Jim' Birthday

Recieved a flying lesson.

hi from doug

Hi there: So on to a new year. There is not much new in my life to write about as I stay single and horny. There is the positive out look that 2006 will cure these to problems. work is the same the pigs just keep going by(same old same old). So thats about it on the Doug front. Happy new year you all.

Christmas at the Allan's

Hi, from the far north.

Had a chance to read everyones message and it was so nice to hear about everybodys christmas's. We also had a great time. Joan was here and she put up with some of our wierd tradions. The weather was so nice that we got our walks in and spent so time out doors. The Tofte's (family friends) came for supper and we played a mean game of Crainiam. I am sure glad to have a rest now. I start school on Tuesday, and

Cam is back to flying already. He is feeling better but does have some swelling still in his knee.

Michelle is busy working on getting the crew house ready for the new year. Qwest bought a house for it crew and they just did a number on the place. Michell spends at least 4 hrs a day cleaning and she will be painting it this weekend.

Brittany is home for visit, and I do mean visit, we hardly see her. She as planned a nice dinner tonight so I do hope that means she will be home to eat it and spend some time visiting with her family.

Marc goes back to work tomorrow and I am going to covet some Ramona time, not sure what to do but will find something.

Will fill everone in on the summer plans as soon as they are finalized. Some will depend on Marc's surgery in Saskatoon. Big thing on my to do list for 2006 is to get all that settled. Then Brittany is big on me getting to the city and spend some time in her apartment. I will be happy with a staycation. Sitting on my deck and reading reading reading. I can hardly wait.

I wish everyone a happy new year and the best of everything in the new year for everyone.

Christmas at Donna's

We had a great Christmas! I loved celebrating in my own home. Zane, Pam, Carter and mom are wonderful guests. I was not feeling really well unfortunately so did not get the pictures that I wanted to but here are a couple.

CHRISTMAS IN CALGARY (+12 and no snow)

Christmas Eve!!!! It's crazy I know but sure is a lot of fun. kids came over, opened tons of gifts, too bad the cupboads were more intersting to them.

Cole is at the age where he understands what christmas is all about. GETTING PRESENTS!!

There is Papa struggling with the packaging and the boys waiting nicely.

Cole really enjoyed the Playdo. He got very busy and created a number of beautiful projects.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM AMANDA, GEORDIE, COLE KALEB, RAYMOND, STEPHANIE, ELIZABETH AND JIM

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

From

William, Sean, Megan, and Mike

From Mom

Welcome home Mike Great job you did in Hawaii. Guess running out of money is a good reason to cut your holiday short. I know it is very expensive to holiday in Hawaii.
Cam I hope you will mend quickly. I did not know you were going for surgery. I did know you were having some problems with you knees. Michelle you will soon be leaving for Peru. I guess you are the one in the family that has caught the traveling bug. Do it now while you are single and free to do it. Glad to hear you are keeping up your life guarding Marc. Ramona I guess you are getting excited about having the kids home for Christmas. I hope Brit will let us know what it is like going to school in Vancouver. Loads of Love Mom

I'm Back

Hello evey one,

Mike here I just got back from the land of sunshine and sunburn.

Yes, I am back early, without a lot of money one can only sit on the beach so much. I found the hostel a little to run down so I needed to either move or come home, I came home. This way I can help out with Christmas

Hawaii is very nice but as you can guess very expensive, I stayed in a hotel at 150.00 and it did not have any water pressure and I could not have a shower. When I complained all they did was give me a rate of 120.00, but still did not fix the shower.

I did a lot of swimming and snorkeling and walking. I did a 2.5 hour hike up Diamond Head a 750 foot climb up a volcano. The view was great.



I also went to Hanauma Bay, this is a great place to snorkel. The reef is very high and just before a wave hits the water gets so low you almost and sometimes scrape up aganst the coral, not a nice thing to do.


On my last day spent swimming and walking below is the view of Waikiki beach, All those hotel can hold about 50,000 people and most of the time they are full.

Christmas time in the Allan home.

The Christmas Decorations have spread themselves all over the house. Well at least the boxes have anyway. Mom and i are planing to make our house look like a Hallmark Christmas, but it might take a couple glasses of wine.
Cam and Marcus are off on their own adventures. Cam is having Knee surgery in Vancouver on the 21 and hopes the T3's will help him work through the pain so he can enjoy the holidays and get back to work as soon as possible. (The workaholic that he is)
Marcus is out of town on the 18th. He is taking a course so he will be able to teach swimming lessons. He has been helping some of the other lifegaurds with their classes and is surprisingly good with kids. We did a joint babysitting gig together last weekend. I left him with the screaming baby while i played with the cute kid.
Brittany is comming home on the 19th and we are all so excited to see her. Mom can hardly wait, she already has the guest room all done up for her.

Everyone will arrive back at home on the 23rd. And we will be having a big party that night to decorate the christmas tree and enjoy the Christmas cheer.

