Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

I CAN'T HELP BUT SMILE


Sometimes for a family picture,
there's disorganization.....



.....and there's clowning around.....



And sometimes a bit of silliness.....



Once in a while..... a moment that is perfect.....



.....and if you're fortunate, maybe even two moments.....



And then.....



.....the fun begins.....



.....and the brotherly shenanigans start.....



.....and as they contemplate their next move.....



.....I just have to laugh.....



.....because they're my little boys.....
[she said as she shook her head and rolled her eyes in wonder]



.....and I honestly couldn't be more proud.....
.....honestly, not one bit more proud. 
Love you guys.

*The above photos were taken in October 2011, eight months ago. I am happy to report that since starting his new medication to treat Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis in September 2011, Blake has gained much more needed weight! Yay! I am also happy to report that Jon, my husband, has lost some not-needed weight! Yay! And since these photos were taken, I am happy to report that all the boys have learned to keep their shirts out of their flies. 

Thursday, February 3, 2011

A Long Overdue Family Update

I am sitting here in front of the computer and I AM NOT MOVING until I finish this post! haha

All week long I've been trying to take half an hour to write a simple update. Then I think, "Well I'll just get [whatever] done first, and THEN I'll write". And of course I get side-tracked. It's happened all week, and today is the day that my hiney is not moving outta this chair until a post is complete!

Before I started the post, I read an article in our local newspaper about a dog that had wandered from its home here in The County and was outside for nine nights in frigid weather. The owners saw evidence of tracks leading to open ice where they assumed their dog had fell in. As the days and week passed, they had given up hope, until a neighbour happened to glance outside one day and saw what looked like the Great Dane in the field. He called the owner and they went out and the poor ol' six-year-old dog was just barely alive. They got him to the vet, and he is coming along fine, after losing a whopping 50 pounds. So naturally, my eyes were welled up with tears by the time I was done reading.

Then I turn to my blog site and get caught up on one of the blogs I follow about a little girl battling cancer. I don't know the family personally.... I just followed a link that I stumbled upon one day in 2009.... but I've been following their progress. They just found out two days ago that her MRI shows more signs of cancer, despite their battle thus far. The family is sickened and heartbroken. They had anticipated a good report after battling this disease for over 19 months now. They struggle with their emotions right now, knowing that the Lord has the power to instantly heal their little girl but wondering why He hasn't.

Honestly....

Why do I bother putting on make up in the mornings only to have it washed off with tears.

We just don't have the answers that we need sometimes to deal with life's situations. We question why we must endure the pain, the sadness, the frightful moments that we encounter.

But God continues to sustain. He promises to never leave us. In fact, He carries us through these times. Sometimes we're like a child who is being carried against their will, where we kick and hit and fuss and scream because we don't understand. But if we just can get to the place where we accept what's been dealt and continue to persevere and move forward, we can look back and see God's fingerprints and presence all over our situation. Those moments of reflection are good for the upcoming trials and tribulations of our lives.

Yes. That's right. There's more coming! More pain. More hurt. More sadness. We might as well accept that fact. BUT!.... [gotta love those "but" moments]... we can rest assured that God does not change, and He will be there to carry us once more.

As this little girl, Kate, and her family walk through this battle, please remember them in prayer. The button on the right side of the blog shows "Pray For Kate". Click on over to their site and support them in prayer.

We've been no stranger to battles ourselves over the last few years. Our household has been turned upside down a few times; but I want to just give some updates to you as to the life and times of The Found Family over the last while.

And it's all GOOD!!!!!

Let's start with Jon & Jake.
I'm grouping these two crazy characters together because they've been glued to the hip over the last number of months.

Jon and Jake have been travelling in portions of Canada and The States, and I think Jon is quite excited to have one of his "little" boys accompanying him. He enjoys having the company and the help. Jake has always had an interest in the truck and helping his Daddy. It was pretty much the only way he could get time to spend with his father, since Jon was away so much of the time when they were younger.

Jake has sat in the passenger seat many times, soaking in every movement Jon makes. He's watched Jon carefully to know when to shift, when to hit the clutch, when to signal, when to brake, how to turn the wheel when backing up, how much distance is needed when turning....... he's catalogued all these things in his head and is now sitting in the driver's seat. Although he was driving that big rig by the tender age of 14 [usually only across the flat prairies, thank the Lord!] and has sat on his Dad's knee since practically birth, helping to steer the truck, he has now become legal to drive the eighteen wheeler.

