A post overdue...

Here are some pics from Snow Valley last Monday! One of the best Snow Valley days yet, especially becuase I got my blue!! I was pretty proud of myself! You should of seen me when I got home, my little brother ran in ahead of me and was yelling, 'Mom, Mom, I got my blue on the first try'. So I followed his example and my Mom looked at me kind of wierd...yah anyway, it was an awesome time. Most of you know how the day went from everybody else accounts so I'll leave this as is and try to post some pictures. This was taken to prove that Mark went on the lift with me! It was a pretty big accomplishment for him! Esepecially because he agreed to smile for the camera!!

And on of Albert, the reason he's so happy is he just woke up from his nap!! Silly guy napping during a Snow Valley day...oh well I guess he had a good reason.

- And now my computer is being sooooooo slow, that I really shouldn't tie up the phone line up for more than an 1 1/2 - yes that's how long it took me to get two pictures up. For those of you who have highspeed be extremely thankful! I'll try to get more up some other time when there is a better connection.

Hi everybody it's Karen here!Marie asked me to post some pics from last weekend when they were at our place,I'm a little late at this but enjoy anyways, their also in the wrong order,so look at the post from the bottom up:) David, Michael and Marijn.

Marie's car...no kids in the back though. Melissa had about 6 kids over the course of the game!

Melissa, Rebecca, Betinne and Rachel:)

We went to our friends house for coffee that afternoon, here all the girls are playing life. Of course everybody has to hide their face when the camera comes out:)

Here is a horse and cart going down the road.

We drove them through the Amish comunity, this is a typical Amish farm house^ At our house, playing Blurt:)

Some pics from the weekend...

For those of you who didn't know on Saurday about six of our YP went to the Hope Centre in Toronto and helped distribute pamphlets for VBS. Unfortunately I forgot to take pics most of the time and the ones I did take didn't really turn out that great. Sunday we came to Uncle Jake's and Aunt Joyce's in Aylmer. Here are a few pics I took from the weekend. Most of them didn't turn out that great...stupid camera. Here's a nice one of Melissa from at Zekveld's! The sideways effect really adds to the picture!!A random dark picture of some of the kids during supper.

A dark one of Bengi! He's so cute! (Karen told me it's spelled with a 'j' but I like the 'g' better! :)

A light one of Andrew during supper, look at the Dad's chatting behind, do they look serious enough??

Just Something Interesting...

Peoples,

I was reading this book the other day by Jane Kirkpatrick. It was called um, I forgot know and I'm to lazy to get it so whatever, anyway it was a good book. It told of three ladies who all lived in the same place in Oregon a place called Muddy Creek, but they are all in different eras. The last one takes place in 1997 with a lady who helps build a teen ranch called Wildhorse Canyon. The book is based on true stories so I decided to ehck it out on the net. THe ranch is real and you can check it out at http://sites.younglife.org/camps/Wildhorse/default.aspx Be sure to look at all the pictures of all the different activites!! THey look so awesome! I think we should book a conference there sometime. What do you think?

Mission Fest 2007!!

Here's Luke...I think this is while he and Joel were doing their song: 'Something's Gotta Give'

Some more cool light effects...this is Rebecca (right) and I think it's Joel on the left.

Some of the lights during Rebecca St. James show.

Electric guitarist from 'Hello Kelly' - he was just a bit eccentric!

Ben....I'm not quite sure what he was trying to do - I think Aaron's trying to figure it out!

To celebrate getting my G2 license I decided to go to Mission Fest last night. Well not really, I would have went even if I hadn't got my license, but getting my license sure helped make the night funner. We (Pete, Chrissy, Abby, Melissa, two other people from our church and me) left at 3:00. We spent quite a bit of time walking around in the vending hall. I think we tried every candy that was there! We needed to tell people which one was the best!! And then we talked to this guy who was giving out helium ballons! We told him we were from Bowmanville and he asked if we knew somebody named 'Frew'. I've heard of the name, so I told him maybe. And he was like 'That is so cool!' And then he proceeded to take a video of us so he could show his friend Frew! It was hilarious!

Next we walked around the whole outisde of the Congress Centre just for something to do. THen we walked to a nearby Tim Hortons and got some coffee. We spent some more time in the vending hall just walking around and looking at stuff, and just generally being hyper. By this time we've all (Melissa, Abby and I) had a coffee, a donut and who knows how many candies. We were very hyper!! Then after about asking the security guard 5 times we finally figured out where the line-up was for the concert. While in line, Melissa and ran out to Subway and got some supper. When we got back they were letting people in so we found our seat and ate our supper. Then we walked around and looked at the bands merchandise and waited for Ben and Aaron and the rest to come. Finally after like 1/2 hour of waiting Ben, Aaron, Jon, Katie and Jenny showed up just as they began the concert. First up was Kystaal. They're a band made up of three black guys. Enough said. We used the time they were up on stage to stock up on candies and get some water. Next up was 'Five O Nine'. I've never heard them before but they were amazing. I bought one of their Cd's. and got an autographed picture of them. They were so worth going for. And the wierd thing is their home church is in Port Perry which is like 1/2 hours from here or not even. I might check it out sometime. If you want to look them up they are at www.nineofiveonline.com or at www.myspace.com/nineofiveonline Next was 'Hello Kelly'. I've never heard of them before either, but they weren't that great. 'Five O Nine' was definately better. And then Rebecca St. James...she sang for about an 1 hour and 1/2. It was amazing too, I really liked the Praise and Worhsip songs she sang at the end. Her brothers, Joel and Luke also sang one song by themselves. This is Joel. They are really good too. They are working on releasing a Cd, and apparently they have a few songs you can listen too, on My Space, at www.myspace.com/joelandluke Melissa and I talked both of them after and they were pretty cool. All in all it was an awesome night. And if they have some good singers lined up for next year I'd definately consider going again. I'll try to get some more pictures up later.