We Wish Everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!
we will be thinking of you.

Michelle and the family

From Mom

Congratulations t o both Pam and Mike. I am very proud of you guys.
A great run Mike, I have registered to see if we can get a picture of you going across the finish line.
Maybe you and Zane will one day open your own building inspecting business

Loads of Love Mom

You go Mike

WOW Mike you did awesome!!!
2:53:03 for 30k.

Hope you are enjoying your time in Hawaii. Congratulations on a run well done.

I have just received my test results for the Level 1 Building Inspector and I passed. I got a 87%. I am now going to talk to some people to see if they will hire me on a contract basis. Now Zane and I are both licenced building inspectors. Zane always says it is good to have that in his back pocket.

Have a Merry Christmas everyone and a Happy New Year. Congratulations Mike on your time!!!

Love Pam and Zane

From Mom

Just a reminder that tomorrow is the big race in Hawaii I hope you all have Mike's information as to how to keep track of how is doing. I have to work tomorrow afternoon, but I will check on him in the morning and when I get home Pam and Zane are voming in today to shop and spend some time with her Mom before Charistmas. Love Mom

www.honolulumarathon.org
Runner Search
Michael DesRoches
Race #9784
Joints in Motion Canada

It Is December

I got back to Calgary on Saurday. I had a fantastic time in Saskatoon. The conference was really got. Lots of new developments in the field of supported Employment. I some ways Saskatchewan is far ahead of the rest of Canada, but in other ways they are far behind. The Saskatchewan Government is much further ahead in promoting diversity. They have made it a top prioriyt with government. They actitivly recutire qualified aboringals and disabled people. Good the see!!!
Our presentation went well Bruce and play off each other very well. We had lots of positive feedback.
Had a great vist with Mom, it was good to see her and Doug. Both seem to be doing very well.
I was amazed that there was no snow I don't think I remember a November in Saskatoon with out snow. Not only no snow but warm too.

When I got back to Calgary the tempreture dropped. Today a high of -19.

But now it's back to work, seem like I never had a break.

Liz is doing fine, working on her business and renovating the house.

Amanda and her family are doing well. We had the twins on Wednesday. They sure are great kids.

Steph's dong well. Writing exams for university. Work and home for her is stressful but she is managing well.

That's it for now.

Jim

Big Hello from Mike

Hello, Hello, Hello,


Things are going well , No I have no new about the jobs in Calgary. I am hoping to hear Monday. I feel now that I have not heard in two weeks that I did not get the jobs.

My training is now on the taper, this means that I will be running less until the marathon. I will be leaving on the 8th of December and back on the 23rd. I am looking forward to this so much. It has been a long time since I have had a holiday and longer since I have had one alone.

Will try to keep you up to date, I will logon when I am in Hawaii and update when I can.


Take care,


Mike

from Mom

I wrote a big long blog telling everyone about my travels and for some reason it did not come up on the blog for some reason it does come up on view this blog. Love Mom

From Mom

Hi Family

Thought I should let everyone know about my latest travels. On Tuesday the 9th I had a couple of teeth filled then took off for Swift Current. I stayed there until Friday. I had a great visit with Zane and Pam and Carter. Pam showed me around SC and also the piece of property they plan on building a house on. It has a wonderful view of the hills and river. Carter is developing his speech and imagination skills each day. It blew me away to see him sit in his chair and watch wheel of fortune and jeopardy, for a full hour. I would love to be able to read his mind to find out what attracts him to these two programs. The only other thing that keeps his attention for very long is Veggie tales. I left SC on Friday morning and went to Regina to see Mike. Lynn from Australia had sent the family tree she was working on at the party in Aug. Mike will get it all into the computer. Sean and William were with Mike as is was his weekend with them. Megan was out of town visiting one of her friends so I did not get to see her. Mike and I went to the casino for a couple of hours. It did not take us long to lose our allowances, The boys are fastly developing into young men They both look down at me. I think they will be quite tall. I had a nice time with them. I left Regina on Saturday afternoon . I am glad I did as the southern part of the province had a bad snow storm. I also had to work on Sunday. Jim arrived here on Monday for the conference he will be speaking at tomorrow(Thursday). He is speaking with a co-worker , Bruce , on employment in the community for the disabled. I am going to sneak in to hear the talk.. Will close now Loads of Love

Hello Again

Mom is in town. We went to the pool with Carter he just loves to swim. We are headed to Edmonton on Thursday Night and Mom is on her way to Regina on Friday AM.

Love you all,

The Desroches

Pam, Zane, Carter and Mom.

New From Mike

Hello everyone, just a quick note to bring you up to date.

I am still running, our training has us up to 32km. This run went well and I did a negative split, this means that I ran the second half (16km) faster than the first half.

I did a speed run of 23km in two hours. This will make it a 5:22 per km. I am hoping for an even 5:00.

I was had a pair of shoes that were not right and now I am out for 3 days as I have a sore heel.

I am almost finished my fundraising, only about $400.00 to go. This I will make up with my overtime.