He got his medical done yesterday along with writing his driver's test for an AZ license. His appointment for the actual driving test is at the end of this month. The loving mother in me is extremely proud of his accomplishments. The worried mother in me wants him to fail that driver's test.

Know where I'm comin' from?

[sigh]

I don't think I'm ever gonna stop being concerned about my kids. Even when I die and I'm in Heaven, I can see myself walking with Jesus, looking down at the happenings on earth and watching my children and saying to Jesus, "Well are You just gonna stand there and let that happen???" He'll smile and wrap His arm around my shoulder, and in a most lovingly caring way, He'll say to me, "Shush up, woman. I've got it covered". haha.

I am glad that Jake and Jon have this time of bonding. It's funny to hear them gripe about one another, but they love each other and I think they'll be fine. They are currently working on ways to cut their road expenses. The purchase of a small refrigerator and 9-volt oven to use in the truck have already saved them money. It's cute to hear Jon get so excited about it. Says he should've done this twenty years ago. haha.

Health wise, they are doing great, although Jon should likely eat more salads. BHAHAhahaha. Sorry, Jonny. Couldn't resist. Jon looked at himself in the mirror the other day and came to the "sudden" realization that he had gained weight. I truly think that their new method of eating in the truck will help his situation.

As they come to your mind, please pray for them... for travelling mercies. It's hard not to worry about them; but I must keep in mind that God is still in control.

As for ME....
I could stand to lose a bit of weight myself. I've porked on the weight since Christmas. Not that my clothes feel any tighter, I just feel fatter. I think it's a lack of exercise. I borrowed my sister's treadmill, and I must say it works amazing.... when I actually USE it! Jared has been teasing me about using it, or rather the lack of using it. I just don't have the energy. And I know once I START using it, I WILL have the energy. It's just a matter of me developing a new routine.

I don't get 'inspired' often, but for some reason a few weeks ago, I was inspired to paint my bedroom. It has had white primer-painted walls for about 18 years now. I thought it was time for a change. hahhaaaa. I guess I just never felt the need to get it painted. There was always something else more important to do. And I'm only ever in there to sleep or fold some laundry. And when I'm sleeping, my eyes are closed and it's dark and I can't see the colour of the walls anyways.

But I decided it was time. So I went to the store when the paint was on sale and picked a colour I liked from the forty-ka-jillion colours to choose from. I chose a nice coloured green.... reminds me of string beans... Jake says it looks like vomit. I've seen a lot of vomit in my days with raising three boys; but I've never seen vomit the colour of string beans.... unless of course I'd just finished EATING them only to see them re-surface!

Well, I don't care what Jake says, I think it's a nice colour. The difficult part will now be to find a bedspread and curtains that will match. Should've got those first, I guess, and then chose the paint colour. Oh well. It's done. After 18 years. I like it. That settles it.

Danielle came over to help me tear wallpaper down in my kitchen. (I TOLD you I was feeling inspired! What is WRONG with me???!!!) She LOVES removing wallpaper. Can you believe that? She doesn't want to help me ever put paper ON the walls, nor does she want to help with painting; however she will be here in a heartbeat when the wallpaper needs to come down. I think she might have a psychological imbalance there somewhere. Jus' sayin'.

I also need to finish painting the trim in the living room. I bought the paint and got the hallway trim and doors painted (need to second coat some of it), but then for some reason I moved onto the bedroom. I start a project and then never finish it. Ugh.

Starting Monday, I need to get back into some paperwork again. I procrastinated over the Christmas holidays. Tsk-tsk. Need to get things caught up again in that area.

And other than running Jared around, that's pretty much what I've been doing, folks. Soooooo exciting...... not. haha.

And speaking of Jared....
This is one busy little character. I have been running non-stop with this fellow. He has been quite involved with highschool basketball, which includes an out-of-town tournament tomorrow and Saturday....

However.....

there is something ELSE taking up his time. Or rather I should say someONE!

Jarey has a girlfriend... Jarey has a girlfriend.

