Ringing in the New Year - Week 2 of Christmas Break

If this past week is any indication (week 1 of the New Year) 2019 is going to be a real smash!

John and I had such a blast with the kids throughout this whole break.  

New Years Eve was spent lazing around until the point we absolutely had to get up and prepare our New Years feast.  (Take out from Mings.  haha)

We felt okay being lame and ordering take out, because we knew Grandpa likes Chinese food too.

And also because we all were in super duper lazy moods!

We ate, played board games (Grandpa won- what the heck?!) ate some more, looked up travel videos about Alaska and watched the New Year arrive at various destinations around the world.

I must have fallen asleep somewhere prior to midnight because John shook me awake with 5 seconds to spare.  I was wide awake in a flash, shouting Happy New Year and waving my sparkler around like everybody else!

The rest of the week was spent doing all sorts of fun things!

1.

We went skating at the rink.  (I must have been feeling extra jovial and full of holiday cheer because I even rented a pair of skates and hauled myself out onto the ice)   Not gonna lie - it was kinda fun.

Sam was thrilled I could capture the moment with a Family Picture:

2.

We returned to one of our favorite holiday spots down by Lee Creek, this time to Cross Country Ski! 

The town (or business owners?) have really done a lot of good work creating paved trails that make for a fun course in the winter time.

Again, Sam was glad that I made everyone pose for a family photo:

3.

We joined my siblings and their families on an overnight excursion to Calgary.   I actually had gifted this to my kids as a Christmas gift just to get some extra mileage and excitement out of the whole thing and they were looking forward to this for a week in advance!  The actual trip did not disappoint. 

Thanks to a Christmas gift card we got from my brother, we all dined out together at Five Guys (yummm!), played games in the hotel conference room, listened to predictions we had made last year about 2018, and swim.  Boy oh boy did these kids swim!

I couldn't help but notice that Sam is much more willing to pose for a family photo when anybody but me is doing the asking.  What gives? ;)   It was such a fun time!!

4.

On Saturday we worked all morning cleaning up Christmas (ie: taking down the tree, packing decor, returning furniture to its rightful place, etc.)  By early afternoon we were all so depressed and saddened at the thought of our holiday coming to an end, I knew we needed one more adventure.  

Jessica (trust her to be the one) had just the right idea - Waterton!!!

After trying twice before and being forced to turn around due to the wind, we were thrilled to find a beautiful mild day waiting for us.  We decided to walk up Akimina Road as it had recently reopened to pedestrians.  It was fascinating to observe just where the fire hit and where it did not.   

Still so much beauty!   

Note the family photos. Two in one day - how lucky was I ?!!!!  Sam was almost undone;)

We found a trail that took us off the main road and down towards Cameron falls.   We followed that and then walked through the town site back to our van.  It was a totally calm and still day!

Considering the fierce wind that had plagued our area so much over the past few weeks, I took this stillness as a sign.  God's way of gifting us with the perfect ending to a really perfect family break.

Like I said, if this past week is any indication - 2019 is going to be a glorious year!

New Years Reflection

Today is the last day of Year.  I love it when a year ends and a New Year begins.   It always gives me a chance to reflect and this year has given me a lot to reflect on as it has been a crazy hard and wonderful year. 

This year I:
* had my final prophylactic surgery.  For the first time in ten years - I have no looming surgery or decisions about surgery.   (cue the long exhale)
* lost a student I cared about to suicide
* was gifted an Eagle Feather from a group of students who had brightened my spring
* John and I began preparations and planning for Moroni's Quest 2020
* experienced some of the most challenging feelings of self doubt that I ever have
* cried, rejoiced, and prayed about my marriage and family relationships
* returned to school and started the journey towards a University Degree
* experienced instant menopause and gained an appreciation for well being
* failed and felt lonely
* tried new things


This year John:
* continued to serve on the High Council (a calling that he loves)
* Gave several kick butt memorable talks
* hosted his 2nd annual school cub car rally
* Grew even more determined to own a Tesla
* Took a legit discretionary day off so that we could travel as a family to Yellowstone National Park
* Tried so hard to remember and celebrate birthdays and anniversaries
* continued to stand behind the principles of a Growth Mindset
* Was awarded the "Knight Award" from his former boss/mentor
* consistently worked out/did yoga/ read scriptures every morning


This has been an exceptional year for my kids:

Abby has blossomed this past year.  She is a really remarkable young woman.  She grew so much in volleyball and taekwondo, earned her Young Women medallion and her Honor Bee, placed 2nd in her grade for marks (just .5% below the top student) and she has tentatively secured a job for herself at the local Public Library.  That is the perfect spot for her as she reads more than anyone I have ever known.   Abby has become a poet which is a talent shared with so many of her Toone ancestors.  She has done more to reacquaint me with my deceased family through family history work than I could have ever imagined.  She is leading our family in so many ways.
  I am so proud and so trusting of who she is.

