it is very important to go to the seminar when he is here. This is also the only time you can grade for any stripes/belts in BJJ.

Daniel's Arashi Do Professors are Professor Andrew

and Professor Mike (from the left in the top row)

Professor Behring is standing beside Daniel. As you can

see, he may intimidate Daniel, just a bit.

Daniel and Hyrum Duet at OHS Grade 7 Band Concert

2010-06-10T16:20:00.000-06:00

OHS Grade 7 Band Concert

2010-06-10T16:18:00.001-06:00

OHS Grade 7 Band Concert

2010-06-10T16:18:00.000-06:00

OHS Grade 7 Band Concert

2010-06-10T16:10:00.000-06:00

Just a quick little note so that you have some idea why there are so many YouTube uploads of a high school band. Daniel started band this year in grade 7. Now that we are all past the shock that my little boy is in grade 7, we can move on. HE LOVES IT. He has been playing the Clarinet and also the Saxophone. Next year he is taking band as one of his options and hopes to get into the Honors Band. Nana and Papa came out to Onoway and got to enjoy the Grade 7 band concert with Claire and I. It was really great and Daniel is doing very well at it.

2010-06-10T15:23:00.001-06:00

2010 Parkland Music Festival

2010-06-10T15:23:00.000-06:00

2010 Parkland Music Festival

2010-06-10T15:22:00.001-06:00

2010 Parkland Music Festival

2010-06-10T15:22:00.000-06:00

Claire Skis the Berkebeiner

2010-06-10T12:01:00.000-06:00

Claire crossing the finish line at the 2010 Berkebeiner.

Claire Skis the Berkie

2010-05-25T10:58:00.000-06:00

For the 2nd week in a row, Claire bundled up and Skied the Birkebeiner. The weather was less than Stellar, but she went for it anyway!!! The night before and just before the race, a ton of wet, squishy snow fell, making the well groomed trails not so well groomed. Claire skied 5 kms, but he skiing coach did the full race of 55 kms with a 5.5 kg pack strapped to his back. Mr. Dunn said it was the hardest Berkie he had completed in a long time.

People like to dress up for the Birkie. This is a clown waiting at the start line.

Another clown at the start.

Claire in the warm up tent before heading out to the start line.

Doesn't she look impressed with the weather?

Claire trying to stay warm at the start line.

Ready to go!

At the finish line. 5kms complete!

City of Edmonton Torch Relay Leg

2010-03-23T15:51:00.001-06:00

Edmonton Stop on the Olympic Torch Relay

2010-03-23T12:20:00.000-06:00

Group Shot before the Torch arrived in Sir Winston Churchill

Square.

The Hare Krishnas of the Torch Relay passing out

these cool light up, bang together balloon thingys!

D behind the Canadian Flag

D and the torch lit behind him.

Daniel and Hyrum taking in the festivities!

Daniel and his friend, Hyrum and I went into Edmonton over a month ago to take part in and see the Olympic Torch when it came to the City. It was very cool! We decided after the torch arrived to see how close we could get to the stage. During this process, we were adopted by a very small Asian lady who was obviously using me as her way to the front of the stage, she even at one point even said "I sorry, but you big!!!". Glad that I, as a strong well built Canadian girl, could be of help to one of our new immigrants at this great display of National pride.

MARLA

2010-03-23T12:07:00.000-06:00

This is Marla. She is the daughter of a couple that are friends with my friend, Dena Friars. Dena got to babysit Marla for a week while her parents went on a lovely vacation to Florida. I LOVE THIS LITTLE GIRL!!!!! For starters, she has red hair and green eyes. She is also a bit of a terror, or as Dena likes to call her "The Terminator". I truly believe that this child was meant to be mine. I know, go take my meds (sigh). No plans to kidnap her...... yet.

