The Grinch who Stole Christmas...and other holiday fun!

Well, Christmas has come and gone.   I have to admit, I really enjoy the Christmasy atmosphere that week before the big day, but by boxing day- I am usually left feeling a bit deflated and surprised at how much time goes into anticipating something that doesn't linger nearly as long as I'd like it too.     I've already packed up a large portion of our Christmas decorations because they just feel like clutter now.   I know- that deserves a  "Bah Humbug" for sure.     Our tree has remained standing though, but that is only because John has vehemiantly defended it -stating that we still need some Christmas cheer.  

Fine.   The tree stays.

Christmas was super wonderful for us this year.    It was fairly quiet and oh so relaxing!    On Christmas Eve we had John's Dad over for Dinner.  The kids had been waiting anxiously to get to perform their version of the Christmas Story complete with Abby's finishing line which she had practiced all day long:   "Glory to God in the Highest and on earth- Peace and Goodwill to all men!"  

After that they opened up their one Christmas Eve present (jammies. of course) and watched The Polar Express with Grandpa before tucking themselves into bed for the night.   Yes they tucked THEMSELVES into bed.  This is the one night a year in which my three little ones willingly go to bed!

As soon as they were asleep John and I set to work piling the presents under the tree and filling the stockings.   Not long into the task though- John started getting dillusions of granduer and became convinced that it would have been much better if we had set the tree up downstairs.   The downstairs living room is larger you see,  and would accomodate the gifts easier.   Not to mention the fact that,  with the fireplace being downstairs, it would not only feel cozier but we could actually hang the stockings on the fireplace. (you know the way it is supposed to be done)

He presented a strong case.

So there we were at 11:30 pm moving it all!   If you have ever seen the movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas, you will perhaps appreciate the image of John hoisting up our tree and literally SHOVING it down the stairs.  Decorations were falling EVERYWHERE, and somewhere amidst all of the pine was my husband trying to manuever that beast around a corner into our living room.   Oh I will never forget it!   

Half an hour later and we had it all set up.  ....Again.   Ready for the kids.

Naturally "Santa" left a note for the kids next to the empty glass (that once contained milk), and the plate that contained nothing but a few leftover cookie crumbs.    She (let's just accept that in our family- Santa is a She ok?)  tried to explain that the tree had simply been moved downstairs to make unloading the toys  through the Chimney easier.    

When the kids woke up they instantly ran to our family room where the tree had once stood and they all sort of stared in a daze at the empty space that now existed.    Sam's response was the best as he shouted in disapointment:  "What!  They even took our STOCKINGS!!!"    Imagine their relief when they finally read the letter and found that all of their Christmas loot was waiting for them downstairs!

And boy did they enjoy their gifts!   They all got a little bit spoiled this year.  Sam's favorite gift has probably been his Toy Story snow tube, while Abby and Jess are enjoying their new dolls which were quickly named "Kelly" and "Brookie".   

Later Christmas day we were thrilled to have Rachel, Brent, little Maddox and John's Dad join us for some Breakfast Pizza and games.     Then of course, it was time for our 2nd annual Christmas drive out to Waterton.    We saw a couple of hundred Elk, as well as the usual large amount of deer within the townsite.

Nate was particularly fascinated with the deer,  and we'd stop every time we saw some just to hear him squeel!    (It reminded me a lot of how my Sister in Law Luci used to get when we'd spot a bear)

The rest of our oh-so-lazy week has been spent relaxing, eating, watching movies and playing board games together!   The kids are finally getting old enough to really participate in games like monopoly, clue and our new favorite...pictuereka - and they hardly get upset anymore if they don't win.    John however does get a bit cocky and over-determined to beat us all,  so naturally I've had to put him in his place a bit.   All in all though, it's been a lot of fun for the whole family!

That pretty much sums up our life this past week.   Lots of time together,  Lots of food, and Lots of Laughs!

The best part is that even though Christmas might have passed, and decorations are slowly coming down- we still have a WHOLE week off of school to keep doing everything we've been doing!

Ahhh.  I think I could get used to this!

The Makings of a Cozy Christmas Night - Final Chapter

We've been busy enjoying the holidays this past week, and I've neglected to post some of my favorite pictures from the wonderful evenings we've enjoyed this past week.

