CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS DAY

As I mentioned in my previous post, the first time we tried to put Owen to bed, he was not a happy camper. In the first picture he has been informed that it is nightie-night time. The reaction was priceless. When we saw the picture, the first caption we thought of was"That sentence is too long. I'll be good" He went to bed anyway and screamed for about 40 minutes. I guess he was just too hyped up to sleep. We did allow him back down to the party.

When we were in the basement getting gifts, Erin was given very nice pillows. Mark said that Owen had done the wrapping job. Not too bad for 15 months.Mark apparently held the paper in place and Owen went around and around the package with the scotch tape. He has so much on the wrap that Erin had trouble getting the gift opened. It was a great laugh watching her try to get the pillows out.

Once she had it open, Owen thought it would be great fun to lie on the pillows. But because there is a plastic wrap over them he kept sliding off onto the floor. Great!! New game!! He spent the next 15 minutes minutes getting on the pillows and then sliding off,
usually head first. We were in hysterics watching him. It was like he was on a mechanical bull.

Christmas day, while Mark, Kristin and Owen were at Mark's parents, we went into Erin's for dinner, She had a really nice turkey with all the trimmings. She too was just getting over the flu but did a great job of hosting anyway.

Erin is also left-handed. Because of this she has always had a tough time carving meat, or writing, or peeling potatoes, This is a world made for right handed people. She has found the solution. There is a place in England that caters to "lefties". She has been able to buy a left-handed pen, a left handed potato peeler, a left-handed carving knife and even a left handed clock. When she told us about the clock we thought "oh sure". But as you can see in the pictures it really is a left handed clock. All the hands move counter clockwise. Pay special attention to the numbers. See!

Even the writing is for left handed people. Figure out what it says.

Great time was had by all.

As of yesterday, Erin, Mrs. Moose, Moose's mother, son Craig, Mark-all had a recurrence of the flu.Guess who the nurse is ? Now I just need the uniform.

Happy New Year everyone.

CHRISTMAS EVE

This year we spent Christmas Eve and opened gifts at Kristin, Mark and Owen's house. Usually we do this at our house on Christmas Day but they were going to Mark's parent's place for Christmas dinner so we did ours early.

We arrived about 4;30 in the afternoon and just sat enjoying the good family atmosphere. Owen was excited to see everybody even though he was suffering from the flu. He had it on Friday, Kristin had it Saturday, Mark on Sunday and Owen again Monday. He had started to perk up by Monday evening and was in great form to entertain us.

In the top picture, the little pink hippo on the table plays music and he dances to it. He really gets his hips and arms moving. He looks like he is doing a disco dance. Of course the laughing and clapping just encourage him to do more.

His Auntie Erin bought him a tool kit for Christmas. He got excited as soon as he saw it, but got very VERY excited when he saw there was a drill in the kit. It makes sound like a real one, has a reverse and will actually screw in

the plastic screws that hold the gears down. Everywhere he went, he carried this drill with him. I think he got excited because when he comes to our house, he wants to go out in the garage and makes me run the drill for him. It must be the sound he likes. Now he has his very own.

The picture with the striped pyjamas had to be taken. When Erin was in SanFrancisco this past summer, she visited Alcatraz and one of the gifts she bought was an Alcatraz pair of pyjamas for Owen. Up until now, they were always too big for him so this was our first opportunity to see him in them. He thought he was escaping but really he was on his way to bed. When he realized what was going on he was not happy at all. He wanted to party and he knew we were all in the basement. After about 40 minutes of not going to sleep and not calming down, we let him come back downstairs. What the heck. It's Christmas.

In the bottom picture, you can see the sheepish look of " Well, can I come back". When he knew it was okay he started to entertain once again. When we left he was still up but getting extremely tired. I think he probably went back to bed no problem and more than likely was asleep in minutes.

End of Part One

BIRTH ORDER OF CHILDREN

a cute one to share for those who have little ones in their lives.....