Sam has spent this year being immersed in every sport he could be.  He ran and played baseball, volleyball and basketball.  He has recently acquired everything he needs to take up Golf as well.  He has had moments in each sport where he has really shone.  Is is how he has lived this year off the court however that has really made him shine.   Sam ran for student body President - and won!   He has begun to play Hymns at church during Priesthood Quorum.   He worked his first summer job - mowing for 2 elderly neighbors.   I have watched him make his siblings laugh, imitate a good quality of his Dads and notice other peoples needs.   Just recently he asked a deaf (nearly mute) first nation student to compete in a jive competition.  They placed 3rd in the contest and my heart burst as I watched him behave like a hero and treat this young girl so well.  Sam has grown in strength this year.  (I can no longer dispute that)   Though he likes to point out his physical growth - I don't think he has a clue how much growth I have seen in him where it really counts.   It is exciting to consider who this young man will become!

Jessica launched a puppy campaign this year that was truly remarkable.  She has proven to me that it is possible to be relentlessly determined, yet still kind and sweet.   Jess entered Junior High this year and as relationships with her friends changed a bit, Jessica took every opportunity to seek out the lonely.  We found out recently (during an annual exam) that Jessica quite literally has an Eagle Eye.   Better than 20/20 vision, which apparently is an anomaly.  She can spot a bird, coyote or a camouflaged creature long before any of us can.   She also can spot a weary, anxious soul or a stranger in need with a compassionate precision that reminds me of both her Grandma Hardy and her Grandma Rausch.  She is an old soul.  A Mother Teresa meets Bob Ross kind of a person and she neutralizes every unhappy moment.  I am so thankful for her influence!

Nate - my little baby "with the tiny hands" is not a baby anymore.  At 9 years of age, Nate has taken on so much responsibility.  He is entirely competent with getting himself home from school, to and from cubs, making himself ichiban or chips and cheese when hungry.  With me working full time now, I have been so grateful for the way he shoulders more on his own without making me feel bad.   He broadened his horizons this year and added a few new foods to his list of things he is willing to eat.  I feel pretty secure that, if needed, Nate could survive on pepperoni pizza, rice, grilled cheese sandwiches or smoothies.  Nate has a real knack for figuring things out.  He is a really bright young man!   Nate is not greedy.  He has a kind heart, and he handles the disappointments that come to him gracefully - even when it is hard.   He has demonstrated this year in the sweetest way that he can feel and recognize the Holy Ghost and that sure does his mama and papa's hearts a lot of good.   He lets me cuddle with him - which is a gift that I will always treasure!




Grandpa has to be included in this yearly recap too.   Grandpa continues to join us each night for dinner.  In fact, it has been 9 years almost that he has been at our table each night.  5 different homes.  5 different tables.  5 different versions of chaotic supper time drama.   He has continued to put up with it all!  Grandpa's presence at our family table may not mean much to him - but it means the world to us.  He is an anchor in our lives that keeps us gathering each evening when other families do not.   It really is increasingly hard to coordinate a time of day where we all can eat together, but it remains important to us, in large part because of Grandpa.  He is a quiet voice of reason and stability.  He brings with him each night an influence of goodness and faith and he connects us to Grandma Hardy without even trying to.  We know we aren't much fun, we don't take him on exciting trips or introduce him to cool new places.  We are an ordinary and everyday kind of experience for him - but is it such an extraordinary gift for us to get to have him near.   He watches every game of the kids' that he can, he never complains about a burnt or yucky meal, and never judges me when I lose my temper at the table.  We are so thankful for Grandpa!



That is us this year.  

As I have reflected on this past year, I have come to the conclusion that John and I are simple people and I think we may always be.    We are simple minded, we make simple plans, and set very simple goals.   We aren't perfect, and we aren't always blissfully happy - but neither of us can deny that we are blessed beyond any degree that we deserve.   We are surrounded by extraordinary people and have been given some extraordinary experiences this past year.

  For that, we feel so very grateful.

Here is to a simply extraordinary New Year!

Celebrating Christmas (Week 1 of our Christmas Break)

What a special week we have had.

