PS....

Just a couple quick things I forgot...I took a Superhost course in March..just a 2 half days, but it was interesting, and I can put it on my resume at least.

Also, I met a lady who's blog I have been reading lately. I found it on my friend Jamie's blog. I found out that she grew up near where I grew up, and I think her dad even taught my aunts, and dad. I was in our greeting gazeebo, and I saw these little boys, and I asked them their names, and they told me...which of course sounded familiar, but anyone can have those names...but then they told me their baby brothers name..and I was sure that it was her. So, a while later I told her that I had come across her blog...and we talked...but not for long, as it was busy, and they were leaving to tour the place..anyway..just sort of funny:)

Trusting.....

Hi Everyone:)

I have been debating about whether to change the settings of this blog to public, so that I can get more readers..lol. I am still not sure how to upload pics, nor do I know how to make a link to other blogs I frequent. If someone can help me, please do so!!

So..I came across a blog last night (through a friend of a friend, and yes I was bored), and I was very moved. A beautiful family. Three beautiful girls. About to have another. Then at her 20 wk u/s discover that the baby they want so dearly will not live when she is born. How does one cope with that? Alot of grace, and alot of faith. What an amazing family, with an amazing story. The blog was public, and her story is known around the world...this tiny little baby has left this amazing legacy!! The point of this story (other than that I was moved) was that they trusted God. So, that got me thinking...how much do we really trust/rely on God??

I have been having some "Trust Issues" w/ God lately. Just wondering what He has for us! What are His long range plans?? I don't see them. I see just the regular day grind..which isn't bad, but just wondering if He has more? Sometimes, I worry about things, that, as Anker puts it, I really don't need to worry about. Money, a bigger house, babies (yes, I had to put that in there). But really, do I need to worry about things? No, I shouldn't. I just need to trust and rely on God and provide EVERYTHING that we NEED!!! Like last week, things were really tight, as they always are...and we had to go to my parents house for the weekend (more on that later), and I was worrying on how we would get the gas to get out..(yes, things are that tight), amongst other things. Then, Wed (not sure of the day), I open the mail and there was my GST chq that I TOTALLY forgot was due to come this week. I NEVER forget when money is supposed to come! YAY!! That is just something simple, that totally made realise that God has bigger plans, and God is bigger than us!! But more than that, that God is watching and looking out for us!! Anyway..I hope this is an encouragement to you..in anything you are going through.

Ok..enough of the deep thoughts!! I know it has been awhile since I have written...:) I am really not sure where to start....

I guess I will start w/ this past weekend. We had a great time at my parents place. They are lambing, so of course, it was a hub-bub of activity. They are also doing Agri-tourism, so that makes things REALLY busy!! I mainly was outside, w/ one of my aunts, as a greeter. Sadly, the weather wasn't as nice as it could have (and should have..lol) in my opinion, but at least it didn't snow!! I had to get my winter jacket out, that was still in the car...it came in very handy. It rained and was VERY cold on Sunday. On Saturday, it wasn't quite as bad, but still not really warm. I got some great shots...and I have posted them to my Facebook account. On Saturday, they had organized an Easter Egg hunt. I think they had about 40 kids come out to that. It was a hit, and the kids got TONS of loot. On Sunday, we had a lovely Service, and since everyone is too busy to go to church, they have "Shepherd's Chapel", in which they hold a short half hour service in usually the tea house, but since we had a Youth Group from the Coast helping us for the weekend, we had it outside w/ a bonfire. After they left, mom had organized a staff kids EE hunt. Some of the adults got in on it, too!! Anker spent most of the weekend working on yet another outhouse..this time, above the road, near where they are going to make a small camping site. The rest of the day went well..but COLD. We did get some visitors, which was very surprising. In the late afternoon, I went and wandered around, taking pictures, and cuddling the lambs. Had a nice Easter Dinner of Lamb (of course!!), and then we made our way home.

In March, Anker and I took two trips to my parents place. One was for my sisters bday, which was fun. It was a cold weekend, and there was still snow (there still, actually, but not much). The second to last weekend of March, we went, as Anker was to help John w/ a project. We had to get the car looked at, so I stayed in Clearwater, and I visited my friend Jill. I hadn't seem them since they moved, and it was great to see their house. I sure miss her here, though!!

I am still doing Sunday School the first week of the month, and Anker had just started Ushering. I am really happy about that. He actually hasn't done it yet, since his first week, was this last, and we were at the ranch..so he had to switch w/ someone. Our life is pretty quiet, really. I wish in a way, that we went out more, but we really don't have alot of money to be going out all the time. We do what we can, though.