 

1st baby: You begin wearing maternity clothes as soon as your OB/GYN confirms your pregnancy.
2nd baby: You wear your regular clothes for as long as possible.
3rd baby: Your maternity clothes ARE your regular clothes.
_____________________________________________________
Preparing for the Birth:
1st baby: You practice your breathing religiously.
2nd baby: You don't bother because you remember that last time, breathing didn't do a thing.
3rd baby: You ask for an epidural in your eighth month.
______________________________________________________
The Layette:
1st baby: You pre-wash newborn's clothes, color-coordinate them, and fold them neatly in the baby's little bureau.
2nd baby: You check to make sure that the clothes are clean and disc ard only the ones with the darkest stains.
3rd baby: Boys can wear pink, can't they?
______________________________________________________
Worries:
1st baby: At the first sign of distress--a whimper, a frown--you pick up the baby
2nd baby: You pick the baby up when her wails threaten to wake your firstborn.
3rd baby: You teach your three-year-old how to rewind the mechanical swing.
______________________________________________________
Pacifier:
1st baby: If the pacifier falls on the floor, you put it away until you can go home and wash and boil it.
2nd baby: When the pacifier falls on the floor, you squirt it off with some juice from the baby's bottle.
3rd baby: You wipe it off on your shirt and pop it back in.
___________________________________________________ ___
Diapering:
1st baby: You change your baby's diapers every hour, whether they need it or not.
2nd baby: You change their diaper every two to three hours, if needed.
3rd baby: You try to change their diaper before others start to complain about the smell or you see it  sagging to their knees.
_______________________________________________________
Activities:
1st baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics, Baby Swing, Baby Zoo, Baby Movies and Baby Story Hour.
2nd baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics.
3rd baby: You take your infant to the supermarket and the dry cleaners.
_____________________________________________ _________
Going Out:
1st baby: The first time you leave your baby with a sitter, you call home five times.
2nd baby: Just before you walk out the door, you remember to leave a number where you can be reached.
3rd baby: You leave instructions for the sitter to call only if she sees blood.
______________________________________________________
At Home:
1st baby: You spend a good bit of every day just gazing at the baby.
2nd baby: You spend a bit of everyday watching to be sure your older child isn't squeezing, poking, or hitting the baby.
3rd baby: You spend a little bit of every day hiding from the children
______________________________________________________
Swallowing Coins (a favorite):
1st child: When first child swallows a coin, you rush the child to the hospital and demand x-rays
2nd child: When second child swallows a coin, you carefully watch for the coin to pass.
3rd child: When third child swallows a coin you deduct it from his allowance!
______________________________________________________

 

Pass this on to everyone you know who has children . . . or everyone who KNOWS someone who has had children . . (The older the mother, the funnier this is!)

 

GRANDCHILDREN: God's reward for allowing your children to live.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

an eCard from BlueMountain.com

To view your eCard, choose from the options below.

Click on the following link:
http://www.bluemountain.com/view.pd?i=179881087&m=6434&rr=y&source=bma999

Fwd: I got elfed

I have always maintained that if you cannot laugh at yourself you should not make fun of other people. Practical jokes (as long as no one is hurt ) can be great fun. I have written before about my competitive friend (Brian) from work. He has a great sense of humour also. Now that I am back to work he seems to think that I am fair game for his wacky sense of humour. A I wrote back to him after receiving this: "THIS MEANS WAR".
I hope all my blog friends enjoy this little vignette as much as I did.
And a message to Brian--- watch out, I'll pay you back!
As for comments, be kind

>
> Hey, He just made a total elf of me. Check it out by clicking the
> link below.
>
> http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1301978217
>
>
>
>

Fwd: Fw: Talented Cell Phone Salesman

 

amazing!!   You would not believe. 

 

 

 

 Talented Cell Phone Salesman
Take a minute and watch this....makes your heart feel good! Watch the faces of the judges as this guy walks out on the stage. You can almost see what they are thinking as they pre-judge this guy based on his looks and the fact that he is a cell phone salesman.
So much for First impressions!


(Click on the link below for video!)

For http://www.maniacworld.com/Phone-Salesman-Amazes-Crowd.html

 