One of our favorite Holiday evenings came on Tuesday when our friends Terry and Shauna came with their adorable kids for annual Christmas dinner party.     I tried to make Cafe Rio Salad like my Sister in Law Luci makes, and I have to say it turned out just like hers! (only ..not as good;)      After dinner, while everybody else happily played - Shauna and I were able to do what moms do best.     CHAT!

At the end of the evening, before they all left, Shauna shared a few Christmas stories with us all that my kids had never heard before.    It was fun to watch the kids huddled together enjoying it so much and it made me feel grateful for holiday nights like this and for good friends.

Another night this week was spent driving around town looking at the Christmas lights. I laughed (in my head) as Abby continually gazed up at the starry sky in hopes that she might catch a glimpse of Santa and the Reindeer just "practicing" for his Christmas Eve flight.     We toured the entire town (ok which really only takes about 20 minutes;) and selected a few of our favorite houses.    

This was Sam's favorite house- "the one with the giant Pickles on the Lawn."

One of my favorite evenings this week came when John and I left the kids with a sitter, and enjoyed a few hours at the temple. It was the perfect reminder to me to keep Christ in Christmas a little bit more. 

I've been practicing with the kids this week and they are excited to act out the Christmas Story for Dad and Grandpa tonight.   (I tried getting Nathan to be a Shepard or wise man but the little stinker just wouldn't sit still- so he got cut ;)  
 

We are looking forward to a delightful Christmas Eve meal, some light entertainment by our little "actors", and then we'll be sure to set out some cookies for ol' Santa before ushering these little Sweethearts off to bed.  It will be just Perfect!

We hope that all of you (our family and friends) have a  
Very Merry Christmas wherever you are!

THe makings of a Cozy Night Part II

One of my most favourite holiday traditions actually has nothing to do with Christmas at all!   (Shameful, I know.)    Every Christmas Break, John and I spend 5 or 6 consecutive nights watching the entire Lord of the Rings series from beginning to end.   This is taken pretty seriously.   As soon as the kids are asleep, the phone gets unplugged, the snacks get pulled out, and we hunker down on the couch for a good dose of middle earth.

  It all began 9 years ago, when just two days before we were to be married,  I joined him and some of his family at a theatre in Lethbridge to watch the much anticipated Fellowship of The Rings.    That was 9 YEARS ago!!    I have to admit, I'm not sure I enjoyed the movie back then as much as I do now.   Perhaps that is because back then I was trying to pull off a wedding, and the thought of watching a bunch of orcs battle it out was not on my list of things I needed to get done.   Somehow though- this little movie marathon has become one of my most anticipated holiday activities.   Sure,  this might have something to do with the fact that I get to spend the whole time playing footsies with John, but whatever.

If it happens to take watching Lord of the Rings to do that- well... so be it!

The Makings of a Cozy Night - Part I

I made the mistake of telling my kids a few weeks back that Uncle Chad let's his kids  sleep under the Christmas tree.  Well ever since then my little ones have been begging me to let them do the same. 

Now that there is not a "School Night" in sight the kids have happily taken residence in our front room.    I have to admit-it did make for a delightful Christmasy night as they snuggled in under their blankets and listened happily while I began our annual reading of "A Christmas Carol."  

And an added bonus:   During the day -  this queen size mattress serves as a crash mat for Sam as he practices his flips off our couch.     I don't know.  This mattress may be here to stay;)

Perhaps a puppy for Christmas...?

To say that John does not like pets is a little bit of an understatement. John does NOT like pets (with a capital NOT)!     I've known this about him from the very beginning of our relationship, and I have to admit I decided way back then to just over look that fact. After all, John was drop dead gorgeous, pretty awesome in every way, and willing to marry ME to boot?     Who was I to get all picky over the issue of "pets."      For the most part I have accepted this and John and I have managed to live harmoniously without any animal related disagreements.

For the most part.

Then there was the time, almost exactly a year ago, when the cutest sweetest most adorable chocolate lab appeared on our doorstep. We had just barely moved in to our "new" home and this little guy showed up and much to the kids and my delight, spent the day sleeping on our front steps.

