Missed Opportunities...

...that we were never aware of... :)
Why do I feel like I've been here before?

Valentine's Day

Life has been a daze... a rollercoaster of emotion and an interesting beginning to 2007. To begin with, today is Valentine's Day; a day dedicated to love, celebrating one of our more practiced and treasured gifts from God. This particular Valentine's Day I want to share with you an example of love that for as long as I can remember, I've admired. A story that I've heard bits and pieces of my entire life, yet, only heard to completion about 3 months ago, and i'd like to share it with you:
Back in 1937, a handsome young man named Francis, went out to make some money and found a job on a farm in Daysland, Alberta. On this farm he happened to meet one of the farmers six sisters, Laurette... sparing some unnecessary details, they ended up falling in love. On November 28th, 1939, they were married and moved to an acreage north of Stony Plain in a hamlet called Calahoo. Soon afer they married, they began a family, and over the following 20 years, their family grew to consist of themselves, 5 daughters and 2 sons... and just as their family grew, so did their love for each other. To prove their romance was never outgrown, in their 65th year of marriage, Francis decided to surprise Laurette with a new set of wedding bands to replace the simple gold band he bought for her in 1939. They were a match made in heaven; where Francis was, so was Laurette. They were known by their community as God fearing, kind, considerate and loving people; some would later say that they provided an excellent example of what marriage is intended to look like from a Biblical perspective. Family was always a priority for them, and as they and their kids grew older, more were added to the family via marriages, as well as the birth of grandchildren... lots of grandchildren. 18 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren to be exact! Being one of the multitude, I witnessed first hand the love shared between the two, and never failed to feel the love that they had for me. A lot of my childhood memories came from spending time at their house; and I will never forget the smells of fresh bread, the laughs that were had, the games of cards and chickenfoot, even the sound of coffee brewing just before a late night "supper"... Even thinking of these things brings a smile to my face, and a warm feeling in my heart.
When my grandma became ill last fall, my grandpa stayed by her side, prayed for her, and stayed strong for the family. Before she passed away on November 14th, he moved in with one of my Aunt's and continued to stay strong. Even after she passed away, to everyone who asked, "how are you doing?" he'd reply "I'm okay!" Shortly after Christmas, he took a fall and was taken to the hospital; this was just the beginning of a series of health problems that would soon follow. Not even a full three months after Laurette's death, Francis Kramps died on February 9th, and I'm positive it was due to a broken, yet faithful heart, knowing they would soon meet again in the presence of our King.
My grandfathers funeral was this morning. And although some might think, "what a horrible day for a funeral". I've come to the conclusion that there could not have been a more fitting day to conclude and remember the lives of two people who have shared their lives together, in love.

Home For Christmas

It is so good to be home. The stress of school and the drama that comes with it is behind me... thank goodness! Now I can sit back and relax, spend time with my family and friends and go Christmas shopping.. it's wonderful! I've been home now for a week and a day, I brought my guitar home too because the fret board is lifting.. turns out I could possibly get a brand spankin' new guitar on warranty, provided the damage is unfixable. The downside to this deal is that I might not get to see my guitar for a while. Whatever, I suppose I could live with that.
Last night I met up with a friend from school. We went to eat a Joey Tomatoes, then went to a Billiards club on Whyte Ave. While we were at the Billiards club I ran into none other than Rob Cox! That was fun, now I'm looking forward to a possible coffee date with him before we head back to school. I love random run-ins.
Now I'm just about to start getting ready for some very last minute Christmas shopping at Walmart. I'm really not looking forward to facing the zoo.. but I guess I brought this upon myself.
Anyway, know that I'm thinking of y'all! I'd love to say this in person, but unfortunately every one of you lives so far away (save for Megan... yet I never see her either), but I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! God bless every one of you!

haha.. yeah right!

http://www.myheritage.com

Surprise, it's December!

So.. whilst trying to write a paper it suddenly dawned on me, it's December already! Wow. I can hardly believe another year has almost past. Sure, we secretly keep a tally of the number of months left before Christmas.. but when we step over the threshold dividing November and December we think, "where the heck did all that time go?" Without fail, this happens every year.. It has, is and will always be that way for me, and for many others too. So in a way, it's like an anticipated surprise! Embrace it!

Chin heads

So.. needless to say, my roommates and I will do anything for a laugh! Tonight we decided to draw faces on our chins like the old Kraft Dinner commercials and make music videos. At one point I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. Anyway, here's a couple pictures.

Myself and Kim sang to "Barbie Girl" by Aqua

Simmy and Sarah sang to "I Like Big Butts" by Sir Mix-a-lot.

If I can figure out how to put the video on here I will... that could take some time though..

Season for Change

I changed my blog format.. I hope everyone likes it as much as I do! : )