Well, we sent our little guy off yesterday. It was such an honor to have him in our home and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit.

I didn't think it would be so busy, but I realize that with such a short time here, they have to experience all that we have to offer. For a lot of these kids, it may be the only visit to Canada that they ever experience.

Thursday morning was teary, but we managed. It wasn't until Hiroki left, that the kids actually realized the impact he made on our lives. The house seems quieter, and we have a couple of years to wait until the next group comes. I would highly recommend that if the opportunity arises, that you should jump and have an exchange student in your home.

Bye-bye Hiroki. You are very special.

Last night here...

I can't believe our little guy is going home tomorrow. I am already feeling blue.

Tuesday Adventure:

Went to school with our son and hung out. "S" teacher had a great day of activities planned, so no homework last night. Which was good, as the boys headed off to a hockey game and got home really late. Yeah, the Storm won. Lots of Japanese students at the game and all had a great time. Went shopping yesterday for souvenirs to take home. I don't know how he's going to fit his clothes in his suitcase.

Wednesday Adventure:

Off to do some local touristy things around town, with his group, and a big Goodbye party tonight.

I'm already teary - eyed. Didn't think I would be, but then again, I guess I am a softy.

As the story continues, I will keep you posted.

Some pics of our adventures

The ongoing adventure of Hiroki:

Well, we had to wake up the little bean at 10:00 am on Sunday morning. He was so tired after his long trip.

Started out the day with pancakes, which he loved! Then off to the store to deck our little tourist out in Canadian gear. Stopped and did some touristy things and headed home for the quad lessons.

A little apprehensive, but he soon got the hang of it and before we knew it, he was riding around the yard all by himself. Next thing, he's all bundled up and off to the river with the boys. It's about a 15 minute ride out there, but it is beautiful and well worth the little trip. They had a fire and roasted deer pepperoni over it. Came home, had pizza. He loves pizza and we found out that it's not that Canadian, as he has Pizza Hut where he lives. A couple of games of UNO and off to bed.

Monday AM - had to wake him up again. Wore him out yesterday, and off to Strathcona Lodge with "S" and all the other Japanese and homestay kids. Picked them up at 5:30 and he fell asleep in the car on the way home. Went straight to bed and didn't want dinner. Hopefully he won't wake at 2:00 am and want to talk.....

I am worn out, not because he is hard work, but I think the excitement is catching up with all of us. Early to bed tonight.

Tomorrow he heads off to school with "S" and spends the day there. We are bringing in Sushi for the class, and the teacher has planned lots of fun activities for the day. She is a great teacher, and is excited like the rest of us. This is a big deal for all involved.

After school he wants to go shopping for "SpongeBob" stuff, so of course we will go.

I will keep you posted.

Hiroki has arrived

Well, the day finally came. It was a long day waiting for our guest to arrive. We finally got to see him at about 5:00 pm last night. He had a very long trip from Japan. They travelled about 20 hours to get here. He is so cute.

After exchanging presents and finally feeding him. The great Canadian Hot Dog was well liked. He went to bed, exhausted and we are just waiting for him to wake up. This morning he wants pancakes and for lunch he wants Pizza. Isn't it funny how they percieve Canada.

If the weather holds out, we are going quading and will have a fire. The boys are excited to teach him how to make S'mores. He wants to learn all things Canadian. Can't wait to see what he thinks.

So far, the language barrier hasn't been too big. He has a great book for translating, and is very eager to try and communicate. We have had pictures drawn and lots of laughs. He giggles at our Japanese and we have lots of blank stares on our faces. Can't wait to see what today brings.

Will keep you posted on our great adventure, and will post some pics too.

Renovation headaches

Well, here's my update. I am in the middle of redesigning my kitchen/dining room/formal living room. It is 3 smaller rooms that are useless to me. I am knocking out walls and making it into one room with the open concept. This will then become 700 sq.ft of useful space.

Have had quotes for this reno and have picked flooring, paint (I think), appliances, etc. I keep changing my mind on the paint. Thank goodness for sample cans. The kitchen has pretty much been redesigned as far as the layout goes. However, we have come across a big problem. One section of my kitchen will have a 17 ft counter. Wow, counterspace. Can you imagine. Except, I cannot get the arborite in a 17 ft piece. They come in 12 ft lengths.

Dilema: What to do!!!!!!

I still need to send my 3 boys to University, so granite is out. Had Corian in my other house and did not care for it. Don't want tile and don't want a seam in the arborite. Get the picture?

So, yesterday, I dragged my family around looking for solutions. None found, only a massive headache came out of it.

Bright idea!!! - Ask my blogging friends for their ideas. Over the last year, I have found you have brillant ideas and suggestions. Please help. I know you all have kitchens. Whether you like them or not, you must have seen a kitchen that made sense. I will also have a big island, but that is easy. 5 feet is a big space to fill. I do not want to break up my counterspace too much, as I really want lots of counter space. Any great ideas or websites out there. I am open to options. Please help!!!!!

Our First Visitor of the Year

Wow, I have come to terms with the snow.

Hard to believe we are 1/2 way through March. I think the older you get, the faster the time goes.

We are delighted to have our first visitor of the year coming soon. We are having an exchange student from Japan for 1 week. He is 12 years old and is going to experience life in Canada. We are all so excited to have him come. He will be doing stuff with our family and going to school with our oldest son. Also checking out the town and seeing how we live. I know the town he comes from is very different from where we live, so it will be exciting to see what we take for granted through the eyes of a visitor. Actually I don't take for granted where we live. I love it and know how lucky I am to live here. I think you have to move away to really appreciate where you come from, and I'm glad I'm back.

We will keep you posted on our guest and hopefully have lots of pics.

It's Snowing

Didn't I just comment that spring must be here, because the birds were out and singing. Wildlife is everywhere. How could you not trust nature and the animals to let you know when spring is here. Ok, they all SUCK! We got about a foot of snow last night and it has been snowing all day and is slowing down.

I want to plant and garden, not shovel and shake my plants out and hope that none are broken. Well guess what, some have broken and I'm a little sad. I was out at 7 this morning shaking off my trees and shrubs. Yes, the kids had to fend for their own breakfast, this was an emergency intervention.

However, that said, they are having a blast in the snow and started their Spring Break early. The kids in the neighborhood are like ants coming out of the woodwork. Sometimes you can't recognize them for they are all bundled up so tight. Have fun kids, enjoy and I hope they all went to the bathroom before they got all dressed up.

The Birds are singing!!

Well, even with all the rain and the snow last weekend, I think spring is here. Is it just wishful thinking. I think not, as the birds are out and chirping in the morning and you just seem to see more wildlife. I saw a beautiful pheasant on the way to school yesterday. Okay, I think it was a pheasant, but it could have been a grouse.

After the time my dad took me hunting and I got lost 50 feet from the truck and spoiled my brothers shot at a deer, you have probably guessed that I never went again. So to tell the difference between a grouse and pheasant is a little out of my realm. It had a beautiful bright coloured head.

I know my dad is reading this shaking his head, going didn't I teach her better. No you didn't!!!!!

I could type up a story and get a little therapy through this, but I won't. Let's just say, this is not one of my departments of knowledge. Oh ya, dad, I don't want this department of knowledge either. You can't teach this old dog any new tricks about hunting. That's why I gave you grandsons..... However, I have been known to cut up a mighty fine deer and moose in my day.

Ok, I'm rambling know. Enjoy this lovely day and planting season will be here soon.