As for the jobs..nothing much has happened. I am getting interviews, though...just not much coming from them. I hope things turn around soon. I did send off two resumes last week, so maybe I will hear back from them this week. Anker is still working at both jobs. The dental office that he works at is moving a block down the street, into a bigger building, so he will be re-negotiating his contract, which will be good.

I am looking forward to the CCC's ladies retreat Mother's Day long weekend. I am being "sponsored" for the third year in a row...and I very humbled by this. I didn't ask (of course not!), nor did I expect it. It will be at Sunnybrae Bible Camp, so it will be a bit more rustic than the last two years (that i have gone), but it supposed to be really nice. Looking forward to spending time w/ the ladies, and going somewhere different.

I also got my hair highlighted the other week. I really love it...a friend from the church did it, so she gave me a nice discount, which was nice. My family got to see it last weekend (I didn't tell them), and although it took most of them all wknd to notice it..they finally did, and the consences was that they liked it. It was the first time I have had it done this way, and only the 3rd time EVER I have had it dyed.

Anker is getting his bike all ready for the spring/summer. He is SO excited about it, and it is fun seeing his so happy about something he really loves to do (even if I do get bored w/ all of his "bike talk"..lol) He rode dad's bike last weekend, and you would have thought someone gave him a million bucks, he was SO happy!! He needs to get his learners and then drivers for the bike, since he doesn't have it anymore (long story), so that will take a bit of time..but I am sure he will do great.

Well, I think that about does it for now!! I hope everyone has a wonderful spring. I also hope that I don't take too long to update this blog. I often don't know what to write, as I don't want to write things that bore everyone!!

Keep on trusting..and please leave a comment!!

Long Time, No Post!

Well, hello everyone! I DO hope that people are reading the blog. I know it's not overly interesting, and I guess most people with Facebook know what is going on, but I still like blogs. I even stalk blogs of people I don't know:)

So, I have about 3 months worth of news to catch you up on...I will try to make it short!

I think the first major event since I last wrote was Joseph's wedding. What a fun day that was! We all braved the -35C weather, and had a great weekend. Because the roads were so bad, Anker and I decided to stay at the Wells Gray Hotel, which was where the rehearsel dinner and Reception were held, and we are SO GLAD we did. It was a "mini-holiday" for us, which was nice. Sadly, that was also the weekend that our cars heat decided to also take a vacation! We aren't really sure what went wrong, but it seems to come back when the weather is warmer. So, the wedding was great. I found a cute dress, and a great price, so that was fun. Everyone looked beautiful. They had a dance, which was really fun. It was neat seeing everyone dance. My mom, who doesnt usually dance, was up there almost the whole time. I danced w/ my younger cousins, and all of my family members. Anker and I even danced some dances together.

The week before, we held Cadence's Bachelorette party. Don't worry. It was all very tame. We had supper at Chapter's Viewpoint..very nice, and we went back to the girls' hotel and played a game, and opened presents. That was also the night that it started to snow..ALOT.

So, we came back to Kamloops for a few days, and on Christmas Eve, headed back to my family's place. (FYI..for those of you who may be wondering why we dont spend it w/ Anker's family, it is b/c he only has one sister that is close [in proxmity] to us, and they were renovating their house. His other sister lives in the US, and his parents are dead). We had a nice time with the family. I really enjoyed Christmas this year. We were ALL home...Adam and Krystle did leave the next day for Toronto, but they were there for the day...so yay! Joseph and Cadence came back from their honeymon to help up celebrate. It snowed almost the whole time we were there, so it made it really Christmass-y:) My grandparents were also there. Came home on the 27, I think.

For New Years Eve, we had a Grey's Anatomy Marathon. Yes, I am into that show..so, I had to get caught up w/ this season! It was a quiet night, which was fine.