I took it as a sign that we were supposed to be one happy family.   Him (the dog that is) and us.    I began a concentrated effort to convince that sweet little thing to stay -which involved sneaking him all of the scraps of meat that I possibly could.    Oh yes I did!     Until at least....John caught me with a slab of deli ham dangling from my trembling hands.    For the record, that is probably the only time I have EVER seen John get mad at me.   Not even when I recently crashed our van into our own truck did he get upset.   But feed a poor, homeless, stray dog and LOOK OUT!

Fast forward to last night. As I was putting the kids to bed, I told them about the time when I was little and my Dad creatively put a real live floppy eared dwarf bunny inside my sister Crystal's stocking one year.   It was awesome, and I laughed as I tried to convey it to my own little ones.   Suddenly...I had an idea!  A brilliant, wonderful, awesome idea!   What if I got the kids a puppy and presented it in the same way on Christmas Day!

Oh the kids would love it!

So..I tenderly...very cautiously...went into the kitchen where John was playing with his remote control flying simulation game.    (Note: I was very careful to be sure I did not complain about that stupid game like I usually would. Not this time)     Instead, I rubbed his back for a minute.   Then, when I thought it was safe to proceed, I looked up into his adorable and handsome face that I love so much and began to ask the question.    It went something like this:

"Ahem. Hey hun? Um...like, what would you say if I maybe got the kids a puppy for Christmas?"

That's when the vein started popping out of his neck.  THE vein.    His jaw became very set.    His hands gripped the remote control he was holding more tightly.    He turned to look at me, and that was when I knew.  We wouldn't be getting a puppy for Christmas.

Perhaps, he would have gone for the bunny idea?

(photo courtesy of fotostock.com)

My Favourite Christmas. Ever.

I never go Christmas shopping without thinking about my favorite Christmas that I ever experienced.   My siblings remember this year well, and I think it's safe to say they have equally fond memories of it to. It was 1985, and seeing as I was only 5 at the time, a lot of the details are probably lost due to the fact that the only thing on a five year old's mind at Christmas is what Santa is going to bring right?    I do remember that my mom was ill.   Very ill.    In fact, though we did not know it at the time, this particular Christmas was going to be her last.  One thing I do remember clearly was that money was scarce.   Together my parents had decided that they would not purchase a single thing for us for Christmas  but instead, they each would make us something.   My Dad called it a "Homemade Christmas" and I have to admit I felt slightly worried about that.    I mean what kind of Christmas could it be without any of those toys I'd had my sights set on all year.    Well, as Christmas neared, my Dad sorta disappeared into the basement.      It been deemed "OFF LIMITS" to all of us kids, and it was there that my Dad worked tirelessly...every single day, in his make shift work shop.   I imagine we drove my Dad crazy as we tried to catch a glimpse of all that he was working on.    All we knew was that it was something great!    On Christmas morning we woke up and went downstairs to the spare room to find that it had been turned into a life sized play house, full of the most beautiful play set we had ever seen. I still have not found a play set that would match this one.   There isn't one.   It took up the entire room!     This play set was big, it had everything a kid would need- real dials, faucets, a dishwasher, food...the works!   My sisters and I played in that room for years, with the odd invasion from my brother and some of his He-Man figurines.

From that day on, that room is pretty much where my sisters and I could be found.    It is in that room that we baked, washed dishes (albeit pretend ones), raised our little cabbage patch children, quarrelled, made up, and made believe.    Perhaps that is the gift my Dad wanted to give most of all. As he knew we would be losing our mother, maybe what he wanted to give us, more than anything else, was the ability to just...play.     To just be kids.

Even now this play set occupies a room at my sisters house and all of our girls love to play with it as much as we once did.   I am pretty sure my Dad never regretted those countless hours he spent building it.


 These were the homemade pajamas that my Mom had made for us.    Somehow, without us ever really noticing, she'd sewn matching silk nightgowns for us girls and pajama set for my brother.  

Some times when I think back on this particular year, I try to imagine just how much TIME my parents spent on our behalf, and I can't help but think that TIME really is the best gift we ever really can give somebody.   That's how we give of ourselves right!    Oh I love my parents!      They both taught me an important lesson that year, that I shamefully too often forget.    It usually happens right about now, that the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, planning and SPENDING take over my life and I lose complete sense of what's most important.     

