About Time I posted ??
 

Well Hi all

Just thought it would be a good time to post an update as I've not been on for months!!

All is going well and we've settled really quickly. Time has just flown by and we've made the most of every minute.

Having landed January 28th, we enjoyed a great trip away to Kananaskis, as recommended by R2D2, she's so fab :)
We actually felt like we'd arrived, since the two research trip were spent in Edmonton and surrounding areas.

Moved into our house beginning of February, we bought it back in November 2006 whilst on a research trip, and we had around a month before Paul started the academy.

Paul was busy at the academy and I waited for our container to arrive.
This was THE most stressful time, as it took a lot longer than advised, and then there was a CN Rail strike so it got ramped in Ontario until someone could sort it out.

I won't harp on as I'm totally over it but, some great friends here, you know who you are, listened and helped out when I was down about not having our belonging.

Paul's 21 weeks was tough for both him and I, he was out of the house for long days and so we got used to being without him. This was quite hard for Megan and Joshua as they were adjusting too. But super mom came to the rescue with lots of clubs and fun activities to get stuck into.

Megan started in Grade 1 and loved it straight away, which was a huge relief. Josh started at pre-school 4 mornings a week and I was able to sort out things and relax a bit.

One sad thing happened, just as Paul was about to finish the academy, his older brother died quite suddenly :( This was not only a shock but huge blow to us, being so far away. This was the first time we really felt the distance, as we all wanted to comfort other family members. Paul was allowed leave to fly home for the funeral, but it was the longest and hardest week ever as I wasn't with him. Somehow you have to keep going and keep nornality going for the children.

Summer came and we made the most of it! It was hot and we had beautiful weather. We had Paul back, since completing the academy in July, and on his rest days did quite a bit of exploring of Alberta. My mom came out to visit, which was nice and we took her to Jasper.

September arrived and Megan started grade 2 and Josh started Kindergarten. He was so excited and I was quite teary as he was my baby. He loves taking the bus with Megan. It collects them just at the end of our road, which is fab.
He does mornings and so I still have our time together in the afternoon for swimming or skating.

I started a new job as a special needs educational assistant, just working mornings every day. It ties in well with the distance delivery course I'm doing through Grant MacEwan College. The pay is good and the school is great, good staff and a friendly atmosphere to work in.

Trying to think of other bits of news, but I guess I've gone on long enough.....

Sorry for not posting sooner, but time has flown and time on Expats has been limited. Also we're not meant to post any info about EPS, but I just mentioned it's tough and I think most knopw this already.

I've met up with BurtonBunch, Gaynor and R2D2, Debbie and Ki and I'm constantly bumping into other Brits here in St Albert.

Anyone who know me (us) please post a reply/ update too as it would be great to hear where all of you are and your own stories.

Take care

Elli :)

Re: About Time I posted ??
 

Thank you for the update, Elli. Glad to hear that things are going well for you in general. Sorry to hear about the loss of your brother-in-law.

Re: About Time I posted ??
 

Thanks Judy

It was a sad time, we didn't once regret the move, if anything it made us glad we made the move. Followed our dreams and live our lives to the fullest is what his brother would have wanted us to do.
Elli :)

Re: About Time I posted ??
 

Elli, thanks for sharing your update with us, so sorry to hear your bad news yet so glad to hear youve settled so well.

Re: About Time I posted ??
 

Hi Ellie - great post - its nice to hear you've settled in and everything is starting to stabilise for you all. I took my mum to Jasper too - she loved it - had never seen mountains before! :thumbsup:

Re: About Time I posted ??
 

Elli & Paul - thank you for the update - glad things are going well for you. Very sorry to hear about Paul's brother.

I laugh at the EPS ban on mentioning anything about them. I presume Paul had to sign something. What do they have to hide ??!! ;)

Best wishes :)

Re: About Time I posted ??
 

Hi there stranger!!!!

Glad things have settled down for you.

I think we need to arrange a coffee time.....it's my turn!!!

Sorry I'm useless at keeping in touch (I'm sure R2D2 will confirm that!!!:p)

Linda

Re: About Time I posted ??
 

Hi Linda

Sure that would be nice, you can PM me if you don't have my home number.

Elli :)

Re: About Time I posted ??
 

Hiya Elli
I was wondering how you were getting on up there in Edmonton. we finally arrived in Calgary is September and are settling in lovely - if we take a trip north perhaps we'll look you up!
All the best
Flossie

Re: About Time I posted ??
 

Hi Elli

Can hardly believe your first year is nearly over :ohmy: time flies when you are having fun eh !

Was great to meet up with you - even tho the kids fell asleep in their pizza :rofl: (jet lag honestly).

My first 5 months have also been hectic and we are now waiting for Phls Parents to arrive on the 19th for Christmas and New Year :thumbup:

Promise I will ring you for a chat - honest :o

Lots of Love

Gaynor Phil and the Kids
:wub::wub::wub:

Re: About Time I posted ??
 

Hi
Flossie,yes please send me a PM and let me know when you plan to head north, it would be great to meet.


Gaynor, hey you! Hope you are well, apart from the odd chat on MSN I missed our chats on expats. Yeah give me a call when it's a good time and we'll catch up. Enjoy the in-laws visit, hope the bring their thermals :D

Chat soon Elli :)