Amanda

Amanda (Mandy) Grace Ritchie

I was born the youngest of 3 girls on October 13/1980. We grew up in victoria BC with my mom and Dad (Dennis Ritchie).

I went to Victoria High school and then to Camosun College where I got a Certifcate to work as a Resident Care aide...Basically I provide care (daily activities and needs )
to people (and children) with disabilities and the elderly.
I recently have moved to Saskatoon , Saskatchewan to be with my partner Byron Hamlund.

He is attending Veterinary College which is a 4 year program and is only offered here and in Guelph. Ont. We picked here because of the cost of living is cheaper and its closer to home... We also are expecting to have a baby in mid- February 2007!

At home here I keep myself busy painting, doing crafts,
going to yoga and freezing my lil BC butt off!!!!

I am sooo happy you are putting together this family tree I believe it is soo important to know of our family and what everyone is up to! So here are some pics of me!
Cheers
uncle Roly!

Nov5,2006
Ok so... after reading the website I realize that Sarah has done a great job
with her memories.....So my memories of Christmas Eve are as follows; sing
alongs with Mom, Darren, Auntie Carol and anyone who could stay up late
enough to join in. I remember Grandmas tree was always sparce but
beautifully decorated (with yards and yards of flags) and there was always a
white fence around the presents so the kids (and the dogs) couldnt disturb
them. I remember waiting for one of the older men to leave "to go to the
store" because that meant that Santa would come......so naive! As the years
have passed the one tradition that remains at Christmas every year is the
"SKOL" every 10 minutes or so! Who could ever imagine wee lil grandma
holding her own and always raising her glass, Oh what a jolly bunch! Grandma
and Grandpa always were adiment about keeping the swedish tradition alive
and having a traditional smorgesborg..mmmmm smoked oysters and lots of yummy
cheese, oh and the ham my god the ham! I love that my mom and Sisters and I
still enjoy having all the traditional things at our christmas'. I remember
playing board games downstairs in the basement and being so scared to sleep
at night down there with those paddle african masks lurking over me!!! AHHH.
I remember dancing with Grandpa to the sounds of Boney M and cudling on the
couch with anybody who wanted. Although I think I was often refered to as
the quiet, cuddley and content (if i had barbies) one it was because all of
you made it so comforting of a place to be. My partner Byron hears about my
memories as a child all the time and as he is also from Swedish background
he enjoys partaking in our traditions every year! This year I will try to
make us a small cozy swedish christmas here in wintery Saskatoon where we
can create some warm memories of our own. Thankyou to everyone who gave me
"the foundation" to start a wee family of my own. For I have learned all it
takes is a bunch of crazy swedes a whole lotta cheezy jokes and neverending
bottles of Aquavit to make the holidays really bright! Skol to you all, and
I hope you all are planning a big x-mas together there on beautiful and WARM
Vancouver Island! Amanda and baby brewing inside.