Girl's Day Out

2010-03-23T11:48:00.000-06:00

About a month ago, I took the Friar girls and Claire for a day at the West Edmonton Mall. The highlight of our trip was Build-a-Bear. If you have no idea what I am talking about, it is a store where you choose a flat plush animal and have it stuffed complete with a plush heart that you have made a wish on. You then get a Birth Certificate for your new best friend and then you can pick clothes, accessories and anything else you can think of to make your new friend feel truly loved and to drain your mother's bank account! We also went to Triple Flip(think Lululemon for girls) just to try on clothes! So fun!!

Eve with the Stuffies the girls made. Eve's is the pink

Unicorn, Claire's is the Cheetah and Emma's is the bear.

Claire with the new stuffed buddies

And last, but not least, Emma

Quadbogganing

2010-02-02T18:58:00.000-07:00

This is your new word for the day "Quadbogganing". This is what my friend, Delphine, and her family, call pulling a sled or toboggan behind a quad at high speeds. Carlam is also very familiar with this outdoor northern Alberta sport and introduced Claire, Daniel and I to it recently.

Claire and Emma got to try it out one weekend when Emma slept over. This was their inaugural run and they weren't going very fast so, don't worry that they don't have helmets on.

One thing we have learned is that Chester cannot take part in this sport because he thinks it is fun to try to remove the slider from the sled and has ripped some jackets and even some skin!!!

Emma coming out of the pasture.

Claire getting ready to give it a try.

Claire still hanging on as she approaches the end of the lane way.

Christmas 2009

2010-01-26T15:03:00.000-07:00

The Pollock/Patience/Greenreich 2009 Christmas was spent at the Patience house and for the 1st time in a long time, spent together, all in the same location!!!! Mom and Dad arrived on the 19th and Matthew, Stephanie and Aaron followed from Seattle on the 21st. It was sooooo great to all be together for Matthew's 1st Christmas. Curtis came to open prezzys Christmas morning, which was really important to the kids and I and Carlam joined us Christmas Day night after spending the day with his family and that was wonderful!!

Unfortunately there was something else that either arrived with one of the travelling parties or was at the Patience house waiting for everyone.......... THE FLU!!!!!! The only three that were immune were Daniel, Claire and Carlam. Everyone else got it. It was a bummer because Matthew was sick on Christmas day. As I have told many, the drink of choice for Christmas 2009 was Schweppes Ginger ale!!! So.... because of our extra guest, it was a very quiet Christmas, which isn't really that bad anyway. We were up around 9:30 Christmas day and those of us well enough ate a great Christmas day meal.

Boxing Day, everyone except Nana and Matthew trouped off to the West Edmonton Mall to Watch Avatar in 3D. IT WAS AWESOME!!! I will forever have the image of Claire sitting on the edge of her seat in her 3D glasses glued to the screen. It really is a great movie just because of the special effects and the 3D. Other than that just another Cowboys and Indians movie.

On the 27th, Carlam took Stephanie and Claire and Daniel sliding down the Onoway sledding hill. They had a great time and didn't have to walk up the hill every time they slid down because he pulled them back up with his quad!!!! Can you say Spoiled!!! I didn't go because that was the day I had Mr. Flu visit me. They also did some Quadbogganing, which is the sport of being pulled behind the quad on a sled. Very fun!! I am hoping Stephanie will have some pics of the sledding, but if she doesn't I will get them from Carlam and post them. Stephanie, Aaron and Matthew headed home on the 28th and Mom and Dad followed on the 30th. The kids and I followed Carlam home on the 31st and spent New Year's Eve with his friends in Hines Creek. They all have kids my kids' ages so everyone had a great time. It was back to work and regular routine on January 4th.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!

Matthew opening his prezzy from Claire

And here it is, an owl she sculpted, painted and fired. I have to admit that I was a little jealous that Matthew got this owl and I, her mother, did not!

Matthew and Steph Christmas Day

Daniel getting goodies out of his stocking.

Claire getting into her stocking Christmas morning.

Claire and Matthew

Carlam opening his prezzys on Boxing Day

2009 homemade gifts for Teachers and friends. Every reindeer had a story written by Claire or Daniel. Claire's was western themed, Daniel's was about a reindeer that needed to collect Worker's Comp. Don't ask, because I have no idea.

