Apple for Mom

While I took Elise to the chiropractor to get her ears yanked and her back adjusted, Stacy visited Grandma. It was a great combination!  Stacy was great to have around. She helped plan the Christmas menu, did homework in my kitchen, and went with Elise and me on a rainy evening to see the Christmas train in Agassiz, where we donated some food in to Grace’s food bank. We missed seeing her give a speech though - running too late and not realizing we’d have to walk a kilometre.   

 Stacy was the first one to get Christmas holidays. Her student was off to Hawaii, giving her a reduced workload with half days. Braedan’s holidays started a week after she (and Luke and Elise) began. So, in order to enjoy as many days as possible with her, I drove to Kelowna on the last school day to get her. She greeted me warmly, fed me a delicious dinner, took me for a walk the next morning, and let me take her home in the afternoon. Good times! Elise was THRILLED to have her back. 

  Our trips behind us, normal life resumed. We got new chicks in our barns and began looking forward to Christmas visits.  Elise draws or makes things nearly every day.  Luke’s basketball team played games every Tuesday and practices on Thursdays.  Luke pulled an amazing grade on his Chemistry test.  My two youngest sons looking handsome at church.  Ladies’ Night Out at church had us decorating little tree rounds. These are the ones I did. I was quite happy with my artistic efforts.  Julia was able to sleep over for two nights. Super fun for both girls!

Excitement settled into patient waiting as we set off on our trip to Winnipeg for Val’s 27th birthday. We were all so glad we could fly!  After many road trips this year, Luke and Elise definitely like flying better. It was their second flight to Winnipeg as I also took them in July.  Reunion!!!  Our rental home was perfect for us. Luke got his own room, the girls shared a large double twin room and we had the third bedroom.  Stacy sent Val a musical teacher desk mug. She was very happy.  Valerie took us to a political party at the Teitsmas’ home on her birthday evening. We got to meet a lot of people, and Dad was surprised to learn that Joanne Teitsma was a Vandermeulen- friends of his parents from years ago.  On Saturday we went to a school fundraiser where Elise had her hair chalked green. She also bought a winter coat for her doll. 😊 Of course, we had to go see Val’s house and marvel at the improvements made since summer. It was Dad’s first time to see...

Back from Lethbridge, we had a weekend with Stacy and Braedan before heading off to Winnipeg.  Elise helped me marinate chicken, stabbing holes in meat like a pro. 😊 She also helped bake to prepare for our guests. Banana bread is a big favourite if Caleb’s and everyone likes boterkoek. I still had a gluten free selection in my freezer, so we didn’t have to bake for Stacy this time.   Stacy and Luke compared hair colours and Luke got a haircut.    

Luke had an opportunity to join a JCCS Grade 6/7 triple ball team. His team practiced a number of times and got to participate in a full day tournament in Surrey the day after we got back from our AB trip. Super fun to watch!