January was pretty quiet. Anker has hurt his back, so he had to cut down on his work. I am looking for work, but there really isnt much out right now. It is REALLY frustrating. I can't be on my feet or even walking for a long time, so I just can't take any retail job. I am trying to just give everything over to God, as he is our Ultimate Provider. I am seeing this more, and it is being confirmed to me..even in this last week or so. Anker has gone back to his Bible Study, but he skipped yesterday, as he wasn't feeling well. I am going to my ladies Bible study, and I am even reading the book:) I am still struggling w/ making friends here. My friend, Jill moved away, and I really miss her. She lived SO CLOSE..it was nice:) I have made a few friends here...but I still feel lonely some of the time. The last weekend of Jan, our ladies had our 2nd Annual Sleepover at the church. We had a fun time. We watched movies (Mamma Mia!, which was ok...the music saved it), and ate, and visited. On Sunday, Anker and I went to the Ranch, as I really missed my family, and I had missed my mom's and Adam's bdays. So, after church, we set out. I was warned there would be bad roads, but we didnt think it would be that bad..sadly, we were wrong. After Heffley Creek, the roads got bad, but Anker insisted on continuing. Anyway..we made it, and had a quick 24 hour visit w/ family. Short but sweet. I then declared that it was time that we move to Clearwater. Dad reminded me that spring would be here SOON:) The roads were much better on the way back on Monday. I think that about does it for this time. I tried to shorten things up. I hope you February has gotten off to a great start! I am looking forward to Valentine's Day. Ours last year wasn't very good, so we hope to do much better this year!

25 Random Things about Me

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

1) I am the oldest of 7 children.
2) I was homsechooled from the end of Gr 4 on.
3) My family owns a Sheep Ranch that is the largest family owned/operated heritage sheep ranch in Western Canada.
4) I am a magazine junkie..People, US weekly..tons of others.
5) I love the Young and the Restless. I have watched it on and off for about 13 years.
6) When I was a kid, i used to sneak down stairs, to where our tv was and watch various soaps..my mom never knew this until I told her, about a year or so ago.
7) I log on to People.com almost every day..I also get their daily newsletter. (same as you, Heather..lol)
8) I spent my 20th bday in Venice.
9) I went to an authentic Italian wedding, in Italy.
10) I use to watch Cooking shows as a kid..and I STILL love to watch them to this day.
11) I was in the delivery room when my little brother, Isaac, was born.
12) I have ADD, and I can't sit for more than two hours watching tv or a movie.
13) Newborn Babies scare me a bit...they are too little, and I am afraid I will break/drop them (bathing them especially..lol)
14) The Sound of Music is probably my favourite movie.
15) I got chicken pox when I was 12, and we watched Jaws and Pollyanna over and over for a week straight.
16) I met my husband on a dating site. We were married with in one year of meeting in person.
17) I love photography.
18) I am double jointed.
19) I became addicted to "Grey's Anatomy" this year. I have to have something to replace "ER".
20) I love Webkinz.
21) We went camping on our honeymoon.
22) I don't understand the necessity of iPods, Blackberries, and other new gadgets.
23) I don't like movies/shows with excessive amounts of gore, violence.
24) I could actually care less for the Turkey at Christmas/Thanks giving..My fav. holiday foods are the yams and stuffing.
25) I don't have 3-D vision. I really have no idea on how I got my drives license.

November Already?

Wow! It's almost that time of year again..CHRISTMAS!! For those of you who know me, I love Christmas!! It is going to be a crazy time this year, as we have the wedding just a few days before, but I think that my Grandparents are coming for the entire time, and they are always fun to hang out with. It will be fun to see everyone else (family, friends) as well, during the wedding. I just hope we get some snow!!

Anker has got a few more contracts, so that has been a blessing! We still need a few extra coins, as we need to get the car some tires and get a tune-up, Christmas, etc, so I have decided to take on part time job. I quit Sears in October, and I have enjoyed staying at home, but I am needing a bit more of a routine, so when I saw this job, I thought I had to apply! (that is a very long sentence) It is at a second hand bookstore downtown. I have had my first little interview yesterday, and I have an hour "hands on" interview this next week sometime. It sounds like I have the job, though. I don't think it is seasonal, either, so if all goes well, and if we all like each other, and if I like the job, and if nothing else comes up, I may just stay there for awhile. I love books, and I really like going to this store.

Last Saturday, Anker and I decided to go to Falkland, as we had heard of a really nice restaurant that serves really good and inexpensive breakfasts. After pushing back two times, we decided to go. It was a fun afternoon, and we also stopped at a Christmas Store in Westwold. It was a fun experience. They had a ton of Christmas stuff, lots of decorated Christmas trees, and fun ornaments. Definately worth the trip. They are open year round!

