August = Dan the Fire Man

Oh August! This month has had it's share of trials. The first couple weeks we were preparing for Dan to go to Texas and the last two weeks I could not wait for Dan to come home from Texas. What the heck is in Texas you ask? Only the two best fire schools in North America, where they put the men who come as students, through two weeks of intense military style fire training. We are so thankful for all the prayers God answered in those two weeks. The entire time is Texas it was about 110 degrees and Dan was outside in that weather with 70 pounds of fire gear from 8 to 5. As some of you know, Dan he gets migraines from being in the sun, so I was praying that he would get through this time without any headaches. Turns out he did not have one migraine and he did excellent with all his training. He also had to take his final exams and he passed with a 92%! I am so proud of him and his hard work. Thanks to everyone who said a few prayers for Dan, he definetly saw the results. Here are a few pictures of Dan while he was training:
Dan after fighter his first two fires.

Practicing the Jaws of Life

Propelling for 5 stories

Dan's group, Engine Company 6 practicing for the calender already :)

All the guys, Dan is in the second row, third in from left.

For more of Daniel as a fireman, click on the picture slideshow and you will be directed to our picture website. Thanks! Stay tuned for more news about September, only three days in but so much has happened!

I love being an Immigrant!

I guess I have some catching up to do on my blog. I have not been feeling much like blogging lately. I guess cause life is just not terribly exciting and I don't want to be boring. Anyway, July was a busy month here in the Carriere household. We started off with a bang on July 1st, which is Canada Day. Many of you are probably wondering why is Canada Day so close to July 4th? Is it because Canada decided to copy the USA and make a July holiday? Actually, no there is a reason for this holiday and I had to Google to put my curiosity to rest and to make sure that I know my stuff when I am hanging out with all my Canadian peeps. Google says, "On, July 1, 1867, the British North America Act created the Canadian federal government. This Act stated that Canada would become an independent dominion (territory) of England." And we all know that whatever Google comes up with is true--so there you go! Now we all know!

After July 1st came the most uneventful July 4th of my entire life. It was like 4th of July did not exist--what is wrong with these people?!?! You would think I am not living in the States or something! I was longing for a good American BBQ and watching people risk their lives by shooting off fireworks in their driveways.

Then I was off to Seattle for two whole weeks. Daniel stayed in Winnipeg and lived the lonely life of a bachelor while I was gone. My two weeks in Seattle were well spent. I went on a company retreat to Victoria, BC. Went camping with the family in Hood River. Had a wonderful 7th birthday for my beautiful nieces and finished off my time hanging out with friends, family and getting some extra work done.

Being an immigrant is not too bad! Come on in guys, the water is just fine!

For the Love of June...

I spent the last two wonderful weeks with my parents! They came and visited us for one week and then I drove down to Chicago for my cousins wedding. The last two weeks have been a blast. While my parents were in Winnipeg we had lots of fun times. Mom and I went shopping of course and we stayed in a cabin at Clear Lake, Manitoba. Daniels parents and Uncle Jamie and Aunt Cathy also came with. Here is recap...

My Dad's and Uncle Jamie--Unplanned Red Day and Daniel on his way to his class

At Clear Lake--wild Buffalo--so cute

Chicago Bean and a Boat ride at Navy Pier

Crazy fountain in Chicago and a few of my wonderful cousins.

On our road trip to Chicago we planned a stop at the Mall of America. Mom and I closed that place down--we had so much fun. Then it was off to Chicago for the wedding. Um, I forgot to take a picture of the bride and groom but I will hopefully have one for you shortly. I can't believe that I did not capture that on film or digital card, whatever you are supposed to say these days. Had lots of fun in Chicago and then I drove the rental car all the way back to the Peg all alone--that was a long drive! Now I am back in the Peg for a couple weeks and then I will be jumping on a plane for Seattle to stay for two weeks. So excited to see all my family and friends soon.

Feeling Better, Happy Day!

Thank you to everyone who was sending up prayers for my Dad. The results of the Angiogram showed that none of his arteries were blocked. We all let out a sigh of relief with that news, but there was still the mystery of what was causing his symptoms. They ran a lot of tests, which all came back negative. The doctors finally came to the conclusion that my Dad was suffering from an infection in his heart. They quickly put him on steroids and antibiotics to clear the infection and they seem to be doing the trick. My Dad called today and he is back to his normal, wonderful self and can't wait to get out of the hospital. Thanks again for all your prayers and thank you God for your healing.

4 O'Clock

Today as I am enjoying my first Canadian holiday since we moved, my Dad will be having surgery. We have been waiting all weekend for this to happen and are both happy and nervous that this time has come. The procedure is called an Angiogram. They will insert a flexible tube through an artery in his groin and will feed all the way up to his heart. Then they eject a dye into this tube so that the arteries in his heart are all lit up. This allows the doctor to see if there is anything blocking the blood flow to his heart. If there is an issue, they may end up fixing it during the procedure. We are thankful for modern technology, but it is still a serious procedure. We appreciate your prayers. Thanks!

Heart Keep Pumping!

Thanks to everyone who is reading this blog and praying for my Dad's health. About two months ago he had his second angioplasty to open up two blocked arteries with stints. Saturday he started having chest pains and shortness of breath and went to the emergency room. They admitted him to the hospital right away and he will be having an angiogram on Monday to try and figure out what is happening with his heart. My Dad's name is Ralph. I would love and covet your prayers for my Dad's body and spirit and our family as we are somewhat scattered accross North America right now. We would all love to be in that hospital room with him. Anyway thanks and I will try and update my blog with his progress.