A post mostly about our incredibly independent (and advanced) Alligator Snapping Turtle!

I had a horrible realization today, after church.   I was expressing to John my excitement that Nate had only 6 weeks left until Nursery when he suddenly stopped me, and suggested I recount that-because he was sure it wasn't that soon.   Sure enough...I had completely skipped over one month (stupid April) and was a little to anxious. The truth is, we are still 3 months away from him moving up.  That means 3 more months of pacing the halls and trying desperately to keep Nate out of the other ward's sacrament meeting.  (which by the way we were unsuccessful at today)   It's pretty disheartening if you ask me- and now I'm mad at John for correcting me and bursting that bubble.  (he can be such a killjoy!)  

Suffice it to say that Nate has been a handful lately.   As the picture below might prove- he has figured out the art, ...and JOY of climbing!     I swear for the first couple of weeks my initial inclination when I'd find him up on the counter was to GET HIM DOWN of course.  (like any responsible parent would do;)   However, after repeating the same scenario over and over again and
putting up with the same tantrums as a result-I'm afraid I have resigned myself to the fact that this little

 boy can't be held back.    Instead of fighting it, I now find myself trying to justify reasons why it is Ok for me to actually let him play up on the counter.

For example:   You can't see it- but there are 4 bar stools that sit at the edge of this counter, all of which were over turned, in hopes to prevent him from climbing on them.  (see I do try)   It took just a matter of minutes for him to figure it all out and begin turning them right side up.   That tells me that he has got great problem solving skills.   And the very fact that he can safely maneuver those stools and even get on the counter is, in my opinion, proof of very advanced Gross Motor ability.

And I personally like to think that he is actually sorting all of those bowls and cups, and I find it very reassuring to know that he is already working on the basics of Math.     Heaven knows, I'm not raising a dummy!

It is at meal time in particular that we really get to see  just how independent this boy is.    He REFUSES to sit in his high chair, and seems to have a strong aversion to being strapped down at all.  (go figure;)   In fact- he'd rather not even SIT ;)       We've basically learned that he will eat what he wants to eat,  when he wants, and off of whichever plate he wants.

Sure, I admit it,   he is absolutely and unequivocally the boss around here.    I realize that a good parent would not put up with it-but honestly...this is not a kid who wants to be held down.    Besides, I studied Early Childhood before I married John, and I happen to know of a term that justifies my new parenting technique.     We like to take a very "CHILD DIRECTED" approach to parenting around here.  

That sounds so much better then admitting that I'm just lazy and that he is clearly our fourth child,  doesn't it?






Sam received a little wake up call this week as he was teasing his baby brother.   (Yes the same baby brother described above:)    It was kinda funny to see Sam's glee as he tormented Nate- turn to horror as Nate chomped his teeny tiny teeth down into Sam's finger and refused to let go.   Seriously, he was like an Alligator Snapping Turtle or something, and Sam has a hole in his finger now to prove it;)

Not only is Nate not going to let his momma tell him what to do- he also isn't going to put up with the antics of a pesky older brother!!!   

Hopefully that is the LAST of the biting!

Abby delighted us this week by reading an entire series of fairy themed paperback books- all in three days!   She refused to watch any movies with the kids, and insisted on keeping her nose in a book until she'd gotten through all 9 of them.    Clearly- it seems as though all of my children are advanced. 

We took a lovely drive out to Waterton this week, and I enjoyed having lunch with the kids at Vimy's.    Gosh, I could get used to afternoons like that.  (Heaven help John's wallet;)    It was so pretty out there though- I don't feel guilty at all!   It's just too bad John couldn't join us - but he was at work, or something silly like that.   (the killjoy!)

Here is a picture of one of the sunrises this past week.   I'm watching out my window every morning now.   Last year February had some of the most stunning sunrises ever!!!

Oh and Congratulations to my little sister Crystal and her family.   We are excited to meet your newest little boy!   

What's Wonderful Wednesday!

Inspired by this AWESOME blog, here is my 2nd instalment of "What's Wonderful" for this particular Wednesday:

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"What's Wonderful Wednesday" # 2:   
Exam Week!

Have you ever taken the time to just watch someone, even just for a little bit?   Well, John is a real treat to stare at.    I especially get a kick out of watching him mark his students exams.   For starters, he is usually so engrossed in his marking or prep that he doesn't even realize that he's being watched.  (Which, of course,  is half the fun.)   He gets all focused and intense, and he marks furiously fast!

 About midway through the stack of tests-  he'll  begin tapping on the table with his red pen and his foot will start moving to his own beat, (which always reminds me that he still doesn't own that set of drums he keeps asking for.)   Sometimes,  if he's really feeling itt- he'll start making this funny clicking/popping sound with his tongue,  and if I'm lucky,  his head will begin to slightly bob up and down.

