If my dad was still living, it would have been his 94th birthday today! What is so neat is my niece’s little son, Carter’s birthday, is today, so a great day to remember. I think about my dad often and realize more and more how he influenced my life and who I am and am becoming. I often wish our children had known my dad and had had the privilege of talking with him and discussing life together. I was having lunch with my friend Alyson today and I was telling her about the conversations I would have with dad, especially about spirituality, and being a contrarian by nature, these conversations were always about issues or matters I didn’t agree with dad. I can never remember my dad ever being impatient with my views or him not allowing me to speak what I thought was truth to me at that point in time. So much of my theology today comes from his teaching and especially from how he lived his theology. Following Christ to dad was living out what you believed in your daily life. I remember as a child being very angry that I had to get up early every morning and sit at the breakfast table as dad read the Scriptures and prayed. Now for me it would have been fine if dad had just read and prayed…but that was not the way dad did it. Dad had the gift of teaching so he always explained and talked about what he was reading and then would ask the question…”So how do we live today?” Dad loved words and he loved learning and he loved the Scriptures…I am sure he had the New Testament memorized as he had an amazing memory. I am not like my dad in personality at all…but I do have his love for words, for learning and for the Scriptures. Happy Birthday dad! My dad continues to be my inspiration!
Phoenix here we come…. Thursday, Apr 2 2009
Uncategorized 5:32 pm
We are heading out to Mesa Phoenix early tomorrow morning for a 2 week vacation. The first 10 days will be with my sister Joanne and her husband Dwight in Mesa. On Sunday, April 12th, we will head to El Centro, CA, and spend a few days with Tamara Benny and Chela. We are looking forward to some R & R…lots of laughs…lots of fun…lots of sun…lots of poolside reading…lots of good food…lots of good company. Kristy will be at home keeping the home fires glowing…hopefully when we get back to Toon Town all the snow will be gone and the grass will be green!!! Here’s hoping!!!
Home again in dreary Saskatoon… Tuesday, Mar 24 2009
Uncategorized 6:39 pm
My time with Tamara, Benny and little Chela in El Centro was awesome! The weather was absolutely beautiful and the time went so quickly. We mostly just hung out and I did some planting of shrubs and herbs for Tamara, which was fun. Hopefully they will grow. The rest of the time was spent just enjoying Chela at 6 months old…who is so funny and full of energy…laughing and exploring life intensely. We made a trip to San Diego to see Jerry’s oldest brother and family which was fun, but otherwise we simply enjoyed doing life together…eating, sleeping, visiting with Benny’s family, swimming, walking, shopping, planting, watering…the usual life activities. Being back in Saskatoon has been difficult to adjust to as the sun has not shone much and the weather is still cold. We are heading to Phoenix next week to enjoy some warm weather with Dwight and Joanne, and then are heading back to El Centro to spend some time with the kids again. Matt finished another semester of school; Jesika is back from her Central America traveling; they are doing some treking on the West coast; then back to school for Matt and Jesika heads out to treeplant again. Retirement is better than I could have ever imagined! Looking forward to the warmer weather and heading out into my garden again this spring. Attaching some pictures for you enjoy from my trip to El Centro.
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- I love my bottle!
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- View from Benny and Tamara’s driveway-waterpark
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- I’m a Roots Canada girl…with my ponytail!
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- Benny and Tamara – Benny received a Recommendation Award
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- Chela’s first swim…loved the water
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- Three Generations!
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- The Benavides family!
Arrived in El Centro Friday, Feb 27 2009
Uncategorized 7:38 am
It was a long day yesterday flying on three different flights to get here…but it was worth it in the end. My suitcases were not over weight and they arrived with me at Palm Springs. It was all worth it when I got off the plane in Palm Springs and walked outside through their amazing outside walkways to the terminal to pick up my luggage. It was absolutely beautiful weather with clear skies and stars twinkling overhead and I didn’t even need to wear a coat. When I walked off the plane in Calgary on the tarmac it was -33 and I glad to have my coat and my gloves that I took at the last minute. Wendy Cooper was kind enough to take me to the airport and we had a nice visit before I boarded my plane.
It was really exciting to see Tamara, Rodrigo and little Chela. She made a little strange when I first picked her up and her bottom lip quivered and she made sure she could see her dad. On the way home to El Centro I sat in the backseat with her and she never took her eyes off of me until she fell asleep. She is so absolutely beautiful and has grown so much since the last time I saw here. She is growing to be a little girl with a real personality. I could squeeze her to bits…and I have to admit I do give her lots of kisses and hugs. She is also realizing that this grandma is quite loud and does all kinds of silly things to make her laugh…and she loves to laugh. She has such a low husky laugh and it is too funny. She is one busy little girl.