2010-01-14T11:06:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, as Stephanie very kindly pointed out yesterday, my blog is sad. I have been ridiculously busy and frankly, just have not had the time to get this done. BUT TODAY IS THE DAY!!!

Really, there hasn't been that much going on in our lives since my last post. Daniel turned 12 on the 22nd of October. There wasn't much fanfare and he couldn't decide what he wanted to do for a party so, we just had cake and ice cream at Curtis' and he got to open some sweet prezzies and that was it. I think that he has reached the age where he doesn't want to have a party supervised by his MOM and is still not old enough to party on him own (thank goodness).

Daniel has taken part in a couple of karate tournaments (1 bigger, 1 smaller). Claire is doing her voice lessons and had a recital before Christmas. She sang "Out Here on My Own" from Fame and did well. I will try to post video later this week. She also had a major part in the school Christmas play called Santa's Playlist. She did awesome and Nana and Papa even made the trip out to watch. What a thrill!!! Again, I will post pics/video this weekend.

The dogs and I are well. My old cat, Freedom is hanging in there and makes an appearance every weekday morning for his canned cat food treat. His hearing and eyesight are going so, you have to be careful not to surprise him, or he yells. Our garage cat, Tracker, has pretty much moved into the house. His manner are impeccable so, I guess he can stay. Our little gray cat was not at the door when I got up this morning so that is concerning, but hopefully she is there when the kids get home from school. Will keep you posted.

I am doing well and enjoying not having to answer to anyone and being in charge of my own life. I have to say, I seem to be handling everything out on my acreage just fine on my own. I have met a really great guy to hang out with. I met him on the Internet and we really have a good time together. His name is Carlam and he has passed the family test and the kids think he is "pretty cool". Daniel had vocabulary homework last night where you had to match the car parts with their meanings. Well, let's just say that is very out of my league so, he called Carlam and they figured it out together. Carlam lives about 4 and a half hours away from me so there is some travelling involved if we want to see each other, but so far have been able to make it work. He is divorced and doesn't have any kids, which I have to admit, is nice. We are just hanging out and enjoying each other's company.

Get Well Flowers

2009-10-28T11:12:00.000-06:00

Mom asked me to post this so that everyone could see the flowers that I got post surgery. 1st bouquet is from Mom and Dad and the kids and the 2nd is a reasonable facsimile (sorry, I didn't get a picture before they were kind of yucky) of the one that I received from Jim and Judy. I also got a 3rd fro Carlam that looked very similar to J & J's. Thanks so much everyone. BTW, I am feeling really well and took the last of my stitches out myself last night. I have been back on the treadmill twice this week going 2 miles last night. Might have pushed it a bit too far last night as I was sore when I finished and still this morning, but won't be at it again until Saturday so, should be fine.

Claire Learns to Quilt

2009-10-28T10:54:00.000-06:00

So, two weekends ago Claire and I decided that she needed to learn how to use the sewing maching and learn how to quilt. Not surprisingly, with very little supervision and a very quick demonstration on how to work the sewing machine, she was away. I think the part that she liked the best was that she got to use math and graph paper to figure out how big her squares should be to get the finished product the size that she wanted. She made this lovely Magic Bag to heat up at night and sleep with to keep her and the kitties nice and toasty!!!

Claire sewing her squares together

1st set of squares

Claire ironing the seams on her squares so

that they are nice and flat

Claire lining up the seams with pins so that they all match when

she sews them together. Her's were perfect.

Claire and her finished product

1st Official Snow Fall of Winter/2009

2009-10-08T15:12:00.000-06:00

Woke up to this, this morning. I have been told by some that it is a beautiful refreshing site. I have to admit that I didn't feel that way. I felt like pulling the covers over my head and hibernating until spring. Claire and Daniel were super excited, Chester was super excited, Tipper and the cats were with me. Oh well, I guess we have to accept that Old Man Winter is coming whether we are ready or not!!!

Coyote Howls

2009-10-07T16:16:00.003-06:00

Night sounds at the Patience residence.