I am most pleased to announce that Jared has been "dating" a young lady named Karli. And she's divine. She is very much "mother-approved". What a lovely young lady. She's smart, polite, courteous, thoughtful and beautiful. AND her mother and I get along and can finish each other's sentences! hahahaha. Jon and I have both shared with Jared that he's got a good girl and if he messes this up, we'll be keeping HER and sending HIM on his way! haha.

It's been fun for me to hang out with Jared, while Jake is with Jon, and Blake is at university. I have always enjoyed watching the boys entertain with music and be involved in sports events, and Jared has certainly kept me hopping with the soccer and basketball and hockey games. He gives his all, and never ceases to entertain his Momma.

And finally, we have Blake.

I am sooooooo excited to report that Blake's health has been nothing short of amazing these past two months. Blake received his last dose of Remicade on December 13th, five days before flying to Brasil for four weeks. While in Brasil he experienced no pain with his Crohn's. His dear girlfriend, Anelyse, and her darling family spoiled Blake to great lengths and fed him foods that were obviously intestinal friendly! This week marks his eighth week since the Remicade dose and he feels fantastic. PRAISE THE LORD!

He said he has experienced no pain or other symptoms, and he will receive his next dose this coming Monday (Feb 7th). He has never made it a whole eight weeks without some type of pain, so we are greatly rejoicing!

He continues his studies in New Brunswick, and I will be quite excited to see him in March when we bring him home for his March Break. Not seeing him over the Christmas holidays has really made everyone here at home aching to see him.

And no, I was not upset about him being in Brasil over the holidays. My main concern was his health, and because he had a dose before departure, I was not concerned.... ok... maybe 1% concerned.... maybe 3%... but that's all. I was happy he could spend this Christmas with Anelyse and her family, since we got to have Anelyse here with us last year. And I was very relieved to know that his feet were on solid ground (upon arriving in Brasil and then again back in US and Canada).

He is experiencing an extremely heavy semester this term, so please pray for his mind and for his health during this stressful time. Stress can trigger Crohn's flare-ups, so he must pace himself accordingly. In the meantime, he is so thrilled that his health is presently good. And three cheers to the "higher ups" at his university who have authorized the kitchen staff to prepare healthier meals for their students.

Hip-Hip-Hooray!!!!
Hip-Hip-Hooray!!!!
Hip-Hip-Hooray!!!!

This will help Blake immensely, so he doesn't have to spend time preparing all of his own meals and can concentrate on his studies!

Oh, and might I do a bit of motherly bragging for a moment? Blake made the Dean's List last semester with a 3.56 GPA. We are very proud of him and know that the Lord is gonna use this boy..... man... [ok... but he's ALWAYS my little boy] in so many instrumental ways. The Lord actually already has used Blake for His glory during his whole illness! Expect to see that boy doing some amazing work for the Kingdom!

And on that note, I think I should close this post. You've had lots of reading, and I really have only given you a few hi-lights of what's been going on. But rest assured we are doing well at the moment. It is now our turn to lift up so many others that are in the midst of battle themselves. We were supported by so many during our afflictions, and we want to now pay it forward.

Until next time, God bless.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Merry Christmas From The Found Family

Our very best wishes to you and yours for a wonderful Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

[Please scroll to the bottom of this page and click PAUSE on the blog music first. Then click this link below]

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/DCiUA7UDa3BuhtxfSLQj


NOTE: No elves were hurt in the making of this video!

~Michelle & Jon
Blake, Jacob, & Jared


*This video will apparently not be available after Jan 15, 2011.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Happy Birthday Mom!



HaPpY BiRtHdAy, MoM!!!!!






Today, Nov 22nd, is my Mom's birthday.






Do I dare tell you her age? I guess since she doesn't have a computer and won't see this, it'd be okay to share it with you.






She's 69 years old today.






I can hardly believe it!






I only hope that I am as active as she is when I reach sixty-nine!






Here is a picture of my Mom with my Dad. It's a picture that was taken a couple of years ago, but it's a really good picture of her, and she would KILL me if I put a picture on here of her that she didn't like!



Jean & Dwain Fraser - October 2008







Last week, Mom showed me a picture of our family from 1974! (less Danielle.... she didn't come along until 1976).







This is my Dad (38 yrs), my Mom (33 yrs), me (on the left) at 7 yrs and my sister, Wannett (on the right) at 5 yrs.