We had a good today. We went grocery shopping and Tamara gave me a tour of the base. I love it here. It is desert but it has a beauty of itself that is very appealing to me. We walked and it was absolutely beautiful outside in the low 80s with clear blue sky and the sun shining. On the way home we bought a bagful of avocadoes for $2.00 and a bag of oranges for $3.00…talk about delicious. Rodrigo is training hard and it was neat as we travelled home last night to see Tamara helping him with the “letter” names of all the places he needs to know. Reminded me of the good old days when Jerry was training and we did much the same thing. Today the Blue Angels were training and these jets are flying low over the house upside down…the walls just rattle and you can’t hear the next person talking. Chela is not very impressed with the loud noise they make. I love it and know that Jerry would love to be here to watch. Next year we will come out here for the big airshow they have every year the middle of March. I could easily spend a couple of months here in the winter. Well another day done and a good one it was spent in sunny California.
Heading to California Tuesday, Feb 24 2009
Family 11:49 pm
I am leaving for El Centro tomorrow and arriving in Palm Springs in the evening where Tamara will pick me up and then head for their place in El Centro. I will keep you up-to-date on what is happening in the warm part of the country. Big snowstorm here today and lots of snow to shovel on the driveway. Looking forward to some sun and to hugging my kids and little Chela! I just hope that I can get my two big suitcases into the airport which are full of stuff for the kids. I will be coming back with empty bags!!! Hopefully all will go well with my travels tomorrow. Excited to see the kids but not excited about the traveling!
2009 Wednesday, Jan 28 2009
Uncategorized 4:37 am
We are well into the new year, at least that is what the calender says, but I seem to be behind the times. We had a great time with Tamara and Chela being here, in the cold, and it was sad to see them go home to warm California. Retirement is going well and I am enjoying each new day meeting with people, having coffee, and just general life. Thought I would add a few pictures.
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- Chela getting her first haircut
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- Tamara shovelling snow!!!
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- Chela in her Exersaucer
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- Grandpa Kroeker with Ari and Grandpa Reimer with Chela
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- Chela in her new chair!
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- Oliver Cooper and Chela Benavides
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- Our beautiful Chela loves her fingers!
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- With Aunti Kristy
On our way home to Saskatoon Tuesday, Jan 6 2009
Uncategorized 6:53 pm
We are now in Langley, BC spending some time with my sister Joanne and her family. We have travelled from Davis, California through Oregon and into Washington and arrived at Stanwood, Washington on Saturday afternoon at 5:00 pm. It was a good trip and Chela travelled amazingly well. She never cried and either slept or played in her carseat. We were not sure how she would travel, but it has been awesome. Had a great time with my brother Ron and his family in Stanwood, Washington. Good to see my new nephew Zac who is 6 weeks old and so cute. Chela got to meet some new relatives and we all caught up on the news of our lives. The snow here in absolutely crazy! Today it is raining and we are heading out tomorrow morning on our way to Edmonton and then home to Saskatoon. All in all it has been an amazing trip to see our kids and reconnect with my siblings. We are also glad that we missed alot of the cold in Saskatoon and hoping that Spring is right around the corner when we get back!
Christmas Eve in Davis! Sunday, Dec 28 2008
Uncategorized 2:15 am
We spent a quiet Christmas Eve by opening one gift and then attending St. Martin Episc0pal Traditional Christmas Eve Service at 11:00 pm including celebrating the Eucharist! It was absolutely wonderful to be celebrating with this congregation here in Davis, California. There was a String Quaratet which did the prelude of many different carols and the service was amazing! The sanctuary was totally decorated with poinsettas and Christmas decorations making it so celebratory. The service was very liturgical with lots of congregational participation. The Homily was especially meaningful to me personally as the words spoken by the presiding minister was so in tune with who I am and what I have been experiencing the last while…the absolute all encompassing love of God…love that is so above anything was can imagine…the mystery of this love that God has for us and how his greatest desire is that we love Him in relationship. Celebrating the Eucharist at the atlar was so meaningful and being their as a family was very special. There was only one downside, in that, Matt and I had an asthma attack to the incense! Truly an amazing way to celebrate Christmas Eve and certainly a highlight of this Christmas!
Christmas 2008 in Davis, California Saturday, Dec 27 2008
Uncategorized 7:27 pm
Trip from Saskatoon to Davis was quite the journey through freezing temperatures of below -30C; blowing wind; road covered in ice; we drove to Helena, Montana the first day. Second day drove through road like a skating rink with cars and semis sliding into the ditches; blowing snow; roads covered in snow; but Jerry the hero driver kept our vehicle on the road and we drove to Battle Mountain, Nevada, and then stopped for the day as we needed chains to get through the Sierra Mountains. We left Battle Mountain early the next morning and the road had been cleared and they were dry so Jerry could speed to his heart’s content! Went through Reno, Nevada, which is a beautiful setting, and then drove through mountains newly covered with beautiful snow…absolutely gorgeous…arrived in Davis at 1:00 pm and surpised Matt and Jesika by not having to phone and ask directions to their place…we had a secret helper called a GPS…which is actually a gift for Benny and Tamara but we used it on the way here!!!!!
