Art In Many Forms: Celebrating Skill!

I think it's time for some fun video clips:) Let's celebrate our talents, whether it's an ability to rock a longboard, a humbling sense of humour or a little dance. Some are a little silly, others not so much. Riding The Longboard (the above clip is a bit long but very cool and worthy of a glance) No Pants New York! I thought this one was hilarious... but that's my sense of humour perhaps;) Over The Rainbow A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E! Dancing around the world Kind of inspiring:) Free Runners Atalie's response to this clip was, "They jump like monkeys!... how do you do that Daddy??? How boys jump like this? They really good!" Insane Hockey Goals Most of these I don't really care about but check out the goal at 1:20 (a minute and twenty seconds) and 2:45. Heavy Load This clip had over 9,000 views and was given a 6 star (out of 6) rating!!!!!!! hahaha:) Way to go Attie, you're a star!

correction

I've mentioned to a few people that Kevin had a week more work than expected - however that's not entirely correct. He looked at the amount of work he had remaining on the job site and assumed that he'd be there until it was done. I guess one should never assume. Friday will be his last day - if that. However, as mentioned he does have a job lined up and is going to call that guy today to confirm. I don't think he's looking forward to changing jobs... but what can you say? He's (we're) greatful for the work and pray that it will lead to an even better job opportunity!! Thank you Lord :)

Job Update

Well it just so happens that 1 of about 15-20 construction companies are actually hiring! Whadaya know!! Kevin took Friday off to drive around looking for building sites so he could ask if they were hiring... only b/c everyone else he called said they weren't hiring and he was running out of ideas. The company he found builds condos. It seems they're the type of company that "slaps em up" so Kev's not too excited about this job - but work is work so we're very greatful! He hasn't officially been hired but the guy hiring said that they're currently hiring and to call when he was done his current job. Kev also got one call-back from a company which builds quality high-end homes, one he'd prefer to work with. He spoke with the owner for awhile about his work experience and he told Kevin that he'd love to have him on board, except he currently doesn't need any more guys... but to call back in a couple weeks and would keep Kev's resume on the top of his desk! We're hopeful about this one. Kevin knows one more guy who would have hired him if he'd known Kevin was looking for work awhile ago, and said he's actually been turning jobs away b/c he didn't have enough guys! ??! That's so strange b/c the general word we've been getting is that companies can't find enough work. Very odd... So that's that. Thank you everyone for your prayers and support! Things are looking up at the moment but we continue to pray for guidance and that Kevin would be blessed with an awesome job! Cheers!

2009 so far: bittersweet

Bittersweet is probably the best way to describe our Year thus far... which is, lemme count...... only 7 days in! Wow, that's nuthin! First I'll share the "sweet": Last night as Kevin was heading off to shinney (hockey with the locals) and I was tucking the kids into bed, Atalie said something which made my year - or perhaps my whole life!! :) I asked her if she'd like to pray before bed and she said, as usual, "(bless) Daddy and Mommy and Aiden and Atalie and..." then she paused and said, "Bless Mommy. She's the best thing I ever seen!" She opened her eyes and I said, "What did you say Attie??". She stood up about 1 foot away from me, looked into my eyes, pointed right at my face and said, "You're the best friend I ever seen!" and gave me a great big, very affectionate hug. I was rather stunned to be honest ~ that's the best compliment I've ever had!!! I said, "And you're MY best friend Attie!" and she gave me another very affectionate hug:) What a sweet little girl! I love her to bits:) **After pondering this for a day I have to add that I'm really astonished as to how anybody could believe we came from a "big bang" - and with no purpose, just by chance. Is that who we think we are? It's no wonder people struggle so much in life, having to believe that they are nothing and worth just as much! If a 2 year old, who has so little understanding of the world around her, can have such a firm grasp on love, isn't this enough evidence that there is a loving being who created us with a purpose greater than eating, sleeping, pooping and passing on our genes to the next evolving generation? I can't think of anything more bland, vile or depressing. I suppose that both Creation and Evolution take equal amounts of faith to believe in. I think I prefer to believe that my life has love thus purpose, not because of a 1 in a gazillionoide chance. Thank you Lord for Love! And for freedom of choice:) ** As for the "bitter" part of this new year, I'm hoping it will turn into another "sweet" part, perhaps a huge prayer praise and reason to give everyone else in our situation some hope!! Kevin's boss informed him on Monday that he had roughly two weeks worth of work left. Hmmm.... yes it was rather unexpected considering we last heard that there was enough work to last until spring sometime. However I wasn't totally surprised, neither totally discouraged. Although I realize the huge risk which is upon us (we live paycheque to paycheque, are currently in the minus b/c we haven't recovered from Kev's schooling period and don't really have a financial back-up of any kind, except for a small amount of credit on Mastercard), we know that a work shortage has been a reality for some of our friends already and we're praying that God will make the change one that is for the BEST! If you'd join us in prayer we would sure appreciate it! We're praying that God would provide Kevin with a job which is even better than the last (which may be tough to beat!) and that there will be longterm blessings which come from this! Amen! Thanks!

