Adventures with Will, Jeanne and Isaac

Finally, I got a Plumbing Job!

2007-05-24T15:45:00.000-06:00

That's right folks, I just accepted my new job at the plumbing shop! I recieved a call yesterday afternoon, and the manager at a very reputable plumbing contractor has offered me a job starting on Monday. This is too good of an opportunity for me to pass up, so I said yes!

I am not going to be officially quitting my job at the shelter, as Sr. Lucinda will be keeping me on the payroll in some capacity as a Crisis Intervention Worker. Hopefully, I can cover some weekend graveyard shifts taht no one else will take, or help in some other way.

The job pays quite well, is Monday to Friday, and they work on new houses and condos, which is what I wanted to get into in the first place! I start working in the warehouse for the first month, and then they will be signing me up as an apprentice after that. All I have to do to ensure an apprenticeship is show up for work on time, and put in a hard day's work.

I want to especially thank all our family and friends who have been helping us look for work and keeping us in prayer. Even though I have been working hard at putting my resume through to everywhere I could, and have been beating the pavement for months now, it still feels like this job dropped out of the sky. And with Lurana Shelter being so darn good about me abruptly changing my role from full time to relief worker, I could not have asked for a better opportunity.

It has been a while since I was wearing steel-toes to a job, and I am really looking forward to being in a labour-type job again; I will let everyone know how it all goes after my first week!

Peace,

Will

Some More Pictures!

2007-05-23T00:10:00.001-06:00

Isaac enjoying some green milk on St. Patrick's Day...I certainly did not like the green diapers that resulted from this for the next three days.

Isaac and Mom before bedtime

Here's Isaac giving a good try at "Blue Steel"

Isaac trying to look cute after doing something mischievous

Here's the Pictures!

2007-05-22T22:15:00.000-06:00

Here is Jeanne and Isaac at Easter, right after Sunday Mass

Here I am with Isaac and his cousin Christopher, both are trouble!

(Jeanne says all three of us are)

"Grammy" Rowan showing Isaac some pictures. That is Isaac's name for Grandma Rowan.

I can't remember what he was eating, but whatever it was, he was using it as hair styling product as well.

Isaac February 07

May Update

2007-05-14T10:11:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone, this is just a quick post to update you all on what is happening with Jeanne, Isaac and myself.

Well, for starters, work is going absolutely insane at the shelter. Our nnual fundraising campaign is under way. The Gala dinner event went off without too many hitches at the end of April, and now we are selling raffle tickets for the most spectacular children's playhouses you have ever seen. Picture buying a ticket for a million dollar show home, and then scale that down to kid-size. Some of these playhouses were built for over $10K, and it really shows; if you want to see some pictures of them, check out www.atonementhome.com , I think there are pictures up by now.

In Isaac news, he is still cute, and still more trouble than Jeanne and I put together. We have some great Easter pictures to put up, and some even more recent ones as well. Isaac is now 20 months old!!!

Jeanne is still working her butt off as Administrative Assistant at the shelter, and then trying to keep Isaac and myself in clean clothes from day to day. I really need to be doing more at home to take some of the load off of Jeanne! (And I promise, I will be doing the laundry tonight AND putting Isaac to bed!!!)

This weekend we had the enormous pleasure of attending the ordination Mass of Fr. Greg Elder, who some might remember was my best man at the wedding. He was ordained at the cathedral in Prince Albert, SK. I cannot believe that he has actually made it through! For those of you who do not know how the process works, Greg has spent many years studying and preparing at the seminary, all leading up to this last Friday when he was ordained a priest. Bishop Moran is probably the coolest bishop I have ever met, he held both a commanding presence and a down-to-earth pastoral vibe all at the same time, if you can believe me!

Two points from that Mass really stood out for me; one was that Bishop Moran spent the majority of his homily addressing the community as a whole...he very appropriatly pointed out that a celebration such as this is time for all of us to reassess and discern how we are living out our own vocational call from God. He pointed out that through baptism, the whole Church is called to live out Christ's ministry in the world, and we cannot succeed unless everyone steps up to the challenge, not just those who are ordained to the priesthood.