I have booked an extra 10 days in Maui. Looking forward to this very much.

I have also applied for a job in Calgary, I had an interview and they have call my references so I was at least short listed. I will make about 10 - 15 thousand more a year than I am making now.

I will keep you informed.

I'm on my way.

Hey everyone. I finaly have some news to put on here. I booked my plane ticket to Peru.
I leave on January 18th. I'm very excited and will be working hard until i leave.

Michelle x0x0x0x0

Hello from Zane

Hi everyone.

Sorry it took so long to get on this blog. I actually forgot about it. I know I know, I am the one that wanted a blog and forgot!!! Boy oh Boy, I guess the weather down here makes you forgetful.

Things here are going good. I am working hard. I have sold a few houses so it feels good. Pam is still at home and trying to figure out what she wants to do. Carter is great, growing like crazy. He is starting to run so we have to watch him. We went out trick or treating last night. Carter had some fun, but was scared of some of the decorations on the lawns. I am sure he will get over it by next year.

We bought some land about 1 km south of Swift. It is 2.5 acres and we are quite excited as we will be building next year. There is no trees on the land so we have quite a bit of work to do on it. It should be fun though. It has a gorgeous view of speedy creek and some rolling hills. I think it will be awesome for Carter when he gets older.

Well I should get back to work. Take care everyone.

Zane

from Ramona

Just a quick note to say Hi.

We are alldoing fine here, the weather has gotten cold, but no snow so far. They say it will be here to stay by Tuesday. Michelle is working hard and saving her money, Marc is busyf with school and friends. Cam is off to Mexico to go Marlen fishing. One of the company he leases his helicopers from is payingfor the trip. I hope he enjoys him self and leaves his fish ( if he catches one) in Mexico. Not something I want haning any where around here.

School is busy with the catch up and the kids are taking their sweet time to settle back to work.

Well Marc is here and he needs to computer.

Love Ramona

news from Mom

Back from wonderful restful, weekend with Jim and Liz. Cole is growing so fast and his vocabulary is expanding each day. Caleb and Raymond are walking , Raymond on his own and Caleb with some help but does take off for a few steps on his own, Jim and Liz are feeling so much better, they had it very rough with the cold and flu. They did want to do some touristy things around Calgary but were just oo ill to do it. I enjoyed having Jim on holidays while I was there. Love to all Mom and Grandma

News From Sean!!!

So before i made the french website, (http://mentrania.piczo.com) I ran for SLC (Student Leadership Council.) For my speech, I did a rap. Yes, a rap. Luckily, I don't get stage-fright easily. Unfortunately, I didnt make the four student leaders.

The Pictures are here!!!!!

So they are finally here. My mommy on the picket line! It was pretty cold out this morning.

news from Mom

Sean, what a woderful web site you created, I hope all of you have checked it out. Do you enjoy the French language? I hope so as it is nice to have a second language. Samantha how is the fund raising going got Double Trouble, I can make some flower pens for your group to sell. I did this for Mike and Megan is selling them at the school for a dollar each. Ramona, I did not like to hear about those headaches, how long have you had them? When will you have the results of the CT scan. Brit I am glad to hear that you are finding friends at the school. Love Mom and Grandma

from Ramona

Hi,

Michelle and I have not figure out the pictures thing. She is going to take pictures with her camera, she seems to think she can figure it out that way.

They were some great pictures to if that is any consolation.

I just got back from my trip to Dawson Creek. I had to go for a CT scan. I have been having dizzy spells, but I am feeling better and it probably was a waste of a trip. But I got to spend a little money at Walmart and Canadian Tire. They love to see me coming.

With the help of Wendy and Marcus I am working on over coming my fear of color and have painted the little bedroom a carmel color. I think it is more golden then carmal, it is not WHITE, it is nice and I am getting use to it.

We are planning on putting in new flooring and making it into an office/guestroom. Cam will be home tomorrow and things will get back to normal as normal as we can be with our Brittany not around anymore.

She called, and is doing just great. She met a few people, One girl who is also in film and Video, she is 23, Brittany seems to thing she is very nice. I just want her to be happy.

Well I must run and get my sleepy time tea into me before it is too late.

Love to all
Ramona

from Mom

Good morning family. Things are pretty quiet here, right now. Did you get your computer, Samantha? I hope you will enjoy it. I spent the day with Donna on her birthday, we had turkey and all the trimmings. Doug came up and had supper with us. I went to Prince Albert instead of coming straight home on the following day and had a great visit with my sisters Jean and Bell. On Saturday I took your Uncle Stan, his shredder and his sander that he had loaned me, we went for a very long lunch at Peter D's.He has been keeping himself very busy with the lillies and he has joined the bird watchers. He is looking so well. He has been invited to the unveiling of an airplane called the Halifax, it was an important plane during the second world war. This takes place around Toronto, I can't remember exactly where. He will spend time with Debbie and Richard in Ottawa. Doug has been on a week of holidays, this is his last day. he has been sick with a very bad cold. so has not done much . I miss Carter, but he phones me a lot and he is just starting to respond to my talking to him. I hope to get to see you guys when I have a few days off and do not have to turn around and drive back for work. I am going to Calgary to see Jim, Liz and kids, on Saturday and will be back the following tuesday. I am off to the dentist tomorrow and getting my hair colored on Wednesday, I work on Friday. I will have to come up with some thing to do on Thurday. Sorry to hear you are on strike, Ramona. Does Brittany have a phone(land line) yet? Please send us her address and the phone number okay How are things going for your marathon Mike? Love you all Mom

