Friday, July 28, 2006

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...)

Friday, July 14, 2006

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

Thursday, July 13, 2006



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

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

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.

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

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.

Saturday, July 08, 2006

Greetings from Lisbon

Hello everyone... the conference is over it was very good. The best part was meeting all sorts of people who are in my field from all over the world. I have many good memories and lots of ideas that I now want to pursue.

The adventure started with a visit with Jim, Liz and Stephanie at the Calgary airport. I was thrilled that they took the time to have coffee and wander the airport with me while I waited six hours for my flight to London.


I arrived in Lisbon late Sunday night and woke up the next morning with a beautiful view from my hotel room window.



I wandered around Lisbon on Monday. This was a very good day to get a feeling for the city so I walked and walked and felt immensely pleased with myself when I came upon the central square with its many beautiful buildings, statues, fountains and of course shops and cafes.








The conference began on Tuesday in the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, one of the most famous museums and art galleries in Portugal. It is in the middle of a beautiful park which unfortunately I did not have sufficient time to explore.








I enjoyed most of the sessions at the conference and was pleased to be able to add the Allan Sapp book, The Song Within my Heart to the international book collection that will be distributed to schools in Portugal.








Today I am off to Lagos in the Algarve -- sun, beaches, restaurants and just plain relaxation. I may not have great internet access so I will have adventures and stories to share when I return.






Tuesday, July 04, 2006

News From Amanda and Family

Well its summer and the boys are have a great time. They love being outside and are getting into everything.

Cole is in Ontario for the month. He is visiting his Cousin James their the same age, They phoned when they got there but haven't heard from them since. Cole was so excited about going on a plane that, that was all he told us when phoned. Not to sure what he's been up to now but I do hope that Jane (Geordie's mom) takes lots of pictures. I sure do miss a lot.

I have started a dayhome I look after two extra children durning the day. 3-4 days of the week I have 5 children then the rest I have 4, except for this month. Were I don't have Cole.

that's all for now

Lot of Love

Amanda And Family

Monday, July 03, 2006

News From Stephanie

This summer has been great. I got my BA and walked the stage. Derrik and I have gone on a few camping trips. I have taken to camping, we rented a boat last time and had a blast. Even Riley, but he got kind of scared on the waves.
For the long weekend, Derrik's parents rented a boat at the lake, I even went on the inner tube, It was fun and scarry at the same time. Riley's happy to be done kindergarden and can't wait to start grade 1. He did great in school.
My boss is now on mat. leave, so I'm taking over for her for the year. Which has been fun, but stessful. In the mean time, I'm going to take a few classes to keep me up with my study skills.