The other point that really jumped out at me was that Bishop Moran was the first person to recieve a blessing from the newly ordained priests, and he got down on his knees on the sanctuary to recieve the blesing. I think that action spoke volumes about how we are all equal in baptism, and how the priests in PA are valued. Bravo to a fantastic liturgy!

The other great news is that we made some headway in finding employment in Saskatchewan. I feel like a used car salesman sometimes with the outlandish sales pitch that I throw to everone in our family when we come to visit, but we are really trying every possible avenue to find employment in Saskatoon or North Battleford. We got some more phone numbers this weekend, so we'll keep trying! The best thing that any of you can do for us is pray, pray pray! And if you happen to know of a tradesperson that is looking for an apprentice, or someone that is looking for a bright, energetic, MDiv graduate with administration experience, give us a call!!!

Well, that is all for now, there will be pictures up this week!

Peace be with all of you,

Will

...Actually, a Bad Interview

2007-03-27T15:42:00.000-06:00

Well, as it turns out, I didn't get the job. One of the other candidates had a year's plumbing experience under his belt, and there is no way I could compete with that. So, I continue to look for the next great opportunity. With the Shelter's annual fundraiser and gala coming in the next few months, I feel that it would be bad form for me to change jobs in the middle of preparation. I think I will stick around for a while longer, at least until the gala is over with. That being said, I still really want to learn plumbing, so hopefully everything will work out well.

Thank you everyone for your prayers, and I humbly ask that you continue to pray for me (and Jeanne and Isaac), as I continue to look for a fair-minded plumbing contractor.

For those of you who don't know already, mt dad busted up his foot really bad at work last week...he was supervising the crusher crew at a large mine in BC, and he slipped on the ice the other day, and broke his ankle very, very badly. He went into surgery, and they fixed him up pretty good, but he is out of commission for the next 8 weeks or so. Please keep him in your prayers as well, if you can!

- Will

A Good Interview

2007-03-26T13:44:00.000-06:00

So, I just had an interview for a plumbing apprenticeship this morning, with a residential plumbing outfit in St. Albert. I really felt good about it; there are two other candidates for the position, and I am supposed to phone the boss tomorrow morning to see if I have a job. He told me that they indenture the apprentices right away, so there is no "trial" period as a general labourer. I really appreciated hearing that, because until you are contracted as an apprentice, there is virtually no guarantee that they actually will give you an apprenticeship.It is a 45 hour work week, with some possibilities for overtime and piecework, but the boss said he doesn't like overworking his crew, so there will only be occasional weekend work.

The employer sounded very positive, and the details on the job were exactly what I wanted to hear.

So I will be sure to let everyone know what is happening tomorrow, until then, please keep me in your prayers!

-Will

Huh? What?...Plumbing? Are you Serious?!?

2007-03-19T14:58:00.000-06:00

Well...yeah, actually, I am serious. Over the last few weeks, I have made the decision to search for a plumbing company that would be willing to take me on as a starting apprentice. Now, I admit, this seems like a 180 degree spin from social work and the shelter, but in actuality, this has been something I have been thinking about for quite some time.

I really enjoy my work at the shelter, but I have been craving something different...I really would like a chance to work with my hands again, in a physical environment. My goal is that I begin an apprenticeship, and continue my social work diploma until it is completed. Jeanne and my folks would not let me leave another academic program half-finished. Considering that this would be my...oh...200th career/educational/vocational change since highschool, I imagine that the people who know me quite well would not be suprised.

There are a couple big motivating factors for my decision, first and foremost is how this could help our family. In four years, I could be a journeyman plumber, making serious money. As a social worker, to get a comparable salary, I would need 2 more years for my diploma, 4 years to finish a BSW part time, and 2 years for an MSW. So the educational component would take twice as long.