Dwain & Jean, Michelle & Wannett Fraser - 1974
*Wannett - Celia is the spitting image of you in this photo!!!!


A neighbour of ours had gotten married and this picture was taken in their home. I remember these little dresses that Wannett and I wore. My Mom made them. She made many of our clothes when we were little. I remember when I was a teen, she was on a t-shirt-making binge. My nickname was Froggie and she found material with little frogs all over it. hahaha. Oh the memories!







So, back to Mom's birthday. I wanted to tell you a little story about my Dad's "gift" to her today.







Today my Mom had a dentist appointment in a neighbouring city, and since her youngest brother lives in that city, he had invited her out for a birthday luncheon. She asked me if I would mind checking on Dad around lunch time to ensure everything was okay. (My Dad has had multiple mini-strokes over the past decade and has trouble with walking, speaking, hearing, writing, etc.)







So I head down the road to my parents' home, and sure enough Dad is doing well.... sitting in his big recliner watching television with the volume muted while listening to a blaring radio. We chatted for a while and then the conversation turned to Mom's birthday.







I said to Dad, "I guess we should've got some flowers or something for Mom from you, eh?" He smiled and shrugged his shoulders. I chuckled and said, "How's about I find some artificial flowers somewhere here in the house and put them in a vase and you can give THOSE to her!" He gave a big smile, so I knew he approved of our little prank.







I rummaged through the house, and when I went into Mom's bedroom, I found a big clear vase full of pretty lavender coloured flowers that she had in the corner of her room. I brought them out for Dad's approval. He grinned.







I set them on the kitchen table, and then I hunted down some paper and crayons. I proceeded to draw some flowers on the front of a folded homemade card and wrote HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I asked Dad what else he thought we should write and he suggested, "I LOVE YOU". Sounded good to me. So I wrote a big I LOVE YOU in crayon on the inside of the card.







I then grabbed a pen and encouraged Dad to write his own name. He kept saying he couldn't do it (which is correct; many times he has trouble writing because he can't physically do it and because his mind can't remember how to spell due to the strokes). I said, "Oh yes, you can do it. I'll help you."







Well, it took us a while, but he did it. All by himself. One mark at a time.







D - W - A - I - N







Then I said, "How about an 'X' and an 'O' for a kiss and a hug?" Well, he thought that'd be great. So he managed to draw those. Then he looked at it and said, "I don't even know what those things are for!!!!!" hahahahaa. I had to remind him that they were a kiss and a hug. He laughed. But I think he was pretty darn proud of himself for writing his name and a big 'X' and 'O'.







So I took the card and tucked it in the beautiful bouquet of artificial lavender flowers that sat on the kitchen table. I wish I was there when Mom walked in the door. I would have loved to see the look on her face. She called me later and said I had forgotten to blow the dust off the flowers. hahahahahaa.







I later left her a message on her phone. I had the Chipmunks singing Happy Birthday on the computer and made it sound like our dogs and cat were singing to her. haha.







Well, it was certainly an inexpensive birthday, but it was full of valuable memories for ME! We don't usually make a big deal of birthdays at my place, but it was a fun afternoon with my Dad in trying to help him pull a birthday prank on Mom.







I am fortunate to have been born into this family. I cannot think of any better parents or sisters in the world. My parents were not rich with money by ANY means; but they loved us, and we never had a need go unmet. I am so very blessed.







So Mom, I hope you enjoyed Dad's gift. [grin]







Thank you for what you do and for who you are.







HaPpY BiRtHdAy, MoM!!!!!



Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Nine Days? REALLY???


Just what in tarnations is my problem?


NINE DAYS since my last post???


Can anyone tell me where this week went to?


I know that part of the problem is the head cold I've been suffering with. Jon passed it on to me, and as of Monday Jared has acquired it. There are a LOT of ill people right now, including many of the students at school.


Jared said that his school is full of kids not feeling well. I am hoping that is not the case with Blake in New Brunswick! That boy does NOT need any more illness, for sure!


I thought perhaps with school starting, I might have some extra time and find myself developing "a new routine". But nay-nay. That is not happening.


With the beginning of school also comes a bag of other things.... school sports, such as soccer, which Jared is currently in. After soccer he starts basketball. Then this Sunday is the formations in House League Hockey. So in a couple of weeks, we'll be in the cold arena with our hands wrapped around some nice hot cups of coffee or hot chocolate.