Claire and Jorja on the Trampoline

2009-10-07T16:16:00.001-06:00

Taken when Jorja visited at the end of August.

Race for a Dollar

2009-10-07T16:15:00.001-06:00

Claire playing Race for a Dollar at the Street Performer's Festival in July.

Things I Learned Last Weekend

2009-09-30T15:49:00.000-06:00

The Notebook is still one of my favourite movies;
How to operate the leaf picker upper thingy (aka the Lawn Sweep);
The CFL can be enjoyable in the right company;
An Impala SS can do 220 kms/hour;
AND a weekend without your kids is not necessarily a bad thing.

LOL blog entry

2009-09-30T13:58:00.000-06:00

I don't know if any of you follow the blog www.thepioneerwoman.com, but I was reading her blog today and found this great entry from waaaay back in 2007. It is laugh out loud funny. Enjoy

Family Reunion

2009-09-29T15:54:00.000-06:00

On September 19, 2009 Claire and I went on a road trip to visit our favorite Calgary Family, Billy and Bobbi Staples and their adorable children. The extra bonus of this trip was that we got to visit with Auntie Marj and Jeff and Jenny Jo too!!! Jeff and Jenny Jo had made the long trip from their home in Pennsylvania and stopped in Roblin for a visit and to pick up Jeff's Mom before heading to Calgary to meet the new Staples family. This is the 1st trip that Jeff and Jenny Jo have made to Calgary since Billy met, married and procreated with Bobbi so, there were lots of introductions to be made!!! Claire and I arrived at the tail end of their visit to Alberta and everyone was getting along famously. So nice to see them all together finally.

This little kitty (named Oreo, we discovered) came to visit Claire. She is definitely the Cat Whisperer. Just came along the fence straight to her to say "hi"

Jeff posing on his way back to the Staples' side of the fence after retrieving the football from the neighbor's yard.

Noah, Jeff and Jenny Jo's lovely dog

Jenna having a great time on her little bike. This is seriously the cutest kid I have ever met!

A little help from Uncle Jeff

The Whole Staples Family, including Fur Babies, Noah and Murray

The Bill and Bobbi Branch

Bill, Jeff and I, we still look good after 36 years of knowing each other!!

AND, last, but not least, the Patience contingent. We had a great visit and I have to admit that I cried a little on my way home. Must see these people more often. Jeff and Jenny Jo, can't wait for you to head north again or, you never know, maybe we'll show up on your doorstep someday!

LOVE YOU ALL

Saki Toast to End the Black Belt Ceremony

2009-09-22T19:47:00.001-06:00

At the end of the Black Belt Ceremony, all Arashi Do Black Belts toast each other with Saki. Daniel thought it was yummy!

Black Belt Presentation

2009-09-22T19:46:00.001-06:00

This is the video of Daniel getting his Junior Black Belt with Iron Man Distinction.

Goose Hunting in Manitoba, 2009

2009-09-22T15:55:00.000-06:00

Again Daniel took part in the goose hunting season with his Papa and his Dad. Thanks soooo much to Mom and Dad for letting this happen for Daniel. He had a great time and I know that he is looking forward to next year because he will finally be able to shoot a gun and count to up the limit of birds they can take home each day!! YAHOO!!!

September 11, 2009

September 12, 2009

September 13, 2009 - a little crowded

September 14, 2009 - Daniel looks tired

September 15, 2009

September 16, 2009

September 17, 2009 - this is my favorite picture. My son is very happy!

September 18, 2009 - last day for Daniel, First day for my cousin, Dennis. Note how in love Daniel is with his Papa's shot gun

September 19, 2009 - last day for Dennis

Chinook Winds Greyhound Picnic 2009

2009-09-22T15:17:00.000-06:00

On September 12th, 2009 Chinook Winds Greyhound Rescue Foundation hosted their annual picnic just outside Edmonton to raise money for the group and of course, to allow all the dogs and owners to get together and talk greyhound! Claire and I attended as Daniel was in MB hunting and we had a great time as usual. Claire and I were in charge of the kid game (a greyhound name scavenger hunt) meaning that I helped her get the stuff and come up with the idea and she ran the show at the picnic. Chester came with us and also had a great time. He seems to think that he needs to be a little snarky with other greyhounds. Maybe he is just taking advantage of being away from Tipper and showing other dogs that he is boss!