As an apprentice plumber, the wages will be comparable to what I am making now, plus I would be getting overtime bonuses. And the pay increases substantially each year that I apprentice. So from a financial point of view, trades would be the no-brainer decision for me right now. Especially concidering that I plan on continuing my social work education as I go along with plumbing, at least until I finish my diploma.

One big goal that Jeanne and I have is to buy a house in the near future. As a social worker, in order for me to make enough for that to happen, we would have to move somewhere quite remote, where the wages are more attractive. But plumbers are in high demand everywhere, especially in Edmonton.

Apart from the financial aspects, plumbing is something that I am really interested in. I really like the idea of working with my hands, and being a part of new house construction. I think it would be a great job helping install fancy bathroom and kitchen fixtures, and just seeing the whole process from start to finish.

The knowledge aspect is a big reason for me, too. When I was a kid, I had absolutely no respect for my dad, because he was involved in trades and heavy equipment. I felt embarrassed going to a private school with a bunch of doctor and lawyer's kids. It took a long time for me to realize just how valuable my dad's skills and knowledge really are. I have a real desire to learn how to do something skillful with my own hands...I am at a point now where I am really regretting not helping my dad out every time he fixed up something around the house. I want to tap into that.

So, as I see it, it is a win-win scenario...learn a skilled trade, that I get to keep for the rest of my life, and also work part time on my education...which I am already doing. The best part is that I will be able to fix my own leaky toilet instead of calling out for help :)

I really, really need everyone's prayers with this; I have made contact with a number of contractors, and I am going to continue contacting them and others until someone is willing to take me on as an apprentice. Its a challenge, because most contractors are looking for 2nd year apprentices and up. It feels sort of needle-in-haystack...I know that plumbing company is out there, I just haven't found them yet.

Everything else is really good at home. Isaac just recently turned 18 months old, he is getting so big now it is scary! His hair is really starting to come in; he's going to need a haircut soon. Grandma Rowan came for a visit last week, and gave Jeanne and I a big break. It was so nice...I was able to get some papers written for class, and Jeanne was able to relax a little bit and not have to be chasing Isaac around the whole time while I was doing homework. It was also really nice to just have a visit with Mom. Thanks for coming, Mom!

Jeanne is doing pretty good. I think that with Mom coming for a visit, her body revolted and said, "Hey! You're taking a break! This must be the perfect time to get sick!" Jeanne seems to get sick every time she allows herself a few moments of relaxation. I think she works so hard that she actually wills her body into good health, until it just gives up. So she is a little sick right now. I managed to convince her to stay home and rest today; she sounds much better after getting some sleep in.

Well, that seems like the general idea, as far as updates go. Please pray that Jeanne can get some rest, she works way too hard for her own good. And if you have time, please pray that someone will get ahold of me about this plumbing thing.

Peace to all of you, and hopefully we will hear from you soon :)

-Will

One more picture

2007-02-07T11:56:00.000-07:00

I thought this picture was so nice, I couldn't resist posting it as well. This is Isaac's favorite thing to do...sit in his chair and read his books.

Time for a Big Post

2007-02-07T11:43:00.000-07:00

So, We have not had an opportunity to put up any of the Christmas pictures up yet, or any pictures for that matter. January and February have been very busy months for the three of us, and I am happy now to put a big post up with losts of shiny pictures to look at!

This is a picture of Isaac on his new zebra rocking horse, courtesy of the McKay clan.

Here is Isaac sitting on his new sled (sorry for the dim picture). He really enjoyed sitting in his sled and playing wth his toys

Isaac with one of his megablocks trucks

Isaac chasing dad with his "monster hand"

This one is for auntie Erin; Isaac wearing his kilt on Robbie Burns Day

Peace!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2006-12-26T20:53:00.000-07:00

Well, The 25th has come and gone, but the Christmas Season is still definately upon us! I hope everyone is having a great holiday.

I'm currently sitting at my desk at the shelter, as I had to work and evening shift today. Jeanne worked this morning, but is back at home right now with Isaac and my Mom and Dad. They came this week to help look after Isaac, as our day home provider is on vacation this week. Mom and Dad leave on Saturday, so it will be a good visit for them. This is the first Christmas in 4 years that I have spent with my folks!