From The Allan's

Hi, just an update from the Allan's. We had a very quiet Thanksgiving as Cam and Brittany were in Vancouver, and Marc had to work and Michelle spent time sleeping. She is working nightshift and needs to sleep during the day. We did have turkey but not all the fixens and stuff.

I am finding striking a bit stressful. /Users/ramonaallan/Pictures/iPhoto Library/2005/10/14/DSC00102.JPGI do not like not working and just standing around with a sign is not the way to live. I am not in as bad of shape as some of the staff. I do not know what it would be like being a single mother and needing a income. The weather has been nice but it snowed today so I am not sure how it will be come Monday morning. /Users/ramonaallan/Pictures/iPhoto Library/2005/10/14/DSC00105.JPG

I have been working out and now have some musle. I really want to start working on my weight. I need to cut down on my bread. My god I love my bread. I am going to try and cut down of my portions.

Cam and Brittany are having a great time. I will put some pictures on the blog so that you can see her big move.
/Users/ramonaallan/Pictures/iPhoto Library/2005/10/08/DSC00074.JPG/Users/ramonaallan/Pictures/iPhoto Library/2005/10/09/DSC00078.JPG
Marc had his jeep pranked. His friends ( I guess) wrapped his jeep in seranwrap. It was pretty funny so Michelle took some pictures of it.
/Users/ramonaallan/Pictures/iPhoto Library/2005/10/12/DSC00085.JPG
thinking of you all with much love

Ramona

Happy Thanksgiving from North Battleford

Mom and Doug came for Thanksgiving Dinner -- and to put up my storm windows. I appreciated the help! We had a great visit and a wonderful meal.

I have had an abcessed tooth all weekend - now I know what real pain is! I had to go to emergency where I was given a strong anibiotic and pain killers. I will try to see the dentist tomorrow.

I had a great birthday - a shopping day and dinner in Saskatoon with friends and then today with mom and Doug. Hmmm.. the years just seem to go faster and faster!

Happy Thanksgiving From Calgary

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, and a happy birthday to you Donna. I trust all are having a good long weekend. Seems we might have picked up something from one of the grandkids. We must be getting older and our systems are not as strong as they once were. Liz and I are both sick. Spent most of Monday morning at the clinic. We both have sever chest infections. We are on antibiotics and puffers. It should take a few days to clar up. What a way to started my holidays. Can't even enjoy the nice weather; should hit +20 today.

Stephanie is doing fine still working six days a week and going to university. Amanda, Gordie and the boys are fine. The grandkids are over thier colds and feeling much better.

That's it for now.


Jim & Family

from grandma, mom

If you go to viewmy complete profile, then click on news from Mom you can read what I wrote on sept29, let me know if it works Love Mom and grandma

news from Mom

From Ramona

Hi, Just a quick up date to let you know that I am thinking about all of you. Brittany and Cam are off to start her big adventure, can you belive she is finally going to go. Michelle is working and hidding out. She does not like her job but does like the 23 bucks and hr. She plans to leave Jand 15 for South America. She plans to go allone, I am not so happy about this. Marc is busy trying to keep his 65 in English so that he can keep his collage seat. Does not seem to think I can help him to much. Drives me nuts. He is working hard at the pool. School for me is good. I am not looking forward to winter. All in all I can't complain. Well I must run and get some marking done.

Thinking of you all with much love. Ramona

mom

i WROTE A BIG LONG BLOG AND IT DID NOT GO THROUGH BECAUSE I USED THE WRONG THING AND i CREATED A BLOG. SO IF YOU WANT TO READ IT YOU CAN FIND IT WHERE YOU HIT THE POST . tHEY BLGGER HAS BEEN DOWN FOR MAINTANANCE SO MY LAST ONE DID NOT GO THROUGH TELLING YOU ABOUT THIS ERROR. ANYWAY YOU MAY FIND ME ON THERE TWICE IF IT EVENTUALLY GETS THROUGH lOVE YOU GUYS MOM

mom

Hi I wrote a big long blog thingy and what do you know I was not operating with a full deck of cards and pressed create a blog and so if you want to read it go to blogger.com and you will find it there, I hope If not I will try to remember what I said and do it over Love you all

dave/ doug

well it looks like every one is doing updates. So I thought I would do the same....
Work is boring and repetitive(accually a good thing). other then that I remain single and horny.
Dave?doug