   Really, it's like a one man band!   

 And then....?   Well - then he'll remember that he's actually NOT alone, and he'll look up at me pretending to be annoyed with me as if I've interrupted him or something.       

Which is definitely AWESOME because that's when his dimples show the best.   

Which usually causes me to plead with him to "stop marking those darn tests and come watch M*A*S*H with me instead."

Which he always does because he can never turn down a chance to laugh at good ol' BJ and Hawkeye!   But really, Who can?

So here is to:   

*Lots of tests that I never have to mark

* Cute dimples

*The good ol' 4077

*And having absolutely nothing better to do!

What's Wonderful in your life?

"This is Mission Control..."

     Do you see the resemblance here?

My apologies to our regular readers, but this post is being done by John, not our star editor Tanis.  We've had such a blast with our air powered rocket launcher recently that the device has already been scheduled for upcoming birthday parties, neighborhood retaliations, and possible lunar missions.  Thanks to my dad for all his work in acquiring the parts, I've been using the launcher for family gatherings and even our ward young men's group.  Ultimately I will be teaching my students in Physics about projectile motion and trigonometry with it, and I've been trying various models and drawing on others ideas for how to make better rockets.  I've compiled a video of two separate rocket experiences during the past few weeks to give you an idea of what fun we've been having.  My hope is that some of my brothers will see the benefit of posting videos of rockets and airplanes (Bear lake footage... hint hint!!) on their own blogs so I can use it as well.  Enjoy the countdowns!

Windy Nights, Restful Nights, and even ...a Date Night!

What a great week this turned out to be.  It is funny how the warm weather just livens us all up a bit.    We knew that warm weather was on it's way when we woke up one morning and saw the most delightful Chinook Arch above us.   

 That Chinook brought a pretty fierce wind for a bit, (I was slightly worried we'd blow away) but the warm weather came soon after!   As a result it has become next to IMPOSSIBLE to keep Nate inside.    He is wanting out all.of.the.time!    As soon as the kids leave for school he slinks downstairs and resurfaces a few minutes later with his boots on and a pair of mitts, which is pretty much how he remains for the rest of the day.     He also seems to have this instinctive ability to know if a door has been left opened and he never fails to seize the moment and try to escape!    It's a big wide world out there ready to explore.   How frustrating it must be for him to be cooped up indoors all of the time;)

This week we finally did what we have been talking about doing for months!  We had a humidifier hooked up to our furnace and we are LOVING the difference it that it seems to be making.   The temperature in our house seems to remain much more constant now, rather then going from hot to cold so dramatically.   We are not all waking up with scratchy throats the way we used to AND the kids seem to be sleeping much better throughout the night!   That alone makes the investment totally worth it!!!     Another added bonus though is that my pathetic little green plant that sat by our couch withering away- seems to be coming back to life.   Poor thing must have just been parched or something.   (And to think that all this time I thought it was MY fault that it was dying;)  

Another thing we FINALLY did this week, was celebrate our Anniversary.  And where better to do that then in Waterton.   Back in the summer, I had won a contest , and as a result we received a dinner for two out at my new favorite restaurant Vimy's!   I really love Vimy's in the winter time as it is not nearly as busy, and we practically get the cozy dining room to ourselves!   

Even though I had received the voucher back in the summer time- we specifically waited for a weekend like this when the ambiance would be as perfect as it was.    Seriously-the only thing more delicious then the food.... was the beautiful wintery View!   And of course, it's always nice to get out with John!

We are looking forward to a great week of beautiful weather.   I'm pretty sure Nate is all geared up to actually make it outside on his own - so I anticipate that "security" will have to be beefed up a bit;)   

John's students are all writing finals this week which has John in wrap up mode.   (Lot and lots of tests to mark!)     At least that's what he says he'll be doing.    Let's face it though, it's no secret that when John stays late at school  -   what he's really doing is watching old episodes of Rick Mercer or flying his airplane simulator and trying to find any possible way that physics can be applied, just so that he can still call it .."Work."

 For the sake of argument, however - let's just go with it and acknowledge that John will be up to his elbows in...  ahem..."Marking" all week long! ;)

Well- that's it from our neck of the woods.  

Happy Sunday!

