Amanda

Kaleb

Raymond






Since most of you have not seen the boys in while I thought you might like to see photos.
We were at the Twin, Triplets and More (TTMAC) Christmas Party.




Cole














Kaleb, Cole, And Raymond sitting with Santa

Whats New with Brittany

Well. I don't read this thing enough. Who would have guessed that Steph was having a baby wow.. Congrats. Second congrats goes to Mike I am so proud of you. Third I know that Allan kids seem to not be in ANY of the family photographs it is sad. Fourth .. Rumour is going around that there might be a WHITE VAN TRIP across Saskatoon again. Come on family I live in Vancouver no one tells me anything.. Anyway about me now.

I graduated Film School YAH!! I got offered a job to work at my school, I had to turn it down because I was going to Toronto. My trip went well spent money I didn't have but it was fun. Since Graduation I have applied to become a Camera Trainee in the photographers union of BC. The day I handed in my Resume I got sent out for a day call ( meaning I would only work that one day) It was a TV series called "Men in Trees" Anne Heche stars in it. Yeah I almost hit her in the face with a door.

Just last night I got called out for a night shoot on the new movie " Battle In Seattle" It was a long 14 hours outside in the rainy cold BUT... Woody Harrelson made conversation with me and it kept me going the rest of the night.. Everytime I would walk by him after that he would introduce me to other people .." hey do you know Brittany, well this is her" It was funny and lasted most of the night. I also worked on the TV show " The L Word" one day while I was still in school. It was nice to get that paycheck in the mail.

So I am going home for x mas for a week. It should be good. I might miss my city but I think I need some Family Time I have been homesick this last little while. OH yeah the best part I forgot. I start at Starbucks on Monday ... He He He LOVE YOU ALL and MISS YOU MORE

Cheers
.:Brittany:.

Which superhero are you?

Take this quiz and find out which superhero you are. I am green lantern - hot headed, strong willed with a vivid imagination!

http://www.thesuperheroquiz.com/

Donna

news from Mom

Here is the house at last. The deck on the front has been started and Zane hopes to finish that today as the weather is wonderful. Pam is working on the painting and as you see Carter is doing his share. we went halloweening at the Malls as a blizzard blew in It was fun. Carter and I are going out to the house when he wakes from his nap. We will have supper out there Love to all for now Mom
c

Donna's birthday!!
Here are a few of the best pictures I got.

More from Mom

Mike's medal and number. A big smile before the race, and a big smile at the end. I was so pleased to be there. It is quite exciting to watch a marathon race

News from Mom

This is your Aunt Connie and uncle Maurice on their 50th wedding anniversary. It was a great party. The kids put on lots of skits and of course there was lots of music, which was always a big part of their lives., I stayed with Roseanne and Frank and Joan at a wonderful bed and breakfast in Kelvington. I travelled to and from Kelvington from Saskatoon. I had thought of traveling across country with instructions from Frank but chickened out. I was in Swift Current at the time. Part of the family quilt designed and made by cousin Celeste.

I DID IT. I DID IT, I DID IT

Here is my standing for the Marathon

Overall Rank 101 /440
Clock Time 3:43:22
Pace/km 5:18
Chip Time 3:42:58
Bib 83
First Name Michael
Last Name Des Roches
City Calgary
Gender Male
Division M40-49
Gender Rank 87/273
Division Rank 38/115


I made to the finish line. I had a great run up to about the 25-27km. I was doing a 4:45/km but I could not hold on to this. At the 33km I was taking a 30-40 second walk every km. I did run the last km and made it across the finish line. I was aiming for a 3h 20m, this would have been a Boston qualifing time but it was not to be. Next Year!!! I did expect to finish 3h 45m and was under this. Over all I am very happy with this.

I had a great run and as you can see I was 38th out of 115 in my division 40 - 49 and 87 out of 273 in all males, and was in the top 110 to finish.

A big thanks to Mom for her support and for coming out to see me cross the line.