Fwd: The Night Before Christmas

The Night Before Christmas       T'was the night before Christmas,   He lived all alone,   In a one bedroom house,   Made of plaster and stone.     I had come down the chimney,   With presents to give,   And to see just who,   In this home did live.       I looked all about,   A strange sight I did see,   No tinsel, no presents,   Not even a tree.       No stocking by the mantle,   Just boots filled with sand,   On the wall hung pictures,   Of far distant lands.       With medals and badges,   Awards of all kinds,   A sober thought,   Came through my mind.       For this house was different,   It was dark and dreary,   I found the home of a soldier,   Once I could see clearly.       The soldier lay sleeping,   Silent, alone,   Curled up on the floor,   In this one bedroom home.       The face was so gentle,   The room in such disorder,   Not how I pictured,   A Canadian soldier.       Was this the hero,   Of whom I'd just read?,   Curled up on a poncho,   The floor for a bed?       I realized the families,   That I saw this night,   Owed their lives to these soldiers,   Who were willing to fight.       Soon round the world,   The children would play,   And grownups would celebrate,   A bright Christmas Day.       They all enjoyed freedom,   Each month of the year,   Because of the soldiers,   Like the one lying here.       I couldn't help wonder,   How many lay alone,   On a cold Christmas Eve,   In a land far from home.       The very thought brought   A tear to my eye,   I dropped to my knees,   And started to cry.       The soldier awakened,   And I heard a rough voice,   'Santa, don't cry.   This life is my choice.       I fight for freedom,   I don't ask for more,   My life is my God,   My country, my corps.'       The soldier rolled over,   And drifted to sleep,   I couldn't control it,   I continued to weep.       I kept watch for hours,   So silent and still,   And we both shivered,   From the cold night's chill.       I didn't want to leave,   On that cold, dark night,   This guardian of honor,   So willing to fight.       Then the soldier rolled over,   With a voice, soft and pure,   Whispered, 'Carry on Santa,   It's Christmas Day, all is secure.'       One look at my watch,   And I knew he was right,   'Merry Christmas my friend,   And to all a good night.'       This poem was written by a peace keeping soldier stationed overseas. The following is his request. I think it is reasonable.   PLEASE. Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our Canadian service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities in the peace and tranquility of our own country. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves. For us. Please, do your small part to plant this small seed.

Fwd: FW: American praise for Canada

> This guy seems to have a better appreciation for his Canuck neighbours than > the average Yank. > > > > > One American's View - David Meadows is a retired US Navy Captain and the > > author of numerous books and articles on military subjects. > > > > This message was on the U.S. Military.Com website. You will find it quite > > positive. It appears that Mr. Meadows knows one helluva lot more about > what > > our military is doing than most Canadians. I trust this message will > assist > > to improve their knowledge. > > > > David Meadows ~ April 27, 2006 > > > > On April 22, 2006 four Canadian soldiers were killed in Afghanistan by a > > roadside bomb. Respects and heartfelt sadness go to the families of those > > heroes who stand alongside the U.S. In the Long War half a world away. > While > > we focus on the war in Iraq, the fighting continues in Afghanistan Where > > side-by-side the U.S. And one of its most loyal allies, Canada, engage the > > re-emergence of the Taliban. > > > > Canada is like a close uncle who constantly argues, badgers, and complains > > about what you are doing, but when help is truly needed, you can't keep > him > > away: he's right there alongside you. We have a unique relationship with > > Canada. We have different political positions on many issues, but our > unique > > friendship has weathered world wars, global crises, and the ever-so-often > > neighborhood disagreement. > > > > Canada has been with us since the beginning of the Global War on > Terrorism. > > In February 2006, without fanfare Canada, leading a multinational force > > combating growing Taliban insurgency, increased troop strength in > > Afghanistan to 2,300. With the American military stretched thin against > > rising instability in both Iraq and Afghanistan, an ally that increases > its > > troop strength is inspiring and deserves our respect. > > > > Katrina was another example of our close family-like relationship. Katrina > > struck the Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005. Two days later, the Vancouver > > Urban Search and Rescue Team rushed from British Columbia, Canada to Saint > > Bernard Parish, Louisiana. In this Parish of 68,000 Americans, the first > > responders were Canadians. Overall, within the devastated Gulf Coast area, > > it appears Canada was the first responder outside of local efforts. They > > worked 18-hour days, going door-to-door alongside Louisiana State > Troopers, > > rescuing 119-Americans. > > > > While FEMA ramped up to surge into the catastrophe; while the > administration > > and Louisiana fought for the politically correct way to respond; Canadian > > aid was already at work. > > > > The Canadian Forces Joint Task Group 306 consisting of the warships HMCS > > Athabaskan, HMCS Toronto, NSMC Ville de Quebec, and CCGC William Alexander > > sailed to the Gulf Coast to deliver humanitarian supplies. They stayed, > > working alongside U.S. Navy and Mexican warships, to provide aid to > Katrina > > victims. > > > > Katrina was not an anomaly of our close relationship. When Hurricane Ivan > > devastated Pensacola, Florida in October 2004 Canadian humanitarian help > was > > there also. Canadian power trucks roamed the streets and countryside > helping > > restore electricity where Americans had a unique experience of running > into > > workmen who only spoke French. > > > > Canada took a lot of undeserved flak for failing to leap into Operation > > Iraqi Freedom when our administration sent us galloping across the desert. > > But Canada remains one of our staunchest allies in the war. When United > > States military forces were fighting up the highways in Operation Iraqi > > Freedom, Canada quietly increased troop numbers in Afghanistan and > continued > > Naval operations with U.S. Warships in the Persian Gulf. > > > > I was at the Pentagon on 9/11, stationed on the Joint Staff. During the > > early hours after the attack, the United States closed its air space and > > ordered every aircraft within our borders to land immediately at the > nearest > > airfield. Canada immediately stood up an Operations Support Post. With > civil > > aviation grounded, aircraft destined for the United States were forced > > elsewhere. Most landed in Canada. Re-routed travelers and flight crews > were > > hosted at Canadian Forces facilities in Goose Bay, Gander, and > Stephenville, > > Newfoundland; Halifax, Shearwater, and Aldershot, Nova Scotia; Winnipeg, > > Manitoba; Edmonton Alberta. and, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. > > > > Canada rapidly mobilized its forces. Within hours, the Canadian Navy was > on > > alert with ships preparing to cast off immediately for any U.S. Port to > help > > victims of the 9/11 attacks. Canada's Disaster Assistance Response Team > > prepared to deploy from Trenton, Ontario. Canada dispersed CF-18 fighter > > aircraft to strategic locations throughout Canada. No politics. No > > negotiating. No questions. They were just there. Canada would have fought > > any adversary that approached the United States that day. > > > > Canada has been such an integral partner with the United States in the > > Global War on Terrorism that on December 7, 2004 when President Bush > awarded > > the Presidential Unit Citation to Commander Joint Force South for combat > > success in Afghanistan, he was also recognizing the secretive Canadian > Joint > > Task Force 2 commando counter-terrorism unit. > > > > The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded 30 Bronze Star medals for > heroism > > in combat to Canadian Forces personnel. Some of those 30 died in action. > > Many of the others were wounded. These Canadians earned this American > medal > > for heroism fighting alongside Americans. When we recall our own dead > > heroes, we must remember that these warriors gave their lives not only for > > Canada, but also for the United States. > > > > Canada is more than a neighbor. It is a close family member with the > > gumption to disagree with its brother to the south but always be there > when > > disaster strikes and America needs help. > > > > For that, I salute you, Canada, and extend my respect for the sacrifices > > given by members of the Canadian Forces. > > > > > > > > -- > > Per Ardua Ad Astra, HH > > > > -- . . > >

