Brent and Rita's Blog: Canada Trip #2

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Canada Trip #2

Two trips to Canada in two months put a big hole in the gas money budget but have been well worth it. Here are highlights from my latest trip across the border.
Tuesday:

Texted Quincey that her lucky family would not have to endure inside jokes and lame growing-up-in-Cardston stories because I talked my little sister, Steph into making the trek home with me.

Wednesday:

Got to Steph's in Pocatello late thanks to a long work day and procrastinated packing. Alec went right to sleep and only kicked me a few times during the night.

Thursday:

Left Stephy's around 6 a.m. and traveled on cruise control. NO TICKETS!! I took Alec and Steph took her 2 youngest kids, Andy and Kasey. They did great. Our older kids stayed home with their studly dads.
Arrived at Pamela's house in Lethbridge and got ready to go to a "surprise" retirement party for my dad...Yes, he knows he's retiring but he wasn't supposed to know about the dinner. SEVERAL people did their best to tip him off so he knew that something was up.
Attended Dad's retirement dinner given by the Kainai Board of Education employees. I was amazed and touched beyond description with the sincere tributes and warm feelings shared. It was beautiful to see others recognizing and acknowleging my dad's strengths and hard work. The Blackfoot name that was given to my father not long after he began working for the Blood Tribe means Gentle Man. At least 15 people spoke at the dinner and most remarked on my dad's kindness, steady manner, and wise decision-making. It was a beautiful evening. I feel so blessed that I was able to attend and that each of my siblings were there as well.

Friday:

Lazed at Pamela's house for a while and went shopping for Canadian candy to bring back for deprived USA friends.
Partied at Mom and Dad's house with the sibs and awesome nieces and nephews. Have I mentioned that I love being an auntie?!

Saturday:

The race...a disaster for me but a huge success for Quincey, my sister, Pamela, and my brother, David. Quince beat her previous time by nearly a minute. Pamela finished her first 1/2 marathon in 2:16 and David finished his first in 2:18! Pamela's friend finished with a good time too. Yay everyone, except me :( I finished in 2:37 which my worst time at that distance--EVER. The course was a little hilly but I'm going to blame it on being sick, having run a 1/2 last weekend, being spent from the drive, losing 5 lbs in 2 days on a crazy diet, and having a random bad running day. Whatever. I finished and that is an accomplishment. I was tearfully proud of David and Pamela and happy that I didn't quit like I wanted to!

FUN, FUN, FUN night with my beautiful, hilarious friends from growing up. We might be getting old but we've still got it, right?! We missed Stephanie and Tracy. (And Quincey missed Rob.)

Sunday:

We attended church in Waterton on a very rare, calm day. It was beautiful.

Monday:

Did more to support the Canadian economy by loading up on cheap clothing and irresistable treats.

12 comments:

Kellie said...: WOW!! Is all I can say. I can't believe you have done 4 - 1/2 marathons in like what 3 months? You are my hero! It's nice to know though - you are not a super hero and that you have bad days too! Super cute pictures - and I am glad you had fun. NO TICKETS this time- yeah!!!; May 28, 2009 at 7:41 AM
Mandy said...: So Fun! Every day is fun when you are with Rita!! We missed you.....Glad your back!; May 28, 2009 at 9:12 AM
Rockelle said...: loved the collage picture. Your Mom and Dad look the same. Glad to see them well and happy. Gosh your whole family is getting in on this running thing eh!; May 28, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Deanna Quinton Larson said...: What fun!!! Congrats on finishing that race while sick! I would have packed it in after the first mile. Congrats to your dad too for all his hard work with the school systems over the years. He is such a sweetheart! I love running into them on Sundays. They always have something good to say and are always full of such fun news about their family. Sorry I missed seeing you again. LOL!; May 28, 2009 at 12:39 PM
Kristen said...: Once again, congrats! You are a running machine, woman! Gosh!

I should have had you pick up some Old Dutch chips and Big Turks for me. I love Canadian junk food!; May 28, 2009 at 12:46 PM
Scott said...: Congratulations on an excellent FINISH--even if it wasn't up to your normal speedy self.

I loved this post. It sounds like you had so much fun.