Then add Youth Groups to the mix. Youth Group at our church begins this Friday. Jared is also attending a Youth Group that meets Tuesday nights in Bloomfield.


Add some events that I, myself, am involved in. I am singing at The Shed in Milford this Sunday with The Shirt Tail Cuz'ns. It's a local annual fundraiser, and I am always pleased as punch to be included. I will be singing "The Log Driver's Waltz" as well as a song by The Isaacs called, "There's a Little Bit of Heaven".


On October 16th, I'm also singing with a group of 20+ women at another fundraiser. We had our first rehearsal on Sunday and the harmonies were divine! Trinity is emceeing the evening, and I'm excited to participate with such a talented trio. I will likely be singing two songs by The Isaacs: "There's a Little Bit of Heaven" as well as "If That Don't Make Ya Wanna Go". It's hard to know exactly what to sing, but both of these songs are quite peppy, so I'm sure they'll be crowd pleasers.


I'm sure I've mentioned in a previous post that our government has FINALLY given approval for Blake to receive the extremely expensive medication he needs for his Crohn's Disease. He also is authorized to receive the meds in New Brunswick, as long as the medication is shipped from Ontario. We are thrilled with this long-awaited positive news. I have already spoken with our Remicade Co-ordinator in New Brunswick, and she and Blake have set the date for October 26th. She is very accommodating in trying to work with Blake's school schedule. Between her and our Remicade Co-ordinator in Ontario, I don't think I've met two nicer ladies. They certainly make a difficult situation easier to bear. Hats off to you, Krista & Simona!


Blake's studies are proving to be jam-packed. He finds the work fairly easy; however, the amount of books he needs to read is time consuming. He also must fit in eight hours per week at the library. The food that is served at the school is NOT to Blake's benefit. He said it actually makes him feel terrible, and we cannot risk him getting ill; so he is making his own breakfasts and suppers. He has purchased the food program that allows him to choose one meal per day from the cafeteria (either lunch or supper). He will feel better with consuming his own prepared meals, but will likely take advantage of getting one meal per day from the cafeteria, especially if he has a heavy-scheduled day. This is, unfortunately, time consuming for him to cook his own meals with an already busy schedule, but he's been utilizing a slow-cooker that Grandma Fraser bought for him, so hopefully once he gets his routine down, things will hopefully flow along at a good pace.


His health seems to be pretty good aside from busyness; but please keep him in your prayers. He can still be prone to flare-ups even on the Remicade. We are also in the process of getting him a family doctor in Sussex as well as a Gastroenterologist in Saint John. These two doctors both have excellent reviews, so I'm excited to get Blake under their care. Blake will continue to keep his current Gastroenterologist in Kingston. The doctors will work as a team (which thrills me!). We are thankful for the Lord's mercy extended to Blake through this battle, so I'm confident God will continue to keep him under the shelter of His wing.


Jake is still busy working at the landscaping business in Georgetown. Because the weather conditions limit his employer's ability to do landscaping through the winter, Jake has decided he might like to go trucking with his Dad for the winter. I am OK with that as long as Jake promises me that trucking doesn't become his full-time career! haha. It will be good for Jon to have Jake travel with him. They'll be chums! [hahaha.... that's referencing our late Nanny Saunders' comment from many years ago!]


I miss Jake being home. Even though we lock horns sometimes, I still miss him. It will be nice to know he's with Jon and that I'll get a chance to see him a little more often through the winter months.


Jon is, of course, busy in the trucking department. Things are picking up again in the economy.... it's always a bit slow in August and early September, but by the end of September, things get rockin' for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I can't believe another year has almost passed by. If it keeps going this fast in the future, there'll be no time at all for anything!


I am pleased to see Jon feeling healthier and happier. We have learned a lot over the last few years..... we've learned how fragile life can be; we've learned how much we appreciate and love one another; we've learned how precious our marriage is, and how precious our boys are to us; we've learned that a few people are hurtful, but we've also learned that some people are the kindest, most compassionate folks you'll ever meet; we've learned that everyone sooner or later faces a battle; and we've learned that God has a plan for each of us. And I know that the trials we experience happen for a reason. Though I'm not necessarily sure of the reasons, I know down the road that the experience will prove to be beneficial, for me or for someone else. That's reassuring.