I have been praying for more friends about my age, that are in the same stage of life as me (us). I don't have alot of friends here, just ones that I can call on if I need to get out. I have a few church friends, but mainly ones that I just visit with at church, and maybe go out with a few times, there aren't alot of women that are around my age, married or single with kids, etc. I met a girl at church a few months ago, and we are finally connecting a bit. They have a little guy who just turned one, so that has truly been a blessing. My wonderful friend, Jill who I have grown up with is moving away, so I am very sad about that. She lives SO CLOSE to me, and it has been great getting together with her and her kids. I think I went there every day for a week a couple of weeks go:) I also got together with a few more of my friends from back home, and it was great to see them, and catch up. I hope that that keeps up.

I think that is pretty much it. We did get our pictures done at Sears in October, and we are doing Christmas cards this year. We didn't do a card last year, so I thought we would do a "First Anniversary" Christmas Card.

Have a great rest of November!!

The Last bit of Summer

Well, Summer is OVER! How sad..but from what I remember, we did have some good summer weather, so I really can't complain.

I hope your summer went well. The rest of our summer remained pretty quiet. We went to the "Becoming Shiloh" Music Festival the second in August (8-10), but we only went from Sat-Sun. It was a great weekend..hindered only by the weather. It was fun to see people I hadn't seen in YEARS there. It was really wonderful to see the community come together. Alot of people from all three towns were there. I hope it is even bigger next year.

August 22-24, we went to Vancouver, to see Anker's sister, and her family. We went to the PNE again, but Anker wanted me to go on the roller coaster! This was the old one..and I don't do Roller Coasters at all. But I figured, hey..might as well do it now..I may never get another chance, so I went for it. It was awful! It was very scary, and I was sure I was going to die, but I am glad I did it. We made ourselves stay away from the carnival games this year, as we spent waaaay too much money on them last year. We also went to the IMAX theatre, which was fun, and enjoyed some relaxing time with them. We came home in a bad rain storm, which thanfully only lasted from Chilliwack, to HOpe. We also came home with their Futon, as they are moving, and wanted to get rid some stuff. So, we know have a decent place for people to sleep when they come. We had an ugly old leather couch, which we (not so sadly) said goodbye to.

On Labour Day weekend, I made a less than 24 hour trip to my parents, as Luke was there, as well as my Sister-in-Law's family, who we all know. It was a short trip, but glad to see everyone, if even for a short time. Anker was very tired, and not very sociable, so he stayed home. EVERYONE asked about him, so I told him that he is not allowed to that next time:)

My sister/'s in-law came in mid August, for the day. We had a nice time of shopping and eating, and I decided that we should all get our pictures done at Sears, and since I was (am) working there, I figured we might as well get in on my discount. It was a fun time, and although some of the pictures didn't turn out like we hoped, we got new ones done last week, and had a fun time both times getting them done. Speaking of Sears, and of pictures...I am FINALLY going to order our wedding pictures. Yes, I am very excited. I am also glad that the colour can be changed into black and white, since my face was red in pretty much most of them. I am still at Sears, although barely, as I don't work many hours, and my last two shifts were cancelled. I am not sure as to how much longer I will be there. It was a good summer job, though. I made some friends, and money, and those are always good things!!

I took my fundamentals of Insurance test on Sept 10, and sadly, I failed. I wasnt worried too much about it, as I thought that even if I failed the first time, I could still get a job in an insurance agency. Sadly, this doesn't seem to be the case. I had a job "invterview" (if you could call it that) at one of the agencies in town, and when I got there, she was too busy to see me. She just asked if I had passed. I told her that I hadn't and she told me to call her when I knew. So, she called me yesterday, and I told her that I had failed, and she basically said I couldn't work there until I had passed the test. I also went to another place, which sounds more promising, but it is for a Mat leave, which is fine, but it doesn't start until Decemeber. (if I even get hired) I just wish someone would give me a break. I did have an interview on Friday with an Underwriter Company, for and Admin Assistant, but I dont know if I will get it or not. Also, if I do, I may not end up writing the test. I would still like to write the test, as if I do, I will have a sense of accomplishment. I officially didnt get any certificate for my MOA, so I really hope to pass and get on with my new career. So, that is the end of my rant!! Oh..I am planning on re-writing it on Oct 15. I have found a lady here who lives just above me, and she was in the insurance field for years, so she has helped me study for it. I am also going back to the South Kamloops WorkSearch Centre, so that we can find jobs (mainly office) for me.
Anker is doing ok. He is kind of pain right now, due to his back, and shoulder. I keep pushing the vitamins into him. He is getting more work, which is great. More contracts just keep rolling in. This is a very enocouraging thing! We are spending more time together (more date nights), which is awesome!