"What's Wonderful" Wednesday

A couple of weeks ago I came across this fabulous blog titled 1000 Awesome Things and I instantly fell in love with the idea of it.  The author's concept is to simply BRING LIGHT to the often simple and forgotten moments in life.    Those moments that...if you real stop to think about it ...actually make life quite AWESOME!    His blog is literally a "time ticking daily countdown of 1000 Awesome Things!"   For example:


His Awesome Thing #327:   "When you hit something with your car and there's somehow no damage."   I bet!   I mean,  I can only imagine how nice it would have been to have had no damage;)

Or there was his Awesome Thing #336:  "When the wrapping paper lines up perfectly when you go to tape it."  That is so true, isn't it?   Getting the design on the paper to line up so you don't notice the seam is hugely satisfying!  

Then there is my favourite one so far.   Awesome Thing #335:   "Catching someone you love admiring you from across the room."   Yeah...I can so totally relate to that.    John is like always staring at me;)    Okay-not really, but I do remember this one time when I actually did catch him looking at me, and it was just that. ...

Awesome.

Really though-this whole concept fits beautifully with my theme for 2011 to Illuminate.  What better way to do that,  then to focus on all of the Wonderful (albeit little) things that make my own life Great.

______________________

Which brings me to my first submission for (my recently created) 

   "What's Wonderful Wednesday":

catchy eh.  I just thought of that because...well...today is Wednesday after all

#1:

A new display of Art work on the Fridge!"

Even better then the artwork was the happy little hour that my oldest three spent at the kitchen table drawing while I prepared dinner.    Loved it!

_________________

Feel free to check out the TED talk that inspired me!

Have a Wonderful Wednesday!!

This week brought a bit of excitement as we learned that Robert Munsch HIMSELF was going to be reading some of his most loved books at the Raymond High School.   For a moment I debated whether or not I really wanted to haul three of my kids all the way there for just a few little stories.    I'm glad I decided to take them though, because -Raymond actually isn't even that far away, and really there is actually no such thing as "just a little story" when it is told by Robert Munsch!

As you can see the kids LOVED listening to him, and they weren't afraid to show it.   Of course it helps that these kids have grown up listening to his stories an they could have recited each one off by heart!  

The kids all agreed that their Uncle Ed sounds exactly like Robert Munsch, (or perhaps Robert Munsch sounds like Uncle Ed?) 

The drive home was extra fun.  I made the mistake of letting the kids buy both bubble gum AND slurpees.   (I think it was the inner kid in me wanting to come out)    At any rate it was enjoyable to hear my very hyper kids take turns telling their favourite munsch story- all while trying to chew an entire pack of gum!      By the time we arrived home-I had managed to convince them that this was indeed the BEST DAY OF THEIR LIFE!   

I just love doing that!

John is nearing the end of yet another semester, and most of his students are beginning finals this week.    Not only does this mark the end of a busy fall semester  but thankfully -  the beginning of a much slower and quieter second semester!   The best part about the second semester of school is that it is chalk full of long breaks and holidays!   First- there is exam week.    Then in February- there is Teachers Convention for a week.    We get another week long break in April and then...well  it's all winding down for summer after that!    

So really,  Summer is like practically here!!! 

  ( I don't mean to sound anxious or anything-that's just the way one's mind works when married to a School Teacher;)

Have I mentioned before how much I love being married to a School Teacher?

A day in the Life of Superman!

I think it is important to note that our little Superman has figured out how to climb up on Chairs. 

 (and does so only about a billion times a day;)

Luckily, he has the good sense to "Get Down" before his Mommy reaches him.

What's this?   When did Superman learn how to get up on the table?   (And what naughty sibling facilitated that?)

Oh but of course.   How else would he reach all those things that he's not allowed to touch.  

Perhaps you've noticed-  Superman totally uses a Barbie toothbrush.

And he's not ashamed to admit it either!

Luckily, Superman sometimes takes AWESOME lessons from his Daddy.

When Superman is not busy climbing (and thus subsequently falling:),  or when he isn't brushing his teeth (all six of them) - he keeps himself busy trying on everybodies winter clothes.    Perhaps he feels the need to hide his true identity?

But he's not fooling us!!

TV trays, Pew Cleaners and other not too classy Confessions.

This past week has been one of  sheer mothering genius, if I do say so myself.   Definitely one for the books!    There is something very rewarding about finding a solution to any one of the many parenting dilemmas that we all face, wouldn't you agree?    And this week - was all about finding solutions.

Take for example ...  Mealtime.    AKA:  DILEMMA #1:  

There is a word in our house that John and I often use to describe certain events in a day.  (Dinner time being one of them.)   It is GONG SHOW!   Every day I plan what to make for dinner.   I prepare to make it.   I slave away actually making it.   I set the table.   John calls everyone to the table.  The kids wash their hands.   And then. ...   Well-it is pretty much all down hill from there.     Well this week I was moved by true inspiration (or just plain madness) to let them all eat dinner downstairs WHILE enjoying our weekly family movie night.    That's right - I let them actually eat dinner downstairs!!!!   Pizza, white carpets and ALL!