Congratulations to your dad. He will LOVE retirement. The key to retirement is to actually retire.; May 28, 2009 at 1:04 PM
Teresa said...: I am so jealous! Two trips in two months! I am lucky to get one in once or twice a year! Kudos on your half:) I was looking for a 1/2 to run while I was home for a short time but it isn't going to work out. I will run a 1/2 (while I am home)one of these years. That is so neat that David and Pam ran it with you. You are such and inspiration to us all! BTW I too am excited to bring back the Canadian sweets, don't forget the nanaimo bars:)luv ya; May 28, 2009 at 10:20 PM
Jana said...: Deets, so very fun to see you!! hopefully some of your ambition and inspiration will rub off on me! Loved the post and the pictures! Enjoy your yummy Canadian treats -- you've earned them with all the running you've done these past few months!! Take care.; May 28, 2009 at 10:21 PM
Atkin Family said...: Rita - you crazy lady - aannnd you threw in there that you did a 2 day diet to lose 5 lbs - yourr killin' me!! No, you're goin to kill your self!! Take a week to take it easy now!! But I luv ya' -- you are my inspiration (Peter Cetera anyone?!) and such a good friend. You're the best! I went on the put 5lbs ON diet while I was in Canada --- slurpees, wonderbar, good home cookin'!!! Let me know when ur hubby will let us go out for lunch again -- tell him I promise NO shopping!; May 29, 2009 at 9:30 AM
Anonymous said...: Congrats to your dad for his retirement. BTW, have I ever mentioned that I LOVE your family! Glad you had a fun trip.; May 29, 2009 at 1:53 PM
Colett's Corner said...: Cute picts. I want to know what the crazy diet is? Does it involve DR P??????? OR CHOCOLATE???? I would love someone to come up with a crazy diet like that (that works).; May 29, 2009 at 3:46 PM
Amy and Brad said...: Love the update on the trip! Sounds like it was a great success!; June 3, 2009 at 2:52 PM

Crazy Kid Quotes!

8/2010
After we had visited pregnant Andrea, Alec asked, "Don't you wonder if your dad ever has a baby in his tummy because it is so big...cepts boys don't have babies in their stomachs."
8/2010
While rubbing my legs, Alec told me, "I don't see your spikes but I can feel them."
7/2009
Alec calls Hershey's bars *chocolate words* because they have 'Hershey' imprinted on the chocolate. Love it.
6/2009
I asked Alec to retrieve the phone for me. He quickly obeyed and started over to me but hid the phone behind his back. "Oh. I'm so sorry, Mom. I couldn't find it," he smirked.
4/23/2009
Alec asked me if he could have an orange for lunch and then said, "And I want you to take the paper off of it for me."
4/2009
Alec wanted help with a computer game. Brent asked where the CD was. "It's already in the computer, sick-o," was Alec's reply.
4/2009
I found Alec doing his best to unwrap every piece of chocolate in the house on the couch of the front room. Before I could say anything, he looked caught and asked, "Mom, am I being a naughty-potty?"
10/30/2008
Todd asked me to look inside his mouth at a canker that was beginning to form. I empathized with a sigh and shook my head. Alec asked to see it and upon sight said, "Yep. There's a kangaroo inside there."
10/17/2008
I have a habit of asking, "Do you understand?" after I correct Alec for being naughty. Today I told him not to throw his stuffed animal at the ceiling fan but DID NOT add my tagline. He remorsefully approached me, "I'm sorry, Mom. I'm so sorry...and, I understand."
10/13/2008
Today Alec cut his finger and asked me to put a battery on it.
3/2008
We were eating lunch together. Alec looked around at all of us and exclaimed, "Family ever!" (I took this to mean BEST family ever since we often say, "Best kids ever.")
10/6/2008
In the car today I said to Alec, "Whew. I smell a stinky skunk."
Alec:"Me?"
Me: "No, Honey. A real skunk. It's so stinky."
Alec: "Yeah, they're uh-skusting."
10/5/08
Last night we were leaving the pool in St. George. Alec stopped, looked up into a palm tree and said, "Dang it! No monkeys."
9/21/2008
When Jesus was first mentioned in the Primary program today, Alec yelled out, "Hey. They sayed it about my brother!"
2002
Kenna used the "word" nah-dutz to communicate anything and everything when she was two. Her intonation and speech pattern were right on but nah-dutz was the only thing comin' out. She could tell entire stories using this simple utterance varied only in speed, expression, and voice tone. When she finally did learn to speak, she made a cute mistakes. These are some I remember:
scub cowts=cub scouts
patterkiller=caterpillar
nomefumber=phone number
1999
One day when Todd was 3 and was learning his letter sounds, he asked me what the word *ODD* meant. I told him it meant strange, different, or weird. This disturbed him, "So, my name is T-weird?!"
9/2008
Today Alec was at my friend Melinda's house. He asked if he could give the dog a treat and was allowed to do so. He wanted to give more but Melinda told him that too many treats would upset the dog's stomach and she would throw up. Later Alec said that he couldn't be friends with Melinda's daughter explaining, "I already have five friends and if I have six friends, that will be too many and then I will throw up."

