DONE AND DONE!

I have sweet Kourtney laying beside me sawing logs. She deserves this long winter's nap as the little trooper has wrapped up her first semester of highschool. She said both of her finals were easy; so proud of her. I was encouraged to see her skin this morning as I expected it would have taken more of a beating with all these final preparations. The kid is just so smart and picks up on things so easily. Her brain was so packed full this morning that she could not absorb anything more.

Have to say things are starting to settle down now. The winter storm is over for now. We all will be away the next 3 weekends so it will be busy, and hopefully not too upsetting to her. This week we are going to Kelowna, the week after a women's retreat and the week after that, Seattle.

So nice to be in the place of calm again!

Final Exams

Have to say, I had no clue that Kourtney's final exams would hit our family so hard. It is like a virus that has spread through our house, papers everywhere from the English Civil War to The First Canadian Explorers to the American Revolution. Grade 9 socials is difficult, however, I believe, we have conquered the giant. Yes "we". It has become personal, as Todd and I feel that Kourtney has flown under the radar in midldle school with her school assignments, and exams. Now, she is in the big leagues andwe are finding many holes in her learning that she needs to fill in!
Kourtney has done extremely well this semester, through our "gentle encouragement",  I think it has become almost more of standard than encouragement for her, so there is a lot anxiety for all of us. However, getting into University is a tough so we want to ensure that we set her up for success through her high school years.
It has been a bit difficult for Kourtney to study, I am pretty sure it is the medication she is talking, as well as the pain she has. I was very proud of her when she arranged a study date with her friends. It did my heart good to hear that she took the initiative to do that.
Have to say, that things are going better (this week). I always am cautious saying that because it generally comes back to haunt me later, but I feel it is important to accept the good days and not worry about what tomorrow brings.
We had lots of snow in Abbotsford, Kourtney had 2 snow days. (Shaelyn and Todd in Maple Ridge, no snow days; only 30 minutes away and such different weather). Friday morning our caregiver Kim showed up at her regular time 0600 am to start the day, and 2 minutes later we found out school was cancelled. We told Kourtney, and at 0600 am she started singing, I love the snow!! I Love the Snow. Kim and I started laughing. Such music to our ears.
I feel much better, somehow I feel a weight being lifted (maybe that is because I have put myself on a very strict exercise routine, as well really watching the food that enters my mouth)!  It is interesting how many of my coworkers (who don't read my blog) were very aware that I wasn't right. I guess I am very transparent. Depression is not something that you can hide very easily. I do feel though it has lifted. Have to say though, if it wasn't for my bff Angela encouraging me, supporting me, walking, talking, talking and talking, I probably would not have gotten through as well as I have. Thanks, my friend!
I hope to one day, share my struggle with depression at a mom's group at church. I believe that if you can learn to recognize its onset it can be managed.  I also feel there are things that you can do to alleviate depression, exercise, and have a BFF! I will one day, blog my story on depression, hmm maybe I will start on that now, since I am trying to keep myself awake on my night shift.

Grandma

My grandma at 101!

Well life changed quickly for us since my last post! We just got back from Regina, early this morning where we celebrated the "going home to heaven" party for my 103 year old Grandma. Her funeral was the last gift that she  gave to the whole Lutzer side of the family. We were so blessed to see so many uncles, aunts and cousins we have not seen in years.

The Gravestone my Grandpa is buried there!

My dad and brothers, matching caps!

My Grandma's legacy that has been left, has been one of Pure Dependance and Faith in Jesus. It was so important for my whole family to be there and see what happens when someone who loves Jesus dies. It is a celebration and a heaven homegoing! Wow! Incredible!

The 5 and still Alive!

Shae and Emer (do they look alike?)

Once again it was very difficult to leave my family. The girls especially had the most difficult time as they were surrounded by aunts, uncles and a whole lot of cousins. Once again we were reminded of the special bond that family shares and thankful we had the opportunity to go and be a part of this rich heritage.

All the H.Lutzer Grandchildren minus Luke, Ciara and the "bun in the oven"

Nate in the background, like his dad!

Clarise, Kourtney and Auntie Sharon

The Goodbyes!