At this very moment we are sitting by the Christmas tree, watching Lord of the Rings (as per our annual holiday tradition) and thanking our lucky stars that we have another week off of work/school.  

If this past week is any indication, we are in for a fun second half of our Christmas break.

Last Friday we all completed school by 1:00 pm and excitedly dashed home ready to let Christmas officially begin.  We baked and decorated and ended the day by having a cozy family slumber party.  

We moved our mattresses out into the main room and all feel asleep while watching a Christmas movie.   This may become a new tradition for us.  

On Saturday we took a little drive out to Waterton.  I had wanted to hike up Akimina Road but the wind was blowing much too fiercely for that, so we settled for a quick stroll by the dock and then back home where we knew it'd be much warmer. 

Christmas Eve was such a fun day for me.  John had the task of going into Lethbridge with Grandpa to pick up a few things, but the kids and I got to stay at home and play.  Due to the fact that it had not snowed in weeks, we had resigned ourselves to the prospect of a brown Christmas.   At some point that afternoon we decided to embrace the brown and go for a warm weather walk.  I am so glad that we did!   The kids and I found a lot for sale that we now dream about buying, we paused to watch an owl, and we found the coolest spot on Lee Creek for skating.  We slid up and down the creek for quite awhile, determined to bring John back as soon as we could.  

We got back in the house in just enough time to prepare our Christmas Eve feast.  

Steak, Lobster, Crab, Shrimp, Muscles and a lot of other food that nobody ever cares about, at least not when Lobster and Crab are being served.    It was all delicious as always.  

After dinner we did what we always do:

The kids exchanged gifts with each other, we drove around looking at Christmas lights, and we settled in to watch Polar Express before the kids went to bed.

Nate made sure to set out milk and cookies for Santa and I suspect that is the last time he may do so.
One of the funnest things about Christmas has always been watching my kids anticipate Santa.  

It just may be the end of a sweet, deceitful ride.  

It was 2:00 am before John and I were able to crawl into bed, finally having everything assembled, wrapped and filled.  Come to think of it, maybe Christmas will be a lot simpler without the whole Santa part of it to maintain;)

Christmas Day came quickly.  The kids waited as patiently as they could for Grandpa to show up and then they made short work of all the unwrapping there was to do.

I like to think they all got a bit of what they asked for.

Nate got his Labo Robot kit and a sled.

Abby got long jogging pants and art supplies.

Jessica got an artist table and all things "puppy."

Sam got Sports Check gift card, a basketball and a seasons pass at the local golf course.

My hope is that my kids felt not just content, but completely satisfied with this abundant life we get to live. 

Santa was sure good to John this year.
I gifted him with a new suit (so he can look dapper going to those meetings he loves, and boy does he!;) a computer bag, and a book.  His brother trumped all that big time when he gifted John and I with an Alaskan Cruise.    An.Alaskan.Cruise people!  (mic drop)

There will be an entire post about this down the road, I am sure.   I am still just kinda struggling to process and find words.  Some words that come to my mind are: 

undeserving.

unanticipated.

unimaginable.

unable to repay.

unequal.

and undeserving.  

(Oh, did I say that already?)

More on this down the road.  

The rest of Christmas day was a party. 

I had carved out a few hours of time in which we snuck down to our newly discovered outdoor rink with John.  The kids had begged me for some quality time together on Christmas day and it kinda broke my heart that this was even something they begged me for.  Either John and I have been too busy this past month or I have raised complete and utter hermits.  (I think both!)

The creek was just as awesome on Christmas day as it was the day before.  Better in fact, because this time we brought chairs, and skates, and hockey sticks!

That evening John's sister Rachel, brother Ben and their families arrived - and that is when things really got fun!   We had a Christmas Turkey dinner, played games, snacked until way too late, and then did that same thing all over again the next day.   These are some of our cutest little nieces and nephews and they are all smitten with Sam, which always makes for a good laugh. 

  It was really nice to see everyone!

John took the kids out (after company had all left) to practice ice fishing.  It was apparently an awesome fun time, so we will have to fit a return to Payne lake into our incredibly busy week coming up.   Let's hope the sun shines!

John and I celebrated 17 years of marriage this past week.

We chose to go to Waterton and hike before dining at Vimy's.

The wind was howling fiercely and made the task more arduous than we would have liked.  We determinedly pressed on.  #17 years

The Salmons popped over on Saturday for a visit and we made sure to show them our favorite Skating spot.   Full disclosure - with the wind whipping around, it didn't seem nearly as magical this time around.  (Nothing a little hot chocolate and banana bread couldn't fix though;)  

I am sure grateful for the friendship of this family.

