SNOWdrift

Congratulations Brooke!

2007-06-14T21:16:00.000-07:00

Out of this World

2007-06-14T21:08:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, Brooke did her part (spectacularly!) in the Bella Dance production of Peter Pan. She was a blue planet (the best planet!) and she performed her routine flawlessly in front of a packed audience. The show was awesome and we're all very proud of Brooke, including Gavin who insisted on presenting Brooke with a bouquet after the show! How cool is that! Anyways, here are some pics.

We'll Miss You Guys!

2007-06-14T19:45:00.000-07:00

Travis and Brenda and the kids left the other day to move to Edmonton where Travis starts a new job and the family starts a new life. We're very sad to see them go but we do wish them all the best in their new surroundings. I can't say enough, how nice it was to have them around even if we couldn't get together as often as we may have hoped for, it was great to know that we had such comforting friends around us. Even though they're a few more miles away I know that we'll stay close and we look forward to seeing them soon. Take care guys and we wish you nothing but the best in life!

The 5 People You Meet in Heaven

2007-06-14T19:35:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading the aforementioned book by Mitch Albom, the same author of "Tuesday's With Morrie" (another great book!). All I can say is that this book rocked me when I finished it, meaning that it actually shook my very foundations and the way I viewed heaven and earth and even how to get there (heaven that is, I'm already on earth... duh!). I'm not ashamed to say that some tears found their way to the corners of my eyes reading various passages from this book, as it is easy to relate some of the aspects of my own life with that of the main characters and I'm sure everyone can find something that connects them with Eddie, the carnival caretaker. It's a moving book folks and it left me thinking at the end, pondering who the 5 people I might meet on my journey to heaven (if I'm lucky enough to make it there! ; )

I encourage everyone to pick this book up and give it a read, hopefully it will move you as much as it has moved me... and then think of the 5 people you might meet in heaven.

Lazy Blogger!

2007-06-14T19:31:00.000-07:00

Sorry for being so late since my last entry... I guess the combination of being busy, somewhat lazy and also being preoccupied with the Facebook phenomenon... has made me neglect my blog responsibilities. So I apologize to anyone who has been checking in on our blog for any updates, I'll promise to be more dedicated to the blog!!! So, with that note, I think I'll post some recent pics, some random thoughts, and any other info regarding the Fam!

Nature Walks

2007-05-24T09:02:00.001-07:00

How easy is it to forget, when you're out for a nature walk, that you're actually in "Nature"! Home to the wild animals, often hungry wild animals. Just read a few news stories in the wonderfully entertaining Yellowknifer, about recent animal encounters. One was a bear stumbling out into the parking lot of one of my favourite hiking trails, frightening a group of hikers; a small dog kept the bear distracted long enough so that everyone could retreat to safety but the dog likely sacrificed his own life for his owners. In another news item, cougars have been spotted around the Yellowknife area adding to the "dangerous" aspects of living in Yellowknife! What's next? Polar Grizz showing up on our back steps?!?!?!

Anyways, all this is feeding Isabelle's fears of bear attacks so I know that our hikes are going to be limited from now on. It used to be that the animals were more scared of us than we were of them but I guess with increased encounters and familiarization, those days are coming to an end.

That's all for now. Till next time.

Wednesday, May 23

2007-05-23T15:35:00.000-07:00

Not much to say today folks, just wishing Ev a "GetWell Soon", same goes for Lee Phypers whom we hope is getting better and will soon be back on her feet again.

Hard day to concentrate, beautiful day outside and I'm catching myself staring out the window every so often. I'm realizing we don't get enough fresh air and sunshine. I think we need to get the family out for another hike soon.

Rant of the Day: David Stern, commish of the NBA, is a knucklehead to say the least. After watching San Antonio eliminate Phoenix from the playoffs, I'm now certain, whereas before I merely speculated, that there is a conspiracy in the NBA of favouritism and behind-the-scenes dealings. I'm upset with the NBA and can not stomach to watch any more of the playoffs (much to Isabelle's delight!). The NBA was just getting fun to watch again after years of boring half court schemes. I guess I'll have to start watching college hoops again. Dang David Stern!