Double Trouble

Hello Everyone,

This is Samantha here.. I thought I'd tell you what I'm upto this school year..
Last year, I was in a group called Double Trouble Drinking and Driving (against impaired driving), which has started up again this year. It's really amazing how many people wanted to join, we even had to turn away prospects :P this year. We have about 16 members from grades 10-12, the VP of our school is apart of it, and our school councilor Janet is our coordinator.
We're trying to get our message out to the community to educate people about the consequences of drinking and driving, and the alternatives they can make without endangering lives, and amazingly we've seen some of our influence show at some of the summer parties. YaY!
This year we're trying to go to the national conference, C.Y.A.I.D (Canadian Youth Against impaired Driving), which some of us went to last year. It was amazing! We saw many guest speakers, went to lectures, met S.A.D.D. groups from across Canada and learned new ways to get into our community. We have to do a lot of fundraising this year though, 'cause it's in Richmond B.C. in February. We're looking at approximately $12,000 to go, last year because it was in Edmonton it was only about $4,000 so we were able to go.
I'm so excited! Because we went to the conference last year, we learned a lot about how we can make a difference, and run our group better. Plus, I'm The President of Double Trouble this year, nominated and made 'Prez' by the other students in the group. It'll be a lot of work, but I'm looking forward to it. We've already got an article in the paper, and are doing jobs in Carstairs and area for donations... It's so cool!
Well, I'm really tired so this is probably poorly written, but I will talk to you all again, DesRoches Family :D
Love you and Miss you all,
Samantha

P.S- On another note, Uncle Mike, I'm sorry I haven't called you back yet I've just been super busy with school and homework. I'll phone you soon about that notebook :) and thank-you :D.

P.S.S- Dad, if you read this, I'll call you on Sunday if I'm home. Love you!

Mike's Training

Just a quick update on my training. On Sunday Sept 18th, I ran 26km. On Monday did pushup and situps. Tuesday ran home 12km, Wednesday and Thursday is 12km each. Rest on Friday and hill training on Saturday and 29km on Sunday.

I do not have any marathons until the one in Hawaii, however I will do up to 32km during my training.

Work, life and the kids are well, Megan has not miss one day of school. She seems very determined this year.

The boys are doing well at Ford, we put them into this school as the principal and vice are not here anymore. The boys have connected with some old friends that the did not know they had.

Kriss is doing well at school, she is taking Math B30 and Chem prep and has being doing well.

My work is going well I am designer and project manager of a 6 million dollar upgrade project at a switching station just outside of Regina. I will also start another 6 million dollar project in December at the same location. Lots of work but I enjoy it.

Thanks about it, take care,



Mike

Donna's Update

School is into full swing and hmmm.... not as bad as I had thought it would be. I had such a great summer that I really did not want to go back to work.

It is amazing though how quickly things get underway....

My university class started last week (grad program -- Educational Technology and Communications -- when I graduate I will be an Instructional Designer) and already I feel that I am behind! It is almost all online -- there are f2f meetings every two weeks.

My volunteer activity with SCIC (Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation) has started. We are a group of teachers who evaluate global education web sites that meet the Saskatchewan curriculum. Great people -- I love doing this. And.. it gets me to Regina everyone once in a while where I have a chance to visit with Mike and sometimes the kids.

I am also on a Sask Learning Committee with the mandate to develop a professional development program that will teach teachers how to integrate technology in their classroom. Again -- great people -- lots of philosophy and educational ideas get discussioned and debated.

I am teaching online again this year -- Native Studies 20 -- the course that I had release time last year to develop. I love doing this! Every Wednesday I work at home. I give myself the luxury of starting the day slow ( I get up at my regular time, have toast and coffee and then take a long walk, come home shower, dress in my comfort clothes and spend the day at the compter). I have eight very good students -- keen and eager! I will miss it next semester.

School is OK -- after 25 years there really isn't too much different -- although I have been directed to develop a school-wide information literacy program -- something that will help every teacher work with students to find, use and share information. This is the way I state it, although my principle just wants everyone to use techology across the curriculum and across grade levels.

I am still running every day, reading lots, and enjoying good red wine with friends.

September 18 and the insanity has just begun

Star Date: 57024 (September 18, 2005)

I have spent the past week completing contract for the eight agencies on my caseload. As well I have completed three letters of agreement for special projects. I am now in the process of breaking out the cost of service in each of the contract; a long, detailed and tedious endeavor. Next week it looks like I will have to amend three of the existing agreements to allocate funds to meet the new Alberta minimum wage requirement.

Due to the fact that I have experience with employment programs I have been designated the employment guru. Any projects, committees, services, programs, or new serves or agencies that come along that have anything to do with employment I get tagged.

