Halloween 2015

Macie since September was wanting to be Toothless from How to Train your Dragon, but with moving and renting and things being packed away I new that was not gonna be something we could make this year. I hate the idea of store bought costumes, to me most of the fun of Halloween is making your costume. Not necessarily from scratch but finding and putting pieces together to create something magical, but with the craziness of our life I opted to go to Walmart and buy the pre-made all perfectly put together costumes. We went with our kids favourite show "Paw Patrol", and the kids went as Skye and Chase. We went trick or treating in the neighbourhood of our rental house as they go all out. I was so impressed almost every other house is decorated and like crazy decorated. One house is unreal and has lights that play to music and you can tune your radio to a station and listen to the music and watch the lights dance. Even though are costumes were lame this was probably my favourite Halloween so far. The kids had a blast, the weather was awesome, Wade was especially cute running all over the place and saying Trick or Treat at all the houses. And even in there non home made costumes they still looked ridiculously cute. 

WADE TURNS 2!!!

How is it possible that this baby of mine is already 2.  Wade since the moment you came into our life you have thrown our world upside down. You have been a bit of a challenge for your Mom since the moment I got pregnant with you, however I wouldn't want life to be any different or any easier if it meant not having you in my life.

- Your smile is the greatest thing ever. I could look at pictures of your smile all day long. If I am having a rough day or a bad moment, all it takes is your smile, or looking at a picture of your smile and I feel instantly better.

- To add to that, your laugh is even better. Your voice is still so unique and different and you can hear it in that adorable laugh of yours.

- You are obsessed with Dinosaurs, like super duper crazy obsessed. You play with them all day long, bring them with you every where you go, oh and could watch Dinosaur shows anytime of day.

- You also think trucks, cars, school buses, diggers, tow trucks, pretty much any type of vehicle are pretty close to being as awesome to play with as Dinosaurs.

- You love dancing, if the music comes on your body is groovin.

- Speaking has been a bit of a challenge for you, however these past 2 months you have made some huge strides and are finally starting to say words and communicate better with us.

- You need your blanket everywhere and anywhere you go. It is this thick, heavy, super cozy blanket that you got from Macie's first dayhome (Krista Cryderman) as a baby present.

- Food is hit and miss with you. Some things you devour and could eat all day long, and other food you won't even consider. Mom is just greatful though that you will eat lots of fruits and veggies for me. You are also obsessed with crackers, and like your Dad love pizza. 

- You love to be rough and tough and play hard with your Sister, friends, and Mommy and Daddy. 

- You are not as big of a daredevil as your sister and use a bit more caution in your play, but for the most part you will do anything and are still pretty adventures. 

- You are a whopping 30 lbs, but still just pure muscle. You have never really had rolls of fat on your body, just endless muscle. Carrying you around is pretty non-existence.

- you have the best pout ever. You turn your back to us, fold your arms, and pout your lip. If we try and look at you, you just turn away from us and sometimes try and hid your smile. 

- Wade you have the sweetest heart, and such a fun personality. You can give us some good attitude and like to use the word no a lot, our family is so blessed to have you with us. You bring so much colour, and character into our home. I can't wait to see how much you grow up this next year and start talking and communicating more with us.



These are some of my favourite pics of my goofball this year!!

Falling into Place!

After 6 weeks of torture and nothing going right, being in a rental house with not even a table or chair to sit on. No internet and constant delays and roadblocks. Things are finally starting to come along. We bought a house, I got a job back at the Walmart Vision Centre. Just two days a week (I am super excited for this), finally making some friends, and all the other little odds and ends are finally getting worked out. My patience was tested hugely the past 6 weeks and in all honesty I kind of failed. Getting so angry, frustrated, taking it out on my kids and hubby. I don't think I have been so stressed before in my life. Last week there was a lesson in Sundau school on patience and it was definitely meant for me. I finally remembered that my Heavenly Father loves me and if I trust in him everything will work out. Once I started to calm down and let things happen when they happen, everything started falling into place. Still a couple things that need to get figured out but overall on Oct 27th we are moving into our new house and hopefully gonna finally settle into our new life. 

Picture of our new home

Birthday Party's are Fun!!!

So our little family got invited to a Birthday party for a little boy in Wade's Nursery class. They decided to do it Cowboys and Indians theme and all were invited to dress up. Since I had nothing to do on Friday I decided to go all out and get the kids decked out. Mark was a little envious of how awesome the kids looked so he decided to dress up as a Turkey and throw something together at the last minute. All three looked awesome and Macie even won a prize for the best costume. The party was a blast and it was nice getting to know some people up here in Cold Lake better. 

2015 SKYLINE VENTURE HIKE JASPER ALBERTA

DAY 1
It was my privilege to attend a well planned venture hike in the mountains of Jasper National Park.
The hike started by leaving Lloydminster at 7 am and heading west for 6 hours. Around 1pm we parked our cars at the landing area of the Skyline hiking trail, and took Caribou Cabs, a taxi service, to the trail head at Maligne Lake.

               

We entered the trial around 230pm and started our hike to number 29 on the above map, approximately 8 km. With in the first 20 minutes the hike was halted as a yearling black bear crossed the trail in front of us. We waited patiently for the laid back bear to carry on eating berry's and wondering through the woods. He was not worried that we were there and had no desire to attack. He must of know that we were equipped with air horn, bear spray, and bear bangers. We soon carried on our way to camp with no incident, except Mike Koo was a little to eager to get going before the bear was not that far off the trail, and had to be coached back to wait a little longer.

The trail was very nice easy grade passing through the forest and creeks. It was very calming and peaceful through out the hike. The weather was amazing. No wind, not too hot and not too cold.

We took a few short breaks but soon found our camp at little shovel camp ground. Each camp ground was equipped with a latrine, a fresh water source, food hanging system, picnic tables, and tent areas.

The fresh water source at Little Shovel was strait from the ground. The water was extremely cold and clear. It was the best water you could ever drink. The day was hazy, as the air was filled with smoke from forests fires burning somewhere. There fore the vast mountain range was difficult to distinguish.

LUMPY

DAY 2

I was out of the tent a bit before the troop was up and did a little walk about, and stopped by the creek to enjoy the sultry sounds of the running water and watch some birds play. While watching the birds play in the water and among the trees and shrubs a scripture came to mind. 3 Nephi 13:26-33. Avery pertinent scripture for my life right now as the decision to move to Cold Lake has brought some doubt in my mind. This little experience was an answer to prayers in only a way that the Lord would teach me. 

The troop was up at a good hour and continued the journey up the trail heading to our next camp site Curator camp ground. We were on the trail before 8 am, and had a good pace. The weather was amazing. It was warm and soon had to remove excess clothes to prevent sweat. The sites on this leg of the trail were nothing less than extravagant. We saw all kinds of land scape. Forrest, creeks, and meadows. The decent thought Little Shovel pass had us dropping down to a creek area and following the creek out to a meadow. The little creeks and streams that we passed as we marched through the mountain meadow was so beautiful and tranquil. No artist or engineer can compare to the Architect that created this picture that we were blessed to walk through. 

We had to hike up through big shovel pass, which we reached about noon. There we saw what lay ahead of us. 

The pathway to the "notch" it sure looked daunting. We had to hike along the side of the mountain and we arrived at the sign pointing to our camp, Curator which was down, down, down, in the bottom of the mountain, and the sign also pointed to the top of the Notch- Up, Up, Up. disappointed that our hike the next morning was going to be a 3 km up hill battle we defended down to Curator camp ground.

On the way down we ran into some mountain sheep wondering along the side of the  cliff edge. 

the path down was switch backs and hard on old knees. The camp ground at the bottom was very nice and hedged in on the north, east and south with large rock face.To the west a descent down to the cabins, hotel site.

The wind picked up that evening and caused most of us to retire early to our tents as we were not allowed to have fire at the camp grounds.

The wind howled through out the night, bringing a change in weather.

DAY 3

Again our Troop was up and ready to go at a good hour. By 8 am we were packed up and fed up. Hitting the trail early was our saving grace. We hiked onward and upward for a good 2-3 hours. The trail was rocky as we made our ascent up to the notch. There was a beautiful lake hid at the base of the mountain, filled with the bluest clearest water fed from the mountain streams. There were some narrow parts of the trail where hikers had to remain vigilant to prevent a twisted ankle or even a fall. The wind continued to blow hard that morning adding an additional challenge to all who attempted to hike against it.

After many micro breaks, we made it to the summit of the Notch, able to look down upon our accomplishment. 2480m elevation. The landscape below was nothing less than spectacular. we took a short moment to enjoy our feat, but moved on with great haste across the peak due to the emend force of the wind and the impending onslaught of fierce dark clouds. Those hiking had to lean into the wind  to prevent being blown down the other side of the mountain. Communicating was difficult as the loud whistling of the wind was all that could be heard.

Our troop managed to make the 1-2 km distance to the other side where we found shelter from the wind in the shadow of the mountain. Our next challenge lay in the large decent back down the mountain to the next camp ground. This path was full of switch backs which added the distance but made it a bit easier. Funny moment, while we were hiking down, Lehi's sleeping bag fell off his back pack and rolled down the side of the mountain. It was funny as it did not go too far, and he was able retrieve it.

At the bottom there was a creek where we sat and enjoyed a break while eating our lunches. Eventually we continued on to Tekarra camp ground. The path meandered in the valley of the mountain base which led to us back into trees. 

We eventually made the camp site and took a little wrest and donned our rain gear as the dark clouds overcame us and brought the rain.

3 runners overtook us and told us quickly about their journey- they started at the trail head that morning and were going on to the end that day. Amazing, to think they would do 44km in one day, but not just around a town site, or in a river valley, this was no easy walk, i can't imagine how they were able to run it, and with minimal gear and in the raging wind and oncoming rain.

Cozy tent arraignment

Lake at the bottom of the Notch

Top of the Notch

LEHI Getting his Sleeping bag

MT TEKERRA

After our break we headed on to the last camp site on our hike, which was going to make this day the longest day by far.

I think the boys were laughing as we finally made our last campsite around 430.pm  I was exhausted and very stiff. During this last leg of the hike, whenever I stopped, every joint seized up. The trail was very nice all the way from Takkerra to the final camp spot Signal. At this point the hiking path turns into an old road and heads down down down. 

We set up camp and enjoyed a nice break and dinner. After dinner and clean up the group took part in a testimony meeting. There was a sweet spirit that rested upon us as we talked about our blessings and learnings from this hiking trip as well as the trip of life.  It was a strong witness to the boys growth and their faith.  

We all slept like babies. If there were any beasts outside our tents, we missed it. 

DAY 4

The last 2-3 kms awaited us all down hill. Needless to say we were ready to go bright and early so we could make it home nice and early. This portion of the trail was hard on the knees. It did not takes us to long to complete the trail and load up the vehicles. It was a beautiful 4 days.