Anyways, that's all for now. Hope everyone is doing fine. Till next time.

Friday, May 18

2007-05-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

Well, Facebook is now controlling my life... it seems relatives, school friends and people I barely knew are popping up all around the world and finding me here in the arctic wilderness freezing my arse off in the middle of May!!! I see a 12 step program in my near future to defeat the evil stranglehold of Facebook.

On another note, Benji has now offered to "deal with" Gramma Wilson for pestering me about the blog and not keeping it up to date! Thanks Benji. I think we'll have to steal all of her cookies when we're down there this summer.

Want to wish Anna and Don good luck in their hunt for a new home in Kingston and a new job for Anna as she leaves the Bymark restaurant in Toronto. Also want to wish Neil and peggy good luck in their quest for a new nanny. The old one is moving back to Switzerland, something to do about revoked passports and the german nazi military!?!?!? Who knew? Just kidding folks!

On one last note, also want to wish good luck to Benji and Ev as they try to scour Yellowknife in search of a new home. Happy hunting.

That's all for today folks, have a great weekend!

Cheers.

Facebook Rehab

2007-05-15T07:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my future sister-in-law and my encouraging fiancé I'm now a full-fledged addict to Facebook. I'm now talking to people from my highschool days who I barely remember existing and now we end up reminiscing about those days... how weird is that! It's all overwhelming to some degree but cool nonetheless. Thanks Ev!

Well Gramma Wilson (Johanna) blasted me about not keeping our blog up-to-date so I had to make a new post. : ) Thanks Gramma.

All is well in the Freake-Dwyer household, Gavin and Brooke are doing well and I think they're going through a growth spurt because they are eating us out of house and home! Isabelle and I are finishing up our marriage prep course with Scott Landry and I have to say we're really enjoying it and we're actually learning a lot too! Who knew! Ha! Anyways, our last session is Thursday and we're actually kind of sad about that.

In other news, we're still finishing up details about the Big Day but the hotel is booked so knock yourselves out and book a night at the Royal Brock, maybe we'll have a game of hallway hockey the next morning!!! Gavin would love that!

Anyways, hope all is well with everyone and we'll talk to you soon!

Some Pics of the Gang!

2007-04-30T14:18:00.000-07:00

The first pic is of Isabelle with her crazy maid-of-honour Brenda Mullin. Second pic is Brooke eating hot dogs at a cookout we did recently. Of course at any campfire you'll find boys peeing on a fire – Nice work Gavin and Nathan! Last is Gavin at the Skate Demo doing a sick trick with his board.

Whew! How's Everyone Doing?

2007-04-30T14:03:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, it's been awhile since my last post/update about the goings-on of our family so I'll give you a run down and heck, maybe even add a pic or two!

The wedding, oh the wedding... well, the invitations have been sent out (most of them – still a little slack in getting the rest in the mail!) and the hotel has been booked so feel free to make a reservation. There's a guest rate and everything... sweett!!! Most everything is done but there are a few doozies still on the list and we're working on that.

The kids, oh those crazy kids... Gavin and Brooke are doing great. Summer is slowly approaching and so bikes and skateboards and trampolines and frisbees and stuff are all making their way out of the dark confines of our shed! School is going well and let me say what a pleasure it is to sit down and do homework... in FRENCH!!! Shiza! Definitely need a touch up but I'm getting by... barely. Gavin has been relentless with hockey, street hockey, mini-hockey, xbox hockey and hockey hockey hockey!!! The boy can not get enough, he's constantly go go go. Brooke has been continuing with her dance lessons and we have a class to go to tonight actually.

We went to a skateboard demo this past weekend which was AWESOME!!! Gavin rocked out on his board and even entered the skills competition and did a great job. Brooke was busy chasing boys around (just kidding!) Actually she was running away from boys all weekend! Funny girl. Well, we had a great time to say the least. Cool stuff.

