Relaxing Long Weekend

We had a great long weekend. My Dad came and we managed to squeeze a couple of games of golf, a Sunday walk in the park and taught him how to play Catan.

The List

 

My Day with Martha

Martha didn't go with us to Edmonton last week so we were feeling a bit guilty, and decided to make a day just for her. She and I went golfing, visited the science centre and met Paula at Chuck E. Cheese.


Here are the other photos of the day:

John Mayer in Edmonton

We took Sam and Shea to Edmonton for their birthdays to see John Mayer. A great concert. The highlight was seeing Nadine! The Barrs and Plosz' also took their families so we had some good fun together.

Here are some photos of the trip as well as this short video taken at the concert.

Golf Trip in Mesquite

I returned from my annual golf trip with the boys. This year's trip took us to Mesquite, Nevada, St.George, Utah and Salt Lake City. Of course it was a great experience. 7 days, 6 rounds of golf and 4500kms. You can see all 394 photos on my flickr page or just look at a few.

Hoopla Champs 2007

Hoopla Champs 2007 2, originally uploaded by shareski.

Sam's basketball team celebrates winning the provincial championship.

Weird Snow

Here's a one minute clip of a snowfall. Enormous flakes and the most unique texture of snow I've ever seen.

Settlers of Catan

Our family has gone a bit crazy with this game. Paula bought the game at Christmas and 2 months later we haven't slowed down much. We play almost daily. Even Martha is getting quite proficient even though the game calls for ages 11 and up. We've spend more time together as a family than we have for a while. Still fighting and still having fun.

More from Shea

Here's another update this time from Daycee (our children's pastor).

Just wanted to let you know that Shea is doing very well so far. I'm been impressed with her attitude and willingness to try things (especially the food!). She has worked hard and played hard and kept us laughing! She is picking up Spanish very quickly...today in service when the team introduced themselves, she said in spanish "my name is Shea, I'm 15 years old (ask her to explain the age thing), I'm very white, alone (she meant single) and very funny because I am so cute!" I told her if she could figure out how to say it, she could say it! (the congregation enjoyed the laugh).

We split Shea and Jaydene up for the first time today when we were all sent off after service with different families for lunch. Greg and I had agreed to each take one of them in hopes they would get to know some locals better....they begged and pleaded and told me they HAD to be together...finally I told them the only choice they had in the matter was what kind of attitude they were going to have about it.

Shea and I went for lunch with the youth pastor and his wife and mother-in-law and they took us to the old city of Antigua site-seeing (Paula you and Darlene would love to go furniture shopping there!). Shea really enjoyed it and we had lots of fun together. I have been surprised how much she talks to me when we're alone. she told me Jaydene is anxious to get back to see her friends, but Shea says she wants to stay longer. I told her we could extend her ticket and she could stay here for holidays with me!

(just kidding) in short, she's doing well. So far her appliance is the only concern, one piece keeps popping out and she fixes it with some of my hair rubber bands. We're glad to have her with us.

Shea's Guatemala Trip

Shea is currently in Guatemala helping to put a room on a local church. She is there with 12 other members of our church. This is a bit of a stretch for her but so far, so good. Here's an excerpt from an email she sent us:

It is REALLY HOT here. Like 30 degrees or more it feels like, but don't worry i am slapping on the sunscreen. This week is all working but it's not to bad, me, hannah, and jaydene are painting rooms, so its kind of fun ahah. The food is actually good here. There was one thing i didn't like though, it was like mashed up beans, it looked like poop. but everything tastes good. Just to let you know, we haven;t got a lot of stares cause we are white, because we have been at the church the whole time and almost everyone is white. But the Ladys that are cooking and stuff are guatemalan and they call me and jaydene the barbie dolls haha, thats what daycee said anyways. One of the lady's came up to me and all she said was "Barbie" really funny. But i heard it was really cold in Moose Jaw, sucks to be you i guess!