And now the time has come that I must get ready for Jared's soccer game. I hope the above brings you up to date with the Found household. Once again I promise to try and keep things updated a little more regularly. I am extremely excited that a new Bible Study series begins this Friday morning at our church, so I'll likely be sharing with you as I go through those lessons. It's another study by Beth Moore, so I'm quite excited to get the ball rolling.


Until next time, folks, remember where your help comes from --- your help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.


God bless.


Here's a pic of me with the boys back in August 2010. Jon was on the road; that's why he's not in the photo... we didn't kick him out or anything like that. haha.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Addilyn Rae Found

Yes, [a-hem] congratulations are in order.





You see, I am a Great Aunt!!!!





Great Auntie Michelle.





I am "tickled pink" to introduce my Great Niece....





Miss Addilyn Rae Found







She is the brand spankin' new daughter to Jon's nephew Raymond and his wife Kelly.

Photo by Noelle





This sweet babe was born on July 19, 2010 in California, weighing 8lb1oz. She's adorable.

Photo by Noelle










Photo by Noelle










As you can see, she already has her Daddy's full attention.

Photo by Noelle


We're so proud of you, Raymond.

Photo by Noelle









And she's an angel to her Mommy. Congratulations, Kelly. You look beautiful.






This is what "peaceful" looks like!








This is Jon's brother, Dane. He's a very proud

first-time Grandpa.








And here is one very proud Grandma, our
sister-in-law, Valerie.








What joy and happiness a wee babe brings to a family.

Photo by Noelle






She was knit together in her Momma's womb, and she is fearfully and wonderfully made. [The Lord's] works are wonderful! We know that full well.
(Psalm 139:13-14)






I couldn't resist putting in this photo as well...... It's the celebratory "It's-A-Girl" Cigars!!!!





I think she's perfect.







Wouldn't you agree???




Thank you, Lord.



*All photos belong to Raymond unless otherwise noted.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Baby Birds

Tonight I received a phone call from Jon.

He said, "Well.... I think I know now how you feel when you lose your baby."

My first thought was that he was referring to our loss of our two babies who are now in Heaven.

My second thought was..... Oh no. Jon's "baby" is his truck! He's lost his baby. He's had a bad accident and has totalled his "baby".





My stomach did this flip-flop thing and I slowly eased myself into a chair for fear of fainting! I could hear him talking on the other end of the phone, but couldn't make out what he was saying. I interrupted him and said, "JON! ARE YOU OK????"

He replied that he was alright, and I asked if he had been in an accident with the truck.

He confirmed he was NOT, in fact, talking about his truck, but that he was missing his little Jacob.





His voice spoke volumes to me as he tried to hold it together. He was disappointed and upset that he'd be returning home this evening in just a few hours without his "Jake", my "Jaybo", there to welcome him home.

For eighteen years, Jake has always been the one asking:

"Does Dad come home tonight?"
"Where is Dad travelling today?"
"What time will Dad be home?"
"Is Dad working on the truck today?"
"How long is Dad home for?"
"Can I go with Dad on the next trip?"

Jake was always the one at the door to greet his Daddy (well, right behind the dogs!).

And tonight, it hit Jon that it won't be happening that way any more.

Jake headed to the big city on Tuesday afternoon to start a new job.... a new life... a new place to live....

.....without his Daddy.

And someone is having a hard time with that.

Isn't it supposed to be ME? Is Momma not the one that has the big cry because her middle child, her third babe to come from her womb, her great big 6'1" tanned muscle-toned baby has left the nest?.... has flown the coop?.... has gone to spread his wings?

But instead, it's Daddy that's broken hearted.

It's Daddy that's lost.

It's Daddy who's feeling the empty-nest syndrome.

And it's Daddy who just couldn't hold it together any longer.

So the two of us blatted away together.... all the while with me reassuring him that Jake is only a few hours drive away, and that he's living with Jon's best friend from high school, and that Jake will be OK.

And that JON will be OK.

And that likely I, Jake's Mommy, will be OK.









Jake at soccer finals with his "Playoffs-Mullet"






Jake accepting a Mini-Pumpkin-Tarts dare







Jake-in-the-box..... his second home!