Isabelle, crazy wife-to-be... She's been sick folks. Baby diseases. Like wildfire. First, one of the day-home babies had it, spread to another, then another, and then... Isabelle. She almost lost her voice but instead has this incredibly raspy sexy voice, sort of a mix of hollywood starlet and a trash compactor. She is feeling better though and we're looking forward to getting outside more and riding our bikes.

As for myself, things are going good. I have a beautiful woman at my side, two great kids and a very supportive extended family on both sides. What else could anyone want? Money is always an obvious choice but I'm still waiting to win the big jackpot on lotto 649!

Anyways, better run. I'll post some pics shortly. Hope everyone is doing well. Take care.

– Steve

ONE – HELP END POVERTY

2007-04-30T13:57:00.000-07:00

"It's not about charity, it's about justice."
- Bono

Some of you, maybe all of you, have heard about the ONE campaign to end poverty. It's a campaign worth fighting for. If you're looking for information or are wondering what you can do to help the cause, go to www.one.org, everything you need to know is there. Make a difference people, help end poverty.

Marriage Prep – Stage 1

2007-04-13T08:27:00.000-07:00

Isabelle and I had our first marriage prep session with Scott last night and it was an amazing session. Full of sharing and insight that helped us identify where the focus of our marriage should be and how we often forget to put ourselves in our significant others shoes and see things from their perspective. Deep stuff! Like all great movies there was laughter and tears, vulnerability and strength. We started with a prayer and ended with a prayer and I realized that all things should be done that way! Anyways, we can't wait for our next session. Thanks Scott for your sincerity and honesty in helping us cement our relationship with the strength of God. Amen.

Kids Pics

2007-03-31T11:41:00.000-07:00

Family Ski Time

2007-03-31T11:28:00.000-07:00

This Tuesday past we all grabbed our skis and headed out to the ski club for a fun family outing. We had quite the time – Gavin attacked the hills and Brooke did an excellent job of navigating through the trails. We all managed to stay on our feet for most of the day although there were a few "bum rides" down some of the hills! We had a great day and we're looking forward to getting out again before the snow melts. Here are some pics.

Rant of the Day

2007-03-11T19:37:00.000-07:00

Isabelle and I attended church this morning, a little late since we didn't realize the time had gone ahead!.. but we managed to take in Scott's sermon just the same. I'm glad we did because a lot of what he had to say spoke to me. Specifically, the sense of community that we have, which usually only involves the people we know or associate with but community, in the true sense of the word, involves everyone. We're all guilty of using our busy lives as excuses to rush through life without stopping to talk to the people on the way but I think we end up missing out on so much. I guess Scott's sermon struck a chord when he talked about not even knowing his own neighbour. Made me realize how many times I've ignored or pretended I didn't see people along the way so I wouldn't have to talk with them. I guess what I've come to realize is that a part of being a christian is putting yourself out there, constantly putting yourself outside your own comfort zone and doing things you would never think you would do. I made a promise to myself to pay attention more to my surroundings and the people that I encounter along my way. To make an effort to say hi or smile to people I may not even know. And definitely be more outgoing to the people that I do know. Gandhi once said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." If I want people to smile at me and say hi to me so that I feel happy inside I need to institue that change in my own life so that I may welcome it and enjoy it in my life. Not to go on an extensive rant or anything but maybe these few words will make you realize that spreading the cheer, a smile or simply saying hi to a stranger can actually change lives. One small pebble tossed into the ocean of life... awesome!

My Big Bro's Birthday!

2007-03-04T17:55:00.000-08:00

Saturday my big brother, Neil, turned the big 35. You would think that I would make fun of him and call him old fella or something but if he just turned 35 well that means that I'm turning 33 in a couple of weeks. I definitely don't feel 33 years old. In fact Isabelle had to convince me that I was actually 32 some time back because I didn't believe her! Anyways, just wanted to pass on some fantastic birthday wishes to Neil from all the gang... Me, Isabelle, Gavin & Brooke! Hope you had an enjoyable day. Take care, we'll talk to you soon.