When that happens though, all I need to do is think back to the Best Christmas I have ever had.  

                

  The one where nothing was purchased but so much was given.       

4 for 4 and a cool Giveaway!

What do you get when you put Pink Eye, Bronchitis,  the Flu AND a reaction to Immunizations all together?

THIS!!

Sure, they might look cute- but I'd stay away from them if I were you!   

In a matter of ten hours - 4 out of 4 cute kids came down with one of the above.    I mean really- what are the chances of that?    (Apparently,  better then I ever thought.)   Seriously,  I am suffering from a serous case of the heebie jeebies here!     Just think of all the GERMS!!!     It's pretty safe to say that I'm more then a little trigger happy with the disinfectant spray right now.  

On the bright side:  It's a pretty safe bet we'll be over this just in time to really enjoy Christmas break.    (knock on wood)

Only THREE MORE SLEEPS until School's out!!!
*******
Oh and be sure to check out this cool Website.   
My friend at Chicks that Click Photography is hosting an awesome giveaway. 
   Feel free to go and look but don't you DARE enter!

Candy Cane kind of Christmas

I just love the Christmas Season! 

  LOVE. LOVE. LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT!

This past week has been a very busy one, filled with a trip to Calgary, appointments, school, concerts, and Shopping.  Normally, a week like this would have seemed overwhelming to say the least, yet somehow, just knowing that Christmas is right around the corner sorta energizes us all.    The kids are literally bouncing off the walls at times with excitement!

The most exciting event of the week came on Thursday, when Abby performed in her very first Junior Choir Concert!    I still remember the time (like a few months ago) when I worried that Abby would not be selected to even join choir.     I so badly wanted her to be a part of this group, and I was thrilled when a letter was sent home back in the fall inviting her to join.     Obviously her choir director can see the diamonds in the rough.   It's a far cry from her days of singing "Taylor Swift" songs in the shower, but I think Abby is learning so much and loving it! 

                                                                                  

 And gosh darnit - doesn't she look cute in her gown?

It was a beautiful concert and my heart melted every time I caught Abby's eyes straying from the director.   I knew she was scanning the audience looking for me- you know, to make sure I wasn't missing a second of watching her!   

This year I decided to tackle my Christmas shopping a little bit differently, by doing it all online!    I think it was motivated by the fact that just a few short weeks ago I still felt so limited and in pain that the thought of walking through a Mall was the last thing I wanted to do.    I have to say- I am convinced that  this is definitely the way to go.   Now I just sit back and wait for all of the packages to come to me, AND  I've saved so much money in the process!    Just think of all those Christmas "deals" that I've missed out on by not even entering a store!     I tell ya - it's a money saving way to go.  (This is usually when John would interject and remind me of what his older brother Dave often says... and I quote, 

"I can not afford to save this much money!")

I had a few appointments in Calgary this past week, and was so grateful for John's brother Ben and his wife Kat for letting us stay at their house, and it was also equally nice to visit with my Brother and his family the next day.     I was happy with what the Dr. told me at one of the appointments.  In short, I am almost completely back to normal and this arthritis is pretty close to being subdued.    I'm not lying I really did hug that lady when she told me.  I was just so grateful for all that she has done.  Months ago she said she'd get me feeling good again, and I didn't believe her at all.   What a blessing it is to be able to simply "move."   I am grateful looking back for the things I've learned about myself through this process.  Mainly- that I am a wimp.    However,  I'm a little bit less of a wimp now then I used to be-so that's good right?                     

    

John, Abby and Sam are about to enter their final week of school before Christmas break!    This is a pretty big deal if you happen to be married to a school teacher.    You could ask any one of them how many more "sleeps" until school's out and they would surely tell you!   Well...if they couldn't tell you, I sure can.   

Five. 

  

That's right, FIVE more sleeps until every single day is filled with nothing but family, snow  hot chocolate, movie nights, drives to look at lights, and cozy evenings with John without any hint of a test to grade at all!    Of course, our main focus will be finding a way to remember the true meaning of Christmas, which I must admit- is sorta lost on the kids right now.    I recently asked Jessica "WHY we celebrate Christmas" and her answer was a definitive and confident:   "Because it's FUN!"   