Take Care,

Mike

News from Mom

Hi everybody

I am headed back to Saskatoon today around 4pm. I will be there for about a month. I will finish up at Sobey's , get my doctors appointments , etc., then come back here for a couple of years. I will be going back to Saskatoon every month for a couple of days or so. That way I can do up my accounts see my sisters and any other stuff I have to do. Doug came to Swift Current this weekend to help Zane and Pam with the siding on the house. It is red, with wicker trim, looks wonderful and rich. I keep reminding them to get some pictures on the Blog but they never seem to have the time to do it I will take some when I come back and put them on. While I am in Sasktoon I will put some pictures from the 50 anniversary I went to in Kelvington.
Loads of Love to All Mom and Grandma

A Hello from Steph and Family

Well for anyone who doesn't know already, I am expecting a bundle of joy of April 9th. I kind of want a girl, Derrik would like a girl, Riley is praying for a brother, but a health baby is what we all want. This summer has been full of adventures, we went camping a few times, a boating trip, and two solid weeks with Riley, and Riley's 6th birthday. He is very exited to start grade one.
I'm still working in the group home, I'm the house supervisor now, it's a lot of fun, but comes with a lot more stress. And Derrik has started a new job, Calgary is booming with job oppotunities. We inherited a dog, Connan, a huge Golden retriever. Not a good mix with our cozy home.
But everything is going really good. We had a bit of a party for my mom's birthday, Uncle Mike and Meagan came to my folks house for dinner, along with my gang, and Amanda's. Then fun at the park with the kids. A big thanks to Meagan who pushed them on the swings, after my arms got tired. I hope everyone had a great summer. And I will will be checking the blog often.

Hello From Mike, Megan, William and Sean

The kids and I have had a great time while I have been on holidays. I took two week off and the boys will be here until the 16th. Megan will be staying until the 25th. While they have been here I rented a car so we could get around.

We have been hiking in an area near the Elbow River and Falls, Horse back riding in the foot hills and Whitewater rafting down the Kananaskis and Bow rivers.


Sean Going Off the Cliff


Megan Going Off the Cliff

I Also Jumped Man was that water COLD!!!!

Long Climb up from the river.

Horseback Riding

By For Now

&

Take Care

William, Megan, Sean & Mike

Donna's Mystery Experession

Please Comment on what you think is going through Donna's head at this moment?

Hiking in the Northern Rockies...

the easy way!

Ramona, Michelle and I just returned from a three day hike to see the voodoos. I have to admit we did it the easy way.... we hiked to our campsite and Cameron flew in our gear! The first day we hiked about 30K's -- needless to say many parts of our body hurt - especially our feet! We had a wonderful campsite, great food and a fire to keep us warm. Cameron and Marc helped set up camp before they flew off.

The second day it rained pretty steady so we slept in and enjoyed the ambience of camping without anyone around for about 35K's. The next day we did a short hike to see the hoodoos -- unusual erosions in the rock -- MAGNIFICENT! We were about to turn back to return to camp when we heard the helicopter. Cameron picked us up on a very small jutting out part of the cliff and took us back to camp and then back to the vehicle.

Stan's Garden and a Day at the Beach

Hi everyone! just wanted to let you know Ramina, Marc and Michelle (thats me) are having an aweosme time visiting Grandma, Doug, and Donna in Sask. It is a little disapointing we are not getting to see everyone on this trip. Anyway I am bunking with Donna and she is giving me a computer crash corse....pretty much just giving me hints and ideas on how to work with my photos....my millions and millions of photos. I have taken some awesome ones of our trip so far and wanted to share them all with you lot. Here are the highlights... Uncle Stan's beautiful garden and Donna's beach at Jackfish lake. ( it isn't really her beach...)

update from Dave

Wow I accually found time to write in the blog, as apposed to just reading all the great news from all the family members. So as this is an update I'll just get to it then. NOTHING HAS CHANGED.

well I acually I tried to quit smoking, this was a very good attempt went 6 months. didn't kill any one we know. and that's about it.

well acually I am working in a new area at the slaughter house. I now work in the scalding tank, yes Pam back there again. You don't really want to know what that job entails. and that's about it.

well acually I was at Jax on a sat. when I came out some one had jumped on the roof of my car. Huge dents scratches; not a soul around. I had to push the dents out so I could drive. 3000. in damages. I have to pay the dedutible, and I get a new roof. all's well with that. Nice cops. and that's about it.

well acually I went on a road trip to calgary saw Jim, Mike, Dan and Vivienne. This was an a very good trip. It was great to see Vivienne again we are still very good freinds. and that's about it.