New Images of Saturn

2007-03-02T08:54:00.000-08:00

The Cassini spacecraft is the first to explore the Saturn system of rings and moons from orbit. Cassini entered orbit on Jun. 30, 2004 and immediately began sending back intriguing images and data. The European Space Agency's Huygens Probe dove into Titan's thick atmosphere in January 2005. The sophisticated instruments on both spacecraft are providing scientists with vital data and the best views ever of this mysterious, vast region of our solar system.

Cassini-Huygens is an international collaboration between three space agencies. Seventeen nations contributed to building the spacecraft. The Cassini orbiter was built and managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The Huygens probe was built by the European Space Agency. The Italian Space agency provided Cassini's high-gain communication antenna. More than 250 scientists worldwide are studying the data streaming back from Saturn on a daily basis.

Family Night at the Movies

2007-02-28T13:37:00.001-08:00

Last night the four of us ventured out to the movie theatre to take in the comic-book adapted movie "Ghostrider". Lots of fun. Gavin thought it was very cool and even Isabelle said she liked the movie. Maybe a little scary in places but overall entertaining. We had fun.

Gone Baby Gone

2007-02-27T14:18:00.000-08:00

If you get a chance, check out "Gone Baby Gone" by Gnarls Barkley. It's a neat video.

UpHere TV Commercial

2007-02-26T12:07:00.000-08:00

Here's the new UpHere TV commercial posted on YouTube! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zo79HReago4

Quote of the Day

2007-02-26T10:30:00.000-08:00

I asked God to take away my pain. God said, No. 'It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.'

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said, No. 'Her spirit was whole, her body was only temporary.'

I asked God to grant me patience. God said, No. 'Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is earned.'

I asked God to give me happiness. God said, No. 'I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you.'

I asked God to spare me pain. God said, No. 'Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.'

I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, No. 'You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.'

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, No. 'I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things.'

I asked God to help me love others, as much as he loves me. God said... 'Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.'

Author Unknown

Movie Notes

2007-02-26T08:35:00.000-08:00

Isabelle and I watched a couple of movies over the weekend, "Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning" and "The Prestige". Two very different genres but both left an impression of sorts. I have to say, "TCM: The Beginning" is probably the most gory movie I've ever watched! Nothing like seeing a guy cut off another guys legs with a chainsaw... gruesome. Needless to say we were "affected" by watching this movie and we don't recommend this movie unless you have a cast-iron stomach or you are an aspiring chainsaw serial killer! The other movie, "The Prestige" was about two rival magicians, one as the natural magician and one as the natural showman. It took quite awhile to get going, wasn't the easiest to follow in places, cheesy in parts and rather anti-climatic because the ending was predictable. Isabelle fell asleep during the movie, and the only "impression" that it left was the patterns of our pillows on our faces! Anyways, watch it if there's nothing else but otherwise ignore all the hype around it. Till next time!

Quote of the Day

2007-02-24T09:26:00.000-08:00

"Maybe we should develop a Crayola bomb as our next secret weapon. A happiness weapon. A beauty bomb. And every time a crisis developed, we would launch one. It would explode high in the air - explode softly - and send thousands, millions, of little parachutes into the air. Floating down to earth - boxes of Crayolas. And we wouldn�t go cheap, either - not little boxes of eight. Boxes of sixty-four, with the sharpener built right in. With silver and gold and copper, magenta and peach and lime, amber and umber and all the rest. And people would smile and get a little funny look on their faces and cover the world with their imagination."

Robert Fulghum
American Author and Unitarian Minister

Movie Recommendation

2007-02-24T09:17:00.000-08:00

Last night, Isabelle and I watched "Little Miss Sunshine". We had heard that the critics loved it but I'm usually a little skeptic about what the critics like. This time they were right and needless to say, we thoroughly enjoyed the movie. It's a dark comedy but hilariously funny in places and overall a wild movie that truly captures the "bizzareness" of american life. We strongly recommend this movie but should be noted that there is some vulgarity in it in case you plan on watching it with the kids. Anyways, we hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Best Music Video... Ever

2007-02-23T14:20:00.000-08:00

Personally, I think "Street Spirit (Fade Out)" by Radiohead is the best music video ever made. I know it's highly debatable and if you think you have a better one, feel free to add it to the comments. Other notable video favourites of mine are "Hurt" by Johnny Cash, "Boys of Summer" by Don Henley and "By The Way" by Red Hot Chili Peppers. Oddly, they're all black and white videos! I never realized that before.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Looking through the photos

2007-02-23T14:10:00.000-08:00

I was scrolling through the photos I have here at work and found some funny ones from Christmas, thought I'd share them with you. a) Gavin in need of some serious dental work! b) Brooke absolutely loves anything to do with fairies. I think she was a little happy in this picture!