Right now I am responsible for the diversity work project in our office, I sit on two regional committees and two Provincial ones and one committee that involves all three level of government, Regional, Provincial and Federal. I addition I have been selected to spearhead a committee that includes three provincial departments. This partnership has just completed a 1.7 million dollar tender and has awarded the employment service to local agency. I will now be involved in the debriefing of the unsuccessful applicants and in the 2.5 year monitoring.

As I was extremely busy this summer I did not take my holidays, therefore I will be taking three weeks in October, from the 7th to the 29th. I my drop by Saskatoon for visit. I'll call first!

Well so much for my work. Today [Star Date: 57024 (September 18, 2005)] is Stephanie's birhtday she is now 22. Her, Amanada and boys are coming over for cake and a BBQ. Should be here around 4:00.

We are still taking the boys every Wednesday. WOW what a learning experience. I do think that Amanda and Geordie really appreciate it.

Thanks Donna for clearing up the spam issue.

Zane, Pam, Doug, Mike & Donna I hope to see you all in October.


Love,

Jim & Family

Word Verification

Some of you may have noticed that we are getting comment spam. In order stop this I have turned word verification on. This means that you will need to type in the word that you see in the box before you can add a comment. This is to eliminate all electronically generated spam -- only humans can read the letters.

Donna

Queen City Marathon

Hello everyone,

Just want to let you all know how I did. I am quite pleased as I finished the 1/2 Marathon:

Rank Clock Time Pace/km Gender Rank Division Rank
109 1:44:47 4:58 95/462 34/148

I was 109 to cross the finish line and 95 out 462 males and 34 out of 148 in my age group.

My goal was 1:40:00 out by only five minutes.

At this time I could not have done a whole marathon at that pace but I will as my training goes on.

As for the fund raising I am still trying to raise $1500.00.


Take care,


Mike

Back From Europe

Hi everyone. Just wanted to let you all know that i'm back from Europe. I had an great and crazy time and can't wait to get back. My feet are itchy and i am already planning my next trip. Here is a picture of me on a rocky beach in Croatia. And a picture of me and my travel buddy and bestfriend Shayna.


Michelle x0x0x0x0x0x

news from Mom

This is so great, an easy way to keep up on the family and pass my news on to all of you. Zane Pam, Doug and Mike, painted the outside of the house on the long weekend. After some lengthy discussions, about the right way to do it and sending me for better paint. The acutal painting , including scraping, filling holes, and sanding took the afternoon. Everyone was amazed how quickly they were done. We all had the rest of the weekend to visit and spend time together. Sunday night we went to Diefenbaker Park and watched the fireworks and listened to music. Mike and Doug the single guys checkout the eyecandy. Carter was not too thrilled with the noise of the fireworks and fell asleep in my arms, when I covered his ears. Donna is working at home on Wednesdays, in case she did not tell you that. I have been showing Pam and Zane's house this week as Pam is in Swift Current. I hope I can sell it for them. It is a wonderful home for a family. I will post the pictures of the house painting as soon as I find out how to down losd my pictures off the camera, I found the cord but am having difficulties, I just don't know enough about how to do it. Doug will give me a lesson this week I hope. Love you all Mom. PS Jim I don't know how I did it but I never had two in diapers at the same time, It must have been that I just had extrodinary children.

Long weekend

We had a great long weekend, the weather was great, Cam took us to a great fishing spot and we fished from 9 am till 5 pm. You could not cast without catching a fish. Marc caught two just on the fin. When I went to fish, I caught nothing. Not one thing. Then marc took the rod and my spot and caught a fish, I was not impressed.

The rest of my life is pretty boring, work, cooking and laundry. Well the bell will ring soon and I must get ready for my grade 8 class.

Love to all

Ramona

Labor Day Weekend

Well the long weekend is over and it's back to work. We had a great weekend, Amanda and her family was over for a visit. WOW those boys are growing fast. They will be a year old on October 18. Cole is taking up a storm he has so many words and is using two and three word senences. His favorite saying is "goin' in the car, goin' home".

We have agreed to take the three boys every Wednesday from 9am till 8pm. Liz picks up the boys (all three carseats fit in the Saturn) and brings them home. We take them back around 8pm. For those of you who don't have three boys in diapers (one a toddler) this is a major undertaking. However it gives Amanda the day to clean her house and some time alone. It also provides some time for her a Geordie to be together for a couple of hours at least.

Margaret and Terry (brother and sister-in-law) droped in for a short vist on Saturday. They got a chance to meet the boys and visit for a few hours.

Zane how is the house selling moving?
Donna how is it being back to school? Did you start on Tuesday or last week?
Ramona same question?
Doug how's tricks?
Mike how are things going? Please tell William that I have never played on-line and am very reluctant to start.
Mom I believe that you're in Calgary for Christmas, right?
My confrence is November 22 to the 24. I think our presentation is on the 24th at 3:00. I'll be driving down on the 22 and I have the hotel room until the night of the 24. Just remember I work for the Government of Alberta so things can change at a moment's notice. I'll keep you posted.

That's all for now; keep in touch

Jim & Family (all of it)

starting school.....