My little rough and tough all-mouth hockey player









Jake's "cowtail" ponytail










Soccer pro Jake with "farm-brother" Scott











Jake and his cousin Beulah Celia










Jake, Jared, & Blake relaxing in the leaves - Oct 2008














Blake, Jared, & Jacob - August 2004







Photo by Peggy DeWitt
Jared, Blake, & Jacob - August 2004








Blake, Jacob, & Jared after Blake's highschool graduation
June 2008

'

'

'

Our baby bird is all grown up....
'

'





'

'

'






But don't cry, Daddy......






'

'

'

.....he'll always be your baby bird.


Sunday, June 20, 2010

Down On The Farm




HaPpY FaThEr'S DaY to my Dad, Ikey Fraser!!!!!






I can't spend today with him because I am with one of my son's in a hospital as he battles a Crohn's Disease episode.






But I wanted to acknowledge my Dad on this special day. In fact, if I recall correctly, I believe I was in the hospital with Blake back on Mother's Day as well. So today's post can be for BOTH my parents.... Dwain (Ikey) & Jean Fraser.






My Dad always recited a poem called "Down On The Farm". I recall him reciting it when I was a little girl. It always amazed me that he had every word memorized. In fact, he just recited it to me about two weeks ago. He suffered some mini-strokes about a decade ago and it has affected his memory in some ways. But sure enough, he seems to remember this poem.






I have checked on the world wide web, and unfortunately almost every version I've come across is different than what my father recited.... just the odd word here and there are different. I have found one that is close, and I might change a word here or there that is what I remember my father reciting. (I do not know the original author.)

Down On The Farm









Down on the farm 'bout half past four



I slip on me pants and sneak out the door



Out to the barn I run like the dickens



To milk ten cows and feed the chickens



Clean out the barn, curry Nancy and Jiggs



Separate the cream and slop all the pigs



Work two hours then eat like a Turk



By heck I'm ready for a full day's work.






Grease the wagon and put on the rack



Throw a jug of water in the ol' grain sack



Hitch up the horses, hustle down the lane



Must get the hay in 'cause it sure looks like rain



Look over yonder, sure as I'm born



Cattle's on the rampage and cows in the corn



Start across the medder, run a mile or two



Heaving like I'm windbroke, get wet clean through



Get back to the horses, and then for recompense



Nance gets straddled in the barbwire fence



Joints all a-achin' and muscles in a jerk



I'm fit as a fiddle for a full day's work






Work all summer 'til winter is nigh



Then figure up the books and heave a big sigh



Worked all year, didn't make a thing



Got less money now than I had last spring



Now some people say there ain't no hell



But they never farmed, so how can they tell?



When spring rolls around I'll take another chance



While the fringe grows longer on me ol' gray pants



Give me s'penders a hitch, me belt another jerk



And by heck, I'm ready for a full day's work.






Have a great day, Dad & Mom!!!!



We love you!


Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Happy Anniversary, Mom & Dad

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!

My Mom & Dad celebrate their Wedding Anniversary today. They've put up with each other enjoyed each other's company in marital bliss for 47 years now!



Here they are on May 25th, 1963.....


Jean E. (Steenburgh) & L. Dwain Fraser - May 25, 1963







Dad was 26 years old and Mom was 21. Mom wore her oldest sister's wedding gown (Aunt Phyllis's) and Dad wore a little black wool suit. I have that wool suit in my costume bin! Blake wore it for dress-up at a function in elementary school and it fit Blake perfectly.... I think Blake was in Grade 6!!!!! What a tiny physique my Dad must've had 47 years ago!







And then in 1967 they had this very beautiful bundle of joy!!!!!! (Well, I'm quite sure that's THEIR words, not mine! [wink])........


Dwain & Jean Fraser with first-born Michelle - 1967




I see Mohawk hair cuts must've been the "in thing" for babies in 1967..... right alongside the "bee-hive" hairdo! haha. (Just kidding, Mom; you look great!) And Dad..... you DO have a face under that beard!!!! Who knew!!!!



And here they are 47 years later......

Dwain (73 yrs old) & Jean (68 yrs old) - (taken Nov 2009)

Dad is doing the Little Rascals Woodchuck wave!


Happy Anniversary, love birds!

Jean & Dwain Fraser - (taken Oct 2008)



Newlyweds become oldyweds, and oldyweds are the reasons that families work. ~Author Unknown