BACK TO WORK

I am finally back to work. After being off on disability since April 2006, I went back to work last Monday. Even though I am only there for 4hours/day right now it is good to be back. I work for a building supply company and do floor sales right now. Normally I would be behind the contractors sales desk but my doctor wants me to be moving.

Having been off for so long, my back certainly knows that I am back to work. At the end of two hours of constantly walking on a concrete floor, I can feel the muscles, where the fusion was done, protesting. Fortunately, the company is very good. The boss has told me to take breaks when I need them. So , I go and sit for 15 minutes and then get back out to serve customers. By the time the four hours is finished, I know I have been there.

I found that a good hot shower when I get home, letting the water massage my back, helps. So do the pain killers. I try not to take them if I can help it.

When I got back, I was pleasantly surprised to have a number of my old customers come over and welcome me back. This is very good
for the ego. A lot, thought I had retired, some knew I was off for a spinal fusion. All said they were glad I had returned.

The company has told me to make sure I follow doctor's orders about lifting. Nothing over 20 pounds. In fact one assistant manager told me not to lift anything at all. This is very difficult when you want to give good customer service, especially if the customer is an elderly female. I have been good so far and been able to get others to do the lifting for me.
Now I have to try to remember all the stuff for the computer. It won't take long to re-learn the system I don't think.

Thursday, I was going through Owen withdrawal and after work Thursday went over to see him. Even though I was only there for 3 hours , it made my week

Saturday Mrs. Moose and I got to babysit Owen again for about 5 hours. Apparently he woke up and and was calling for his Grandpa. I was still upstairs in bed and he was calling for me when he arrived. I called him back and he came up as fast as he could.
Because it is -20C right now, his mom had to buy him boots for winter. He was so proud of them he didn't want to take them off. He also had a new hat that he kept on for the longest time. This is unusual for him as he doesn't usually like to have a hat on.

We had scrambled eggs for breakfast and then went out for our walk. This is one of the first times he has walked in snow. We started down the sidewalk and when we got to the alley he turned up it. We walked around to the garage and came in the back gate. I guess he thought the walk was too short because he did not want to come into the house.