The only big news with me is that I sort of hurt my back at work lifting christmas presents off a shelf, (yes, I know that back injuries at work are the most preventable of injuries...I have been reminded of that fact by a suprisingly large amount of people). I took a few days off of work, and the doctor was a little worried about my weak, flabbio back muscles, so I'm going to be hitting the gym a little more often come January when my back has healed up.

The shelter is thankfully quiet this Christmas, and all the residents that are here are nearing their three week stay, so there is not a whole lot of paperwork to do tonight. I was making supper tonight, as our chef is on holidays. I made turkey pot pie - for 30 people! it was extra tasty, and it used up a lot of our leftovers.

Isaac had a wonderful time at Christmas, he is especially fond of the fluffy yellow chair that Jeanne and I bought him. He will grab a book in the evening, and sit in his chair, and he is happy as a clam!

I'll do my best to download the most recent pictures as soon as I can.

Take care, and I will post some pictures really soon. Please be sure to let me know how you are all doing!

- Will

Some more of Isaac at Halloween

2006-11-08T10:28:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more pictures of Isaac at Halloween. I noticed that he really likes ham and pineapple pizza.

A November Update

2006-11-06T09:48:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

Just a quick update to let you all know how things are going. Jeanne and I are still busy working at Lurana Shelter, we've had almost a full house for most of September and October, so it has been pretty busy. Isaac is continuing to love his Day Home, which he attends from Monday to Thursday. We have been having some difficulties with keeping weight on Isaac the last month or two, he has not been gaining quite fast enough for his age. After trying all sorts of things in his daily diet, we found that he ate up peanut butter like there is no tomorrow, so PB sandwiches are in his lunch bag a bit more often now. The good news is that the doctor thinks that everyting is fine now, and he is back at the level he needs to be! (He's still a bit skinny, but I think that is more genetic than anything). Jeanne had worked really hard this year sowing up everyone's Halloween costumes, Isaac went as a monkey, I was a pirate clown (I couldn't decide, so I went as both), and Jeanne made for herself a Raggidy Ann outfit. If we didn't all catch the flu right before Halloween, we might of been able to have some fun with the costumes, but as it was, we were all very sick. Jeanne wasn't able to go to work on Halloween because she was so sick, and I had caught it a few days before. I went to work, but I was still feeling pretty green. Isaac is walking now like a pro (actually, running like a pro...he doesn't stop moving!), he is talking a lot more now, clapping his hands, and he thinks it is hilarious to make funny faces at people. He has this one face he scrunches everything up on his face, I'll try to take a picture of it if I can.

We are having some of Jeanne's family come in November for a visit, as it is Isaac's baptism anniversary this month. Other than that, it looks like November is going to be a pretty quiet month for us (we hope, anyway!). I'll post some of the halloween pictures of Isaac up tonight, I hope that everyone is doing well.

Peace in Christ,

Will

A much needed update!

2006-09-20T21:21:00.000-06:00

So, I am finally able to sit down and get a new post up on the blog. Things have been very busy lately, so sorry to everyone that has been bugging me toget on here more often! Anyway, Jeanne Isaac and myself were able to get ourselves down to Prince George for the Labour Day long weekend, and were able to check out my mom and dad's new house in College Heights. It is definately way too big for two people to live in, but it sure is nice. They have been building this thing for the better part of a year, so it has been a long time coming.

Our trip was great, we spent most of our time visiting with family at the house, this was Isaac's first time in Prince George, and many of my aunts, uncles and cousins had not met him yet. We were also able to catch a very quick lunch with John Garden after Mass on Sunday, which was also very great.

Isaac has started walking (running, actually), and now prefers that over other modes of transportation (crawling, horseback, mule, etc.) It is really exciting to see him go around the house, and I am sure he feels better with some added independance. He has also just turned ONE YEAR OLD! That is really big in Isaac years!