Hi, good to see people using the blog. I like reading about what is happening in peoples lives.

Jim, good luck with the rasberries, I have a few growing in the back and enjoy a walk about to pick them.

Zane and Pam how is it going with the house sale??

Mom, looking forward to yourpictures.

Donna nice to see that you have added the links to the different web sites. It will be nice to add to them.

Mike, Cam is taking about getting the toshiba ready to send to you, is there any thing we need to do so it arrives the way you want it??

Well I am putting in a few hours a day and spend more time visiting then working. I am now getting into it. I am enjoying the new computer. Today I spent three hr. or so it seems, to look for my printer drives, Pattie ( the computer lady) came in and I asked her what I could do becuase I just could not find them, she said " did you plug in the printer" I said no she told me to do it and it just worked. How nice was that.

Well I must run, and do some work. Hope this finds everybody well and happy.

Love Ramona

Flickr

Jim I spelled Flickr wrong and had a time getting the right site, so drop the e and you will be okay. Glad to hear you are getting back into gardening, I hope my raspberries give me more next year. They are one of my favorite fruits. Love to my great grand kids and grand kids. Love Mom

Sunday in Calgary

Hey just a quick note. This "Flicker" thing sound like it might have something to do with a horse!? Haven't had a chance to take a look at it yet but I will soon.

Mike: How does Wiliam like his game "Age of Mythology - Titian Expansion"?
Zane: You said you were going to to send me some of Brian Tracy's presentaions on "Time Management", what happened?

Well the kids are coming for a vist and supper this afternoon, hambergers again. Managed to get the yard work done before it got too hot, 31 for a high today.

Transplaned a bunch of my plants I was advised to use a mushroom based composite, I mix 12 (potting soil):1 (mushroom composite). We'll see how it grows. I planted the Rasberries in the back then realized that there is no direct sunlight back there so I moved them into the front this morning. Hopfully they won't crowd the front window.

Take care,

Jim & Family

flicker

I am having a problem locating my cord for my camera, I am hoping that Doug knows where it is.
I will post the pictures on flicker when I do. I can probably buy another at Don's Photo if I cannot find it Things are getting back to normal. I am trying to get hold of the contractor Mike so he can put my ceiling back together. Toby paid his rent so it helps pay the cost tof the basement. i have written to City Council asking that seepage victims be considered in their relief program. I am not going to worry over it if they don't, I will hae a nice dry basement Love Mom

Sunny day in Nelson

First sunny day in forever so I skipped work and hit up the Dug Out with my buddies cuz i got my lisence :P it was awsome.


Love all from marc

Posting Photos on Flickr

Ramona asked if she could post photos as I did on Flickr. This is very easy to do - all you need to do is go to www.flickr.com and create an account. You will need to be creative to do this as all the obvious usernames have been taken. Once this has been done you will receive an e-mail from Flickr -follow their instructions and sign in. Choose the upload link to upload your photos from your camera or from your hard drive. Once you have uploaded to images (which may take a few minutes depending on how busy the site is) you can select the organize link and create a 'set' which allows you to order the pictures. At some point you will see a link that will allow you to create a photo home page. Again, all the creative names have been taken which is why I ended up with desroches!

To send you the link of the Vancouver trip I went to my photo home page and clicked on the Vancouver Road Trip set, copied the link that was in the location bar and included it in the message to you. This way you don't see my photo home page but only the images of the road trip.

Give it a try - I look forward to seeing your images.

Donna

Vancouver Road Trip

I have posted some pictures of the trip that Ramona, Mom and I took to Vancouver for Uncle John's 80th Birthday party on flickr.com

Mom's home

Had a wonderful holiday, John;s party was fantastic. the meal was of a Mediterranian Style. Marinated chicken, boiled potatoes, salads and of course the bithday cake. I ate too much and will have to get back to the gym. Renewed aquantances with the Nephews and nieces. Spent some quality time with Dads brother Des and with sisters Connie, Roseanne, Velma and sister-in-law Mary. will tell you more of the trip in another post Love Mom

I'm Home Safe and Sound! Great Holiday!!!!

Hi,

working on my new computer, so I get to send something, Donna, should have gotten a mouse, will have to get one soon and learn this right click stuff. The trip to the airport was good and made the plane in time to spare. Am tired but happy to be home, boy oh boy unpacking can make a mess. Will up date you all soon. Off to school tomorrow and a gooood mights sleep.

love Ramona

last on the blog

Hey this is great, was informed that I was the last person to comment on the blog. well there is not much going on since we were all together. Gotten the room ready for baseboards. did some yard work. other then that there is nothing new. Mom, Donna and Ramona glad to here that the trip was a success. Happy 29 th Liz. Mike you are doing wonderful on the running thing and yes for under a year you are doing great.

my eighty party

Great party - Thanks to all who came.

Happy 29th Liz. Hope you had a great day.

Donna, Ramona, Mom - how was the birthday party for John? When are you on your way back here??

