Sunday night we celebrated Sandy’s birthday with Chinese food and fruit cake, and I got blueberry cheesecake. For birthday presents, Sandy got chocolate bars, green house gift certificate and flowers. I started school presentations again, unfortunately my microphone wasn’t working. Friday afternoon there was the Centra Cam bowl-a-thon and we raised money for technology. We raised $32,265.00 I was able to design the t-shirts. They gave everyone donuts and I got blueberry cheesecake. Friday evening was the craft night with rose club and we decorated tin cans and planted flowers.

We celebrated Joel’s 33rd birthday on Sunday as his birthday was coming up during the week. For dinner, Joel asked for homemade pasta, chicken, salad and mini egg cheesecake. He got chocolate, money and birthday cards. On Wednesday I had school presentations. On Saturday afternoon we went to the hockey game that the police and firefighters were playing, and the police won. The special O sing “Oh Canada”. It was a great afternoon to get out of the house.

On Sunday afternoon I got new shoes and made birthday cards for Joel and Ashley. On Saturday morning was the special Olympics Bowling tournament. I was able to go bowling with my mom, I got 94, 110, 116 for bowling. In the afternoon and evening we went to the senior center and did dance, karaoke, dinner and awards. I got a medal for participation and a ribbon . I can’t wait to play bocce ball in the spring.

I facetimed my mom on Sunday morning, while she was making Ashley’s birthday cake. That afternoon my friend Kelsey sure surprised me and brought her brand new baby, a baby boy Kason! We celebrated Ashley’s 31 birthday. For dinner she asked for: Homemade sourdough bread, Italian salad- homemade pasta, Italian chicken and brownie mousse dessert. We played golf card game. It was a great day!

Here’s to spring!

I interviewed my friend Melanie who is a nurse at the children’s hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. She was my full time babysitter and my aide at Kandu Summer camp over the years when I was younger. We have shared several memories together, and I got the opportunity to talk to her about her job and journey being a nurse!

Kelsey: Where did you go for your schooling?

Melanie: I went to Augustana Campus UofA in Camrose for my first degree, and UofA in Edmonton for my after-degree.

Kelsey: What did you take in university?

Melanie: My first degree is a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sociology and a minor in Psychology. I then took a semester of pre-requisites before getting my Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Kelsey: Where do you currently work?

Melanie: I currently work as a Registered Nurse at the Stollery Children’s Hospital on inpatient floors – Surgery/Trauma and Medicine.

Kelsey: What do you do for your job?

Melanie: I provide any direct patient care that falls under the scope of an RN. I work mostly day shifts, so I do a lot of liasoning between the patient and their family, and the rest of their health care team. I’m often with families during some of the scariest times of their life, and I try my best to be a source of competence and comfort. A very important part of my job is having a repertoire of jokes and sick dance moves to distract kiddos during difficult procedures.

Kelsey: What are your hours?

Melanie: I work 12-hour shifts, and have the flexibility of a casual position where I pick my shifts based on our family’s needs. Before maternity leave, I worked a full-time rotation of two weeks of days/two weeks of nights.

Kelsey: What other jobs did you have?

Melanie: I’ve been at the Stollery for over 10 years since completing my final practicum there, and have no plans to leave pediatrics just yet! Before nursing, I’ve worked as a personal care aide, briefly as a live-in assistant at a L’Arche community, CAFCL day camp coordinator, youth leader, retail management, and let’s not forget, “It’s a great day at Booster Juice!”

Kelsey:Tell us a bit about your family and what you do in your spare time.

Melanie: Well, that nerdy boy Murray from high school still likes me, and we will have been married for 12 years this summer. Our twins, Jack and Zoey, will be turning 8-years-old in May. We like to get out and do fun things around the city, as well as hang out together at home. We recently got a puppy named Bob, and he occupies a lot of my spare time. I also volunteer, and enjoy reading, socializing, and baking the perfect loaf of banana bread.

January…

We had “New Year” themed bingo on Friday night. I got a bingo and I won a ball. We discussed activities and events for February Rose club calendar! We always vote on events and activities that everyone is interested in to do for the next few months! On Saturday afternoon I got some blue, snowflake nails! On Friday evening I went neon bowling with Rose Club and we had a great time with our friends!

February….