Chester enjoying the shade. He still looks like a puppy to me!

Pretty girl excited to be at the picnic

Everyone getting ready for the auction to start

Auction in full swing

I know the brindle and white girl is Tinkerbell, but I don't know

the name of the black boy.

My New Hat

2009-09-22T15:13:00.000-06:00

When Daniel was in MB hunting Claire and I went to the mall and we found this hat for me. I think it is great and now we have matching ones as she already owns a hat very similar to this one. We wore them to music lessons last night!! We are just too cute for our own good!

First Day of School, 2009

2009-09-22T15:00:00.000-06:00

Well, it is that time of year again! Daniel and Claire started school on August 31st, 2009 and put in a full five days right off the bat. These are the pictures from the 1st morning. Daniel was heading off to grade 7 and his last year at the elementary school and Claire is going to grade 4.

Claire got a new haircut for school. Daniel did too, you just can't tell!! I can't believe how cute Claire's looks. Completely suits her face and sense of style. I have to admit that I am a little jealous!!

Visit from the Stanilands

2009-09-22T13:49:00.001-06:00

At the end of August, we were all lucky to have the Staniland's come and visit. Claire and Daniel took these pictures while they were staying at their Dad's during the visit. Everyone had a great time. Baba and Gedo came along too so, it was a very crowded house in Spruce Grove!!!

Claire and Daniel's littlest Staniland cousin, Lincoln. He will be 2 in March

Jorja and Morgan decided to stay over at my house one night and Claire and Jorja did makeup. Doesn't Jorja look fabulous?!?

Jorja in the car

Me thinks Jorja likes to get her picture taken!!

Daniel in the front seat

Morgan

Auntie Tanya and Lincoln posing for Claire at the Aviation Museum

Uncle Melvin checking out the planes

He's Back..........

2009-09-22T13:39:00.000-06:00

I am sure that many of my generation remembers this little guy and his attitude. I even had more than one when I was a kid. Well, he has returned. Garfield is now my kids' new obsession. They love him as much as Calvin from Calvin and Hobbes and I think Claire likes him because he is a cat!! Claire has started to collect Garfields. Please do not take this as an invitiation to send her all your old Garfields!!!

Summer Holiday Portraits

2009-09-22T13:20:00.000-06:00

From the beach at La Push

From Fernie on our way home

Trip to Seattle

2009-09-22T10:42:00.000-06:00

So, for my holidays at the beginning of August, Claire, Daniel, Tipper and I headed south to sunny Seattle. I can actually say that because, it was actually sunny!!! Gotta love the Northwest in August!! We had a great time and it only rained when we weren't ready to head outside, so, that wa perfect! We got to see Matthew and Claire is in love! No baby is as cute as Matthew. She can't wait to see him at Christmas!!!

Our Tour Guides! They never tired, but I am sure that they were ready for us to head home at the end of the week. It is always good to see family come, and go. Matthew is such an amazing baby, as long as he has food and his wipies he is good to go anywhere! We saw lots of Uncle Aaron too, but he didn't want to participate in any of our craziness and now that Matthew is here, there wasn't room in the car!

Our 1st touring day was spent at the Seattle Science Centre. I didn't have my camera with me, so, if you want to see pics of that you will have to visit http://www.greenbuckets.blogspot.com/. Steph has those pics posted on her blog. Oh, and you can check out super cute Matthew too!!! It was a good day and didn't tire anyone out too much.

There was also some shopping done by us while Steph was at work, a trip to Ivors to feed the seagulls and a midnight showing of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince at the Imax theatre. Matthew and Steph missed out on that, they just didn't have the stamina that day.