I think that is pretty much the rest of our summer:) Joe and Cade's wedding is December 20/08:)

Mid-Summer

I can't believe that summer is half over!! I hope you have had a great summer so far. For us, our has been pretty laid back. We have gone on two trips so far, and would love to go on another "major" camping trip, and also may also go to the PNE, in Vancouver, and see Anker's sister, and also I have decided to take my Insurance Test there. I found out that re-writes cost $80, and while having to do one may be possible, I thought I would do my first attempt in Vancouver, and then see what happens. I am almost done my course. Yes, this has taken a bit longer than I had hoped, but I also don't seem to be tackling it like I thought. Oh well, it is almost over:) I have one big chapter left to go. It has been pretty hard, but interesting as well. Even if I don't pass the first try, I hope to go out and still look for work at insurance agencies in the city. I had one "pre-interview" with an HR manager of a major insurance chain here in the city, and she said to call her when I am finished, as they are opening up a new office in Valley View, so I hope to re-connect with her sometime around the end of this month. If needed, I plan on re-writing the test here on Sept 10, or maybe in October.

Anker is busy working, and trying to work more hours in order to make more money:) He was able to make enough to fund our to trip to Alberta. He works pretty much every day, usually about 5 hours. It isn't usually strenious, as he does about 2-3 hours in the early morning, then a few more hours at night. But he doesn't get a day off from that. I hope soon he can ask someone to spell him off so that he can take a weeks vacation without having to wait for the offices he works at to close for a week or so.

So, our trip to Edmonton/Drayton Valley went pretty well. We left July 26th, and came back July 30th. We ran into a bit of snag in Jasper. We found out we had to reserve a campsite in Jasper. We didn't reserve b/c I wasnt sure if I had Saturday off or not, and also we just didn't think you had to:) We ended up finding a really cute place near Edson. It was called "Willmore Creek". The Campsite was really nice , and the sites are pretty secluded. (treed, etc)We would definately go back.

We had a nice time with our friends in Drayton Valley. We also spent a day in Edmonton. I hadn't been there in forever, so I took lots of pictures:) I saw where Anker went to school, and the places he lived. Since Sunday, July 27 was our 1st Anniversary, and we were at our Campsite, and travelling on that day, we decided to have a nice dinner in Edmonton. We went to Red Lobster (my favourite), and had a wonderful meal:) We also spent a day just hanging out with Crystal, and we got to see Drayton Valley. It seems like a really nice town. We were only gone a few days, but it was a nice mini-break, away from "life".

This past weekend (BC day long weekend), we went to Paul Lake, to check out the campsites and the beach, etc. It was a very nice day, although slightly cooler than in Kamloops. I decided to go swimming, and Anker and I had a nice time together. I didn't get "Swimmer's Itch", which was great:) We loved the Campsite, and it's definately on our list to visit. Speaking of Camping, we have decided that maybe next year we may invest in a tent trailor. It rained ALOT the Saturday we were camping, and when it does, it makes everything a bit harder when camping in a tent, also, Anker tends to get a bit cold at night, so we may have to look around soon for something. We ended up staying in the Braaten's "travel trailer", and we both really liked it. Okay, back to what I was talking about earlier...This past weekend. So, we came back from Paul Lake, and we went for Ice Cream, and then walked in Riverside park. I hadn't been there in ages, and it was very pretty, and very busy. We also decided to go and check out "Music in the Park". It is a daily (nightly?) event that happens during the summer. It is free of charge, and you get to see local and not-so-local acts/artists perform. Sunday it was "Men of the Deep". I don't know how to do a hyper link to sites, but they do have a website. They are basically a coal-miner group, and they are really good.

On Monday, Anker and I decided to go to Highland Valley Coppers Open House. HVC is located about 75KM Southwest of Kamloops, near the beautiful community of Logan Lake. We didnt realise it would be such a big event, so we went mid afternoon. It was VERY hot, and we missed out on alot of tours, but we got free food, and the 2010 Olympic Mascots where there, and we did get a bus tour of the Mine. It is the largest open pit copper mine in Canada, and one the larges in the world in terms of tonnage mined and milled. It employs about 1100 people.
Work is going ok. It is hard to plan your life, as I often don't know when I am working. I hope I won't be there much longer.

This weekend, Anker and are planning to attend "Becoming Shiloh". It is a music festival held at a friends place near my parents. It should be a fun time. We will probably take our tent and camp.

We were planning on going my Sister-in-Law's birthday party last weekend, but decided to stay home and save on gas.

think that about does it for now.