On Sunday afternoon mom and I made lemon snowmelt cookies that were delicious! For the Valentine’s Day and Family Day weekend…..we had so much to do and celebrate! Maryann and I went to visit our friend Theresa for her birthday which was Saturday morning. I bought her a journal and Valentine’s Day pens. I gave her a birthday mug, from a few birthdays a go, that she forgot to take with her when she moved. The mug says “there’s many reasons to be happy!” Maryann made her a new blanket for her birthday and bought her a rainbow balloon! After we celebrated her birthday, I opened a Christmas/ birthday present from Maryann, she made me a new blanket. It was a great morning to celebrate Theresa’s 56th birthday and a wonderful surprise for Christmas/ birthday!

On Sunday morning my Auntie Gail and Uncle Wayne came from Lloydminster. We went to the musical Grease, which was a play, with my parents and grandpa and Sandy in the afternoon! My friend Marisa was in the play and scared me half way to death when she came to see me! It was an excellent show, with some great performances! Then, we played Apples to Apples and ordered Chinese food for supper. It was a great afternoon spent with family!

For Family Day we went to my brother Joel’s and sister in law Ashley’s house. We got to meet their nephew Crosby, which is Ashley’s sister Kayla and brother in law Garret’s baby boy! He seemed like a very happy baby boy and didn’t cry at all! My mom and I watched the movie Mother Of The Bride in the evening. It was a wonderful weekend spent with friends and family! On Friday afternoon mom and I made healthy brownies. Which were delicious and was served with vanilla ice cream. If you are a peanut butter and chocolate fan you’ll love those brownies!

1.Where did you go to school?

I did Elementary at Sifton School, Junior High at Charlie Killam, COMP for High School, 1 year at Augustana and NAIT for trade school.

2. What do you do for work?

I work as the service manager at a heavy equipment shop.

3. How long have you been working there?

I started there in January of 2006 working part time. Then full time since 2011

4. What job  positions have you been working in?

I was a labourer – Apprentice – Technician – Management.

5. What is your favourite thing about your job? 

Being able to solve problems and provide quality workmanship.

6. How many hours do you work in a week?

I work 45 to 60 hours a week.

7. What are your hobbies?

Sports, sports and sports. I play multiple sports and coach football. Outdoor activities and playing with my 4 month old daughter.

8. What is your hardest part about your job?

I would say balancing customers and coworkers is challenging. Along with that, certain jobs/situations will get complicated and finding a resolution can be difficult.

9.What was your childhood like? How many siblings and how many nephews and nieces are there?

I grew up on a family farm raising pigs and chickens. I have 2 biological sisters, 1 sister in law and 7 step siblings. 7 nephews and 4 nieces.

On Friday afternoon I did some Christmas shopping for the children’s shoe boxes that go to poor children in different countries.  I went to the Dollar Store and got some hair products, a bar of soap, mittens and paint by number books! I love doing this every November/ December.  It feels good to give back to the community and to those people who might not have much money for Christmas presents or other things. On the previous Saturday I bought two mugs from a Christmas market at the CRE,  one of the  mugs has kittens and the other one was of peeps. So I gave my friend Mackenzie the peeps mug for her birthday!  I bought some Hersey’s Hot Chocolate and a box of different kinds of Teas!  On Saturday evening  I went to the Boston pizza lounge for my friend Mackenzie’s birthday celebration!   We watched the Oilers hockey game and mostly visited. The Oilers won 7-2! I had a blast celebrating Mackenzie ‘s 30th birthday!   

 On Sunday afternoon I got to meet my friend Kathleen and her husband Davin’s newest addition to their family, a baby boy named Declan Scott! I got their daughter Evelyn Rose a homemade apron and I got a homemade baby bib for Declan from the market the previous Saturday. My friend Kathleen likes getting homemade gifts and presents.  It was so nice to see the siblings becoming so loving as brother and sister! You could tell Evelyn loves her brother so much!  A huge Congratulations on your new addition Kathleen, Davin and big sister Evelyn. 

On Saturday morning I got to go to the Vegreville bowling tournament with Special Olympics. I got a couple of ribbons, I got ribbons for second place, third place, and a ribbon for participation as well !  It was a great experience,  I had a blast bowling and we even had a game of bingo bowling too. I couldn’t go to the banquet that night, so on Wednesday night I got some medals from the bowling tournament.  