San Francisco Video

Here's a 9 minute video of my day in San Francisco.

Back from San Fran

Had a great time in San Francisco and left my heart there. What a city! Here's a link to the almost 100 photos I took.

He shoots he Scores!

Sam in the Times Herald
Originally uploaded by shareski.

Sam is featured on the frontpage of the Times Herald.

The Christmas Home Tour

Here's six minute clip of our home.

American Thanksgiving

The Plosz' had us over for a nice Thanksgiving dinner and some games. Does anyone know what a fartlek is?

Flash Slideshow

Martha loves her present

That's what friends are for

Allan hangs a new light fixture in our bathroom. One of the benefits of a small group. This light fixture features a 25 watt bulb which adds as much light to the room as a birthday candle. I've long ago lost trying to figure out women.

Milestones

The kids reached a few milestones over the past month. Sam passed his 6 six conservatory exam which he practiced for all summer. He also got his driver's license this month.

Martha passed her swimming lessons.



The furry of fall activities has begun. Sam is involved in volleyball and piano lessons, Shea is in the school musical, taking voice and viola lessons and Martha is in another swimming class, taking piano lessons and just joined basketball.

Looks like a busy fall.

My flickr map

Flickr recently added geotagging to their service. Everyone can now add location information to their photos.


See mine.

My grapes

No, not those kind. Picked these on Saturday.

The vacation winds down

As the vacation winds down, we're now in Billings, Montana to spend the weekend. Our time in Cody, Wyoming was very fun as we went whitewater rafting and some went to the rodeo. Today the drive through the Beartooth highway certainly was an amazing drive. The kids were quite thrilled to throw a snowball in August and enjoy more breathtaking views.

After a couple of days of shopping, we'll be ready to head home. Shea may have an extended stay with Lebere's as they plan to spend the week in Red Lodge, Montana.

You may be wondering about the jumping photos. I'm implementing this tip and so far it think it's working.

Mountain Fun

Wednesday was a fantastic day. We spent much of the morning on Lone Peak Mountain, hiking and simply enjoying a wonderful view from nearly 10,000 feet. We left Big Sky and headed for Cody, Wyoming. Along the way we spent time in Yellowstone enjoying some of the most spectacular views of God's creation. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Yellowstone lake, bison everywhere and the incredible drive between Yellowstone and Cody.

Here's a video clip of our morning on Lone Peak. It's just video from my digital camera so quality is lacking. The DVD of the entire trip will be available later....for those interested and you know who you are!




As usual, all photos are housed on flickr.

Fun in Yellowstone

Holiday fun continued today as we spent it in Yellowstone. Monday we had a nice morning but rain put an end to most of our plans. Today's nice weather allowed us to get in a full day. Highlights over the past couple of days include:

• Sam and Tegan earning $50 for stripping down to their underwear and swimming to the Ousell Falls in near freezing water
• Having the hotel guy tell us the coffee shop isn't open at 3pm.
• Old Faithful
• Swimming and riding the currents in the Firehole River
  
• Martha and Emmy in the bear cage

More pictures on flickr.

Montana Fun...the beginning

Our holiday is starting off very well. Highlights include:

• A stop in Miles City
  
• Paula breaking stuff in a store
• Me dominating in a go-kart race
• Some sweet deals in the mail
• Sam ordering an expensive meal he couldn't finish
• Emmy's crush on the waiter at the Olive Garden
  
• Penny freaking out as she thought she lost Emmy
• Tegan searching for wireless hotspots
• A mountain walk

Martha is also blogging her version
Pictures on Flickr

Penny gives Meredith the Pink bike

Penny gives Meredith the Pink bike
Originally uploaded by shareski.

One last parting gift and Kurt and Meredith prepare to head for T.O. on Wednesday. Like my editing on the photo?

They're married

The happy couple wed on Friday and things went splendidly. You can either look at the individual photos or view the slideshow.

