Last Post of 2009

The "Free Dictionary" defines resolution as:

1. The state or quality of being resolute; firm determination.

2. A resolving to do something.

3. A course of action determined or decided on.

Around this time every year, people start thinking about New Year's Resolutions.  Promising themselves and others that they will change how they do something, bad habits, lose weight, that sort of thing.  I tend to avoid making them simply to fail at committing to my own promises.  This year is no different and yet I know there are things I would like to change about myself and family that would certainly be for the better.  I am going to set some goals that hopefully in a year, I can re-read this blog post and say to myself "I have succeeded".

So, my goal list includes:

- reading daily to my children 
- saving all my receipts so I can return things to a store if necessary
- growing closer to God through personal prayer time and digging more into HIS Word
- committing to a healthier lifestyle that includes better food choices and a more active lifestyle

I think these are reasonable goals.  Nothing too outrageous or impossible... just small changes that can make a big difference.

Daddy's Little Helper

Doug was doing some rewiring with our stereo system and Sarah was watching him carefully.

Checking out Dad's work!

Final check up...

 "I think it's good Daddy!"

Holes

I had bought Joshua a pair of jeans for Christmas.  I saw that the ones he was wearing had holes in them so I gave him the new pair early so he could wear them on Christmas Eve.  Fast forward three days and I notice that that the knees have holes in them.  THREE DAYS!!  I understand that they were on clearance but they WERE from the Gap and I really expected them to last at least a few weeks.  Looking through Joshua's clothing drawers, I saw that all of his jeans had holes in the knees!  I mentioned this to him and asked what he is doing that would cause such harm to his clothing.  "Oh that's easy", he responds.  And then proceeds to show me the run and slide on his knees move that would certainly be the culprit.  Denim is no match for concrete I suppose!

 

Anyhow, Joshua had plans to go to a friend's house this afternoon and I didn't feel right about the 'holey' pants so we headed to Edmonton and bought [more] jeans for him.  I really hope these ones last a little longer than three days.

Why I love Alberta

I know we suffer through long winters with snow that seems to linger for 7 months of the year, there is a true beauty that shines when the conditions are "just right".

 

 

 

 

 

Aunty Fancy

You have to admit that "Aunty Stephanie" is a mouthful for any two year old.  Quite a few months ago now, my sister was telling her son, Benjamin that they were going to Aunty Stephanie's house.  His interpretation came out as "Aunty Fancy-Car".  Now, we have no idea where the "car" part came from but it stuck.  That meant each time I saw him, he'd say "Hi Aunty Fancy-Car" and of course I'd reply with "Hi Benjamin-Car".  We've tried to encourage him to call me Aunty Tess (which is my nickname) but Fancy is sticking for now.  I love how my nephew and I have added a personal touch to each other's name- makes us seem extra close!

Joshua and Me

I love building with Lego.  I think I'm fascinated that all those little pieces can build cars, bikes, houses, spaceships and anything else that people (much more creative than me) can design.  For as long as I can remember, Joshua has been a huge fan of Lego sets.  And for just as long, I have been the one who has built the sets with him.  In the beginning it was because the sets were a bit too advanced for him and he needed my help and now we do it because we are Lego buddies.  It is great to sit at the table with my oldest and shoot the breeze while we search for the RIGHT piece to finish the project.  I look forward to his birthday and Christmas time when I can count on the one on one time that we'll have!

Christmas Pictures

 

 

 

The Last Day

of school before Christmas vacation.  I know the kids will be wiggling in their seats this morning as they wait for the traditional craft afternoon that their school does.  As a treat, I'll probably pick them up after school so we can be home early today.  I look forward to two weeks of sleeping in, pyjama days, and baking with my four kiddos!

I wish...

I could talk to my mom right about now.  I'm missing her lots and would really like her insight on some things.

She's Now Walking!

As Sarah was nearing 18 months, I began to wonder if she was EVER going to walk.  Sure enough, this past weekend, she began to take more than the two steps that she was before.  Here's a look:
Watch it HERE

The Wheels on the Bus....

are coming around to pick up Joshua and Andrea for school now. I was finding that having to pick them up after school was interfering with Sarah's nap time and consequently, she was miserable, I was miserable and it wasn't good for anyone. So I applied and was approved for bus transportation for them. It was a big step to let them go on their own... I feel as though I had to let go of control of them. After a few days, it became easier for them and myself. I do drive them to the stop in the mornings as it is so cold yet but by springtime, they will be walking there on their own. So being the good mom that I am, I made a special cake for them on their first day of using the bus!

Every Year...

I promise myself and my family that THIS will be the Christmas where we do minimal visiting, stay home lots and just regroup and connect with the six of us.  Alas, we get notices for dance recitals, family functions, last minute haircuts, and before I know it, the calendar is full of events and appointments.

This year was the first time I didn't feeling doing more than setting up the Christmas tree.  My heart just wasn't into the holiday spirit.  I was reminded that we were going to be hosting at least two Christmas functions and that it would be a good idea to ensure the house was all decked out for the season.  And so I did.  I put on Boney M Christmas and began to pull out all the decorations that stay hidden for 11 months of the year.  The next day, Arianna and I whipped up a batch of shortbread... the cookie that is reserved for Christmas.  It IS beginning to look like Christmas here and slowly my heart is getting into it as well.