On Saturday afternoon I had a chance to go to see my friend Theresa and visit with her and with her roommates!  It was great seeing her again! Every year during the Christmas season we have a  Rose Club Christmas party where we exchange Christmas presents. I didn’t go to the Christmas party but I was able to exchange Christmas presents.  I gave someone a kitten puzzle and then someone gave me some bath supplies.  It was a nice surprise to come home and get an early Christmas present! 

On Sunday afternoon Auntie Gail and Grandma Sharon came to visit us. My Grandma  Sharon’s birthday was on Saturday so my mom made her a cake for her birthday. My mom made an angel food cake with icing and then she also made a cereal cake! Both were delicious even though I’m not a huge fan of angel food cake! Happy birthday grandma Sharon!  We made lots of Christmas cards. One card was painted Christmas lights and some stamps, and the other card was a painted snowman, snowflakes and snowballs. On Sunday night Maryann and I went to the Brett Kissel concert!  It was a fantastic concert and a perfect Christmas present for Maryann!  I saw my old aide miss K and her daughter Misty, and I also saw my newest friend Emily from Centra Cam!  It was a great afternoon celebrating grandma Sharon ‘s 74th birthday, and also getting into the spirit of Christmas with doing Christmas crafts.  I also had a blast going to the concert on Sunday evening!  

On Friday morning my friends Skyler and Courtney from high school came over so I could meet their new additions to their families! A six month old baby girl and a one month old baby boy!   My friend Skyler had a baby girl in June who was named Miller and my friend Courtney had a baby boy in October who was named Kasen!  My friend Skyler also has a daughter named Sutton who is two years old. Then Courtney has two other kids, Joseph and Marley who are two and four years old.  They were with their grandparents so we hung out with Sutton and the newest additions!  Congratulations Courtney and Richard on their newest addition and congratulations Skyler and Morgan on their newest addition!   I found a newborn snowman outfit for Kasen and I got a Christmas outfit for Miller too.  It was a great visit!   I finally got the chance to give Skyler her Christmas present from last Christmas. I decorated a plate with Christmas stickers and I gave her a Christmas card!  I like getting baby cuddles before they’re toddlers and don’t let you cuddle them as much ! The best part of having friends, who have babies – once they cry you can give them back! lol. On Friday afternoon I got some Christmas nails, some reindeer and some Santas!

The week before Christmas break from Centra Cam was very busy! On Tuesday evening I went to the movie theatre and saw Moana 2 and it was a really good movie. Wednesday evening I went to the Polar Express movie at the Bailey theatre with friends from Rose Club, which was a really good movie.  Then, on Thursday evening I went to see Wicked at the theatre too, and it was a really good movie, and very long too!

  On Thursday was our Christmas party with Centra Cam. In the morning there was *Christmas song bingo* and people were going bowling! I got to go bowling and it was a blast. Then, there was a Christmas dinner and desserts. Very tasty turkey and ham dinner.  My mom came so I could eat the delicious dinner and I had blueberry cheesecake for dessert!  In the afternoon there were performers that were singing Christmas carols and playing Christmas music!  My grandpa Ray, his wife Shandy and my mom came to see the concert and the Christmas gift exchange!  Everyone was able to buy a Christmas present for a guy or girl and then we got a Christmas present. I got a nice blanket, movie theatre ticket and some Popcorn Twists.   It was a great day to spend time together before the Christmas break starts!  

On Friday afternoon, my friend Courtney showed me her baby boy Kasen in his newborn outfit that I bought him, it fits perfectly on her little boy and he looked adorable! I can’t wait until Skyler sends me a picture of her baby girl in the outfit that I bought her!  Friday evening was our roommates gift exchange. I got some shampoo, soap,  body wash and loofa, face masks, wax smell cubes for my butterfly night light and a coffee Christmas ornament! Then, we went to look at Christmas lights with our friends from Rose Club. After driving around, people headed to Tim’s Horton for coffee or a treat, but I went back home to have a mocha with after eight coffee creamer! It was delicious! 

On Saturday afternoon Maryann and I went to visit with our friends Theresa and Carolyn right before we all go home for Christmas!  We brought them French vanilla coffees from Tim’s Horton! It was a great afternoon!  

