As Life Rolls On: December 2006

Monday, December 18, 2006

OK, I'm Ready Too!!!!!

So, I like my sister Barb am now also ready for Christmas. I took the weekend and did absolutely no work (first time in months..........it was great!) I spent the weekend baking. At first I wasn't going to bake, after all the kids aren't here. Then I thought (yes, I do think sometimes), WELL GEE NOW (inside family joke), traditions don't need to stop just because the kids aren't here. I therefore made a list of squares and cookies that can be easily packed in a bag lunch, so Bruce can take some on the road with him when he gets called out on bus runs over the holidays (we anticipate he will be gone alot). The house smelled good, "like Christmas".

All the gifts are bought and wrapped, even those for my fur neice and fur nephew. I have sent

James' "tradition" to him in Korea (I won't say what it is, 'cause if it hasn't arrived yet, I'll ruin his surprise). As all my kids read my blog, I won't tell you what I got them, but I will say that this year was hard to buy for them. I am going home to see them, so I had to make sure everything I got could be packed in my suitcase.

Christmas Eve, I'll drop in to see Kevin & Wanda and the girls. We plan on having them over on the weekend, but we are trying to coordinate that with Bruce's schedule. Christmas Day I'll get up and open gifts with Bruce (if he's not out on a run). We'll drop over to Stephen and Gayle's for a bit to spend some time with them and the kids, then I hop on my plane home!!!!!!!! I am so excited to be spending the holidays with the kids, being able to go to my traditional family Christmas on Boxing Day, hanging out with my sisters for a bit and being able to hook up with Liz for dinner. The two bitter sweet things are that James will be in Korea, and Bruce will be in Calgary.

So, I'm ready, my mind is already there. I'll see everyone or talk to you over the holidays.

Monday, December 11, 2006

How Time Flies!

I spent today thinking alot about the past 28 years. Why you ask.............well our baby girl turns 28 today. It seems like yesterday. I woke up at 5:00 am on Dec 11, 1978 and told Bruce "I think I'm in labour" I said "I think" because I only had a bit of a back ache, but due to other "signs" I thought we should mosey on down to the hospital. We arrived just before 6:00 and within the hour, our beautiful, perfect little girl, Jennifer Joanne was born (ya, I know, I make some women sick).

I was fortunate that I grew up in a home where there was always babies around, so even though I was so young, I was very comfortable with being a mom. That being said, Jenn was an easy baby. The first night we were home from the hospital, she slept through the night. I finished nursing her just before midnight, and the next thing I knew it was 6:30 AM. I was petrified, I thought something was wrong. That was just the way she was. She liked her sleep at night (and still does).

From the time she was born, Jenn was bright, and always happy. She was creative and always found ways to entertain herself, her little brothers and her friends. I remember how she would line all her dolls and stuffed animals up on the stairs (and her little brothers when she could get them to sit still), then preach to them, only she would preach to them on how to take care of themselves (interesting that she became a nurse). In looking through some pictures of her today, I don't think a came across one where she wasn't smiling or laughing.

What I am amazed with is the wonderful, compassionate, self assured women Jenn has become. She is loved by anyone who comes in contact with her. She has an amazing sense of humour that can put anyone at ease. She gives of herself to family, friends, and her patients, over and over and over again. That all being said, she is no push over. She will stand her ground on issues that are of the utmost importance to her. Don't try to debate a point with her, 'cause you'll lose. When she has been hurt or needs to deal with a difficult situation, she will always take the high road and will hold her head high. As most of you know, she and Kevin will be adopting children. Although there was some tears in arriving at their decision, I am humbled by the way she (they) drew upon her faith, quickly accepted the situation and embraced the fact that God has a plan for them in this. A true sign of a very grounded woman, of whom I am very proud.

So Jenn, I wish you the most wonderful birthday. I truly am blessed to have you as my daughter and friend. I love you.