Good Morning!

Well, I haven't posted anything for awhile. No good excuse really, probably watching too much tv! A big Happy Birthday! goes out to my bro and sister-in-law. Renny just turned the big 3-0! A very special birthday indeed (and she was working night shifts over her birthday) Here are some pics of the two special birthday people. These were taken last Christmas. For some reason, I hardly took any pictures this Christmas.



We had a great weekend. We got the opportunity to volunteer with our bible study group at a street mission on Saturday. We helped with the children's program. Did some singing, crafts and lunch was provided. I sat (of course) right in the middle of the trouble-makers, so I was trying to remember some Supernanny lessons while I was breaking up kiddie-fights. But, overall, we really enjoyed the experience and we were happy that we got to spend time with kids who really appreciated the extra attention.

Things with my nursing license are moving slowly. I'm trying to stay focused on studying for the exam I'll have to write. I think it keeps me from getting too frustrated about the time it is taking for everything to get processed. We now have friends coming to visit throughout March, so it might be nice not to work while they are here. We will see! It's so hard to believe that I may actually get to work one day.

Home from the Holidays

We have been home now for a few days. We had a great time in Canada; visiting, eating and relaxing. Here's a list of some of the things we were up to:

1)Christmas dinner with Jason's family, my family and my aunt, uncle, 3 cousins and my grandparents. A full house! Jackie did an amazing job of organizing, hosting and making most of the dinner. Here are some pictures of my nieces and nephew from that night.



2) Ate 'Christmas Morning-Wife Saver' on Christmas morning: my mom's specialty.

3) Opened presents two days in a row. Here's some pictures of Jason's family (and a princess that joined us that morning) opening up presents.


Jaina "helping" Grandma open her present.


Lewis, obviously not interested in presents this year.
Jason and Michelle, patiently waiting their turn.
At the Olferts' present opening, we open presents, one at a time, beginning with the youngest person and continue to the oldest. It's great because you can watch everyone open their presents and it makes the whole occasion last longer. The only problem is that in the last few years, we get another person added to the circle, so each year it takes a little longer. We have to take bathroom and refreshment breaks now. But it's still lots of fun.

4) Enjoyed a fire and weiner-roast in my parents' living room (fireplace).

5) Drove up to Edmonton to catch up with friends. Saw a friend's new baby and another friend's new house.

6) Watched the Oilers/Flames hockey game in Calgary on New Year's Eve. Watched the Oilers lose but got to spend the evening with Matt and Michelle and watch the game in very good seats courtesy of Jackie. Thanks again!

7) Had a New Year's fondue party after the hockey game with Jason's family. Went to bed at 12:10 am.


8) Had a delayed flight back from Calgary which gave us a few more hours to hang out at Matt and Michelle's place. Finally got home at 3:00am. Had a crazy taxi driver with a lazy eye drive us home.