On Sunday afternoon we went to my brother Joel and sister in law Ashley’s house and celebrated an early Christmas before Joel and Ashley travelled to Saskatchewan. We also celebrated our dad’s 55th birthday, because his birthday was Tuesday!  We let him open his birthday presents first, then we had some appetizers, which were bacon wrapped water chestnuts, spinach dip tree, and a mushroom dip. Then we played the saran wrap ball game. We opened sibling Christmas presents and Christmas presents from grandpa and Shandy.    Joel got some pants, a nespresso coffee machine, butane torch, underwear and chocolates.  Ashley got pants, shirt,  warming mug,  slippers,  shower gel, candle and lotion. Joel and Ashley together got kitchen stuff – spice jars, utensils and a soap dispenser. Luke got pants and money. My dad got pants, a tool bag , heated gloves and guitar socks and underwear. Ray and Shandy got a ninja ice cream machine and tickets to an Eagles Cover Band.  My mom got a blanket , e-reader, body stuff and earrings. After Christmas presents we had dinner which was ham, sweet potato casserole, french onion potatoes, salad, and carrots Shandy brought a salad.  My mom made a cherry cheesecake for dad’s birthday cake so we had that for dessert .  

On Christmas Eve morning my dad and I went to drop off Christmas cards to our friends’ houses. My mom and I were making appetizers for Christmas Eve. We made a spinach dip and a crab dip, cheeses and crackers. My mom had to make some icing to decorate sugar cookies. Then, my brother Luke and I opened our presents from our parents for Christmas.  Luke got new underwear, a weighted blanket, a book and a towel. I got some new sweaters, body wash, body lotion, jeans, a day planner and a humidifier!   My grandpa Raymond and Shandy came for supper and we decorated sugar cookies.  

Christmas Day started with homemade waffles, fruit, whipped cream and bacon. I watched my mom make the sweet potato casserole.  After we had breakfast and cleaned up, my uncle Wayne and my auntie Gail came down from Edmonton and my auntie Gail and I exchanged Christmas presents. I gave my auntie a mug and some coasters. She gave me a jacket, bath bombs, socks and stamps.  We headed out to grandpa Raymond and Shandy’s house where my cousins Eric and Ian were.  We had a Christmas dinner which was turkey and ham with all the sides.  Cranberries, sweet potato casserole and meatballs with a little salad. For dessert we had a blueberry crumble with vanilla ice cream.  After eating, we decorated wooden snowmen that my grandpa had built and painted already.  We hot glued Christmas fabric on for a hat and a scarf. Then we painted a little face.  It took an hour and half to do.  After Christmas craft and dinner, my parents and I went out for a little bit of a drive looking at some Christmas lights and listened to Brian Dumont’s concert in his front yard! Then we finished our Christmas Day by watching Dear Santa with Jack Black! It was a perfect very special merry Christmas!   

On Boxing Day my mom and I went shopping at Marks, Ricky’s and Winners.  When we were shopping at Winners we saw our friends Sherry, Nicole and Nicole’s daughter Avery. Sherry and Lee came over for a visit with Nicole after dinner and I got a beautiful picture of Avery and Austin!   My mom and I bought the same sweater from Winners and wore it to the new Lion King movie on Sunday afternoon!  For New Year’s Eve everyone went to the office for a big party. There was music, games and we hooked up the new year countdown on YouTube so we could watch.   Here’s to 2025!

Every year I ask my friends if they have any Christmas traditions they can share for my blog. This is what I have to share:

Kori – 

During the holiday season, it’s a busy time for my brother and I! We have had a few traditions over the years… First, I’ll have to take you back to when I was young! 

We lived in Regina, Saskatchewan until I was 5 years old. On Christmas Eve morning, we would get up early and drive to my Grandma Sheets’s house near Rosalind. My two cousins would be there, along with my uncle and aunt! Grandpa would saddle up his two miniature ponies (Buffy & Mitsy) and we would ride for most of the afternoon! After supper, the adults would tell us to go play downstairs and wait for Santa to come…. 10 minutes later they’d call us back up and there would be presents under the tree! Santa came! We’d always ask if they saw Santa, but they were always “napping”. Lol 

On Christmas Day we would head to Kingman where my Mom’s parents live, and we would spend Christmas Day with my aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Tobogganing was so much fun on nice days!

When the weather was too cold, we’d play cards or dress up

When I was 11, my parents divorced and it made holidays a bit more complicated! My mom got remarried to Rob Petiot when I was 13, and with Rob’s family Christmas it adds up to 3 Christmas each year! Dad’s (Eve), Mom’s (Day), Rob’s family (Boxing Day). I still have to squeeze in my boyfriend’s family Christmas as well! That makes 4!