I Got IT!!!

So for all of those who didn't know I went (for my 3rd time) to get my license today. And of course it has to be the day when we get the biggest ice storm all winter. I wake up at 7:15, jump up and look out my window....what a mess!! There are tree branches everywhere, the lawn is a huge mess of branches, sticks, snow, slush and ice! Great...of all days. Next I turn my radio on to trusty ol' 680 News. First thing I hear..'Environement Canada is advising all people to please stay off all roads unless absolutely nessecary, hydro poles and lines are down everywhere and it is very treacherous'! And then their list of cancellations was at least 10 mintues long! SoI get dressed, and cry for about 1/2 hour (not really:) and then finally at 8:30 I phoned the office and Yes they were open. So I went and the roads were completely clear in Oshawa and I got a huge PASS MARK!!! Now I"m so psyched!! I'm so happy!! Finally, Finally!! Anyway, I got to go.

An Update on My Life!

Hey all! Sorry to all of you who faithfully check my blog and have continually found no updates! So here I go and hopefully fill you on some of the things that have been going on in the past months or so.
We started February off with a bang when we went up to Blue Mountain on the 5th! It was bitterly cold but awesomely fun!! Most of you however either were there or heard all about it, so I won’t give you all the details. I did have some pictures from that day however for the longest time my camera wouldn’t let me upload my pictures onto my computer so unfortunately I couldn’t get them on here. Then right after I developed them and deleted them off my camera, I learned how to put the pics on my computer, a little too late for all my Snow Valley and Blue Mountain pictures though. Oh, well.
Then next came the thrilling yet horrific story of my attempts to get my license! I flew through my driving instruction with Driver’s Ed, passed my test and got a G2 test booked for the day after. I do the hour practice before hand with my instructor sit in the parking lot for like 20 minutes say hi to my not so nice looking examiner and off we go. I back out of my parking space, drive ahead to the left, stop look ahead, look right, look left, wait, wait, this is a really busy parking lot so I wait some more…now it looks clear ….so I ease off the brake start rolling ahead, turn to look back to the left, and BANG my examiner slams on her brake. Now I’m scared out of my wits, because my instructor never had to use her brake in all my lessons so by this time I have no idea what has happened to the car. Then the instructor says there was a truck coming from the left, he had the right of way. Recall, that I said I was looking back to the left as she slammed on her brake, I’m sure that I would have seen the truck and stopped but hey she’s the boss. So automatic FAIL! Except I still had to do the whole test, and I’m driving my whole test knowing I failed. It really stank, especially because I got everything else perfect. L
Now account #2: I have my test booked for Feb. 14 – Valentines Day! It’s snowing really heavy all morning, and the roads are completely covered. My instructor phones to say she’ll be somewhat late because of the road conditions. I ask her to say if I should call the Testing Area people and see if they’re running, she assures me it’s ok because if they cancel they always phone you. Can you tell what’s going to happen yet? You bet, after another practice hour of driving around Oshawa on absolutely covered, totally unplowed and unsalted roads, we get to the Ministry of Transportation and: ‘Sorry we’re cancelled today! No we can’t call everyone because there are way too many people to call in one day So please excuse me because I have to sit here on my butt all day and tell everyone who comes in that we can’t do their test. Did I mention that I’m getting paid who knows how much for this?? (I added that last little bit in). Needless to say I was getting a little frustrated by now. So now I have another test booked for another day (I’m not supposed to tell anybody, because it causes me more stress and pressure!).
Besides attempting to get my license, I’m keeping buys with wrapping up my school for the year, toastmasters (a public-speaking course), catechism and Yp, and whatever else comes along. And now I’m looking for a job. If you know anybody that’s hiring….
Well I hope that you’re all enjoying winter and not hoping for spring too much. I’d love to hear from you all, either through comments or via email. (or in person would be even better!!)

Breathtaking...

Ok, the other day, I went to the lake and I took this picture!! I love it!! It was of some random lady and her little girl but I thought it was cool! Hope you like it!

Getting About Time To Post Again...

Well I never posted on Blue Mountian but most of you have pretty much heard aoubt it by now. Cold, Awesome, and not long enough are the 4 words that pretty much sum up the day! Can't wait to SV on the 19th!! WOOT!! Although it's going to seem puny compared to the BLUE!