The big trip of the visit, planned waaaaay in advance was to Port Angeles, Forks and La Push. Now, if you are not familiar with the Twilight books by Stephanie Meyer, you will have no idea why this trip was such a big deal. Now, to get to these towns, you have to drive all the way south of Seattle and back up to get around the sound and it takes about 4 hours because the roads are super skinny and super windy. Takes some time!!! But the views are great and there are even giant cedars on the way. In the books, Port Angeles is the "big Center" the characters visit when they want to do some shopping or see a movie. Forks, WA is where they live and La Push is the adjoining Indian Reserve where the Werewolves reside. It was a great day and Claire and I, especially had a good time. I have to admit that I have not seen that many pre-teen girls in one place since the Hillary Duff concert a few years ago. They were everywhere on their own personal pilgrimages to visit the place where Edward and Bella fell in love!! Towns were very accommodating with self guided tours and lots of attractions to take in. You can read more about Port Angeles, WA here and Forks and La Push, WA here .

I have to admit that La Push was my favourite place to visit this trip. I love the ocean and make it a necessary detour whenever I am in Seattle. It just calms my soul and frankly, there was nothing I needed more in August. The kids and I picked rocks to make a door mat out of and hopefully we will get that done over the winter when the snow is blowing.

The following are pictures from Port Angeles

Bella Itallia (please note the name) where Bella and Edward have dinner

Book stores visited by Bella when she visits Port Angeles in the book

The following are pictures taken in Forks, WA the home town of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen

sign when you enter town

The Swan residence where Bella lives with her Father, the police Chief

This is supposed to be the Cullen residence. I was disappointed in this house. Not nearly as beautiful as it is described in the book. I understand that the book is fiction and that they did the best they could, but really, don't you think they should have built an exact replica, out in the woods like the one in the book?!?!?

High school that all the kids attend.

And last on the list of places for us to visit was the La Push Indian Reserve and the ocean. Can't wait to go back. The following are the pics taken on the beach.

Our attempt at a group photo. Note that Claire is absent. She is actually just down beside Matthew! Steph has the shot with Claire at www.greenbuckets.blogspot.com

Claire on a gian piece of driftwood

Claire and Daniel in the ocean. Please note that my crazy Canadian kids were the only ones in the water that day without wetsuits. This is August people!!

And last but not least, Steph and Matthew. This boy is definitely the new love of my sister's life. Just look at what he has done for her face. I miss you both everyday and Aaron too. Take care and we will see you soon!!

Street Performers Festival

2009-09-22T10:16:00.000-06:00

At the beginning of July, the kids and I took in the Street Performer's Festival at Churchill Square in Downtown Edmonton. This is one of the largest street performer's festivals in the world and it was awesome. We can't wait to go again next year!

Claire and Daniel watching the crazy french clown

that mapped out a house with masking tape on the

concrete!

Claire playing "Race for a Dollar"

Daniel getting his face painted

Claire getting her face painted

Daniel's Dragon

Claire's completed Butterfly

Brother and Sister (actually standing close to each other)

In front of the fountain. Will have to come dressed to wade

next time.

FINALLY AN UPDATE!!!

2009-09-22T09:54:00.000-06:00

I know, I know, I have been rediculously lax at updating this blog this summer. I do have a legitimate excuse though! It is all the fault of the men of Arashi Do. Daniel took him Black Belt test in June and did not receive his new Black Belt Gi until a week ago so, it is not my fault that I am completely anal and need to keep this blog in chronological order for posterity.

Anyway, here are the long awaited pics of Daniel with his newly acquired Black Belt. Daniel received his black belt with iron man distinction, which means that in the allotted time for sparring he earned more than 30 points as opposed to the necessary 20 to pass the test. This is very hard and Daniel was one of only 3 that received this distinction for the junior black belts. I am the proudest Mom in the world because of his accomplishments in martial arts.

Introducing SENSEI DANIEL!!!

This is the certificate that Daniel received the day of his test.

He also got 2 black belts, one with his name and Arashi Do

embroidered on it and his plain "everyday" belt that he

wears to class.