Not all the Christmases end up on those days, and sometimes they overlap with one another, so unfortunately I have to miss out.

It’s hard for us to have many traditions when everything is so hectic each year. 

My favourite tradition that we have started a few years ago, is Christmas games! My aunt (on my Dad’s side) creates fun games that the whole family will play. It’s different each year, sometimes we are split into groups and compete to get on the podium. They have money, candy, and other fun stuff for prizes! Although it’s crazy at times, I’m very fortunate to have so many people to celebrate the holidays with. I love them all to pieces! 

Happy Holidays!

Kelsey- Christmas traditions are usually started with getting a box of goodies for the children in poor countries , decorating sugar cookies or decorating ginger bread houses.  Now as we get older we do some homemade crafts!  Instead of doing stockings we have a big ball of goodies that are saran wrapped in a large ball,  so we use oven mitts to unwrap the ball and then we use dice and hen you get double numbers it goes to the next person. There is usually money in the middle. This year we decided to draw names with the siblings! This year we’re celebrating our Christmas on the 22 of December so we can celebrate Christmas together with Joel and Ashley, and also celebrate our dad’s 55th birthday!  Then on Christmas Day we’re celebrating our Christmas with my auntie Gail and her family from Lloydminster. Grandpa built snowmen and wooden angels that we will paint. I think my mom is going to bake sugar cookies to decorate. Probably going to watch a Christmas movie on Christmas Day night and maybe on Christmas Eve go to look at Christmas lights!

Melissa Olsen 

-We make my Grandma Olsen’s chewy ginger snaps every year. 

-We have a big dinner with Sterling’s extended side on Christmas Eve and then brunch with just his mom and brothers and their families on Christmas morning. At brunch, my kids and their cousins do a gift exchange. 

-We spend Christmas Day with my parents and siblings and their families and eat finger foods, play games and sing carols. 

-On Boxing Day we have a big dinner with my mom’s extended side, and we usually play dominoes in honour of my Grandma Ella.  This year we did a couple of new things. We had a big bake-off with my cousins at Amy’s (my sister) house, and I got together with Brandi (my cousin) to make Christmas centrepieces. I wouldn’t mind if those became new traditions.

Lisa –  I buy matching pjs that we open on Christmas Eve. Stocking stuffers is another tradition.

Johdi  –  Hmm. We don’t really have a lot but now with Hayes we will be doing a Christmas Eve box that will have Christmas pjs, Christmas movie, a book and a snack, that he can open on Christmas Eve. We will also be putting out milk and cookies for Santa.I think another tradition we will start is taking a picture in front of the tree. 

Ann –   We always celebrate on Christmas Eve. We eat a traditional Norwegian meal called Pinnekjøtt. The lamb ribs are soaked in a salt brine and then hung for a couple of months before being roasted.

Trina –  I’ve bought my children pjs to open as Christmas Eve presents since they were little.

Joan – We love to do puzzles and play games  and every year I get Brandi and Brooke matching pajamas. 

Sara –  We open Christmas pjs on Xmas Eve!

Candace –   Hmmm not overly tradition but,since my kids were little to this day Christmas eve they get to open one gift which has new pair of comfortable pjs, and some snacks as well as board/video games that we can play as a family then we watch a movie and have our snacks.

Kelsey: What school do you teach at and what grade?

Donelle: I teach grades 10, 11 and 12 at BRACE (formerly know as PACE).

Kelsey: What is your favourite course to teach?

Donelle: Hmm, I teach math 10/20, social 30 and Phys ed 10-30 and I like all the courses for different reasons. I can’t decide on a favourite,

Kelsey: What is a challenge of your job?

Donelle: Because we are an alternate school, some students are just online and it can be a challenge to engage them in their courses and to get to know them.

Kelsey: Where did you go to school and what courses did you take?

Donelle: I went to school at the University of Alberta where I graduated with a degree in Secondary Education. I have a major in CTS: Business Admin and a minor in PE so I had to take education, phys ed and business courses.

Kelsey: Where have you taught at?

Donelle: I have taught at BRACE for 10 years, so I’ve been here since I graduated, though I did teach at the women’s prison in Edmonton for a month prior to starting at BRACE.

Kelsey: How is maternity leave and do you miss working?

Donelle: Mat leave is the best! I absolutely love getting to be home with my daughter. I don’t miss work yet but I do miss seeing me work friends daily.

