Apple for Mom

On the Remembrance Day weekend, the kids had an extra day off school. We pulled them out a day early and kept them out a day later so we had a chance to go to Lethbridge. We stayed with Nathan, where Dad and I got the guestroom and Luke and Elise each had a basement room.  Micah and Stephanie cooked us dinner as her parents were out of town. We got to see her grandparents as well.  Nathan played a game with his young siblings and Micah popped over to say hi.  Beautiful prairie roads Dad bought persimmons at Costco and we really enjoyed them.  This Micah’s new basement suite.  We were treated to dinner at Jill’s house and enjoyed meeting her family.  Caleb purchased his birthday cowboy boots in Lethbridge. Jill’s mom has a memorable tale to tell about those boots. 🥴 Stephanie kindly hosted Luke for most of the day and fed us dinner after our visit to Uncle Charlie.  Luke and Jacob Feenstra had a great time with the snow, some wheelbarrow tubs and a tra...

 This year has many opportunities for Luke to try sports. He is now the right age for playing hockey on the B division team that Dad sponsored- the Knights. He also got to play on JCCS triple ball and basketball teams. Lots of learning and fun for him! 

 We had Lacey sleep over for one night for her parents’ tenth anniversary. That same evening, Joop and Grace took us out for dinner at the Harrison Hot Springs Hotel buffet restaurant. This was still in connection with Caleb’s birthday, when they were unable to come.  The girls brought books and colouring stuff and were completely entertained with getting their own food, trying octopus (Elise) and quietly colouring on the floor when they had enough food. The waitress even moved them to their own table.

 Caleb turned 18, and while we only had a few guests, it was a fun evening. His main gift this year was some cash towards cowboy boots. Elise gave him a new Book of Praise, leather bound. She told us that his old book was damaged and that since Caleb likes nice things and is very careful, she thought he should have a nicer book. She was right- he was very pleased. Luke gave him travel coffee cups. He liked those too, as he had received an identical one from Oma for his Profession of Faith which he accidentally left behind at a job site in Whistler.  Opa and Oma planned to go to Edmonton that weekend, but then postponed it a week to be here for Caleb. Grandma and Auntie Dar also came for dinner. 

Heart melting even at 7 years old. ❤️ She still loves falling asleep in our big bed, with my nightgown to smell and snuggle.  This is instructions on how to play “Piggy in the Middle” It’s nice to see some teeth showing. She had been visually toothless for many months.  Elise marinated chicken for me. She likes cooking.   

Air quality in September and October was terrible. Smoke was so thick in the air we could taste it.  Caleb tried to drive his/my Mazda car to Alberta, got stranded on the roadside, rescued by Dad, and now the Mazda was sold for scrap metal. It was a bit sad to say goodbye to it after driving it for 11 years. Stacy’s car keys were in it, so thankfully they were rescued just on time and retrieved from the auto wrecker.  John DeRoo loves watching our boys play hockey and will also come for a drink/fire after.  Elise loves her brothers and associates her studies with their giver. So hugging Moose means she was missing Micah.  And I started my library duties again this fall. It’s neat to have the kids get to know me and vice versa.   

“Spare the rod, spoil the child” We can’t let that happen, so Dad made sure his kids got a booster dose of a spanking to keep them in line. I’m not sure who had the most fun here!   

Luke’s puppy continues to grow and charm us all. Ranger is gentle and obedient, and he sits like such a gentleman. I even let him in on the mat in the kitchen a few times and he doesn’t even try to wander off it.  If only I could train him to stay off my steps!   

  Elise’s class (and Auntie Darlene) got to learn how to grow cranberries, and even taste some. Most were unimpressed with the flavour, but quite intrigued with the farming methods.