Son of Antioch

Gabby In the Sink

2007-02-04T14:51:00.000-07:00

Before

2007-02-04T14:45:00.000-07:00

After

2007-02-04T14:33:00.000-07:00

Ok, some I am crawling around my crawl space in my house and I come across a peculiarity. I notice the exhaust pipe from the furnace runs into the chimney (this isn't the peculiar part). But as I crawl around to the other side of the chimney I notice that some poor idiotic past owner of my home decided to cut an 8 inch hole in the other side of the chimney so that my furnace pipes INTO my crawl space all of the furnace exhaust. Again, this is just one more example of why the past owner of my home needs to be euthanized so as to protect the rest of society from their mind-numbing idiocy. So in the end I went to Totem, bought a a sheet of tin and some high-temperature caulking, cut some 8 inch circles out of the sheet of tin, and sealed up the hole with the tin and caulking ... and voila ... A $20 dollar fix to something that could have proved hazardous or fatal. Lord have mercy on any soul that comes within a 1 mile radius of the idiot who used to own my house.

Pig-tail Princess

2007-02-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

2007-01-08T18:13:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd post a winter shot of the house.

Back to Work

2007-01-08T18:06:00.000-07:00

Well, today was my first day back to work ... and it wasn't that bad. Aside from feeling a little more tired than usual and having soar feet, my day went off without a hitch.

Crap From the Attic

2007-01-07T13:49:00.000-07:00

So I finally hauled all the crap I pulled out of the attic to the dump yesterday. All this garbage was left in the south side of the attic from all the previous owners of this house. Unbelievable! Idiots!

Gabby's First Birthday

2006-12-16T17:18:00.000-07:00

Well, it was Gabby's birthday this past week. We had planned to have a party today with all of my family, but due to poor travelling conditions that didn;t happen. However, Gabby's Godfather came in from Edmonton and we had a small celebration.

2006-12-11T17:07:00.000-07:00

This was taken in Ontario last week when Melissa and Gabbywere visiting.

Update on the Wine

2006-11-24T19:19:00.000-07:00

Well .. I have left the wine sitting for 1 week now, untouched. And I am glad to say the sediment has settled and the wine in the bottles has a crystal clear look. So I uncorked one bottle to test it and sure enough, it's clear!

Gabby Around the House

2006-11-18T09:54:00.000-07:00

Dejan's First Miracle: Changing Grape Juice to Wine

2006-11-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally siphoned my wine out of the carboy last night and put it into bottles. My batch of wine made about 25 bottles of wine. It tastes really good, the only problem is that the wine is still a little cloudy. I decided not to use any clarifying solution and that is probably why. The ingredients in the solution didn't seem very appetizing to me: shell fish oil for example. But maybe the next time I do it I will use the solution. I will let the bottles sit for a few weeks with the hopes that some of the sediment will settle.

When We Truly Know Man

2006-11-18T09:42:00.000-07:00

I heard a quote the other day when I was watching my new favrotie television show: Criminal Minds. The quote came at the end of the show and it is by William Hubbard.

When we truly know man we will neither idolize nor hate.

I thought that was a great line to make me think for a while - what more can one expect from a television show?!?!

Shots of Gabby

2006-11-11T08:31:00.000-07:00

We had Gabby dressed up as a lion for Halloween - I like to say she was dressed up as Aslan.

Splish Splash

2006-11-11T08:29:00.000-07:00

Gabriella still loves her baths.

50 Years Worth of Idiocy

2006-10-21T15:16:00.000-06:00

It is Saturday, October 21st. I have been working in my attic all afternoon. I am up there to insulate my attic and bring it to a standard R-40. But I have been spending most of my time cleaning up 50 years worth of crap and refuse in the attic. I just want to say that the people who have lived in my house in the past 50 years are by far THE FRICKIN' DUMBEST PEOPLE ALIVE!! I have pulled out underwear, grocery bags of old socks, books, baby seats, boxes of Kellogg's cereal that date back to 1950, old radios, 100 pounds of lumber, toy shaving kits, Watchtower Society literature ... just to name a few! The other beef I have is that in 50 years, these idiotic people have never had the soundness of mind to insulate this attic with something more than woodchips. WOODCHIPS!! I don't know where these people are, or even if they are alive, but one thing I do know about them - they are the dumbest products of Canadian society! End of rant.