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Calvin & Hobbes

2007-02-23T14:04:00.000-08:00

My favourite cartoon. It used to remind me of me... now it reminds me of Gavin! Funny thing this life!

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Checking the List

2007-02-21T08:46:00.000-08:00

Well in the seemingly never-ending list of things that we need to do for the wedding we managed to tick a few off the list over the past few days. We managed to purchase the wedding favours which we're excited about and some accessory stuff for the invitations. I'm still waiting for the paper stock to come in and it should be here sometime next week hopefully. We'd like to get them in the mail asap. We're also exploring other ideas to accesorize the wedding and we'll update you as that happens. We hope everyone is doing great and look forward to seeing all of you this summer. Take care.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Evolution of Dance

2007-02-19T15:32:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMH0bHeiRNg

Check out the link above, apparently it's me!
Awesome!

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Brooke in the Kitchen

2007-02-19T13:37:00.000-08:00

Recently Isabelle took Brooke into the kitchen to help her make her first meal... chili! She did a great job and we're all very proud of Brooke for her hard work in the kitchen.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Royal Brock Hotel

2007-02-18T20:05:00.000-08:00

This is the banquet hall at the Royal Brock Hotel where the wedding reception will take place. We plan on having somewhere around 80 Guests but we'll see!

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Map of Brockville, Ontario

2007-02-18T19:53:00.000-08:00

Need to know how to get to Brockville? Check out Google Maps and type in Brockville, Ontario!
http://maps.google.ca/maps?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&amp;amp;hl=en&tab=wl&q=

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Wedding Update

2007-02-18T19:37:00.000-08:00

For those of you that wish to know what the latest and greatest is about our wedding, here it is:

Wedding date is August 25, 2007
Location is Brockville, Ontario
Banquet Hall has been confirmed, Royal Brock Hotel, Brockville, ON
Isabelle has her wedding dress, shoes, tiara, etc.
Flower girl dresses have been ordered
Invitations are waiting for paper stock to arrive, should be mailed approx. a week later.
Guest list is being finalized
Music playlist is being finalized, Anna looking into sound system
Menu is being finalized
15 rooms will be blocked off at the hotel for wedding guests

Stay tuned for more wedding information as it becomes available.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Crazy Weekend!

2007-02-18T13:39:00.000-08:00

What a weekend! Friday started with a bang – super busy at work, Isabelle turned into the female version of Mr. Clean, tackling every dusty object and corner she could find, and then, at 6:00 we had to run to the MultiPlex for Gavin's first game of a hockey tournament! It was a great game, Gavin played hard, and in the last 3 minutes of the game with the team down a goal I screamed from the stands... "$5 for the next goal!" Needless to say, Gavin responded by not only scoring the tying goal, but the winning goal as well! Unbelievable! $10 quickly found it's way out of my hands and into Gavin's pocket. Overall Friday was hectic but exciting. Saturday, Isabelle was up bright and early to do the girls hair and make-up for Michelle Lee's wedding. I was in charge of running the ship while Isabelle was busy comforting the girls nerves and doing a great job making them look even prettier than they already are! Afterwards we got ready, made a quick dash to the shoe store (pulled over by By-Law on the way – only a warning!) and off to the wedding ceremony at the Ledge. Home for a rest and then back to the DND for the reception. Had a great time dancing and hanging out. Sunday's goal is to relax in the morning and then do errands and take Gavin to hockey at 4:30. Hopefully today will be a little more laid back and we can enjoy the last bit of the weekend before the new week gets here! Stay tuned, more updates on the way!

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •