API 570

Yess finally got my next inspection course and certification.  I was able to complete the course in Oklahoma through Mark Smith Training in early October and the weather was amazing. And the colours were so beautiful. On the flight down I met some amazing people. From Edmonton to Denver, I met this fella who works in the Oil patch on drilling side, who was from Saskatchewan originally and was as white as i am but  was a full blood First Nations. He told me all about his hunting excursions and how they use all the meat, hide and guts from each animal.
The next fellow I met whilst in Denver while waiting to board the plane to Tulsa was a fellow that goes to Church  with the McBrooms and said to say hi to them. Super Small world.
Once I got to Tulsa, i got my Chevrolet Impala and drove the 1hour north to Bartlesville. I met up with the McBrooms for a small dinner and visit and then checked in to my hotel. Next day was Sunday so I went to church and sat with the McBrooms.
Then the work began, as it was time for Sunday night code tabbing at the Hampton.

Monday -Saturday was a lot of sitting and reviewing code. Mark does a good job keeping students attention, with stories and games. He splurged on us several times, buying us lunch at Pizza hut twice and taking us to the Caney KS Zoo. Its a small private zoo with some very exotic amimals. I think he has 5 white tigers. 2 lions, tons of monkeys and lemurs, and 2 hyenas, a grizzly bear and a field of kangaroos.

Friday night i ate dinner at Dink's BBQ with the McBrooms. Elder McBroom loved to talk about how great the food there is, so he finally got to show it off.  I also got to meet their kids 3 boys and 2 girls. it was a big family, and before i left that night, i was able to remember their names, unfortunately, now i do not.

Anyway I landed in Edmonton early afternoon and had to drive up to Jackfish, work a few days then come home, and prepare for the API exam.
I wrote the exam in Edmonton. I was a little nervous about the exam, but was able to pull off a decent mark. 452/500. Thanks to my family, my work, and God for helping me through the hectic life and complete another exam.

Glad its all done. 1 more to go

Bartlesville Stake Centre

Inside the Barn    

Mark Smith Training Barn Wann OK

Quick Trip to Kansas to the Zoo

Kujo 

SICK OF BEING SICK

WOW has it been a long two weeks, and it aint over yet.

It all started with Mom getting deathly ill. She was so sick, for so long. she just could not get better. achy, fevers, sore, weak... and she passed it on.

Kansas first, then Wade and now Macie. Wade somehow picked up some pink eye, (or as he calls it, red eye) He has to have this salve put in his eye twice a day, its so sad.Well Kansas, just will not get better. She was looking like she was over it, but then she took a turn for the worse.

all the symptoms have passed it on, however dad has remained unscathed. Its funny because not only did dad get a flue shot but when he received his blessing for his new calling, of Stake Self Reliance Specialist, Brother Burgess blessed daddy with health to carry out his calling.

Skating

First time this year, the kids did really good. They both had to take a few moments to recall how to skate, but in the end they did awesome. Everyone falls down even daddy.
Macie loves skating even though she says it is hard

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS 2018

Holy Cross Elementary School Christmas Concert

This year we had 2 children singing in the concert. Our luck had them singing on two different nights.
So Wednesday and Thursday night was on the schedule for the Hunspergers.

Dad took some holidays from work so he could watch both events. Mom got really sick and missed them both.

Wednesday night was Grade 1:Mme Sara - Macies class
they sang 2 songs: P'tit Noel and C'est Noel.
although I could not understand any words, Macie is preparing to be a good singer, as she was focused on Ms Milly and sang all the words.

I had to leave after her song because of Baby Kansas, who was tired and done sitting quiet.

Thursday night was Kindergarten: Mme Valeri - Wades class
They sang 2 songs: J-E-S-U-S and Quatre Semaine
Wade said that he was pretty scared when he got out on stage, but no one could tell. Wade did such a good job, he was a little quiet at first but helped lead the choir at the end.

Super Proud of both our little Rock Stars.
Merry Christmas you Two

Inter-generational Christmas Party

Kansas, I know you will not remember how much joy that you brought to a few folks during a brief visit at a community christmas party.

The Cold Lake Parent link Centre put together a chance for young people and seniors to get together for a morning and visit and do crafts together. to build new friendships, gain better understanding and respect for all people.

Kansas and I sat at a table with three lovely ladies. The one lady shown below holding you drew you pictures and fell in love with you. The other lady, sister Hatch enjoyed your company while daddy went to get a round of waters for my girls.

You were in a good mood waving and colouring with our new friends. You enjoyed making the reindeer hat and decorating cookies. 

You even had a enough courage to venture off on your own for a bit amid the crowded class room. But you courage fled away when it was your turn to sit on Santa's lap (Brother Willie was sitting in for Santa). You were a bit terrified and would not leave daddies arms. You gladly accepted the treat bag though.  

Your sweet smile and spirit means a lot to other people. Always look for ways to build people up and help them when they are down. Don't judge others.

Sister Hatch and Kansas 

NOT HAPPY WITH SANTA

Reading with Santa

Holy Cross put on an afternoon of reading with Santa, which included milk and cookies. It was a great time to get the kids excited for Christmas. The best part was that it was a event that raised awareness of a 12 yr old who is being treated for cancer. all the money raised went to help him and his family out. This School is really trying to help out those in need as Jesus would do. 

Kansas Visits the Neurologist

After almost a year of waiting to get into the Neurologist, there was a surprise call on Tuesday morning that there was an available spot on Thursday at 1pm for Kansas to get in, other wise there was no guarantee when the next opportunity was. Mark is always working on Thursday so Kalinda would have to travel to the Children's Stollery Hospital by herself. It sounds easier that it is.

The appointment came and went. The Dr.s that attended were very nice and very understandable. They requested some blood work to help identify what is going on with Baby Kansas. The official diagnosis is that she has ptosis, as it was on display for the Dr.s to see.  They mentioned that there are a number of diseases with the symptoms of ptosis. The Blood work will hopefully give some answers.

Macie came along to help mom out and make a girls day of it.

As for Kansas, she seems to be doing well. She eats like a heifer, runs around like a horse, and is such a joy for our family. We sure love our little Kansas

A Tribute to Cobalt

Our Cat cobalt came into our lives in fall of 2005 when we were nestled in to our 2 bedroom apartment on 5700 31 street Lloydminster.
She was a small little calico cat then that was very sweet. She saw our family grow with two dogs and then 3 children. She adapted as we moved into 5 different places.
There was a time in Kitscoty that Cobalt was very angry cat, who didn't like very many people. She would bite and claw at anyone who tried to pet her. This worried us as Macie was about to be born, that Cobalt would claw our new baby. Kalinda sat down with Cobalt and had a very serious conversation about what would happen if anything should happen to baby Macie.
From that time on, Cobalt was a very good and friendly cat. when she was outside exploring and someone walked up the street, Cobalt would stride up to that person, rub their leg, and lay down and roll over looking for a tummy rub. Everyone would comment on what a friendly cat we had.
Cobalt was also a good mouser. She kept our homes free of varmints. I never worried about mice at all when Cobalt was on the case.
Sometime in Kitscoty, something happened to Cobalt that caused her great pain. She could barley move her hind legs. We took her to the vet to give her some help. The vet had her stay over night for observations. We believe that she either fell down from somewhere very high, or she got kicked or hit by something. She did manage to recover from that, but likely still was in a lot of pain when the weather changed.
She minded her own business for the most part and was very content, however when she wanted attention, she made it know. She would follow you around and rub your leg or face if you were on the ground playing with the kids.
One winter in Lloydminster something happened to her ear that caused it to fill with fluid. We tried to drain it to relieve the pressure, but then the ear flopped over and never regained its perkiness.
As time went by, Cobalt gained a liking for Macie and would cuddle with her in her bed. Macie was in heaven every time she did.
Kansas also has gained a fondness of Kitty and would call for her to pet her. Very Cute
Cobalt has passed on to the other side where Molly was probably waiting for her with a big slobbery kiss. She was  pretty good cat, very smart, a good mouser, and she will be missed.  Until we meet again Cobalt, Adieu
2005- Nov 26, 2018

Our First Pet- Cobalt the Kitten

Look how tiny she was.

                             

Cobalt and Lily meet for fist time. Cobalt is ready to pounce

                           

Cobalt and Lily getting along