Overnight guests at Archies "B" n "B"

Our guests from Hagen and Saskatoon.

Having a koomla supper with our lifelong friends from Hagen. Gary and Shirley Berge, Wanda and Gail. How fun was that. They arrived Sat. about 4:30 P.M. on their way out to Fairmont Hot Springs for a week and stopped overnight. They left this morning before church. I can't remember when the last time Gail (Toola to me, she was my roomie in Saskatoon before I was married) was out to see us. It was so much fun to have them here and visit. Gary and Shirley were down in Arizona for a week visiting Jarle and Judy a couple of weeks ago and Wanda and her daughter spent a week in the Dominican Republic in Jan. Gary, Gail and I were confirmed together at Hagen many years ago. I remember when we were little and visiting them on their farm. Thelma (their mom) baked the best cinnemon buns in the world and Gust (their dad) was such a cozy man who loved going back to his beloved country of Norway. Him and Thelma made many trips back there.

We were out to Okotoks this morning for part of the service and was able to attend the Appreciation dinner for Ed and Marilyn Sager. They have moved out to an acreage. Marilyn has been a rock in that church and they will so miss her involvement. They have many good friends there as well as in our church. It was so nice to talk to them again. We hadn't seen them in awhile.

Nate's Birthday!

The "almost three year old" with Grandpa and Grandma!

We had Nate's birthday party at our house last night mainly because we are having company this weekend so we couldn't have it then. Pizza, cake and ice cream - yummy!!! Then the fun stuff started with the opening of the gifts. There was one excited boy when he opened each of his gifts. He loved each one. "Thank you, amma and ampa for etting me my ight elmet" (my knight helmet) were his words. And his car had to be parked perfectly by his bed!! That was from mommy and daddy! His orange flipflops and 2 shirts came from Gramma and Grampa Danielson.

Nate's favorite color is orange!

Sir Nate - a knight in shining armor off to rescue the princess!

Close your eyes, Nate!!!!

Surprise!!!!

The Danielson Family!

Loved it and would like to go back!

How beautiful is this!!! Someday Jim and I are going to go back to Hawaii and explore some more, perhaps the Big Island or Maui. Just a little taste of what you might see when you go. And please don't forget to stop and smell the plumerias - they have the best scent - I loved them.

Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning!!!!!!

Today was the day to start getting rid of "stuff"!!!! I have already 3 large garbage bags destined for the Salvation Army or Goodwill!!! Old stuff, newer stuff, patterns, yarn, sheets, projects I have started and never finished in what seems like a hundred years (I am exaggerating of course!!) Is that how to spell exaggerating? Anyway one linen closet has alot less "stuff" in it than when I started. I am starting on the next one! I will get rid of things that I can. But what does one do with other people's "stuff"!!! We have our kids "stuff" like pictures and projects they did at school and at home, gifts they made for us, pictures and things they got when they traveled or were at Bible School, each one is so special and has so many memories attached.... Gramma's "stuff", her music, her books, her patterns........things that my husband made when he was in woodworking in High School and who knows whose and what else we have around here!!! A few summers ago, we built a shed and we have that stacked with storage boxes filled with camping gear and Gramma's photo albums. What do we do with pictures? I have, in the closets, albums, albums and more albums! How many? I have not counted them but there are ALOT!!!! I do not want my kids to have to decide what to do with them so do I put them all out in a pile and then cart them off to the dump? or throw them into the fireplace?..............I can't, I simply can't!!!! How can I throw away pictures of my children when they were little, memories just keep flooding back when we did this or that or went on that vacation or had this special birthday! Or pictures of their first day at school and I remember the mixed emotions I had when with tears in my eyes sent them through those big doors the very first time! I prayed "Dear Lord, please keep them safe"......... And how does one get over the sentimental attachment one has to things that we have received from family and friends? I have many doilies that my mom has crocheted and I have a very hard time thinking about parting with them - in fact- right now, I can't do that either!! As I look at them and the love she put into every stitch, I can't help but wish that she was sitting across from me in my living-room with a cup of coffee and her crocheting in her hand and we would talk and laugh and sometimes cry........No, it isn't just a quick, easy job to start getting rid of things that have been a part of our lives for so long and I guess that right now, I will keep on enjoying them. I just can't get rid of all my"stuff"........ simple as that!!

Family Day Weekend!

This is Family Weekend Sunday and I wish for you, family and friends, a great day. Here in our city it is quite warm, the chinook winds have come again and we are enjoying sunshine. Heather and Duane took advantage of the nice weather and drove up to Camrose to celebrate Nate's birthday with the other gramma and grandpa. My brothers who live in this area are down in sunny Arizona playing (I bet you could never guess) - yes, you guessed it ........ GOLF!!!! But Ron and Delaine will have a cozy home to come to when they arrive back the end of Feb. We went out to visit them in their new place before they left and how happy they are to be this place finally. Both of them have worked hard getting it ready and we are just so happy for them. They have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living-room and dining area and kitchen. HAPPY FAMILY DAY FROM THE ARCHIES.