Great stay here with Matt and Jesika just relaxing; going for coffee and great lunches; touring the University Campus; playing games every evening…lots of fun and lots of great language!!!! We have gone for lots of long walks with the dogs and have been enjoying the sunshine and warmer weather.
We spent yesterday in Old Sacramento which was awesome! We also toured the Capitol and saw where the famous Arnold Schwarzaneger has his office and we even got to go into his outeroffice. Very interesting to see all set out on display was his official trading trip to Canada and a picture of him and Harper in hockey jerseys! Quite funny!
We are spending a relaxing day today waiting for Benny, Tamara and Chela to arrive from El Centro and we will then finish up our Christmas stockings and gift opening. Matt and Jerry have been playing some racquetball and Matt is enjoying some rock climbing. We also took a day and drove through the Napa Valley and saw miles and miles and miles of vineyards and wineries everywhere with huge stone mansions!
Tomorrow we head to Oakland to meet up with my sister Doris’ family. It will be awesome to spend some time with them as over the years when our kids were small, we spent many a Christmas Season together. We will be heading to Fisherman’s Wharf to browse and enjoy the day…so that will be fun!
We are exciting to hold and hug our little granddaughter and for her to meet her Uncle Matt and Auntie Jesika for the first time. It will also be a first meeting of Benny with the rest of Tamara’s family. Hopefully he won’t be overwhelmed with the Canadian content around him!
All in all, it has been a very different Christmas, but very enjoyable! Very quiet which is unusual for us as we usually have lots of people around over Christmas in Saskatoon. This has been nice! Things will get a little busier when Benny, Tamara and Chela arrive! We are excited!
Happy Birthday Gloria…you have completed 61 years of living! Tuesday, Dec 9 2008
Uncategorized 5:12 pm
Yes, today is my 61st birthday. I still think and feel that I am 35, but when I look in the mirror there is no doubt that much more life has been lived than just 35 years! This morning I have been reflecting on my life and where I am today. I am certainly in a very different place than I was one year ago. So many things have changed and that is what is so awesome about living…we never know what is coming ahead and that is the adventure of life! I have done many different jobs and changed professions; but the key to living well is to enjoy the moment…the present. So much of my time has been spent in the “wishing” stage…wishing things could be better or different, but embracing each day and living it well, I believe, is the key to living a life of fulfillment and significance. It is in the ordinariness of life where we are changed and developed into the unique human beings we are becoming.
I have so much to be grateful for. There is no doubt that there have been difficult times in my life, even to the point of me not wanting to live, but even in those dark times, as I look back, there was something taking place in my life that would never had happened without those dark experiences. I believe it is when we take a good, hard look inside to see who we really are, that we begin to heal and be restored. Embracing and experiencing the unconditional, amazing Love of The Trinity…The Father, Son and Holy Spirit…has been the most transforming experience of my life. As I embrace and revel in this amazing, all encompassing love that God has for me (us), and as I believe by faith in the goodness, grace and mercy, of this amazing God, my life is changed significantly and my worth and value comes just from having life, and being given the privilege of living.
I am so grateful for my family and friends. Relationships and friendships are the most important part of our lives. They are also the most difficult to keep. They do not come without intentionality and hard work. I struggle with this area of my life the most as so often I regret my behaviour and remarks that come out of my mouth! Forgiveness is another important part of our lives…forgiving others and often, most importantly, forgiving ourselves. I just finished reading the book “The Shack” and the chapter on forgiveness was so good. The person who often receives the greatest benefit from forgiving, is ourselves, we are released from the chains of unforgiveness that lead to bitterness. I have a long way to go in many areas of my life, but I believe that I am facing in the right direction.
My dear friend Alyson, gave me a book last year for the Advent Season and I have been reading it daily, and it has made me ponder lots these days. On the second Sunday of Advent, Scott Cairns closes his writing with this prayer, which sums up so much of what my heart desires.
“As this season of preparation continues, Holy God who is with us, may we lean into every moment of our days to redeem the time, to make the most of our every moment. May we prepare the visible Body of Christ, our community, to receive your eternal approach and your loving embrace. With our faces turned to you, we await your holy descent, and ask, Lord, that you hear our prayer, offered in humility:
That despite the roar of our days, our hearts might grow still.
That glimpsing the quiet cove, we may seek you in that stillness.
That resting in your presence, our hearts might be prepared to hear you.
That the angel of God might visit the chamber of our hearts.
That the angel of God might say to us, “Rejoice”.
That we might hear, and truly respond in joy.
That the angel of God might say to us, “Rejoice”.
That the servant of God might respond, “Let it be as you say”.
That our hearts might become fertile wombs in which new life begins.
That we may apprehend the infant life within.
That we might embrace that infant life.
That we may walk with care to bring about new birth.
That we may witness the seed of God bearing Holy Fruit.
As the season of incarnation approaches, as we prepare to receive Life himself, may we taste and see how our lives, the life of the world, and the very breath of the universe flow to us from the Holy One made flesh.
Lord, hear our prayer.”