(what's that?  oh ...you think I deserve "the mother of the year award" for allowing it?   Why thank you- I quite agree.)  

Anyways- while enjoying this little adventure that the kids had never before experienced,  I glanced around and noticed something that surprised me.   More like...astonished me.  ...(Exceedingly;)

The kids were actually eating!   Sam was NOT grumbling about the "stupid meal" and and asking "why do I have to always make food he doesn't like?"  Jess kept looking up at me and amid mouthfuls of food,  telling me how much she "loved me."    And Nate?   Well little Nate sat at the "proverbial table" for longer then he has ever done before!     It was heaven on earth I tell ya.    Pure heaven.

In fact, if John ever decided to buy me TV trays for say ...my birthday or something- I don't think I'd knock it.    No sir,  I wouldn't have a problem with that at all.  

(Picture from the Ronald Reagan Library, Courtesy of the National Archives)

Not very Classy,  I know.   But I figure that if TV trays were good enough for  Ronald and Nancy Reagan- then they are good enough for us too!                                

DILEMMA #2:

Recently our Stake leaders have strongly encouraged us as church members to be more cautious and careful in regards to how we treat our  local church buildings.   The council makes perfect sense really.     However, the concept of us cleaning up after ourselves AND being careful of the messes we make in the first place,  has completely thrown a wrench in the way I pack my baby bag each week.    For real!    I mean- it's bad enough that John already banned cheezies a long time ago, but now we don't take ANYthing that could remotely crumble or drip or fall apart.   I was actually beginning to wonder if we should even pack snacks at all!   And can you imagine going to church without ANY snacks for your kids?   Is that even possible?

 I was hugely relieved this past week, when I got another stroke of genius.  A truly Eureka sort of moment:

That's right.  Originally used to clean up lint and pet hair - Now a portable Pew Cleaner that easily fits into my baby bag.    Just a few rolls over our bench (and let's face it the surrounding area)  with this baby and it's like we'd never even been there!     Brilliant!!!!


DILEMMA #3:

Enough said.

Once my favourite child- now a true handful.    At barely 1year of age,  he has already reached toddler like ability.    I admit,  I knew this stage would come, and yet I still was not at all ready for it.      A couple of weeks ago, I took a brave chance and actually packed a bag of cheerios to keep Nate happy.    Well, part way through Relief Society he grabbed hold of the bag and instinctively dumped the ENTIRE thing upside down.    Crumbs everywhere-and literally a PLUME of little cheerio dust all over the carpet.   (and that was before I had thought up my genius "Pew cleaner" idea)    I spent the entire RS lesson with my head pointed to the floor while I furiously tried to pick up every crumb.   (which truthfully, I ended up just spreading out so that it looked less obvious)  Then.   THEN as soon as the meeting had ended- NATE took off running.  Right out the door and out of sight!   Now sure, some might just tell me to keep better track of my kid-but it's honestly not my fault.  He's faster then me!    Suffice it to say,  I did find Nate a short time later.   He had run all the way into the chapel (during another wards meeting) and was headed up the stairs to the pulpit where some man was giving his talk!   I had to walk from the back of the chapel to the front to retrieve him - and all while being stared at by an annoyed congregation and bishopric.   oiy!

Technically, I haven't quite found an immediate solution to this "little but cute problem" - but I take great comfort in knowing that help is on the way.  Although not nearly soon enough!

   Perhaps you noticed our little countdown at the top?

My (Geeky) Soulmate

I never used to believe in soul mates.   Really, I didn't.    At least, I did not believe in the whole concept back when John and I first got married.   How we ended up together was, for the most part, simply a combination of me- being head over heals smitten with his dashing good looks; and him- not dumping me like a load of bricks the way the rest of those other guys had.    Really.   That was pretty much it.     It's funny how a bit of time can change your perspective though isn't it?

Well, last week we celebrated Nine years of marriage together.  That's right - Nine whole years!   Why that’s practically a decade!    And therefore, I suppose that practically makes me an expert on marriage right?   (hmmm...perhaps I will write a book one day)    Anyways,  to celebrate our big monumental 9 Years we had made reservations at a Restaurant out in Waterton, and to say that I was looking forward to this would be an understatement.     However, by the beginning of the week I began to get the feeling that pulling off this little date was going to be a bit of a battle.   (boy, when we decided to get married in between Christmas and New Years we sure weren't thinking about how difficult it would be to fit an anniversary into the mix)    And I was right.   After postponing the much anticipated event a few times, we finally set out one stormy evening for Waterton, only to have to turn back a half an hour later because the roads were far too icy.  Not willing to give up, we tried going to our favorite local restaurant, the Cobblestone, which was unfortunately closed for a staff party.  What!  On our anniversary?  How dare they!