Christmas gifts delivered!!!

Ed, Marilyn and I drove out to Okotoks today and delivered the parcels from you guys. Thank you from the kids. They loved everything. And Kalle says hi too in her language.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to you - our daughters and your families. We love you. We wish for you love like a river, joy like a fountain and peace overflowing!!!

Winter Wonderland!

It is beautiful in our city right now and the snow is still falling. Our back yard is covered. I felt something like this driving home from work......

"It is a winter night in a little town in the middle of somewhere. There is a soft carpet of snow on the ground......just enough to cover the once brown earth. I look up above and about me and see the beautiful snowflakes (amazingly, not one the same) dancing in the night and see on the ground, diamonds sparkling in the yards. It is so quiet, I can hear the snow gently falling on my jacket. The freshness and crispness of the night bites at my face, but the warmth within me at this hour flames through my entire being.

I am alone in the world......with the majesty of the season all about me.......and the love of family, friends and God surrounding me like a fuzzy, soft blanket. A feeling of deep contentment fills my soul and I smile........a song of joy and thanksgiving wells up within my soul as I give thanks to the One who bestowed the earth with the beauty of winter......

Saturday night - Progressive Supper!

I had to chase Tony and Arlene to get a picture of them!!!! With the help of Janet and Lorrie!





Saturday night the "young adults" put on a Progressive Supper and can you believe it, we were included. How that happened, I'll never know!!! Anyway, we had appetizers at Rob and Rose's, salads at the Hofsetter's, main meal at Lisa and Andre's and dessert at Art and Ardy's. I don't have a pic of them or Dennis and Darlene. Anyway, what a fun evening but you know, we had to keep movin'!!!! And after having a wonderful dessert at Art and Ardy's, she sat down at the piano and we sang and sang!! Ernie sang "Thank you for giving to the Lord" and of course Ardy just follows and plays by ear - amazing! Anthony sang "The love of God" and by the end of these two beautiful songs, some of us with overactive tear ducts were sniffing and looking for a kleenix. What a wonderful way to feel the unity in Christ, no matter what age. Art read John 3:16 and shared how trials in life really show us how dependant we are on God and no matter what comes in our life, God is in control. What can be better than that!

Some random pictures of our time in Fergus!

Grandchildren and friends are so special. The first picture are my friends, Joanne , Candis and I at the baby shower. It was so good to visit with them. The second picture is Grandpa and our thoughtful Noah playing a new game while Erin, Breiden and Mikenna look on. Sweet Kaia at the mall with us. Next is our precious first-born grandaughter, Mikenna. She and I at Nanc and Wayne's on Breiden's baptism day. Then our two little cuties, Laci and Logan showing off their new angel birthstone necklaces that they got from Great-gramma for Christmas. This summer we will see them again at our family reunion and this time, Noah will spend some time with us in Calgary. So looking forward to that. Every time we get together, it just gets harder to say good-bye but how fortunate that we can travel to see them. In years gone by, that was impossible many times.

Arriving home!

Monday morning Jeff took us to the airport and we left Fargo at around 9:10 A.M. We changed planes in Salt Lake City and this is what we seen as we landed. Utah is a beautiful state and it was bright and sunny in Salt Lake. The flight was so smooth and we could see so much. Loved it. It was a beautiful day in Calgary as well, about two degrees less than Utah. Heather, Siri, Nate and Kalle were at the airport to meet us. Thanks for everything you guys. We loved being with you.

More pics from Fergus!

At Nancy and Wayne's on Sunday afternoon enjoying visiting with each other.
Out for supper in Fargo on Sunday night.
It was hard to leave our kids and especially our little Breiden.

Computer guy..........

I am so excited about our computer. Derek has been showing me alot of stuff this afternoon. What a guy!!!! So much to learn but it does my brain good!!!!

Our newest member of our family!!!

Breiden Douglas James

Already over a week has gone by.....

Time flies when you are having a good time....already a week and a day since we arrived in c-c-c-c-old Minnesota. But according to Erin, it wasn't the nicest weather in Calgary either today. Nancy ,Wayne and Breiden were going to go up to Fargo to meet Erin but because of the cold and blowing snow, just Wayne and his friend Andrew went. We went over and spent some time with Logan, Laci, Kaia and Susanne (we got to see Eric too which was nice) and then tonight, we took Mikenna and Noah out for supper at Applebee's and of course Susanne was our waitress! She took care of us very well. We then went shopping abit. And I am ever so thankful for a warm house to come to after being outside for awhile. Tomorrow morning, we get to go to Breiden's baby shower with all his new friends. He is blessed and so are his parents.

What a great day!

