Rediscovering a part of my past

Isaac and I were at Mom and Dad's this morning as Bonnie slept (she just started a block of night shifts and just got off work at 6 this morning). It turns out that my Mormor (swedish for Mother's mother) whom my mom is visiting and caring for in Alberta, wanted to give Isaac some Lego. So Mom brought out the big container she brought back from Alberta for Isaac to play with. Well it turns out I enjoyed it more I think.

Words of wisdom from our son

Tonight at dinner (we were hosting my mom and dad and aunt) Isaac was being disruptive, and one of asked him, "Where are your manners?" To which he responded, "They're in heaven!"

Sometimes I wonder where he comes up with these sayings.

Prayer Requests

If you read this before this Friday (the 31st), could you please pray for the following. Last week I submitted a bid to 2010 Legacies Now to design their 2006-2007 Annual Review. The mission of 2010 Legacies Now is two-fold:

1. To work in partnership with community organizations, non-government organizations, the private sector and all levels of government to develop sustainable legacies in sport and recreation, arts, literacy and volunteerism.
2. To actively assist communities discover and create unique and inclusive social and economic opportunities leading up to, and beyond the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Their review of all submissions received will be completed tomorrow, and then they notify the successful candidate on Friday. Hence the timeline around my prayer request.

Please pray for the committee making the decision of which company to go with to design this review. I've received other RFP's (request for proposal) before from the 2010 Commerce Centre, but this particular one for 2010 Legacies Now was the first that I truly and completely felt confident that I could complete and fulfill any and all requirements. And so I completed my application with confidence and am hoping that they obviously choose me to design their review.

It would be a huge boost to my confidence and help provide for our family if I were awarded this contract. And yet the Lord may have other plans in mind. Pray if you will that I would be content with whatever happens and trust in His plans.

Speaking of trust, that leads me to my second prayer request. Some of you know that I have some health issues I've been dealing with since early this year. The main symptoms have been fatigue and headaches. Things seemed to be getting a little better after the worst of getting settled into our new home was over. But the last couple of weeks have been quite difficult. The fatigue has been really bad and I just haven't felt 'right' or 'normal'.

I had some bloodwork done last week at our new family doctor's here in Smithers, and will get the results possibly later this week, or else for sure next Tuesday. Maybe those test will give some answers, I don't know. But it's pretty hard to make it through each day when my energy level just doesn't seem to be where it should be.

A nice surprise

Yesterday I received a lovely surprise while I was working. I looked out the window and saw what looked like our van in the parking lot, and my co-worker said "somebody's getting flowers!" It turns out that somebody was me, with a card as well! Isaac carried the flowers, and apparently, while he was en route, another co-worker asked "are those for me?" and he responded "no, they're for my Mommy." I had a few people ask if it was my birthday or anniversary, or what the occasion was, and I responded that it was 'just because' they love me. One girl said she was going to go home and give her husband a hard time for not bringing her flowers. I'm so blessed!

Curtis Cunningham Photistry Newsletter

Just to let you know...I've recently completed the first newsletter for my business. I've made it available for download on my website. If you would like to read it, go to my home page and then down at the bottom of the page click on the DOWNLOAD newsletter link. After you're done, let me know what you think. You can send me an email through the contact page on the website. Thanks.

Fingers still intact!

Bonnie just left for a 4-10 shift and so Isaac and I got some wood chopping done. It was raining, so we had to do the work in our carport which meant I couldn't get as good a swing at the wood with the splitting axe as I'd have liked to. But thankfully the wood I'm chopping is pretty dry so it split nice and easy.

When I was finished, Isaac wanted his turn with the hatchet. So I got some kindling-ready wood and Isaac went to work. He did pretty good once I got the hatchet started into each piece.

Fall Fair Parade

Last night, while Bonnie was still on shift, Isaac and I walked down to Main Street to take in the annual parade that takes place when the Fall Fair is on. We were down a little early to get a good spot, and so we went to Isaac's favourite Ice Cream shop, Hokum Boodles, for a dish of expensive ice cream. Bowl in hand, we staked out our spot and Isaac enjoyed his treat while we waited. Shortly thereafter the parade started (on time nonetheless), and we were treated to quite a show. At least that's what the people we were standing next to said. They said that usually the parade didn't last as long as this one (which lasted a good hour).

Isaac enjoyed waving at the different floats, the different people, the animals and was quite happy to tell them whenever they stopped in front of us, "Ok, you can go now." Having said that, he would wave them on. He quite enjoyed all the candy and treats he gathered and stuffed in my camera bag. It's like Halloween a few months early.

A day off!

At last I feel as if I've had a day off! The last two weeks have been pretty busy, with work, daily living, visits with friends from the south, and a Tupperware party as well! Life as a casual health care worker can be pretty tiring when staff get injured, go on holidays etc., and you get calls daily asking if you can work this shift or that one. Thankfully I was told that even casual staff get "scheduled" days off (two after every five days of work), so that I don't have to feel guilty (although, given my nature, I do anyways) about saying no to shifts. However, if I do choose to work on a "scheduled"day off, I get overtime pay. Last week I worked on one of my days off, and did a Tupperware party on the other, so I found by the end of this week that I was pretty tired, and I plan to enjoy my days off!
Today Isaac and I did some shopping - we bought groceries, new drapes for the dining room, and also looked for some slippers for him, but I guess it's too early for those. Curtis was busy working on a business proposal. I also took Isaac out for supper tonight - we went to Boston Pizza, and both enjoyed our dinner choices. When we returned, we harvested some peas and tomatoes, as well as a few carrots from our various gardens while Curtis went to the rehearsal of the wedding he'll be photographing on Saturday.

Tomorrow Curtis and I are planning to take Isaac to the Fall Fair here in town. It will be interesting to see how it compares to fairs we've attended in the past. I hope the weather will be good. It was a nice warm day today, although it did cool off once the sun went down.

Thanks to those of you who have responded to our blogs, as well as those of you who are reading them. It feels good to provide a way of keeping you updated on our lives. We enjoy getting updates, too.

Catching Up

Sorry for not posting anything lately. I've just finished a 4-day project working for the local newspapers and they've been long tedious, tiring days and I haven't had much energy at the end of them. That being said, I'm grateful for the work that the Lord provided. I was tasked with recreating old front pages of the paper for the 100th anniversary issue which is coming out next week. It was a bit tricky because some of the papers I scanned were almost 100 years old, so the paper was pretty fragile. So for 4 days, I was sitting at a desk scanning papers, reassembling the pieces in Photoshop, adjusting the brightness/contrast and then finally laying them out in InDesign. It took 3 1/2 days to finish 22 covers or so. The last afternoon, I helped with scanning old advertisements to help fill up the empty spots on the current page template the paper is using.

So it was a good experience for me, and a foot in the door at the very least. Now the publisher there knows what I can do and has expressed a willingness to get in touch with me again should more special projects arise. The other benefit to having done this work is that as a part of my remuneration package, I'm getting a modest advertising credit so that I can run some ads for my business. I've got an appointment with the publisher next week to go over their rate card. Here's a picture Bonnie took yesterday afternoon when she came in to visit. And yes, I know I have bad posture...



Early yesterday morning I took Isaac to Dad's place in Telkwa -- after the requisite breakfast at Tim Hortons :-) -- as I had to work and Bonnie needed to sleep (she just finished a night-shift (10pm to 6am). I was hoping Isaac would have a fun day with Papa Jim. At the end of the day, I asked Isaac what was his favorite part of the whole day, and he replied, "every part", so I knew that everything must have been OK.

On a lighter note, here's what Bonnie had for dessert yesterday evening after supper. She was on the phone talking with a friend from Ontario, and I had some fun with her peach and some toothpicks.



In business news, I've got a wedding rehearsal to attend tomorrow night and then the wedding itself to shoot on Saturday. I'm also in negotiations with a couple from Whitehorse who are getting married in Telkwa next May. The bride-to-be was referred to me by a local web design company that I have some association with. So hopefully if everything works out, I'll be able to book that wedding shortly. I've submitted my quote and answered a bunch of her questions, so the ball is in her court. I'm anticipating an answer soon.

I'm also making final decisions on a newsletter I'm going to be sending out soon. I just have to finalize the mailing list and then I'll be sending it out. Hopefully this, in conjunction with the advertising I'll get with The Interior News, will help to promote my business a little more than I've been able to at this point.

Something I look forward to each night...

I have to say, one of the highlights each night for me is to go into Isaac's room while he's asleep and just sit on his bed and watch him sleep. It's such an amazingly peaceful thing to do. It struck me again tonight (as it has done in the past), that he, while he's asleep, doesn't have a care in the world. He's warm, clean, dry, well fed, well clothed and assured of his mother and father's love. And then unlike other times I've pondered the existence of my son, it became so clear to me how much I have to learn from him. And how much he really is a tool that God is using to teach me life lessons.

It's also cute on those nights when we pray and I ask him how many angels he wants to come and watch over him, invariably he always says, "five". Who know why he picks that number, but five it is. I'm enjoying the process of teaching him spiritual lessons, and trying to create an awareness in him that God is out there, and that he loves him (Isaac), and that he (Isaac) has a need for Jesus in his life.

And then the best part comes when I pray for him as he's sleeping and then lean down and kiss him goodnight and get to smell his hair. I don't know why, but that is my favourite smell in the whole world. It's been like that ever since he was a baby. For some reason it just makes me smile. And THAT is a good memory to have of him as I myself go to sleep and rest for the day ahead of me.

Untitled

Without paying close attention, it was surprising to see it's been a few days since I posted anything. I can't say anything earth-shattering has taken place. Just normal life stuff I guess.

We had people from Abbotsford stay the night last night. A friend of a friend (Bonnie's that is) and her dad were up north doing some looking at real estate and they needed a place to stay on their way to Terrace. They left this morning and while I was having a nap this afternoon, they called to ask if they could stay again tonight. So that'll be a nice little break in whatever routine we have going here.

All day today, Bonnie has been in and out of the place where she exercises. The manager of Curves was open to Bonnie showing some Tupperware, and so today has been an extended Tupperware party for Bonnie. I think she's sold a few things, so that's good news. She's there working out right now, and will go back later tonight to tally up her sales, and pack up the display.

My Dad came by earlier today to help finish the ceiling in the downstairs bathroom. He hooked up the light so it would hang flush with the underside of the drop ceiling. It took a bit to find the right breaker so he wouldn't get electrocuted while installing the light, but thankfully everything went well and the room looks quite finished. A far cry from the original.

This afternoon I had a meeting with the editor of the local newspaper. When I first got up north, this was one of the first places I dropped a resume off at. It turns out they have a 4-day project that they need some help with and Todd, the editor, wanted to discuss this with me to see if I wanted to take it on. Everything seemed agreeable to me, and I start this project tomorrow afternoon after Bonnie gets off of work. Although it's not a full or even part-time job, it's a foot in the door, and there's a strong possibility that there will be more work for me doing special projects like this in the future.

After I returned from this meeting, we got in the van and took a little drive. Our neighbour across the back alley from us, whom we've been getting to know a little, once she found out I did photography, invited us to come over with her to her sister-in-law's place (I think...maybe it's her sister). Anyways, it's a nice place and has some unique features which would serve well as locations for wedding photography and other possibilities. So we followed our neighbour and walked around the yard a little. There's some definite possibilities here.

That's all for now. Isaac is calling me to come play and so I'll sign off...

enjoying our garden harvests

It was a lovely warm day today, although I spent a good portion of it indoors, working. When I came home, I was tired and had a little nap, then joined Isaac outside, harvesting some peas. He seems to like picking the flat ones and eating the whole pod, which is okay, but I showed him how big the peas are when you wait for the pods to get round. We ate a few, then went in for the dinner that Curtis had prepared - barbecued pork chops, pasta, and salad with lettuce from our garden. We started eating it indoors, then Curtis had the idea that we should eat out on our new deck and enjoy the warm sunshine, so we did!

After supper, Isaac and I went to the Post Office - I walked, and he rode his bike. We had a little puppy follow us for a ways, until he (the puppy) was distracted by another young boy.

Climb, climb up sunshine mountain

Actually, it was more like a little hike, and it was cloudy and cool as well, but nonetheless, we did manage to walk for a little while up on Hudson Bay Mountain. Yesterday morning, we took a drive up to the ski hill and enjoyed a little bit of time on the de-snowed slopes. We walked around for a little while taking in the sights before we headed back down the mountain for lunch. It's a beautiful place, one I'm sure we'll visit again. Next time I want to come with warmer clothes and better footwear.

Visiting Cousins

While Bonnie was at work this afternoon (on a 2-10 shift), Isaac and I went to Telkwa. Our original plan was to go to my Dad's place and then play ball after we ate, but when we arrived, he (Dad) informed me that plans had changed. Now we were going over to my brother's home for dinner.

So off we went (it's only a few minutes drive), and there we spent a nice evening together. We barbecued hamburgers and chicken and then Geralyn (my brother's wife), brought out apple crisp and ice cream for dessert. I'm grateful they had fresh fruit as well, as I am restricted from eating anything with sugar.

After we finished we went outside and eventually went for a walk down the road. Isaac enjoyed himself on the 3-wheeler he found. The following pictures will attest to that.




Isaac with his cousin, Josiah.


Isaac riding downhill on the road with a manual brake applied (Dad with his belt around the bike).

Accomplishments / Bounty

Today I finished putting the spindles up on the deck. It feels good to be finished, knowing that now it's as safe as can be for Isaac to come out and play on it.



For lunch we had salad made from vegetables that have been growing in our garden. It may seem like a such a little thing, but it's a pretty big deal for me and Bonnie.



This afternoon my dad came over and helped me get most of the drop ceiling put in the downstairs bathroom.



While Dad and I were working, Bonnie and Isaac were outside, picking saskatoons from the bushes across from our house. The deal was that if Isaac picked enough in his bowl, he could have some on Ice Cream for dessert tonight. His face was pretty dirty by the time he was done picking.

Quality time with Isaac

The day started off with some more work on the deck. This morning, Isaac and I got some more spindles put up on the deck. Isaac is just content to be outside with me helping in whatever way he can. He just really likes hammering, pounding, or just working with tools.







Then later on this afternoon we took a walk to the couple places on main street that are featuring some of my photography and/or cards. I wanted to get some images of my work hanging on their walls.

Hokumboodles (a store that sells candy/fudge/specialty ice creams and other treats)

• gerber daisy depth
• two roses
• frozen car roof


• frozen car window

Kokopelli's (a coffee/tea house)

• stream 1
• mission yellow petal
• colourful gerber daisies
• stream 2
• lights in the trees (summer)

After we finished here, we walked to the post office, and then back down main street towards home. Here are a few images I captured along the way:

What a weekend!

My parents and my brother arrived around 1:30 Thursday afternoon, just as I was preparing to leave for work. It was difficult for me to leave, but I'd made a commitment, and had to stick to it. When I returned around 10:20, Curtis, Dad, and Russ were still at work in the back yard! They had removed the old stairs and landing, as well as the compost pile beneath it (apparently they'd disturbed a wasp's nest that was in it, and both Dad and Russ both got stung numerous times - I'm so thankful neither of them are allergic) and were just bagging up the last of the compost and dead wasps. Unfortunately the wasp issue caused a delay in the process, as they had to wait for the wasps to settle, and go out and purchase some Raid to deal with them. After the bagging was done, they came in for a snack and much needed rest.

Friday morning we were up by about 7, and the guys started working around 8. Mom and I headed to the hardware store to purchase paint for Isaac's playroom, which Mom had said she would paint for us. I also showed her a few of the other shops on Main street, as we had to wait for the paint to get mixed. By the time we returned, it was time to prepare lunch, and at 1:30, it was time for me to get going to work again. Eunice Penner stopped by just as I was preparing to leave, as she wanted to visit with my Mom, whom she hadn't seen in years. Apparently she helped Mom out with the painting, which we really appreciate. The room looks great!


Again when I returned from work, the guys were still busy, but soon called it a night. They didn't want to upset the neighbours, but they were preparing for the auger and cement mixer coming the next morning.

Saturday morning dawned as bright and beautiful as the day before, and it wasn't long before holes were being dug, footings poured, and the deck started to take shape. In between baking some cherry platz, cleaning house with the help of my Mom, grocery shopping, and trying to keep the guys nourished and hydrated, I captured some video footage of the process occasionally. And, as if Curtis wasn't busy enough, he had to leave early in the afternoon to photograph a wedding! (My prayer is that the bride and groom will be very happy with his photos, and will recommend him to others.) By the end of Saturday night, the deck, stairs, and railing were nearly done, apart from the spindles, which Curtis will finish. They just had about an hour's work to do on Sunday, they said.

Sunday we decided to do some sight seeing and give everyone a break from their labours. In the morning we went to Twin Falls and hiked a little ways up the trail. The falls are a spectacular sight, and I enjoy seeing God's powerful creation. From there we stopped at Lake Kathlyn, and then returned home so the men could finish their job before lunch, and Mom and I prepared for our guests. It was nice to visit with Ken and Eunice (Ken works with Curtis' brother Michael in their 'Streetcorners' ministry and Eunice is a cousin of my Dad), Andy and Darlene (former owners of our house), Michael and Aleya Joy (Curtis' brother and youngest niece - Michael's wife Geralyn was home with their three other children, who have strep throat), and Curtis' Dad, Jim, who was celebrating his 71st birthday. Geralyn had sent some huckleberry pie and candles, so we sang Happy Birthday to Jim.








After the others left around 5, Jim took us (except Curtis, who stayed home to rest) to do some more sightseeing in our van. We went to Moricetown Canyon, around Tyhee Lake and then stopped in to see the progress of the new home Andy and Darlene are building.

Moricetown Canyon






Tyhee Lake


From there we went to see Curtis parents' house and had a little snack (Curtis' Mom Carolyn is in Kingman, Alberta helping her parents), Ken and Eunice's place, then took Isaac home (by this time is was about 9:30 - way past his bed time. I'm glad I'd asked Jim to stop at McDonald's around 7 to buy Isaac some supper, as I'd had no idea we'd be sight-seeing so late) before going out for a late meal. I think it was around 10:30 when we returned home.

It sure was great to have my brother and my parents here for the weekend! The guys worked hard to get the deck done, and Mom was sure busy,too, painting Isaac's playroom the two shades of green he chose, and helping with the housecleaning. Russ also helped figure out where our tub was leaking from. We sure appreciate all of their help! I'm glad they could see where we live, and a bit of the surrounding area as well.

Isaac enjoyed having his Uncle Russ and his grandparents here, too, and tried to help whenever he could. He did quite well, all things considered. He tried to tell them lots in a short time, too. Sometimes it was difficult to talk when he was around because he had so much he wanted to say, or ask questions about, and so kept interrupting. I can't blame him, though, for wanting to share as much as he could with them.

Mom, Dad, and Russ left at 6 this morning, and Mom called at 10pm to say they'd just walked through their door at home - it had taken them 2 hours to get home from Chilliwack after dropping Russ at his house. I'm glad they made it safely.

For those of you who read this before I get the photos in, they'll be added in the morning, when Curtis can help me. Goodnight!

Sunsets

Here's a few images from taken from the bridge in Telkwa a couple nights ago as I came back from my parents' place. I had borrowed Dad's truck earlier in the day and was on my way back home after returning it to him. Thankfully I had my camera with me.

It's done...well mostly

As a family, we all went up to Twin Falls this morning to enjoy the scenery and do something different than deck work. Everyone enjoyed themselves and got a good little hike in. Unfortunately I forgot to put a memory card in my camera and so I have no images from our little excursion to show you.

Than after Russ and Vern had a little nap, we put the finishing touches on the deck. And when I say finishing, I mean we got everything accomplished that needed a professional's touch and expertise. The only thing left to do is to put up the spindles (2 x 2 posts), but I think Bonnie and I can handle that.

It's a huge relief to have this project completed considering the time constraints we had to work with. The guys got here Thursday afternoon, and if it weren't for a couple minor setbacks, we'd have finished it yesterday evening for sure. But with everyone leaving tomorrow morning (early), we had to make sure nothing really important was left to chance.

So after we finished work this afternoon, we had a little open house/house-warming. A few people showed up, but regardless of how many came, it felt nice to sit down and relax. The difference for me was profound. Here's some pictures:





The spindles that still need to be put up


Work crew and support staff

Bonnie's brother and parents are in the middle (Russ, Vern and Edna), my dad (Jim) is on the right

Remains of the old deck