Christmas '08 - Mom & Dad Dyck's Home, Coaldale

We went to Coaldale for a week (longest visit ever!!!) to spend time with our family and friends. We usually just see family, as most of our friends have moved away by now... however this time I got to see my great friend Kristie :) :) :) over lunch at Penny Coffee House, and we got to know Tyler's girlfriend Jana! It was a great week! As always, here are some pics: Atalie hides no excitement when it comes to opening gifts... Tyler wins an award for most creative wrapping this year;) Tyler gives Aiden a gift, who in turn seems a little reluctant to accept ???! haha! Atalie helps Grandma open her much anticipated (and hand painted!) gift from Tyler. Jana helps Aiden eat his yogurt for breakfast:) Aiden gets geared up for some toboganning at Tayler Mountain (WOW! haha)! Kevin heads down with the kids - who look less than thrilled (Aiden wasn't feeling great and somehow got snow in his face every time down...poor guy!) Tyler and Jana with their fancy skills:) Atalie gets a free ride up, lucky girl! She had so much fun (and cried when we had to go home)!! Aiden is ready to pack it in for the day, after about 20 minutes of sledding (or rather struggling to pick himself up out of the deep snow b/c he wanted to be left alone to wander miserably). A very poor (but funky) self portrait on our way down the hill;) Bowling with family on my 28th birthday ~ I realize it's more of a 8th birthday type party;) I'm handing out awards here, so I guess I'll start with myself since I'm the birthday girl;) I win award for first (and most deceiving) strike of the game!! WOOHOO!!!!!!! Mom (D) showed some serious consistancy in skilled stance and take off (and ignoring the unfortunate fact that the lane would be slanted each time her ball hit the floor)! She gets an award for most dedicated bowler! Andrew shows some early talent in his carefully crafted "granny" shot! Way to go bud!!! I think he wins an award for biggest trooper! Jerah took on the role of assisting with the bowling balls as they came out of the return-hole. She definately wins an award for biggest helper! Mom (I) gets an award for most positive bowler! I don't think bowling is her favorite activity, yet she had fun and always had a big smile:) Kevin wins an award for most entertaining bowler. Luckily, there were no holes in the ceiling and all the drywall tiles were still in place when we left! :) Dad (I) wins the most powerful bowler award!! Just look at the sheer force!!!! ;) Lisa wins an award for most patient bowler!!! She brought her two kids, Andrew and Jerah. Now, let's be honest... she could have distracted them and stolen their turns ---- buuuuuut she was a true Mother in sacrificing her own bowling time to help them along:) Way to go Lis!!! Tyler wins award for most creative bowler! I think he got second place too!! How'd you pass my flawless score???!! Jana definately wins the most vibrant bowler award! She played off her skill by being casual and quiet, but watching her entrance and exit was a true experience to be had!!! :) Tyler and Jana watch Mom (D) rock the alley. Jana decorates my DQ Cookie Dough Icecream Cake!! Mmmmmm!!!! Atalie helps me blow out the candles. Atalie helps me taste-test the cake (quality assurance). Atalie and Aiden cuddle up to some cartoons. Tyler and Jana sip some coffee during one of MANY card games. Atalie wisely chose to sit beside Jana during the card game, who crafted all sorts of animals and electronics out of playdough. You are her new best friend Jana!! The puzzle we all worked on (even Jana - the nonpuzzler!) - Kev and I finished it up after everyone else wussed out and went to bed ;) heehee... Aiden has some Daddy-time!! And some Grandma-time!! He snuggles when he's miserable - bittersweet:) Lastly, we have Tyler and Jana displaying more of their astounding skills - this time as gymnasts (or acrobats? not sure).

Christmas '08 - Our Home, with Mom & Dad Israelson

I won't bother ruining the Christmas spirit by beginning to describe my frusteration with my many failed attempts to place comments beneath each photo, so I've placed all the comments at the very bottom of the page, in order of photo. From Cuddles to chaos, I've never seen so many gifts as I did this year (and they all belonged to Atalie and Aiden!). They seemed to have a blast, however couldn't keep the gift-giving flowing as they feasted their tiny eyes on each gift which came their way:) We had to hide each one as they opened it just so we could get through them all (!!!) Hiyiyi! PHOTO 6: Papa laboured all evening long, trying to fix the new book "that could" - the light wouldnt turn off and we had to watch it die eventually :( PHOTO 7: Aiden will take any opportunity to pick up a phone and say "hewo" while carrying it beneath his chin... so we got him one for Christmas:) He seemed pleased. PHOTO 8: I've got a week's worth of eating to shed now that the holidays are done...ugh! PHOTO 9: The turkey turned out to taste as fabulous as it looked:) PHOTO 10: My first ever, homemade cranberry sauce - SO easy and SO much tastier!!! The snow also comes in handy when you're running a little late and don't have time to chill food in the fridge;) PHOTO 11: Princess Attie tries on her new get-up:) PHOTO 12: Nana makes Atalie's day by helping colour with her new Dora markers! PHOTO 13: Nana & Papa get in some snuggles before bedtime;) PHOTO 14: Games, games, games, games, games, games and.... more games! Literally, every day, night or day....!!! Kevin has informed me many times that he is "gamed out!" I could go for another round of Cranium however! PHOTO 15: Guess who won this game? ;) She was more than pleased with the fact! haha!! Aiden had his ups & downs during the holidays. I think he was a bit sick the whole time! Poor chap... this moment was an "up", however:) The "downs" were quickly cured with a little love:) Nana soaked it up!