I love Gordon B. Hinkley's admonition of how to 'BE'.
Be grateful...
11/10/2008-This morning both of my running partners didn't make it. I went anyway. I am thankful for my legs, for my body, for my mind, for my neighborhood park, and even for the rain that was falling. It was a beautiful run.
11/06/2008-I went to dinner with two friends tonight and one of them even picked up the tab. How thankful I am for people that I love and love me.
Be smart...
11/11/2008-Reference Brent's post about our freshly automated home. He is brilliant and I feel smarter from having been his conversation partner for the last 15+ years. I love you, Honey.
11/06/2008-Brent received 4.2% of the vote in 'his race' for the State Representative for our district. If he ever decides to do a serious campaign and actually won, he would be great. I'm proud of him.
10/31/2008-After neighborhood Trick-or-Treating, Brent took the kids around to other families who live further away from us but are on our special list. I am so thankful for all the people who influence our lives and many of them acted like we were making their day for visiting. How sweet.
10/25/2008-I am grateful for the beautiful fall day today. Beautiful colors and weather make me smile.
10/19/2008-Todd passed the sacrament for the first time today. When he was through, one of the High Priests who had helped patted him on the shoulder and winked at him. The phrase, "It takes a village to raise a child," came to mind and I am thankful for others in the 'village' helping me out.
10/12/2008-Today Kenna made a sandwich for Alec. When she gave it to him, he reaction sounded like she'd given him the moon..."For ME? Thank you, Kenna! Mom, Kenna gave me a ham and cheese sandwich!!"
10/12/2008-A sweet 10-year-old girl in testimony meeting today said that she has been learning about different countries in school and feels blessed to live in a rich and clean country.
Be smart...
10/25/2008-Today I returned a whole bunch of scrapbook supplies to Michael's. They've been sitting around forever and now I have a much more compact $56 giftcard in their place!
10/20/2008-Happy birthday to my smart friend, Quincey...Actually, I should say Happy birthday, Dr. Atkin. Look where the small town girl ended up! I'm proud to be your friend.
10/16/2008-Brent came to my computer rescue today when I was trying to edit a cute graphic. He's such a brainiac!
10/10/2008-Grades came out today. Todd and Kenna did great.
Be clean...
10/25/2008-Opposite. Today we had to kick Kenna out of the room while we watched our DVR'ed episode of The Office. Hmmm. If she shouldn't watch it, I shouldn't either. Dangit!
10/16/2008-Did not swear yesterday when I heard some rotten news at work!! On a more literal note, today Kenna and I organized her endless supply of craft items. Whew.
10/12/2008-Yeah, NOT my house today!
Todd was ordained to the office of a deacon today. I am pleased that he makes earnest effort to choose the right and to be a good person.
Be true...
11/09/2008-Our Relief Society lesson detailed some of the letters Joseph Smith sent to his wife, Emma and their children during the frequent times he was away from them. I don't know how she endured so many trials and remained as strong as she did.
11/6/2008-Todd went to the Conference Center tonight to take part in taping the New Year's Eve address for the youth. I am so grateful for the programs of our church. I know where my kid is tonight.
10/31/2008-Todd went with his deacon's quorum this morning to do baptisms for the dead for his first time. He had a very peaceful, nice experience.
10/16/2008-Brent shed a few tears at BYU's loss today. He's COUGAR true.
10/12/2008-Today our Relief Society instructor had each sister stand and introduce herself as a daughter of God. It was beautiful.
Be humble...
11/06/2008-Tonight we visited someone in our neighborhood who has been honored as Family of the Year by Layton City. First, PERFECT choice--they are super great. I love them. Second, it reminded me that my responsibilities as a wife and mother need to be my top priority in time and energy. Good thing I like these guys I live with. :)
10/29/2008-My Uncle Randy, his wife, and his son stayed the night at our house. They have very little of the world's riches but are a happy, grateful family. I love them. They remind me that "stuff" is nothing.
10/16/2008-Todd teared up when he received a birthday present from my parents today. He was touched by their kind words and thoughtful gift.
10/12/2008-My in-laws are being set apart as missionaries tonight and fly out to Peru on Saturday. They turned all over to the Lord throughout the ups and downs of preparing to serve.
Be prayerful...
11/11/2008-Being assigned to a High School this year has opened my eyes to issues that I will deal with as my kids are fast approaching teen years. I pray that I will find the right balance of giving them guidance and independence and feel confident and comforted in my parenting decisions regardless of their choices.
10/25/2008-Our prayers that Brent's parents would arrive safely in Peru were answered. They arrived and are already settled in their apartment. We hope they feel our love and thoughts.
10/16/2008-A young father from my hometown lost his battle with Leukemia today. I don't really even know him but 3 little kids are without their dad tonight. I'm praying for them.
10/12/2008-I have a prayer in my heart for my parents this week. They have had a couple of tough spells. I love them and I hope they feel the peace and comfort of our Heavenly Father this week.