Scary!

So my trip to AB did not happen. As most of you probably know Frank had a stroke on Nov 2. He thankfully is OK. He has some damage to his balance and coordination, but no paralyses! It has been a very scary, and nerve racking 2 weeks to say the least. He will probably have to retrain, as his damage will make working in construction unsafe. We have lots of follow up to do with doctors. I will update more later. Time for bed now.

Travels

So I am going to Alberta after all! I am very happy to be able to be with the Wilson's for Casey's birthday. Kathy has shared how happy she is I will be with her for that day. I really have no idea how to handle these first "anniversaries", but I'll do the best I can. All I can go on is my own feelings as a mother, and rely on God to give me strength and wisdom. How do you get through the first birthday after your child has gone? Anyone have any experience? Share away if you do! Pleeeeaaaase! I will be in AB late the 5th of Nov till the afternoon of the 9th. Please lift us all up in your prayers! Oh, and a bit of financial advice....buy stock in Kleenex!!!

Autum

Here on the island we are enjoying all the beauty of fall. The trees are in the peak of color, with the odd twist of green grass and blooming flowers. I remember last fall, cutting the grass, and weeding the flower beds in Nov. How odd it feels. Our winter wardrobe consists of rubber boots and lined sweaters! I think if we had to try to survive an Alberta winter again we would be too wimpy! LOL!

The kids have settled well into school. Shea is finding her niche and has shown a passion and talent for photography. She has been recruited to take pictures for the yearbook. Keaton has been surprising his teachers with how well he has adjusted to school. At our meeting on Monday they often commented on his maturity, compassionate nature, his eagerness to work hard, and how well he "goes with the flow". The school is very wonderful at working with him to overcome the hurdles of his learning disabilities. They are trying a few different techniques involving technology, and he is eager to try and to do well. Since the weight of being forced to write beyond his ability has been removed, he is viewing school in a whole new light. He is still required to write, but the volume is less. He is doing larger writing assignments on a personal word processor and is showing an interest in language again. There are several other strategies in the works as well, but most importantly he will be provided a reader and scribe for exams and tests so that his knowledge is tested, not his dysgraphia.

School is going well for me. I finished midterms this week, and will be anxious until the marks are back. It feels like the term has just begun and I am already planning next term. Ah the life of a student!

Well I gotta run we need to head into the city to get Shea's SIN#. She started her job as assistant to a wedding planner and she is loving it!
Bye for now. :D

Justice?

So it turns out that the wheels of justice turn slowly. Neil (the driver that hit Kathy & Casey) has had his preliminary hearing rescheduled to June 4th and 5th 2009. The prosecution asked for the extension this time. I know they want to make sure their case is air tight, but it is still frustrating for everyone who is wanting closure. By moving this date, the trial most likely won't start until December or January. It seems like injured parties, keep being injured by the very system that is supposed to protect them. My prayers go out to the Wilsons, that they can find peace, and some sense of normalcy while waiting to put this all behind them. It is hard to put their daughter to rest when they have to keep reliving the accident through the courts years after the fact. Everyone who is close to them is trying to comfort them and help them heal along with grieving and healing ourselves. We lost a "daughter" and friend that day as well, and our hearts are joined with Jack, Kathy and Andrew as we wait for the legal process to plod along.

Some pictures of my garden.

This is my favorite flower.
It looks neat in black and white.

This is Casey's daisy.
I thought this was a cool angle. Shea took these pics. She is really into photography lately.

Connecting with friends.

Starting a blog was such a good idea! Since I moved I have felt quite disconnected, and now I am feeling more connected. It is really nice to read what is going on in every one's life. (except I don't read Japanese, Camellia! ;) ) Life can be so busy it is hard to stay in touch as often as we would like. This gives us a little connection any way, and I miss everyone a little less.

I have been emotional for the last couple of days, ( I'll blame PMS) and have been thinking a lot about Casey. Sometimes there is a trigger, like hearing a news report about drunk driving, but often it is a random thought. She'll just pop into my head, or I'll think, "Casey would like that"...etc. Of course Kathy is always on my mind, and with the coming of fall, I got to thinking about how hard Casey's birthday and Christmas are going to be. I am trying to find a way to afford to come be with Kathy for Casey's birthday in early Nov. If anyone wishes to donate to the fund, I wouldn't say no! LOL!

In turn thinking about Casey, brings to mind the preliminary hearing which starts tomorrow. I am praying about it a lot because I'm sure you can imagine how easy it is to be angry, bitter, and hate. I need to pray for justice, not vengeance.

Tuesdays with Morrie

If you get a chance at all to read a book, I highly recommend, Tuesday's with Morrie by Mitch Albom. It is a short non-fiction book, but one of the most powerful you will ever read. I won't tell you about it, just go to the library and check it out!

Hello Everyone!

Hello to all,

I have decided to try my hand at blogging, as I am seeming to have a hard time staying in touch with everyone.

A quick recap of our first year in Victoria...
We LOVE it here! Winter was...well really to us Albertans, not winter at all! There is so much to see and do, and we are enjoying playing at the Ocean every chance we have.

As most of you know when I moved here I was planning on taking my Doula training. Well one of the the instrucors, talked me into shifting to nursing. (not that it was hard! LOL!) So in February I went back to high school. I need some classes, and to graduate to qualify for the nursing program. I continued to homeschool the kids, and we studied together. The kids had a great year, and in June I graduated with honors! I am currently finishing my last prerequisate course, while I am waiting to start the RN program. I have recieved my acceptance letter, and now just wait for a seat. I am als working part time at Superstore as a cashier, and am really enjoying it. The kids are liking having more time with dad.

Keaton and Shea have both returned to public school, and are enjoying it. Keaton has been diagnosed with some learning disabilities, and school has better qualified help than I can give him. We are still settling him in and observing before we come up with our strategies.

Shea has grown into a young lady. She is doing well, and is really maturing. She is a favorite "big" kid in the neighbourhood, and has lots of babysitting jobs. She has also been hired as a wedding planer's assistant by a neighbour. She will do her first wedding on October 11th.

Charelle is doing okay. She has become our prodigal child, and we would appreciate your prayers. Sadly she wants to grow up now, and doesn't see that she should enjoy her last few years as a kid. She always did need to do things the hard way. She is a lovely young lady and I know she will be okay, it is just hard to watch your kids struggle so hard when they don't need too.

Frank is doing well. He has a great job with great hours. The climate, and the change in jobs have improved his health tremendously. Another confirmation that the move was a good one.