I Have to go I will save the rest for later.
Sam the blog brought tears to my eyes!

I remain,
single and horny
Doug

Cole in Ontario having a good time at a Water Park.
Wasaga Water World

An Update About Amanda

Things are going well. A friend of mine is getting married in a couple of weeks and I'm her maid of honor. I didn't except it to be quite so over wellming. Geordie has getting upset with the fact that it has taken so much of my time. But I really like it I get a nice break from all my children. Well at least two of them. Mom and Dad (momma and Papa) are going to take the boys over night on the day of the wedding and Stephanie is looking after the boys on the Friday before for the rehearsal My poor Friend though, Her fiance got hurt while playing baseball and will have to get married in a wheel chair. He cracked his right knee and broke his left shoulder in 2-3 places. He should be feeling a little better for the Wedding but not fully recovered until he has rested for 6 weeks. He off work for 6 weeks. He's a chef (Sues Chef). So is my friend but she's at the bottom of the chain. Well enough of me going on about this wedding that isn't even mine. On a different note. Cole will be home in a couple of weeks and we have been trying to get his room done for him before he gets back. I want to clean it from top to bottom and then do a Thomas the train theme in is room. And so far the only thing we have gotten done has been getting all the toys and books out of room. There is still a lot to get done. Well I believe that is all I have to everyone right now. I should go check on my children they haven't been feeling well. Love you all Amanda

DesRoches Family News

The life of Samantha

Well, I started this blog, and then my computer froze, so I'm just going to do the short(er) version. :)

First off, I apologize for my ramblings, but I guarantee you that you will learn many facts about my life that many never knew.
As most you know, I had a boyfriend named Cody (whom many of you have met), and after the breakup between him and I, I have a lot about my life. Why was that relationship such a learning experience and life turning? I'll explain. All of us (or many of us that read this) have gone through our first love, the excitement, the unknown, etc. I just wandered into it with a blind feel on life. I went into that relationship without knowing myself, and that can cause many problems. I became so infatuated with him and the idea of someone being there that I lost pretty well all of my own self identity, need for others and activities, and was declined all social contact. After we broke up, I was lost and went into a low emotional state. Counseling, anti-depressants, sleeping 16 hours/day didn't help much (well the counseling did).. But I finally pulled though with help of family, friends and newfound friends. And after I was out of that almost comatose state, I began to think about my life, the events I've been through and what I'll do in the future.
I've begun to think that that relationship was almost needed in my life, not for the good times, but the bad. Being with a man (boy, I guess) who is manipulative, a cheater, controlling, abusive (emotionally, mentally and physically), childish and needy really teaches you something. Not while you're with him, but after you're away and have time to think about your life. I know now that I won't lose my sense of self so easily, because I'm a stronger individual, I know myself better, and I know what I need and want out of life. And amazingly, I find it easier to pick out traits in people now.. There was also the problem which came from that relationship, from not being 'allowed' a social life. Hanging out with friends I thought I had, or talking to certain people was not permitted, and it was really hard to get back into the swing of things once we were through. The problems which arose in grades 7-11 were back with rumors such as me dying from AIDS, certain vernal diseases, being in observation for being crazy and sleeping with this or that person came about. All these were all from about February to the end of the school year, with the last one (AIDS) arising about 3 weeks before school ended. I was a social outcast, and still pretty much am, with only good friends out of town, mostly from when I went to school in Calgary. But with all these hardships, I've only learnt lessons, and I'm thankful for that, because if none of this had happened, I wouldn't be as smart, mature, strong or such an individual as I am today. By the way, I have no diseases, and I'm not promiscuous. lol

What else is new in my life? Well I'm happy, hah, I'm moving to Calgary in September with my Best buddy Jenna, and I've been accepted to Devry for the fall, with high marks on my acceptance/entrance exam for Electronics Engineering Technology. It will be a hard move, because Mom, Terry and I have gotten very close, especially through my rough patch of life. Plus, if I don't get accepted for financial aid, then I won't be going to college, at least for a long while, especially Devry. So I'm thinking of going in the winter season if financial aid pulls through, that way I can move and get used to the city/bus routes, and make a little more money for food and rent before going to university. I am really excited for it though, I can't believe I'm saying that I am excited to go to school. haha..