Glory

2006-08-20T15:39:00.000-06:00

Glory is a silent thing.

"The Truman Show" Art Project

2006-08-16T10:47:00.000-06:00

As I was watching "The TRuman Show" starring Jim Carey I got an idea for a classroom art project. In the movie "Truman" (Jim Carey) was buying women's magazines and cutting out facial features - eyes, noses, mouths, hair, ears, neck, etc. Once cut out he would either paste them into a collage that made up a constructed face (from various pieces cut out over time) - or throw them out if they were not a match. He was trying to construct the image of a lost love. I was thinking kids could get either a photo of themselves, a friend, a celebrity, or family member - and then using magazines to cut from, construct the image of the photo using a collage of cut out facial features. I post this more for me to come back to - but also for anyone out there that might want to use this idea at home or classroom.

2006-08-07T12:10:00.001-06:00

The above picture is a shot of the front yard.

2006-08-07T12:10:00.000-06:00

Two days before we left on a two-week vacation to Ontario we decided to purchase a house. This is a shot of the front yard.

2006-08-07T12:09:00.000-06:00

This is a park right across the street.

2006-08-07T12:08:00.001-06:00

This is shot of one of the main floor bedrooms. As you can see the bedroom has French doors that go out to a patio.

2006-08-07T12:08:00.000-06:00

This is a shot of the living room area.

2006-08-07T12:07:00.000-06:00

Another shot of the living room.

2006-08-05T20:21:00.000-06:00

We went out one hot and balmy evening when we were in Ontario and took some pictures - this happens to be one of the few pictures where I ever actually look alright!

2006-08-05T20:16:00.000-06:00

We took this picture of Gabby when we were in Ontario - the dress was bought by the minister who married us .. thanx Paul!

Another Brick in the Wall ... But in a Good Way!

2006-08-01T12:03:00.000-06:00

I have been contemplating lately all the things that have lead to where I am today. And not necessarily the large things, the monumental things in my life that have veritably shifted the direction of my path. I am referring to the little things, the subtle things, the behind-the-scene things that have been the true rudders of my life's course. And so in the spirit of living a Eucharistic life, I think I need to give thanks to those "bricks in the wall" that serve to build up the edifice of what I call my life and who I am. So here it goes:

* Thank you mom and dad for not only teaching me the lesson of hard work by making me do some - but also in its demonstration, for showing me that whatever I do I ought to do it well. Thank you also for teaching me to pursue Jesus always and to ground my life to Him. Although we probably differ on many things concerning theology and spirituality - I will always remain true to the Person you introduced me to. Thank you also for not only introducing Him to me by word - but also in demonstrating Who He is through loving parenthood. I could go on and on in thankgiving for all the things you have taught me and given me, but I believe all these things are the manifestation of the above mentioned items. The way you have lived your life in this manner has been noticed.

* Thank you to Krista, my sister, who up until only a few years into my adult life I viewed as my nemesis. You have taught me how relationships can be healed and mended through forgiveness and humility. You have also taught me what it is to not only be forgiving, but also generous. This lesson is taught to me by the countless times you lavish costly gifts upon people for no reason. You shame me and cause me to want to be better in the area of loosening my purse-strings. The way you live your life in this manner has been noticed.

* Thank you to Wes, my brother, who, through childhood, I didn't always get along with - but am so grateful for our friendship in adulthood. You have taught me that life not always be lived out with white knuckles and stress (the way I would live it out if left on my own). You teach me to take a more relaxed, even fun approach to life and the trials that come along. You show me that all is not lost if bad things come our way. The way you live your life in this manner has been noticed.

* To my wife, Melissa, you are the sanctification of my soul. You teach me, nay, force me, to live a life that is not focussed on me. You teach me that true life is shared life. You teach me that true love (in whatever form) is self-giving love. You have graced me with such wonderful love, such profound love, love so manifest, that after nine months we had to give her a name. Gabriella. And the irony is not lost on me that Gabriella means "God's Strength". God is love and thus His strength is always demonstrated in love. The way you live your life in this manner has been noticed.