I will have more added as I get them....keep checking.

The Rehearsal Supper

Here's 4 minutes of unedited footage from the rehearsal supper and a few seconds from the rehearsal...today's the big day!

A Day at the Beach

We enjoyed a nice day at Buchanan's cabin and Kedleston beach.
Enjoy.

Kurt's tool bath

Kurt's tool bath
Originally uploaded by shareski.

I've never been to one of these "tool baths". Kurt received a great deal of wisdom from a variety of perspectives. He also officially owns more tools than me.

Also, I was the laughing stock as most brought their gifts in the bag from the store they were purchased. Paula placed mine in a fancy gift bag with tissue. Not good for a tool bath.

Pre-martial stress

Times Herald
Originally uploaded by shareski.

Think Meredith is stressed about her upcoming nuptials? Not likely.

Canada Day 2006

Canada Day 2006
Originally uploaded by shareski.

Great Day. You can see more details at Paula's website.

Cairn for Paula's grandmother

Yesterday in Moose Jaw a cairn was unveiled commerating the the 1954 air disaster where Paula's grandmother was killed.

Here's the local newspaper article.


Here's a virtual museum tour.

Meredith's Shower

Meredith succesfully passed her first duty as bride.


See all the photos here.

This is cool!

Martha types
Originally uploaded by shareski.

Finding an old typewriter gives Martha a few hours of amusement.

I'm done

Today I convocated from the U of S with my Masters. Altogether I've been taking post secondary education for 10 years. That's enough.

A gift for mom

Here's a video I did for church for our Mother's Day service.

This will save me a lot of money this summer

Skyper!
Originally uploaded by Kurt and Meredith.

Here's how Meredith and Kurt stay in touch. Free and better than voice only.

Meredith's recordings

Meredith spent a great deal of time over the past months recording a couple of songs she wrote. She is applying for a music grant through factor.ca. She's not counting on getting the grant but had a great experience in the recording studio, both recording and singing backup for a few other CD's.

Have a listen.

Hooked on You

Just Like Me

She'll soon be launching her new website meredithjordan.ca...as soon as her "webmaster" has some time.

Home from TO

We had a great time in Toronto. My workshop went well and now life is back to normal. All the photos are here:

Here's a short video I created to illustrate some fancy editing when you don't have good footage. The first part is the edited or recreated version, the second part is what was actually shot. You'll see what I mean.

Toronto Fun

We're having a great time in Toronto. Eating, shopping, golfing and visiting. I've been able to take in a couple of sporting events as well. Monday we got $200 tickets to see the Raptors. We only stayed for the first half and then Don and Reni took us out for supper. Tuesday I took Kurt and Meredith to the ball game while Paula and Reni did more shopping. Paula comes home tomorrow, I'll be home Sunday. All the photos are here.

Off in different directions

It has been a wild few weeks at the Shareski household. After returning from Florida, I'm sitting in the airport in Winnipeg awaiting my connecting flight to Toronto. Paula is already in the air on another flight and I'll meet her there in a few hours. Why are we flying separately? Well contrary to Paula's belief that couples should always fly separately in case of a crash (kids would still have one parent), it's because I doing a workshop next weekend at Don's church and she originally didn't want to leave the kids. As it turned out Shea and Martha went with her Mom and Dad to Cold Lake to visit Paula's sister Chantal. So she decided to come but we couldn't get on the same flight.

Sam and Rudy are at home. Sam will likely occupy his time play his new Xbox. Rudy will pester him for some activity. Hopefully Rudy will win sometimes.

Looking forward to seeing Meredith, playing some golf, visiting with Don and Reni and teaching.

Martha is Podcasting

Martha asked about recording audio for her blog so that means set up a podcast.
She's looking for comments so listen to her 4 minute recording and leave a comment. She'll be thrilled.

Check it out.

Great weekend in Florida

It's been a great few days here in sunny Florida. Weather has been quite hot. I don't mean to rub it in because I know the weather in Moose Jaw has been lousy...them's the breaks.