Finally willing to accept defeat, we returned home where we enjoyed yummy leftover lasagna and thrown together Greek salad.   In the background we could hear the kids arguing over the Wii game they were playing, while little Nate played with both of our feet under the kitchen table.     John made efforts every once in awhile to assure me that we'd get out another night and celebrate then, but deep down we both knew that wasn't going to happen.   And for some reason- I was OK with it.   

That's right, I was perfectly content with our deflated little celebration and in a way it actually seemed perfectly appropriate.  You see, I was sitting across the table from my Soul mate, after all.  Because that is exactly what he has become to me.  The one who has come to know me better then anybody else on earth - yet loves me still.

And no fancy schmancy dinner in Waterton could have made that any better then it already is.    

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I'm posting this commercial that John found online a few weeks back.   Even though he has already watched it about a GAZILLION times, he still laughs hysterically every. time. he. sees .it.   

I just think it's important that you understand what an adorable, (albeit slightly geeky) man I married, that's all.     

I love him.  I really Do!

                                 

A New Year

A few years ago, Nikki introduced me to the concept of  selecting a "word" to focus on during the course of the year.   A word that would motivate change and improvement that would reach deeper then a series of typical New Years resolutions.   I've loved doing this ever since.   Of course, I do set a few specific goals each year but those mostly pertain to my hobbies and love of art.  For the most part,  I like choosing a word that keeps me aiming for self-improvement as a whole.   Last year, my word was FOCUS and I have to say it was no doubt a year that required more "focus" then I ever imagined.    From the very beginning of 2010 I was confronted with opportunities to focus on what mattered most to me and try to worry less about the things that didn't.    By mid July,  learning to focus had became a very tangible coping mechanism that would see me through perhaps the most difficult and personal experience I've gone through yet.

When I think back to six months ago, as I was just learning about Rheumatoid Arthritis,  my memory barely does justice anymore to the pain and fear that I felt at that time.  I could barely move!   Every joint was swollen, stiff and full of pain.   I was tired, and just overall ill.  Worse then that though- I was afraid.  Not just afraid- but scared.   Full of doubt.   Completely hopeless.   And incredibly self absorbed.   In fact, I had gotten quite used to feeling sorry for myself and for all I knew-nothing was ever going to change or improve.     It was on one of those days that I decided to take a drive out to Waterton - just because.   As I neared the mountains I was struck by the beautiful autumn colors, and I could literally feel my hardened heart soften - just a little bit.    The park was empty and quiet and I felt peacefully alone.  As I drove around I felt such gratitude for the beautiful scene that was illuminated before me, and I hadn't felt gratitude for a long time.   It was a very simple scene, one that I'd enjoyed lots before on previous trips to Waterton.   However, on this particular day it all seemed illuminated by a burst of sunlight that washed over the park as the clouds moved by.   It was then that I realized something that I had not been willing to see before.

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL!!!   Even better then that, MY life is Beautiful!   Even amidst trial, and set backs, and disappointment - it is still beautiful.   The trick is to just be willing to SEE IT!    Somehow I had trained myself to focus on the negative and completely miss all of the good that I was surrounded by.

Now that is a true weakness.

So that brings me to my goal for 2011.  My Word.    THE concept/idea that I hope will dominate my thoughts, motives and actions for the next year.   Inspired by the idea that LIGHT is stronger then all of my doubts, fears and weaknesses ... my word for this next year is:

Illuminate:  
to provide or brighten with light

Synonyms:  brighten, highlight, ignite, kindle, better, define, edify, enlighten, illustrate, improve, instruct, perfect, polish

Antonyms:  cloud, complicate, darken

I was drawn to all that this word entails and it's synonyms specifically have inspired me in so many ways.   I want to BRIGHTEN the lives of those I love by treating them better.   I want to HIGHLIGHT the good in others as well as myself.   I want to IGNITE a fire of testimony that I know lies within me.   I want to be a BETTER wife and mother.   I want to become more ENLIGHTENED and spend my time more wisely.   I want to INSTRUCT my children more in the things that are most important.  I hope to POLISH my talents, and IMPROVE in all of those areas where I am weak.  (Heaven knows there are many.)  

In short, I want this year to be one that is full of LIGHT!  Not because it will be perfect, but because I will see it that way-just the same.   

Sounds simple enough right?

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.