Kelsey: Do you like summer school teaching or regular school?

Donelle: I prefer regular school. Summer school condenses courses into 4 weeks. It’s a huge commitment for high school students and very rushed.

Kelsey: How many students are in the classes you teach?

Donelle: On average there are about 20-30 students in each of my classes.

Kelsey: Where did you grow up and how was your childhood?

Donelle: I grew up on an acreage near Beaumont. My childhood was lovely. It was filled with lots of sports!

Kelsey: Do you have any siblings?

Donelle: I have a younger sister, Whitney.

Kelsey: What are your hobbies, what do you do in your spare time?

Donelle: My main hobby is ringette. I like to do activities with friends and family in my spare time. Some of my favourites are golf, running and snowboarding. I also love to get away and travel.

The 1st weekend in September was my dad’s band’s concert *The Baking Soda Boys* at the Bailey Theatre on Friday night. Unfortunately, my mom and I were in emergency room for the evening and night because I was getting over being sick. I was having UTI symptoms and yes, I had a UTI! It was a long night for us but I got some medicine early in the morning that next day so I was feeling pretty good for the visit with my uncle Wayne and auntie Gail! On Saturday afternoon we painted our paintings that we bought from Michaels in Lloydminster while we were there visiting in early August! My picture was of an aquarium. Uncle Wayne’s picture was of a city in Greece and my auntie Gail’s painting was the Eiffel Tower in Paris! My mom painted some mountains and fields .

The next weekend in September we had our backyard summer party on a Saturday afternoon! We played outdoors games, some people were playing board games on the deck and everyone brought a dessert to share with everyone. I made some juice!

On Monday evening we went on a nature walk with Rose Club and other people were making a leaf craft at the office. It was a pretty night to be outdoors. It was my auntie Gail’s birthday so I mailed her a birthday card and it came in the mail on her birthday!

On Wednesday morning a group from Centra Cam went to the fire hall for fire safety week for a client development day. We had a PowerPoint presentation and a tour of the fire hall. We also got to try to put out the fire from the stove with a fire extinguisher.

On Friday afternoon Mary Ann and I went on a walk around the lake! Saturday afternoon I went for nails and got some pumpkins design on my ring finger for fall and then we went to Walmart for a hook for a sign that I got from a spring bingo prize .

I had a nasty cold and flu again. My parents were gone for their 30th anniversary in PEI for 10 days straight and I was sick for most of their holiday. On Sunday afternoon I got to meet a baby girl who was four months old, Marlow Queen and interviewed her parents Joshua and Donnelle with their jobs for next months blog! They brought some pumpkin spice ice cappuccinos and some Tim bits. My mom made her some baby moccasins and she got Marlow a flowery outfit.

The Thanksgiving Weekend started with bingo and a meeting to discuss events for November and December calendars with our friends from Rose Club on Friday night. I got a bingo and I won a light to put into my pumpkin. Rose Club carved pumpkins on Saturday afternoon.

I went home for fall family pictures and then we had dinner together on Saturday evening ! We had corn bread, macaroni and beets with Ceasar salad and ribs, apple pie with vanilla ice cream for dessert . For Thanksgiving Sunday we went to Grandpa Raymond and Shandy’s house for an early dinner, there was Ham, Pineapple , Turkey, Stuffing , Vegetables , and Salad and a berry crumble with vanilla ice cream for dessert. My mom made sweet potato casserole and brought cranberries. Everything was delicious. We decided that we might have Christmas around the 21or the 22nd of December so Joel and Ashley could go to Saskatchewan for Christmas. We took some family pictures in front of the fire place.

On Thursday night, my mom and I went to the charity auction event for The Camrose Association For Community Living! They had a fantastic dinner and there were delightful desserts. I got to share some mini cheesecakes with my mom. There were live appearances from the SingAble group and they were amazing . Some people were able to make crafty stuff for an art wall for the auction , a silent auction and they had a silent auction online that you could bid on things!This year’s theme was Light , Camera & Action, You were supposed to dress up fancy! I made a beautiful pumpkin made out of buttons on wood for the art wall, someone bought it for $100 dollars. This event was at the Camrose Casino and it was a wonderful experience. Camrose Association was great for me growing up, I would go to Kandu Summer Camp in the summer months of going to school, I was able to attend their program for the children. I remember going to arts and crafts nights, getting to go on field trips on Saturdays and going to sleepovers. Now that I am an adult and in my late twenties I am allowed to go to Rose Club at CAFCL! Rose Club plans activities and events, for the months there are different events that we do, we have crafts nights, birthday bashes , scavenger hunts and nature walks! Camrose Association for Community Living seems like family to me and my family. Everyone is welcoming and friendly to everyone who comes and goes out of their doors. I would highly recommend Kandu Summer camp if you have a special needs child in your family! They would love it and they would have lots of fun.