* To my precious Gabriella, my beloved daughter, you are endless joy for me. You have shown me, given me a glimpse, into the Fatherhood of God. I have, even though only a fraction, some idea of the boundless love and compassion and concern that God has for His children, His beloved creatures who bear His Image. Your life will always be a parable of God's Fatherhood to me.

* To all my friends, you are a cool balm on many wounds. To name you all would take more time than I have. But when I call you a balm on many wounds, you need to know that you are. And that the many times in life when I have had no faith, no vision, no confidence, no fortitude - you have had it for me. You have carried me through with coffees, prayers, meals, and talks. You are a blessing - and have also been blessed, for no one can be so godlike without blessing.

* To my enemies, thank you for forcing me to flee into the Father's hands. When my life has been grounded to earthly things, you have violently cut those ties and sent me fleeing to Heaven. Thank you for mercilessly scolding me when I have been prideful and arrogant. Thank you for all your scourging for they have been unto me for my own sanctification. I cannot hate my enemies for they have done me much good. May God bless you and continually allow me to be scourged by you until I have been sufficiently purified.

2006-07-15T00:10:00.000-06:00

Gabby's first encounter with a dog.

2006-07-15T00:08:00.000-06:00

Gabby sitting pretty and looking adorable

2006-07-15T00:07:00.000-06:00

Gabby and I are heading out for a walk on a very hot summer's day.

2006-07-15T00:06:00.000-06:00

Melissa and Gabby soaking in the rays at the beach

2006-07-15T00:04:00.000-06:00

Gabby having a good time with her crinkly book.

2006-07-15T00:03:00.000-06:00

Daddy and Gabby .. hanging out at the lake

2006-07-15T00:01:00.000-06:00

This is a shot of Gabby at Emma Lake ... on the beach.

2006-06-26T20:45:00.000-06:00

This is a shot we got of Gabby with her tongue sticking out.

2006-06-26T20:42:00.000-06:00

WE took this picture just before we went for a leisurely walk after dinner.

2006-05-14T13:22:00.000-06:00

Gabriella just home from church

2006-05-12T17:14:00.000-06:00

2006-05-12T17:13:00.000-06:00

Britney, the Boa Constrictor and I

2006-05-12T17:12:00.001-06:00

2006-05-12T17:12:00.000-06:00

2006-05-12T17:10:00.000-06:00

Me having a much needed break after taking care of 24 adolescents for 48 hours straight

2006-05-12T17:09:00.000-06:00

2006-05-12T17:08:00.000-06:00

Me in front of a Hoodoo

2006-05-12T17:07:00.000-06:00

This is me infront of a hoodoo. Hoodoos are cool because they are product of 1000's of years of wind erosion.

2006-05-12T17:06:00.001-06:00

2006-05-12T17:06:00.000-06:00

2006-05-12T17:04:00.000-06:00

2006-05-12T17:03:00.001-06:00

Me in front of a Raptor

2006-05-12T17:03:00.000-06:00

Another shot inside the Royal Tyrell Museum

2006-05-12T17:01:00.000-06:00

This is a picture of a raptor outside of the Royal Tyrell Museum

2006-05-08T19:34:00.000-06:00

2006-05-08T19:33:00.000-06:00

2006-05-08T19:32:00.000-06:00

2006-05-08T19:31:00.000-06:00

2006-05-08T19:30:00.001-06:00

2006-05-08T19:30:00.000-06:00

Another shot of Gabby as the Easter Bunny

2006-05-08T19:29:00.000-06:00

2006-05-08T19:28:00.000-06:00

Just a shot of Gabby on Easter morning when we celebrated Easter with my parents in PA.

2006-03-27T16:41:00.001-07:00

2006-03-27T16:41:00.000-07:00

Another smiley picture

2006-03-27T16:40:00.000-07:00

Gabriella is always smiling now - she's so happy

2006-03-23T19:43:00.000-07:00

Another shot of Gabriella in her summer apparel

2006-03-23T19:41:00.000-07:00

We had Gabriella try on a summer dress in preparation for summer. She was all smiles.

2006-03-06T20:17:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken a few weeks after Gabriella's birth. I really love this picture.

2006-02-28T21:58:00.000-07:00

This picture is just priceless. I feel happy everytime i look at it!