Mike - You go man!!! Let us know how the run went.

Talk to you later,

Zane, Pam and Carter

Birthday News

Well we celebrated Elizabeth birthday yesterday. Stephanie, Amanda, Geordie and the boys were all over for a BBQ. Amanda made an angel food and a cholocolate cake. Elizabeth recieved some nice gifts, a DVD "Fiddler on the Roof" and some bath products. Oh yea she also received "The Bourne Supremency" and "Constantine".

Elizabeth and I will go for lunch today seafood, She really likes the mussucles at Joey's Only.

Good luck with you marathon Mike. Good luck with sale of your house Zane.


Will stay in touch


Jim & Family

Hot Dog Sale For Joints In Motion

Worked a hot dog sale today in front of Pet Land, it was very slow, lots of traffic but not many buyers of food.

Mom I found out that I need to arrange my travel by Sept. 2nd is there any way to find out about the dates for the time share before that?

Zane Carter looks very happy, I am so glad my kids are past that stage, now their messes they get to clean up.

Happy Birthday Liz, your plans to just take it easy for your holidays sounds perfect.

Donna, it looks like this site may get lots of use.

Take care all tomorrow I am going to try and run 16km.

PS, there is a spell checker.

Carter's First Birthday in Swift Current

Here are some pictures of Carter eating a cupcake on his First Birthday. He really enjoyed it!

Pam, Zane and Carter's First Post

Well What a site. Thank you Donna.

I am in for the weekend getting the small stuff ready for the sale of the House. Pam listed the house and in 2 Days had 6 People through. We are running in high confidence mode for a sale soon. You can see our house listing on:

www.saskhouses.com The area listing is on the right and we are in Adelaide Park/Churchill. Address is 1305 Mclorg Street.

All is well in the world of Speedy Creek. I am working lots of hours getting the RTM Housing up to speed.

MoM the blankets are returned to your house. Dropped in an said Hi to Doug, He appears to have eaten, slept and in good spirits.

Love you all.

Pam and

Zane

Shopped til we dropped!

A wonderful day of shopping - Donna bought a whole new wardrobe with the help of Mom and Ramona. Had a wonderful supper at the Olive Garden. Today we hit the box stores and then the party for John which starts at 1:00 pm. We will be spending the next two nights at John's. We are looking forward to visiting with Dad's family and catching up on all the DesRoches' news.

Donna Mom Ramona

Jim's Family Update

Well we all retunded from Sakatoon Sunday around 10:00pm. It was a long drive nine hours. We stopped about every hour for diaper changes and cigerette breaks.
Jim returnded with a intese cold. Sniffeling, sneezing and coughing, lasted the rest of the week. Had to take two days off work. However I,m on the mend now.
We will be celibrating Elizabeth's birthday on Saturday. she'll be 29 on August 21.
Work is goning fine. Like one would expect working for the government, "the more thing stay the say the more things change".
We have no big plans for the rest of the summer. I won't be taking hoildays until Late September or early October. we will most likly just stay home and reenergize.

Love the site and sure hope everyone uses it. Nice work Donna!! too bad there is no spell check, You'll have to live with my spelling.

Langley

We have had a wonderful day of travelling - great views, wonderful meals and pleasant visits.

We are now in Langley at the Best Value Inn -- right next to the Willowbrook Mall -- all the stores you could want - SHOPPING!

Donna Ramona Mom

Overnight in Hinton

Hi Everone,

We arrived in Edson last night to find out that there were no hotels rooms available. We finally find a great place, last room at the Ramada in Hinton. Had a good night's sleep. It is very cold - we need to scrape the car windows!! No snow -- but the skies are sunny. So far a great trip.

Ramona, Donna and Mom

Mike's Joints In Motion Progress

Hello Family,

As you all are aware I am in training for the Joints In Motion 42km run in Hawaii. The run is in December 11th. I am up to running three to four times a week. The longest is 16-18 km that I ran in Saskatoon on Sunday Aug 14th. For other days, I run 5 to 12km, not bad for a 41 year old that only started running last December.

I will be running the 1/2 Queen City Marathon in September. I hope to do this in one and half hours.

As for the fundraising, Thank you all for your support. I will have to have $3500 by the end of August. I should have that with the amount I have raised and I have been working alot of OT at the office.

By the end I will have raised $5000, this is a large sum and not easy to raise, I will be doing some canvassing next week, I have a raffle, a silent auction and of course hot dog sales.

Well got to get back to work,

Take care all,

Mike

THE Allan went to Mexico

Little Britty Graduated

Me and Marc On June 30th My big day

Donna's back at home

Ramona and I spent the morning shopping and had lunch at Boston Pizza. Spent lots of Ramona's money at Staples -- Marc will be thrilled! We will watch a movie this evening and get a good night's rest. We leave on Wednesday for Vancouver and will send updates along the way if we have access to a computer.

First Post

Welcome everyone to the DesRoches family site -- here we can regularily post updates to keep all family members informed about our lives.