Jeanne is still adjusting well to her new position at Lurana Shelter, we are currently working out our schedules this week as we have been working at slightly different times during the day :(

To make up for my tardiness, I am putting up lots of pictures for everyone to have a look at. Peace in Christ!

Workin' on the Nightshift

2006-08-15T01:34:00.000-06:00

Ah, graveyards...

I haven't worked a nightshift at the shelter for a few months now, and it really shows. By about 3AM, your brain really starts turning into mush. Now, for most jobs with graveyard shifts, this would not be a problem. At the shelter, however, this seems to be the time that many women are in need of intensive counselling and support. Now, who wants to talk to a mushy brained counsellor? So, talk with the ladies, mop the floors, clean bedrooms&bathrooms, paperwork, and try not to fall asleep. Not hard at all!

I had Isaac with me all day today, and he is teething really bad, so we were being grumps with each other. Teething really sucks, and I feel really bad for Isaac, because I can see how much it is hurting :(

The good news is that work will be going by very quickly in the next two weeks, then we go to Prince George to visit my mom and dad and see their new house. I need this break so bad; I haven't had much time off this year, and I am really getting tired.

I keep telling myself that as soon as I get my degree I'll never do shiftwork again.

Sorry for my late night pity party!

Bye for now.

Back to the Grind

2006-08-02T06:49:00.000-06:00

Well, Jeanne is going to her second day of work this morning, and Isaac will be going to the dayhome for the second day in a row. It is definatley tougher on the parents than on Isaac!

When we got to the dayhome yesterday evening, Isaac was having a great time, and had lots of fun. So, no worries about abandonment issues when he is thiry-something.

Jeanne on the other hand had a very intensive day at the shelter. She is getting trained as the Administrative Assistant, but she also needs to be trained as a family support worker, so that she can cover shifts in the crisis office if someone can't make it to work. So really, she is getting trained in two jobs...ouch.

Jeanne is having lots of fun now that she has finally gotten her drivers licence on Sunday. She has had her learner licence for about ten years now, and has never really had the need to take it any further until now. It is great that there is two drivers in the house now, Jeanne doesn't have to wait for me to go to the store, and it provides a lot more flexibility with how wew get around and do our errands. Also a big bonus on the independance levels for Jeanne.

Well, I have to get ready for work, so here is a picture of Isaac to sign off with:

2006-08-01T11:49:00.000-06:00

Super Isaac

2006-07-30T17:57:00.000-06:00

Here is a picture of Isaac taken tonight in his new outfit. We have probably 5000 pictures that we still have to transfer over to the new computer, its a slow process...hmmm

- Will

First Entry

2006-07-29T22:30:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone!
Seeing that Isaac is growing at a breakneck pace, and Jeanne is taking pictures faster than they can be developed, I decided to set up a blog so we can keep everyone updated with news and pictures.
Things just happen so fast around here, we hardly have time to keep caught up ourselves. So, for anyone that is behind the times....

1) Jeanne and Will got married on Aug. 14, 2004. Jeanne is a MDiv grad at Newman Theological College. When WIll is asked about his formal education, he usually says something stupid like "I have a degree in life experiece," or drivel like that. Actually, WIll is working quite hard to finish up his degree in social work.

2) Isaac was born on Sept. 12, 2005. He kind of steals the show now, but no one seems to mind. He doesn't work much, and even if his cuteness could generate an income, Jeanne has absolutely forbade any attempts of taking him in to the modelling agency. Isaac does not have any formal education, as his only vocabulary at this point is "Da da da da ma ma ba ba baaad daaad."

3) Will is currently employed at Lurana Shelter, in Edmonton as a family support worker and volunteer coordinator. Lurana helps women and children fleeing domestic violence.

4) Jeanne just got hired at Lurana as the new Administrative Assistant. She gets to be the one who tells Will to stop playing computer games at work. Jeanne starts in August.

That is the pared down coles notes version of the last two years...
I'll work on getting some pictures up tomorrow.

Peace!

Will