I am sitting down here in our bedroom. It is about 11:00 P.M. I think and we have had such a nice relaxing Sunday. We went to church this morning for the second service, heard a wonderful message from Pastor Foss, heard Mikenna and Noah's choir, sang some great praise and worship songs and then to top it all off, had barbequed beef on a bun and yummy brownies for lunch which the youth put on right after church in the fellowship hall. It was so nice. Wayne had a meeting up at the school so Jim, Nanc, Breiden and I came home and relaxed. Nanc was able to have a two hour nap with Breiden so that was good. Actually Jim and I dozed off too. Then we went over to Susanne's for delicious taco soup with cheese, sour cream, salsa and cilentro on top with taco chips on the side. Susanne had also made a delicious chocolate cake as well. And of course it is always fun to be with all the grandchildren.
We haven't had to make one supper meal cause the ladies from this church are bringing meals for Nanc and Wayne - Christ's love in action is what I call it and I think they are bringing for a few days yet. Bless them! They do it for all the young moms. Breiden is doing so well and so is Nanc, she is feeling good. Breiden was to his first basketball game last Friday night at the school and he was very popular. He slept through it all!!!!
I am starting to yawn so I will bid you goodnight.

Finally in Fergus!

We are here and it is so good to see the new parents and brand new baby! Susanne, Nancy and Breiden were at the airport to meet us and that was exciting!! We had a good trip down, we were an hour late out of Calgary due to the fact that the plane had to abort once it got started and that was due to miscommunication from the tower!!!!! There was another plane crossing the runway. So they had to apply the brakes hard and then we had to wait til the brakes cooled off!! The fellow sitting right in front of us had his glasses on the seat beside him (we were towards the back of the plane) and they went skidding all the way up to the First Class section. Other than that it was good! Nanc and Wayne have been busy renovating their house. It is a huge job, painting, staining, putting down tile, etc. so we are helping where we can with the finishing stuff and cleaning. It takes time - reminds Jim and I of our first house we had in Saskatoon which was alot smaller than this one and I wonder how we did it. All for now, I hear the baby crying.......

Our computer is a DUD!!!!!!

Bless their hearts........Erin called this afternoon and said that they would come and pick up our computer tomorrow and while we are away, Derek will look at our computer and because he is so knowledgable in these machines, he will fix it and if it is too far gone, we will get another one. Do you know how frustrating it is when your computer says things to you that you don't understand, brings things up veeeerrrry slowly and then loses things for you as well. I just don't know about this technology.......makes my head spin!!!! I really like using them but I don't understand them!!!! Simple as that!!!

Two more sleeps and odds and sods!!!!!

Two more sleeps and we will be flying through the skies to sunny Minnesota.....to see our newest, littlest member of our family. What joy!!!! Laura is picking us up and taking us to the airport very early....what a friend.....and then we will see our kids at around 2:30 P.M.

These pictures are just odds and sods from summer and fall.....These pics are kind of backwards..... in Sept......Ron and Delaine at their special celebration, 50 years of wedded bliss.......Lloyd was one of the groomsmen..... they came for the party......they are sitting under the lilac tree (that I got from my mom's garden in Tiger Hills) on the "Discussion Bench"........ we went walking in Fish Creek with Lloyd and Betty and this chickadee came to visit Lloyd.....in August at our Sister reunion plus our gem we call her (Aunty Jewel).....when Larry and Irene were at our house...... in the beautiful Kananaskis....... Anthony and Kim's engagement picture that they had set up at their wedding, such a great picture, you guys.....having lunch out in our back yard....... ice cream at Turner Valley........ my flowers did so well last summer. May I say that I LOVE posting pictures!!!!!

To Be Intertwined there Forever

Love to Nanc and Wayne. We really can't express in words how we feel at the moment, so proud of you guys, so overwhelmed by God's tender care for you during Breiden's birth, so amazed at this wonderful miracle of another grandchild. I found the book (which I am going to give you now) that was given to us on your birth Nanc, from Barb and Norm and this is just an excerpt from it.......
Our journey towards joy is at an end. I can see the light at the end of the long, dark tunnel. The brilliance of the light nearly blinds me. I look up and smile. The light at the end of my tunnel is merely the spotlight over the delivery table.
The discomfort of the past hours dreamily disappears and pushes itself past my consciousness to be forgotten forever. I lie back limp and totally exhausted. Yet somehow I am encompassed by exhilaration and great pride. I have stepped over the threshold of motherhood.
Our child is born! Our child! Our child! I whisper the words again and again to my swelling heart. During these first precious moments of his life he begins to wrap himself around my soul - to be intertwined there forever. I gaze at him with fascination - his little fists waving so indignantly in the air - his brow wrinkling itself in preparation for a loud and gusty cry - his tiny round toes (a miniature replica of his daddy's) wiggling as he kicks.
Mere words cannot express his newborn beauty. It's a beauty completely alien to the word as I have always known it. A beauty that does not rest on comeliness, but in the nucleus of the entire being. A beauty reflecting the very face of God.
He is His creation.
His image.
This is the absolute of his life - the whole of his being. What total worth God has given this helpless infant! What a blanket of binding love He has tenderly wrapped around him!
I reach out to touch him for the first time. As I feel the soft, wet warmth of his skin, it seems I am touching the very breath of God. I am touching a tiny miracle of life - and the center of creation.
All of this is... OUR CHILD.......
Our child.....
Our child!