  If you have any tips on how to help your kids focus on the Spiritual part of Christmas-I'd love to hear it!

    

I'm including a clip of Abby performing on Thursday night.   I have to admit, I thought she was the cutest little bug up there and I couldn't help but notice what an adorable little profile she has!   If you think listening to Abby is fun-you'll enjoy WATCHING her sing it's a Candy Cane kind of Christmas!

We hope you all enjoy your last week before Christmas Break!!

What the first week of December looks like

    Thanks to a mean little bout of bronchitis for Nate and I,  the past couple of weeks have been a bit of a blur, and now here we are already well into December.     Geesh!    However, somewhere amidst all of our coughing, sneezing and wheezing we were able to enjoy the company of some visiting family.     Our newest little nephew was blessed last week, and as a result we were thrilled to get to see a few of John's siblings whom we don't see often.     Sarah & Ed, Jordan & Luce and all of their awesome kids travelled up for a few days and there is nothing, and I mean NOTHING that my kids love more then to get to see their American cousins.      Jessica and Libby picked up right where they left off the last time they were together- playing dress up!     Abigail latched on to Caleb and Mala and seemed perfectly content to do pretty much anything they were doing.     John and his brothers didn't seem to skip a beat either.     Before long, they had home made rockets built and were launching them high into the sky with their innovative self made Rocket Launchers!    It was great to see them all!

Now that life has returned to normal (and I use that term loosely) the past few days have been all about Christmas.   But of course!    It's DECEMBER now after all. 

The kids attended the cutest primary party this weekend.   A pajama party!    They got to show up in their jammies, eat pancakes loaded with all sorts of fun toppings (candy canes, marshmallows, chocolate chips etc), decorate cookies, and then visit with SANTA himself!    

Jessica was on cloud 9 to say the least.  Partly because she got to eat a pancake LOADED with candy, and partly because this marks her very 1st primary party ever!    Yup - our little princess is graduating from nursery in just a few short weeks, and considering she is almost 4-she was more then excited to get to join the "Big Kids."

                                          

Here Jessica is telling Santa that all she wants for Christmas is a Barbie doll.   oops.  too bad Santa is just learning this now;)      

 I didn't quite get a picture of Sam sitting on Santa's knee because by this point, he was too busy (running around in the dark up on the stage) to be bothered with something like meeting Santa Clause!  

 On Friday night we all went down to the local theatre to watch the production of "The Night the Reindeer Rocked!"   Our niece Ava was in it, and we may be a little bit biased but we all agreed that she was the best DASHER we've ever seen!  

I love this photo.   I know you can't really see Ava (far right standing beside the stairs) but you can see Nate's cute little head as he peered over the seat in front of him.  

For the record, he gave the show two very cute little thumbs up!

 With it being December we have begun our annual Christmas tradition of eating dinner by Candlelight.   As a kid my Dad would always light candles and place them by our plates every night for the entire Month!    Now, it has become one of my favorite things to do with my family to.     We turn down the lights, eat our food more slowly then usual, visit a little bit more- and then, THEN we all hold hands and sing Christmas songs while....

....yeah OK that is not really how things work.  Usually someone insists on blowing out the candles mid meal causing me to threaten some sort of absurd punishment.    Then, Sam picks the meal apart muttering under his breath all sorts of comments about how gross it is and how I never make his "favorite," because I am like totally supposed to make spaghetti every single day according to him.   Abby and John usually start up some sort of classy dinner conversation - like the time they talked about the proper way to de-bone a fish.   Fish eyes, Guts and all! 

   All of this is pretty typical for a dinner at our house.  But gosh darn it,  somehow it is more enjoyable over the sweet glow of candlelight!

This picture does not have much to do with "Christmas" but I had to throw it in.    

I came home one night from a Relief Society dinner to find the kids already tucked into bed, fast asleep. 

For the life of me though- I still can not figure out why Sam would choose to sleep with socks on his hands.    I've learned though, that it's sometimes easier not to question too much.  

Well that is what the first week of December looks like around here.

We hope you are enjoying the Christmas Season in your neck of the woods!