2006-02-25T08:18:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine has shot all the footage to this movie and is in the process of editting it and polishing it up. Can't wait to see it!

2006-02-14T21:04:00.001-07:00

Here is Gabriella right after she was pulled from the baptismal font. She was promptly dried off, dressed in her baptismal gown, and brought before the altar to be chrismated - to recieve the gift of the seal of the Holy Spirit.

2006-02-14T21:04:00.000-07:00

Here is Gabriella being brought before the altar to be chrismated.

2006-02-14T20:57:00.000-07:00

This is the priest, Fr Bernard, censing the baptismal font. This occurs just after the Renunciation of Satan and Proclamation of Allegiances - and just before the actual triple immersion in the Name of the Trinity in the waters of baptism.

2006-02-14T20:52:00.000-07:00

This is a shot of just before Gabriella's baptism (Feb 12th). It is in the back of the Church AKA the narthex.

2006-02-14T20:42:00.001-07:00

Gabriella was baptised this past Sunday (the 12th). Here's a picture of (from left to right) Amanda her Godmother; Melissa, Father Bernard, and Josh (her Godfather)

2006-02-06T19:01:00.000-07:00

Enjoying mom's story

2006-02-06T18:59:00.000-07:00

Enjoying some bonding time with mom

2006-02-06T18:40:00.000-07:00

Caught her sleeping .. out cold!

2006-02-06T18:39:00.001-07:00

When Gabriella's hungry, everything is fair game!

2006-02-06T18:39:00.000-07:00

Gabriella loves her baths - she has begun to splash the water with her arms and legs.

2006-02-06T18:36:00.000-07:00

This is Gabriella feelin' and lookin' quite saucy during the evening. The night is young - let's go dancin'! Why are mom and dad laying down all the time?!?!?!

2006-02-06T18:35:00.000-07:00

We were dressing her for Church on Sunday and decided to see how she'd look with the hat that came with her outfit ... You judge!

2006-02-06T18:32:00.000-07:00

Another shot of Gabriella smiling.

2006-02-06T18:31:00.000-07:00

We caught Gabriella all lit up and smiling on her swing. So I grabbed the camera!

2006-02-06T18:30:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd post this picture as it is one of Gabriella's first smiles!

2006-01-02T15:00:00.000-07:00

Here's another shot of daddy and daughter

2006-01-02T14:51:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd throw this picture in. IT is me just after recieiving the Bates Award - for excellence in combining the theory of teaching and the practice of teaching. YAY for me.

2006-01-02T14:43:00.001-07:00

Here's a picture of Gabriella - our Little White Riding Hood

2006-01-02T14:43:00.000-07:00

Another shot of Little White Riding Hood

2006-01-01T16:53:00.001-07:00

Cathedral in Milan

They sure don't make'em like they used to!

2006-01-01T16:53:00.000-07:00

I was thinking today that they sure don't make'em like they used to as far as contemporary church architecture goes. It's a shame. Here are some shots of some buildings that are a landmark of past architecture.

2006-01-01T16:51:00.000-07:00

2006-01-01T16:47:00.000-07:00

2006-01-01T16:46:00.000-07:00

2006-01-01T16:38:00.000-07:00

We went for a nice New Year's Day walk today. Before today everything was brown, so it was nice to have this long-awaited snowfall.

2006-01-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

Here's another picture of Gabriella just lookin' really cute!

2005-12-30T18:12:00.000-07:00

I had a really great Christmas - lots of food and conversation.

2005-12-30T18:07:00.000-07:00

Gabriella was born Dec 14th, 2005 in Lloydminster Hospital. She was born 7lbs and 21.5 inches long.

Morning Hoar Frost

2005-11-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

Here is another shot of the glorious hoar frost yesterday morning.

Morning Hoar Frost

2005-11-27T13:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning we awoke to a glorious hoar frost. I had to snap some pictures.

My Baby Girl

2005-09-17T19:51:00.000-06:00

I probably should post one more thing before this day is through. Many of you know that we are having a baby. Some of you may not know that the baby is a girl! Anyways, this picture is from our ultrasound when the baby was 19 weeks. Melissa is now 26 weeks - which means only 13 to go.