Humm.. What else? Well I went to the CYAID (Canadian Youth Against Impaired Driving) Conference on May 11th in Toronto, Ontario and had a blast (except when we were all going to go shopping, but was left behind for 5 hours because of some little... Not nice girl in the group who told my advisors that I didn't want to go) heh. But if you want some more details on that, I wrote a large blog about it that is in my email and if you wish, I could send to you :)

I also graduated, which was doubtful at times because of not wanting to be at school and missing so much because of the social, emotional and person vs. Person conflict with a girl at school. But, I pulled through, and graduated unlike that girl (I apologize for my rudeness on her behalf, but that's the only person I've ever truly disliked with a passion). As long as my English 30-1 diploma is passing (which I'm confident it is), I have graduated in 2006 from Hugh Sutherland School. :D I also had a fantastic grad date named Dale, who is my neighbor's cousin, who Mom and my neighbor Glenda tried hooking me up with, lol. Amazingly, it worked. I now have a boyfriend again, since 2 days ago (it's currently the 12th of July).

I know, I know, I'm almost 18, I don't need to be tied down, experience life, etc. But I'm just going with the flow of life right now, might have a good experience with this guy, learn a different side of life.. Although I already don't like his mother because even though she is just being protective, she doesn't like me because I apparently look like I'm 12 :S. Then again, she hasn't ever liked any of his previous girlfriends. If you'd like to know, His name is Dale, he's 23 since yesterday, a little taller than me, and actually respectable. Unlike Cody, Mom, Terry, Arianna and Danielle all like him. I think Dad and Pam might have too for at least how long the met him for. He's a non-smoker, attends a gym and will have his mechanics certification in August of this year. :P This almost sounds like a Classifieds Ad. Anyways, I'm not going to go all boy-crazy like before, and we're taking things slow. Just thought I'd let you all know a little bit about him :)

On another note about graduation, my teachers, especially Mr. Weiss (social), Mr. McKenna (Vice Principal and Computer teacher), and my councilor Janet were extremely proud of me. These three teachers and I connected very well through the years and they've had high expectations and hopes for me, which they told me about many times and the way that they talked to me throughout the years I've known them, I know how much faith they've had in me. Mr. Weiss who is an extremely respected teacher told me he know I'll go far in life and knew I could pull through, even with everything that has happened. I was very proud of myself at that moment and will cherish the advice he's given me through teaching and just talking with the man. My councilor Janet, I'll try to continue to see, possibly even driving out here to just talk with her. She knows my entire life story and every detail, for we'd just sit and talk about the weekend, she'd talk about her kids, I'd talk about my problems. We became more like best friends instead of patient/councilor relations. And Mr. McKenna, he was pretty well the one who made me graduate, for he's the one who pushed me with computers, pushed me to go back to school and made it easier for me to be at school, even with Erin being there. He's also the one that made my suspension 4 days (from fighting) and helped me with the bully/harassment reports caused by Erin after the fact, and when she wouldn't stop the ball that continued to roll from her direction, And got her to smarten up a bit. Not many kids can say they became friends with a teacher, let alone 3, but how can you not, when you know there there and care if you succeed in school and life?

Last thing, I got myself a job. It's not the fanciest thing ever, or has the best pay, but for a first job, and with a leniant boss, I don't mind cleaning rooms at the little motel in Carstairs. $8/hr, and anywhere from 2.5-5 hours of work per day.. I like it :)

Well, That's a really long blog, so I might add pictures from grad, CYAID, and just the rest of life later on in another post :)

Thank you for listening to my rambles, and I love you all and hope to see you all again soon. And I thought I should let you all know, I'm extremely happy in my life right now, and I'm glad I'm here to share it with you all.

Marc's Grad

Let's try this again!!!!

Marcus's Graduation!!!!

On June 30, 2006 we Graduated Marcus from High School. We have attached some pictures for your viewing.

Marcus's Graduation!!!!

On June 30, 2006 we Graduated Marcus from High School. We have attached some pictures for your viewing.

Marcus's Graduation!!!!

On June 30, 2006 we Graduated Marcus from High School. We have attached some pictures for your viewing.