I'm tempted to say not a lot's been going on in my life cause that's an easy way to make an excuse for not posting, but actually it's been pretty busy. Thursday is Catechism, Friday is Toastmasters, this past week we had YP and we hosted a Seniors Dinner at the Church, I had three essays due on Thursday/Friday, we had skating this past week, the Blue and don't forget school and everything else that goes on with the rest of the family!! And because I'm not busy enough I thought I'd go to Niagra Falls today!! It was pretty cool with all the ice and stuff and we took a tour behind the falls but tomorrow I get to pay the punishment and I have to bury myself neck-deep in school work! Oh well. Anyway, just a quick update on my life, I'll try to post some pics on my other blog from Niagra. I'll try!! :)

Another Blog!

Hey guys! I got another blog set up for just random pics of anything. You can check it out at http://crazy-89-boekee-canada-photos.blogspot.com/ And it would be appreciated if you didn't link this blog. Thanks!

Snow Valley - January 19, 2007!

After two devestating dissapointments earlier in the year, weeks of anticipation, hours of driving, we finally made it to Snow Valley! Yeah!! Finally!! And for the very first time (at least at a resort) I was brave enough to enter the 'cool' and highly elite class of snowboarders!! I must say it was awesome!! It was a lot better than I expected it to be. It's definatly something I'm going to keep doing. Well just so I don't look to good, I did switch to skiis at around 1:00. Yah, I know shame on me, but I was getting tired of spending so much time off of my feet and on the ground, so I decided to take at least for the moment the easier way of travelling down a hill, though I know it's not near as 'cool'. Actually if I were speaking literally skiing would be way more cool than boarding. With boarding we spent so much energy falling down and getting up we managed to keep ourselves warm, plus you never get going fast enough to feel even the slightest breeze. But anyway, hopefully I will improve. And who knows next year I might be tackling the Terrain Park (though I wouldn't count on it if I were you). Anyway it's been an enormously (if that's a word) long day, and I'm about ready to say goodnight. I was up at 4:40 this morning, made lunches till we left, left at 6, got there around 9 and then I stretched every muscle in my body (at least it feels like it) drove home, and the joy of all joys I got to do barn chores with Matt from 7:30 till about 9:00. I had a nice hot shower, and now I'm totally ready for bed. Goodnight all and thanks for another awesome day of memories! See you all on the slopes in February!!

Back to Posting!

Hey! Sorry to be away so long, but there was really nothing to post on and I was busy with other things. Last night Pete, Matt, James, Melissa and I went to Kerby Ski Hill!! It was so awesome!! It's the first time I've been to Kerby (and it's 5 minutes away:) and it was awesome even though not all the hills were open. After much debating I decided to ski. I'm planning on boarding on Monday or at least for part of it but I decided I didn't want to spend my first time of the year falling down the hills! Well now I'm all ready and pumped for Monday!! See you all then!! Or at least a lot of you!!

Jenga!!

David got Jenga for CHristmas and on Sunday the kids were having fun with it, and I was having fun watching their expressions. If you look closely you can see that the first 4 or 5 layers only have one block. Chris and Kyle were very tense by this point and so was the audience as you can see in the pictures. They caused Chris and Kyle great grief when every time Chris or Kyle succesfully pulled out a block, they would jump up (after leaning on the table) and then shout 'YEAH one more layer'!! At one point I wasn't allowed to take a picture becuase they were afraid the flash might make it fall!! :)

Eventully the Great Tower did fall, scattering Jenga blocks all over the kitchen floor. We were still finding them the next day! I think the final count was 28 layers, which is one of the highest I've seen in a while. Though at one point at Coffeehouse Matt, Pete, Cory and I had a pretty tall one, but we never counted the layers.

After Chris and Kyle were finished, Michael and Hendrik had some fun with the blocks. Here Hendrik is admiring his tower minutes before it would fall. I think the 2 of them spent 20 minutes building towers, and watching them fall, building towers and watching them fall. Amazing how much entertainment 54 little pieces of wood can provide!

Back into Blogging!!

Ok, I'm attempting to get into blogging again!! I don't know how many blogs I've made over the past weeks and months, and then ended up forgetting or losing all the passwords or usernames. Anyway this past time, I thought I'd be smart (I finally learned) and I wrote down the username and password, in a safe place of course! Then when I went to sign it took me to one of my blogs that was made like a month ago, and has nothing on it. So now I can't get on my last blog, to post or switch settings or anything. So I start again. Hopefully I can get it right this time. Hopefully most of you saw the pics on the last blog, because I'm not in the mood for republishing them again. However I do have some pictures of the puppies, so I'll try to upload them. Again, sorry for all the blog switching, and I hope I got it figured out now.

May God bless you with a very Merry Christmas, and may He continue to bless you all richly in the coming year.
Aren't they adorable?! The one Melissa is holding was walking around this little piece of straw on his nose for like 5 minutes. It looked hilarious! The ones Mike and I have were so cudly - you could lay them out in your arms, and they would just sit there all dopey like. I can't wait till we get to take ours home. By the way does anybody have any good suggestion for names? We are getting a little girl.