On Saturday afternoon we decorated our living room for Halloween! On Sunday afternoon my auntie Gail came for a visit from Lloydminster. We made some cards and we went to Winners for a bit of shopping. I got some chocolates and a white sweater, my auntie Gail was looking for hair spray, hand soap and she found a jacket. She said that she might come in November and we’re going to make Christmas cards! We also discussed a couple of ideas for Christmas. Maybe we could do gingerbread man, decorate gingerbread houses , or find a Christmas craft on Pinterest. We even discussed that maybe we could do a Chinese gift exchange. It was a wonderful visit and I can’t wait for the next time we visit again!

This Halloween I dressed up as Business lady, if I had a school presentation . At Centra cam there was a Halloween party. In the morning I played the monsters bean bag toss and I also did some of the cross word sheets, Halloween colouring pages and Halloween word searches. We danced in the morning and afternoon as well as there were people who were digging for apples.

Come back for more activities and more Christmas festivities. If possible could you please send me your Christmas traditions and your past Christmas pictures for another special blog. I hope you have enjoyed your fall season as much as I did!

Back in July Maryann and I took our friend Mary’s daughter Alayna swimming and then we visited with our friend Mary on her driveway before she moved to Saskatchewan.

   On Saturday afternoon I got to use the gift card from my birthday that my auntie Gail gave me!  I got a lamp that changes colours from Winners and I also got some hair clips and some hair elastics to have different hairstyles! 

For the long weekend in August, (on the Saturday)  we went to Lloydminster for  the day to visit my grandma  Sharron, uncle Patrick, uncle Wayne and my auntie Gail. We made lanterns with flowers to decorate the jars, put a battery candle inside and put some rope string around the lid. Then we went shopping and went to a place like south Common in Edmonton. There was Winners, Michaels, Home Sense, and  Reitman’s.  I got some clothes, an organizer for my markers and a canvas paint kit.  Sometime in September they’re coming out to Camrose to watch my dad’s band play, so we figured we would buy some canvas with pictures to paint.

Anna, me and Theresa went to Big Valley Jamboree on Sunday night, we saw Phil Vassar and Brett Kissel . We were supposed to see Keith Urban but it was canceled due to the rainstorm! It was super duper fun watching Phil and Brett, both great musicians and great performances!  I can’t wait to hear who’s coming next year!

Wednesday was my friend Jessica’s birthday, so I painted a few pictures and then I painted her a birdhouse and made her a colourful birthday card. She appreciated her birthday present!

On Thursday a group of people from Centra Cam went to the Reynold’s Museum in Wetaskiwin. We had a great day looking at the vehicles and airplanes. Then we went to the other side of the park, we went for a walk and some people played on the playground! It was a great day to get away from Camrose and Centra Cam.

Then on Saturday, my roommate Kat, her staff Nodija and I went to the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller! We had a great time looking at the different types of dinosaurs. My favourite part was the garden area where they had a lot of plants and waterfalls.  I got a hoodie, a keychain, and a hat from the gift shop!

I did my fingernails chocolate and white chocolate Strawberries in July and I got Watermelon nails in August!    Tried out the new nail salon, Minis!  It’s very nice and very fancy and the people are very friendly!

On Saturday afternoon Maryann and I went to visit my old roommate, and my friend Theresa at her new house team seven. We picked up some iced cappuccinos from Tim Horton’s and brought them with us. Then, we visited on her deck, got a tour of her new house, and met her new roommates! We decided that we should go visit Theresa every month!

On Wednesday at Centra Cam we had our yearly summer BBQ and our wind- up garden party! There were games, activities, a music performance from Brian Dumont.  It was set up and decorated like a wedding reception.  They had flower centerpieces on the tables.  In another room there were outdoor games!  Everyone got * years of service * and a little goody bag with a pen, a notebook, and a keychain!

On Friday night we went to the Ponoka stampede, and it was really fun to watch the horses do races and there was a market place where they had people selling their products!