He played around for a while and then had lunch. For dessert my wife gave him a cookie which was about 4 inches across, with Smarties on top. At first , he was overwhelmed by the size, but eventually started to eat it. Then he realized the Smarties would come off, so he picked at them and ate them separately. At 1;30 , it was nap time. We put him down in his playpen in our bedroom. He was not tired and screamed for half an hour until I got him. If you're not tired, you're not tired.

He also coloured on a piece of paper for us. His mom has been teaching him how to hold a pencil properly. He has only been doing this about a week so he hasn't quite got it right yet. He did make some scribble lines which is better than the dots he was making. He even tried with his eyes closed.

At 3:00 his dad came to pick him up and home he went. All in all. it has been a good week.

While we took these pictures of him eating at the table, he looked under the table to see what I would do. I snapped this picture of him. It looks like he has a foot growing out of his armpit.

WALKS FAR OWEN

These pictures were taken last weekend. We had Owen for the day and I had taken him for a walk in his stroller. It was a beautiful crisp fall day , about 0C(32F). We were gone for about 25-30 minutes. When we got back we did our usual thing with lunch and playing. Then after about an hour and a half, he went and got his coat. He wanted to go back outside.

We got him all bundled up, mitts on, hat on and out we went. He immediately headed for our neighbour's house to look at the the Santa Decoration and the reindeer. He also checked out the decoration around the Birch tree. When we called him to come home, he just looked at us like"You Catch ME". We chased him for a little bit while he laughed the whole time.

We then decided to go for a walk. In the picture we are about 30-40 yards away. At this point, Mrs. Moose decided to catch up with us and we walked about 3-4 house up the street, maybe another 50 yards. He stopped at each house to look at the decorations and even stopped to watch a man on his roof with a
hose cleaning out his eaves trough. Owen thought this was very funny and laughed with glee at the water coming splashing out the downspout.

Mrs. Moose and I thought we better turn around at this point so we didn't have to carry him back. He walked and ran with us all the way. He thought it was great fun. When we got home, he came in the door and immediately turned around to go back out. I guess he wanted more fresh air. So out we went for another 15-20 minutes. All in all it was a very enjoyable day with the best boy that I know.

Fwd: FW: 25 REASONS I OWE MY MOTHER

So true.

 

At last, someone who knows all about children…..

25   REASONS I OWE MY MOTHER   1.My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE   "If You're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just  finished cleaning." 2. My mother Taught me  RELIGION. "You better pray that will come Out of the carpet." 3. My mother taught me about TIME  TRAVEL . "If you Don't straighten up, I'm  going to knock you into the middle of next Week!"   4. My mother Taught me LOGIC. " Because I said so,  that's why." 5.  My mother taught me MORE LOGIC. "If you fall out of that swing and Break your neck, you're not going to the store with me." 6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT. "Make sure you wear clean  underwear, in Case you're in an accident."   7. My mother taught  me IRONY "Keep crying, and I'll give you  something to cry about." 8. My mother taught me About the  science of OSMOSIS. "Shut your mouth and Eat your supper." 9. My Mother taught me about  CONTORTIONISM. "Will you Look at that dirt  on the back of your neck!" 10. My mother taught me about STAMINA. "You'll sit there until all that  spinach Is gone." 11. My mother Taught me about  WEATHER. "This room of yours looks As if a  tornado went through it." 12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY. "If I told you once, I've told  you a Million times. Don't exaggerate!" 13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE. "I brought you into this world, and I  can Take you out." 14. My Mother taught me about BEHAVIOR  MODIFICATION. "Stop Acting like your  father!" 15. My  mother taught me about ENVY. "There are millions of less fortunate Children in this world who don't  have wonderful parents like you do." 16. My mother taught me About  ANTICIPATION. "Just wait until we get home."   17. My mother  taught me About RECEIVING . "You are going  to get it when you Get home!" 18. My mother Taught me MEDICAL  SCIENCE. "If you don't stop Crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way."   19. My mother  taught me ESP. "Put your sweater on; don't you think I know When you are cold?" 20. My mother taught me  HUMOR. "When that lawn mower Cuts off your toes, don't come running to me." 21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN  ADULT   "If you don't eat your vegetables,  you'll never Grow up." 22. My mother Taught me  GENETICS. "You're just like your father."   23. My mother  taught me About my ROOTS. "Shut that door  behind you. Do you Think you were born in a barn?"   24. My mother taught  me WISDOM. "When you get to be my age, you'll understand." 25. And my Favorite:   My mother taught me About  JUSTICE "One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you.