So ...that brings me to today.  

We are currently experiencing a pretty heavy duty snow storm, watching Return of the King and basking in the glow of our freshly decorated New Years Tree.  

Feeling blessed.

A Christmas kinda feeling...

Never before (never ever before) in the history of my motherhood has my family ever looked forward to a break as much as they are looking forward to this Christmas break. 

  We are tired.  We are burnt out.  We have all gone crazy.

The local Elementary School is currently over run with a bad strain of the flu with 150 kids absent per day, and they are also battling stubborn cases of ringworm and head lice.  Ew!!!!   So far Nate has managed to avoid all of the above, but I feel a sense of urgency to get him and my whole family home isolated for a long stretch of time.   My kids and I wake up each morning and longingly dream of having a a break.   We don't want to leave the house, see anyone, or have to do anything.  

Is this normal?  

I am sure it is not normal, but I certainly can certainly empathize with their longing for some quiet family time, and I intend to deliver.     In four short days my family is going into hibernation.  

We are determined to carve out some family time and spend Christmas break doing only what we want to do.    We are planning on spending two days with John's two siblings and two days with my siblings, which will be fun.  Then - (oooh I'm so excited) THEN we are whisking our kids away for a little getaway.  A bit of a "staycation" because we can't afford to go far, but we completely realize we have to get away from responsibilities here if we are really going to all get to unwind.   

It is going to be dreamy.  (Well- as dreamy as our secret location two mere hours away can be;)

Okay- so aside from our plotting to revolt and turn into a bunch of hermits, we have also been trying to eek some Christmas spirit from any spare minute possible.   

We went skating down at the local rink.  We really should do this more often.  Nate is getting more and more confident, venturing further from the boards every time he skates.  John manages to skate rings around everyone.  Jess and Abby danced and flitted around together. Sam filled the "I'm the kid who is too cool for this" role and sat out in the lobby watching everyone.  That's how he rolls;)

We set up our Christmas tree back in November and it has become a place that we all gravitate to every evening.  The warm light draws us in. We are planning on having a slumber party this weekend to celebrate being finished school.  All 6 of us sleeping under the tree. 

 So long as nobody gets the flu, or ringworm or head lice - it is going to be so dreamy.  haha

I am convinced that whoever invented the whole "Elf on a Shelf" phenomenon has absolutely ruined Christmas.  Seriously - how stressful!  Most days our Buddykins sits around doing nothing like the lame Elf he is, but every now and then Nate finds him getting into trouble:

We are pretty sure that Nate no longer believes in Santa Clause, but Nate doesn't want to tell us that and I certainly don't want to tell him so...so we continue to play along.   In addition to a whole whack of Christmas baking, Nate also wrote his annual Christmas letter to Santa.  

Sigh.... looks like a gooder. #siblingrivalry    #punchingthebrointheface

We had our ward Christmas party last week and Nathan played the part of the very attentive Joseph.  

I think it is safe to say that he magnified that role perfectly!!!!  #payattentionjoseph

This weekend we got together with  a few of the kids and made chocolates.  We were all torn in different directions, but managed to find a two hour window where we could throw a few chocolates together.   It's never Christmas without the chocolates!!!

 Homemade pillowcases from the kid's best Great Auntie EVER!!!  (My Aunt Karen)  

Every year my kids are each given a large bag of 12 gifts to kick off their 12 days to Christmas.

The word SPOILED comes to mind.  

Last week we all decided that we were too tired to go watch Sam play basketball. (We're all a little lame right now, remember?)    While he was at his tournament, we took a little drive out to Waterton.

Winter Wonderland x 10!!!

After several years of observation, I can say with 100% certainty that November and December brings us the most beautiful sunsets of the year.   The past two months haven't brought us any SNOW, but the sunsets have been on point!

I love this photo.  This little house is only going to be our home for another 6 months and so I want to make sure we remember what Christmas looked like while we lived here.  

Pretty much spending our evenings deep breathing around the tree.    

Christmas break is almost here!!!!

Annual trip to see the elk

Jessica and I were recently lamenting that we had not gotten a chance to watch the elk this fall.  Volleyball, work, callings ...it had all taken priority and Elk watching season had come and gone before we were able to make our annual trip out to Waterton.  

Last Sunday, in a last minute effort, the girls and I crossed our fingers and went for a Sunday drive and were delighted to find that we hadn't missed out at all.   In fact, we saw more elk that evening than we perhaps ever have.   

Sigh....

and now - we are ready to say goodbye to fall.