Dec. 8, 2008
Dear Family,
It is that time of year again that we think of the blessings in our lives and you, our family, are indeed something that we are grateful for. So...here is a brief run-through of life for us in 2008. We hope it gives you a glimpse into our lives here in Estevan.
The first thing that I am grateful for is that my health has returned and I am still able to enjoy teaching and all the other things that come my way. I am teaching a Grade 3/4 class this year
It has its challenges, but it keeps me on my toes.
Barry is still working at the Power Plant here at Estevan in Instrumentation. We bought a quad this year to enjoy some off-roading stuff. He still loves to snowmobile, but the weather/snowcover in our area is never a for-sure thing, so the quad allows us to go even if there isn't enough of the white stuff!
We were able to take a trip to Florida over the Easter break with all of our kids, so that was a definite highlight of the year. The picture above was taken at Universal Studios on that trip. We also rented a cabin at Emma Lake, north of Prince Albert, for a week in July, and had all of our family join us there. Trevor, Lynna and their family were able to holiday with us too, so that was nice.
Of course, the BIGGEST highlight of the year was becoming grandparents! It has been such a pleasure to have little Sadie live just down the street so we can see all the changes that have already taken place in her. It is indeed fun to spoil!!
Stacy and Devin are doing great as new parents. They have had a couple of showers this past week and so the closet is lined up with little pink things now (and even a few Calgary Flames and Roughrider outfits, for the father's sake!). Devin is still teaching Grade 6 at the neighbourhood school. Stacy and the baby are gradually getting into a routine, and doing well. They are both very involved in the music ministry of our church.
Stephanie is nursing in Saskatoon at City Hospital on a Post-Op. Ward. A big event for her this year was going to New York with a couple of friends in August to see the sights. She will be able to come home late on Christmas Eve and spend about four days with us over the holidays. In Feb., she is heading to Victoria for a friend's wedding. She lives in an apartment with another nurse and a small dog. MOST days, I think she enjoys it!
Today(Dec. 8th) is Branden's 21st birthday. He is celebrating by writing a big Calculus exam, and studying for his next exam on Thursday. Don't you just love those Dec. birthdays when you are a university student!! He is in the middle of his 2nd year of Commerce. He enjoys playing hockey and any other sport he can be involved in. He lives in a condo with two of his friends from Estevan.
The summer of 2008 was hard for Dad as he underwent radiation treatment for rectal cancer. He was able to stay in a place right beside the hospital in Regina from Mon. to Fridays to receive treatment, but made the trip back and forth each weekend. It was tiring but he made it through. He was to have an operation this fall but that has been put on hold. Mom and Dad are both doing well in their apartment in Estevan right now. Their house in Macoun will be sold by Christmas if the current deal goes through. It is nice to have them close by. Mom goes to a program at the Day Hospital once a week, and may be in line to get her other knee replaced this coming year.
I am looking forward to hosting Christmas this year. I'm not sure how many I will be having yet, but I'm sure when the bird gets on the table, there will be someone to eat it!!
And so ends 2008! I do hope you are all well, taking one day at a time and enjoying the blessings of each day. Remember not just to keep Christ in Christmas, but every day of your lives! Thanks so much for keeping touch through the blog. It has been great to read about your families and pray for you.
With much love and wishes for a great Christmas,
Barry and Heather
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