 

 

 

 

UNUSUAL VISITOR

Yesterday was a reasonably warm day in this part of Alberta. As I was looking out the front window, a quick flicker of red across the street caught my attention. There, in the neighbours Mayday tree was a Pileated Woodpecker. It is the largest of the woodpecker family, being the size of a crow. It is also the bird that was the inspiration for Woody Woodpecker.

The male has a red stripe under the beak that runs to the throat. The female does not. Apparently they are year round residents nesting in the hollows of rotting trees. They make these hollows themselves with their tough hammering beak.

Usually they like fairly heavy forested areas, so to see one here in Spruce Grove , near the open spaces is not an every day occurrence.

They weigh 10-12 oz. When they fly away , you can hear them call-"kuk-kuk-kuk". Once you hear it you won't forget it.

In all the years I have lived in Alberta this is the first Pileated Woodpecker I have seen. We normally get the Downie Woodpecker, who is nowhere near as large . It also doesn't have as much red on the head.

I certainly hope this is not the last we see of this magnificent bird.

CRISP FALL DAY

These pictures were taken at our house last Friday. We were baby-sitting Owen for a couple of hours. It was a beautiful fall day- crisp and cold. This will be his first fall and winter where he is mobile. Last year, of course, he was bundled up.

The first picture is him hiding behind a cedar tree near our front gate. He was using the cedar to hide behind and we would pretend we couldn't see him. He would then poke his head around the tree with the biggest grin on his face. He even kept his hood up so his ears wouldn't get cold. Usually he hates anything on his head.

He went there when the dogs in the back yard started to bark. He wanted to see them and so he peeked through the gate and called them. Of course, they were right there and he was thrilled. He laughed and laughed, while they tried to lick his face between the boards. I guess they also looked funny to him because he couldn't see the whole dog.

When he got bored talking to the dogs we called him and he came running out to see us. He still had his mitts (with idiot strings) still on his hands . He also was quite proud of his new running shoes. I am amazed at how well he can move in them as they are a lot clunkier than his other shoes.

This was a day where he was just enjoying life and being outside. Even with his cold, he did not want to come in. The jacket kept him nice and warm and so we stayed out. We also went for a walk and he tried to go up to the neighbours house. When I wouldn't let him do that, I found out he has a real temper. Mean Grandpa!!! The nice thing is that it doesn't last long. Just a quick burst and it is over.

I am looking forward to when he can see his breath. That should be interesting.

Fwd: Fw: Golden Compass

I sure won't be taking my grandkids to this one. It's good to know.....


> Here's a heads up for any of you with kids or grandkids.
> I'm usually pretty cool on other's beliefs, but his is just plain wrong!
> http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp

Fwd: This is universal!

Interview with God - absolutely beautiful . No matter what you believe, this is worth the 60 seconds it takes to watch. Click on: The interview     "What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others."   Pericles

Fwd: FW: The Spoon

I had topass this on. I received it from a good friend . Enjoy.

Subject: The Spoon

Makes you think twice about eating at restaurants!

The Spoon

 

 

 

A lesson on how consultants can make a difference in an organization. Last week, we took some friends to a new restaurant, 'Steve's Place,' and noticed that the waiter who took our order carried a spoon in his shirt pocket. It seemed a little strange. When the busboy brought our water and utensils, I observed that he also had a spoon in his shirt pocket. Then I looked around and saw that all the staff had spoons in their pockets. When the waiter came back to serve our soup I inquired, 'Why the spoon?' 'Well, 'he explained, the restaurant's owner hired Andersen Consulting to revamp all of our processes. After several months of analysis, they concluded that the spoon was the most frequently dropped utensil. It represents a drop frequency of approximately 3 spoons per table per hour. If our personnel are better prepared, we can reduce the number of trips back to the kitchen and save 15 man-hours per shift.' As luck would have it, I dropped my spoon and he replaced it with his spare. 'I'll get another spoon next time I go to the kitchen instead of making an extra trip to get it right now.' I was impressed. I also noticed that there was a string hanging out of the waiter's fly. Looking around, I saw that all of the waiters had the same string hanging from their flies. So, before he walked off, I asked the waiter, 'Excuse me, but can you tell me why you have that string right there?' 'Oh, certainly!' Then he lowered his voice. 'Not everyone is so observant. That consulting firm I mentioned also learned that we can save time in the restroom. By tying this string to the tip of our you-know-what, we can pull it out without touching it and eliminate the need to wash our hands, shortening the time spent in the restroom by 76.39%. I asked quietly, 'After you get it out, how do you put it back?' 'Well,' he whispered, 'I don't know about the others, but I use the spoon.'