The back of Daniel Gi

The front of his Gi. This is a new design

so, the June 2009 graduating class

is the first to have this Gi

Daniel with his Certificate

Taylor Swift & Kenny Chesney Concert

2009-08-11T17:36:00.000-06:00

On July 9th Claire & Curtis went to a concert called Commonwealth Country. There was many vocal artists. There was Jake Owen, JD Bigsby, Taylor Swift & Kenny Chesney. The concert lasted about six hours.

Edmonton Eskimos Pre-Season

2009-07-28T23:13:00.000-06:00

In June Daniel and I took our friends, Dena and Hyrum to an Eskimos pre-season game. We had a great time, but almost froze our butts off! It is crazy how the wind whips around that stadium.

Pictures taken by Daniel

Mayor for a Day and the Onoway Heritage Days

2009-07-27T02:42:00.000-06:00

Can't sleep.... thought I would update the blog since I have the whole month of June to upload and we are heading to Seattle in a week and Lord knows there will be pics to upload then and great, great stories to tell.

The 1st weekend in June marks the annual Heritage Days in our little town of Onoway. The great thing about this year was that Daniel won an essay contest and became Mayor for the Day. Daniel got to spend the day with the current Mayor, George Jendyk, glad handing throughout the community. He started out at the pancake breakfast 1st thing in the morning and then took part in the parade as one of the dignitaries. Took a few spins on the three (yes, three) amusement rides and finished up the day listening to the old time fiddlers. Started at 7:30 am and I picked him up at 3:00pm. He was a little tired!! Had a great time though and said the best part about being Mayor of Onoway was that you got a sticker for your car that allows you to park anywhere. Now, the funny part about this is that Onoway is a very small town with no restricted parking. Too Funny.

While Daniel was doing the Mayor thing, Curtis, Claire and I took in the festivities. Claire had a good time on the three rides. Salt and Pepper shaker scared her a little bit, but Curtis thought it was great fun.

The theme this year was a salute to our military so

there were lots of old antique and current day

military vehicles in the parade.

Daniel in the parade!

Daniel and George at the end of their day.

Claire on the giant swing ride

Claire on the spinning ride.

Claire and Curtis on the Salt and Pepper Shakers.

Claire's June Recital

2009-06-23T10:49:00.001-06:00

Look at me go! Two updates in less than two weeks! I should get a medal!! This is Claire singing in her final recital of the year. She is singing Part of your World from The Little Mermaid. I have to apologize for cutting off the end, ran out of memory in my camera. Anyway, enjoy!!

2009 WKC Provincials in Edmonton

2009-06-11T10:29:00.000-06:00

Just to wrap up.... Daniel had a great tournament at Provincials this year and we are so proud of all the amazing things he has done with his martial arts since he started at the ripe old age of six. This year he won gold and silver for his efforts. We did not attend Nationals in Hull, QC this year and as a result will not be going to World's in Ireland (bummer). Oh well, there are always other years.

Gold Medal Continuous Match, round 2

2009-06-11T10:21:00.001-06:00

This is the final round of the Gold Medal match for the +40 kg, -12 year old boys Continuous Division. Daniel won this fight handily by taking Sensei Mike's instructions and executing them exactly. WAY TO GO DANIEL! Provincial Champion again!

Gold Medal Continuous Match Round 1

2009-06-11T10:00:00.001-06:00

This is the 1st round of the Gold medal Continuous match at the National Qualifier in Alberta for 2009. Daniel did EXACTLY what Sensei Mike said and did an all round awesome job! The high pitched screaming is the other kid losing it becasue Daniel keeps side kicking him in the gutt. The ref for this match is Robby Lavoie, an incredible world class point fighter from Toronto that came to show the kids from Alberta his stuff.

-12 Point Fighting Gold Medal Match

2009-06-11T09:56:00.001-06:00

Daniel is in black fighting Nick from Cheney's in Red Deer. Daniel ended up with the silver medal in his weight class for point fighting.