Getting ready to go to the conference. The city has free wireless so we've been coming down in the evenings to stay on top of emails and stuff.

Martha's Blog

Martha has decided to enter the world of weblogging to showcase her stories.



Check it out.

Steve Bell Concert

Our small group went into Regina Saturday to the Steve Bell concert. He was introducing his new album, Dinner with Bruce which is a tribute to Bruce Cockburn. Excellent concert.



Update:
Here's a 12 second video taken with my digital camera.

Trip to the Science Centre

We took the kids to the Science Centre in Regina on Wednesday. Here's a video of the day.
More photos can be found on our flickr site.

Paula's ball

Paula's ball
Originally uploaded by shareski.

This is actually ball number 3. The first two were punctured by various methods. I'm saying this is the last one. Watching someone bounce up and down on a ball while you're trying to watch television is very annoying. I've been told to get over it.

Point Counterpoint

Point Counterpoint
Originally uploaded by shareski.

I just received 5 free copies of the magazine with my published article. The online version has been up for a month but it was kind of cool to get the hard copy.

Martha's magnets

Martha's magnets
Originally uploaded by shareski.

Martha's school had a science/learning fair this week. Martha's class studied Magnets.

Ergomates

Ergomates, for those of you who don't know is a product invented by a friend of mine and now is a company run by a few of my friends. Today, this article was posted in a business magazine.

Dad hits 100!

My Dad just emailed me to tell me he hit 100 geocaches. It's been just over a year since he started so I'd say he's doing quite well. He's going to work hard on his second 100 while in Lakeland.


He also has his sites set on 74. That's the golf score he hopes to shoot this year to match his age.

Paula's new smile

Paula has always hated getting her picture taken. Lately she has developed a new strategy using what I call her "fake smile". She's been getting several compliments and I on the other hand have had a few "disses". This comment from my sister after viewing this picture.

"It looks like Paula and her dad".

So I too have to work on my smile. Here's my attempt to compete.

Martha Skates

Martha was very excited to go skating and use her newly painted skates. Here's a clip of her efforts.






More photos here.

Mere's grade 1 journal singer entry

Mere's grade 1 journal singer entry
Originally uploaded by shareski.

Sometimes those early dreams come true.

Holiday fun

Laptops galore
Originally uploaded by shareski.

This is what the holidays are all about. Watching some quality shows and working wirelessly on your laptops.

Progressive Supper

The 2nd Annual Progressive Supper was held on Wednesday, December 21st. Val organized this event involving 9 couples.

We began at Buchanan's with appetizers supplied by Penny and Julie. We headed over to Lisa's for soup made by Debbie. Sheri hosted and supplied a shrimp salad. The main course was at Val's and she prepared a chicken thing wrapped in a big fat noodle with almonds and green beans. That's a brutal explanation but Paula's not here to provide me with the correct details. We finished up at our house for Tarimsu.



More photos here.

Update: Allan and Darlene have posted more photos as well.

Meredith sings at Open Mike Night

Meredith took advantage of an open mike night at a local coffee shop Sunday night to perform with Kurt.

Her prof's have encouraged her to pursue these opportunities. They did very well and also performed well at a wedding Saturday and will also perform on Christmas Eve.

Something Stupid

The Road Trip

I'm sitting in a hotel in Jameston, ND eating pizza and watching football highlights. Me, Sam, Dalton, Tegan and Mark are on our way home from a weekend in Minneapolis. We saw the Timberwolves and Lakers, Vikings and Rams and a number of shopping venues.

We discovered Mark is an amazing shopper, Dalton prefers finding a nice bench and the hotel room was a dizzying array of sights and sounds. We learned many interesting things.



More pictures can be found here.

Paula and the Great One

Paula and Gretzky
Originally uploaded by shareski.

Paula's always' been associated with greatness. She still is.