 

 

 

ATHABASCA FALLS, JASPER, ALBERTA

This is one of my favourite spots in Jasper National Park. It is Athabasca Falls and is about 30 miles south of the Town of Jasper. The river is the Athabasca River and is fed by the Athabasca Glacier which is part of the Columbia Icefield. Lots of Athabascas there isn't there?

As you can see in the first picture , the water is fast moving and crashes over the rocks. It is so powerful that it has actually cut a channel on either side of the rock at the top of the falls. There is a lookout on the bank to the right of the rock where you can stand and look straight down the falls. The drop is probably 80-9o- feet and the water is boiling so much that the mist comes up and sprays you in the face. There is a barrier at the lookout to keep you from getting too close and going over the falls. You would think this would be common sense but every couple of years, you hear about somebody who has gone past the barrier and not come back alive.

The reason they don't come back can be seen in pictures 2 and 3. These "potholes" have been carved out of solid rock by the scouring action of the water. And scouring it is. The water in the second picture is churning around as if in a washing machine . It rises and falls about 12-16 feet every 20 seconds or so. The crashing against the walls produces a mist thick enough that the sun shining through creates a rainbow. he water doesn't just flow out the other end into the river either. Because of the shapes of these "potholes', the water sloshes around and anything caught up in it just keeps getting tossed around and around. Eventually it gets spits out the end and into the river. The log in the 'pothole" is jammed so tightly that it will not budge from that spot at all. I presume it will be there until it rots away

I remember there was a tourist who went over one year and the search for his body went on for the longest time. Two years later they found a body just downstream, where the river calms. It was the tourist. They identified him by what was left of his shirt. He was so battered and broken by being in the "pothole" for such a long time that he was unrecognizable

The third picture is an old "pothole" that only gets water in it from the very edge of the river. The channel of the river has changed over time and this "pothole" is getting cut off from the source. You can see how round and deep they are. Also notice the strata of the rock. Level upon level of rock squeezing itself together over the millenia. And smooth. It is as if someone has taken a piece of sand paper and spent long hours polishing the stone.


The fourth picture shows the opening where the river exits the rock and calms down. The exit is the black spot almost directly below the small break in the trees. At this point, there is a beautiful sand and rock beach. The water has stopped it roiling and crashing and is now moving fairly calmly. It is such a contrast from just upstream. With the mountain in the background, it is so tranquil that there is a spirituality about it. The magnificence of the place speaks and says what a great power has created such beauty.

I love going to this spot and just sitting or standing quietly while the peace sinks into me.

Fwd: FW: 50's car video.

For those of us old enough to remember and for those of you to young to know what you missed …

 

 

 

 

 

  This is one video that really brings back my younger years. For those of you growing up in the 50's & 60's enjoy I'm sure you will even remember what you were doing when you hear some of the songs.

click below  : http://oldfortyfives.com/CarsWeDrove.htm

 

TIME FLIES

Where does the time go? I was reminded today that I haven't posted in a week. I don't know why but the time has just flown by.

A lot of my time has been spent with Owen. Kristin was called in to substitute teach yesterday and so I went over to their house at 7:30 in the morning. When you have been off work on disability for as long as I have, this is early. I certainly didn't mind though. He normally sleeps until about 9:30 but yesterday he was wide awake at 8: 20.
He was a little surprised when I walked into his room instead of his mother or father, but not really bothered by it. He is certainly comfortable enough with other members of our family.

We went downstairs and he went to his highchair. He sat there quietly eating a piece of toast with peanut butter and a glass of milk while I made him two scrambled eggs. He loves scrambled eggs. He has this for breakfast just about every day.

After breakfast, it was a diaper change and get dressed, then into the basement to play. I took the paper down with me thinking I might be able to read it while he played with his toys. Ya, right! He expects me to play with him, which of course I FORCE myself to do. UH HUH! He has a ride-em toy that he loves. He hasn't quite figured out how to use his feet to make it go yet.so I push him on it. Yesterday, I taught him how to say "Push Grandpa". He hasn't yet perfected it but he is getting there.

Most of the morning was spent going from toy to toy to toy. He finds vwry innovative ways to play with some of his toys.

We did go out for a walk but it was pretty cold and I forgot his mitts. We weren't out long. We came home and he had a snack of old Cheddar. He loves strong cheese. We also had a few cookies and milk.

We did do something new . He has a ball that is about the size of a soccer ball, but light weight. Usually he picks it up and 'throws " it. I thought I would kick it to him and play keep away. After about one minute he had the idea and was starting to kick the ball around and trying to keep it away from me. I'll make a pro soccer player of him yet-- except for the faking injury. He also decided he would like to wrestle. This, too was a first time event.

At 12:00 he had lunch-spaghetti, milk, water, juice, yogurt. While I cleaned up he went to play in the dog kennel. Somehow he pinched his finger in the door when he was closing it. No damage but a bit of crying.Then downstairs for more play.

At 1:30 I was exhausted so I took him up for his nap. As soon as I closed the blind in his room, he knew he was going to bed. As placed him in the cry, he started to cry. He was raring to go. He held his little arms out to me with this "you're deserting me look" on his face. within a minute of me going into he basement, I could hear on the baby monitor that he was asleep. I had to wake him at 3:30 when Kristin got home. He was still very tired. As for me , I slept very very well last night.

I think I am enjoying him so much because when you are the parent and working, you miss a lot of the little things kids do as they grow and learn.

MUSIC, OUTSIDE and DUSTING

Owen loves music. Ever since he was born he has been exposed to music in some form. His mother sings to him every night when he goes to bed. They usually have music on in the house , even if it is just in the background. A lot of his toys play music when you push , pull or twist certain things on them.

When he comes to our house, he wants music. One of the guys I work with sent me a video of a hippo and a dog singing and dancing to the music "In the Jungle". Owen has watched this "youtube" video since he was three months old. And he wants it on every time he comes to our house. When it finishes, he wants it played again and again. I have probably heard that song 1000 times. Lately he has also started to watch "KOZO" singing "Can't Touch This". It has a very catchy beat and he stands and dances to it. You should see him wiggle his bum and hips. We end up crying we laugh so hard.

He has also started to play the recorder. Most of the schools here teach music and the one instrument schools can afford is the recorder. Both Kristin and Mrs. Moose have their own in the house. Kristin gave it to Owen one day
to play with and he started to blow. He does this very well. He'll walk around for along time just blowing to his little heart's content. Funnily enough when he started, he would be humming while he blew. It sounded hilarious. He must watch when other people play it because he is now starting to move his fingers while he blows. Next will come the piano lessons. He likes to play the keys on our piano. Surprisingly, he does this very gently and doesn't bang at all. He starts at one end and works his way to the other.

He also loves to be outside. I think this is because we go for walks whenever he is here. Now that it is getting colder, we put his hood up. He hates this. He does not like hats and doesn't seem to like anything on his head. We force him to wear the hood because he will need it when the temperature goes to -25C. I love this outfit on him. He seems to more of a little boy than a baby in it. Sometimes we forget he is only 14 months. When we put this on him he screamed blue murder until I put my coat on. Then he realized we were ging for a walk. Quieted right down.


The nice thing is, that most kids his age can make a toy out of anything. We have feather dusters in our houses . He has obviously watched Kristin clean , whether with a duster or a vacuum. He picks our duster from it's storage place. Making sure he has it positioned just right in his hand, he starts to dust. He pushes it on the floor all around the house, from room to room. The best part is that he does behind the refrigerator, under the stove and under the piano. He even does the baseboards. He actually does a pretty good job. I just hope he doesn't want to get paid.

As you can imagine, we do a lot of laughing when he is around.

Fwd: FW: NICEST PRAYER I HAVE HEARD IN A LONG TIME

Nicest Prayer I Have Heard In A Long Time... Heavenly Father, Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children. Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man
who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student,
balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester. Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking
bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get
a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares . Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this
moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together . Heavenly Father,
remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.
Working for God on earth doesn't pay much......but His retirement plan is out
of this world

Fwd: Our Veterans

Keep it moving, please, It is the VETERAN , not the preacher, Who has given us freedom of religion. It is the VETERAN , not the reporter, Who has given us freedom of the press. It is the VETERAN , not the poet, Who has given us freedom of speech. It is the VETERAN , not the campus organizer, Who has given us freedom to assemble. It is the VETERAN , not the lawyer, Who has given us the right to a fair trial. It is the VETERAN , not the politician, Who has given us the right to vote. It is the VETERAN , Who salutes the Flag, It is the veteran , Who serves under the Flag, ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM. I don't usually suggest that many emails be forwarded, but I'd be EXTREMELY proud if this one reached as many as possible. We can be very proud of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve. God Bless them all!!!