We Made it!

The school year is over for 2010. When the kids go back, it will be 2011. It just doesn't roll off the tongue the same does it? I've LOVED saying twenty-ten. Now that we're nearing the end, I'm realizing, I didn't say it enough. I'm going to miss it for sure. The last few days before school finished up, just kept increasing in intensity. I had two kids, that yesterday morning, I had to PRY off the ceiling to get them to school on time. This past week, the entire school has made their way to the gym every morning, to sing Christmas carols, and have a a winter or Christmas story read to them. The energy around that school has been so positive and festive, it's been terrific.

The kids were thrilled to hand out their class treats. Again... I was not going to entertain the idea of making 45 treats [both kids] but relented in the end. It helps that the treat I made was easy-peasy. Having said that, it was still quite time consuming. But, the end result was worth it. I got the idea for these treats here. And I'm not ashamed to admit, I copied them EXACTLY. [Why mess with something that looked so darn cute] The theme at school this year, surrounding the Christmas Concert was " 'Twas the Night Before Christmas" so in my mind, this couldn't have tied in better.


The little tag reads: may visions of sugarplums dance in your head. I got called Martha this week, by a couple of Mum's at school. And do you know what? It didn't even hurt my feelings.

It's been cold around here this past week. Really cold. It's been snowing now, on and off for about 3 days, but to be honest, I LOVE SNOW AT CHRISTMAS. I love the whole 'white Christmas' thing. Rumor has it, it's supposed to warm up again at the end of next week, but for now, it just makes everything look exactly as it should.

With the cold, we've had plenty of hot chocolate. There's just something so darn comforting about drinking hot chocolate, all the while looking at the snow falling outside.

This is our first weekend home in the past 5 weekends. We're doing a WHOLE LOTTA NOTHING. I have to catch up on my December daily. My last bit of work I did on it was last Monday night. You definitely have to keep on top of it, or it becomes completely overwhelming. I'm pleased with the format I've used this year. So far I love how it's turning out.

I'm off to finalize my menus for the next few things coming up. I've got girls night Monday night, Christmas Eve and Christmas day grub to sort out. Whoop-whoop!! Eating, eating, eating... It's all good.

I also made these for my little teacher gifts from the kids. Super cute and inexpensive way to package up teachers gifts. I forgot to take a picture of them before they were sent to school [gasp] I used just plain old lunch bags, but they sure looked cute once there were done.

10 days away

Can you believe Christmas is only a mere 10 days away. Eeks. It comes no matter what!! I feel pretty prepared right now. The kids have a day and a half of school left. We decorated sugar cookies tonight... I'll snap a picture in the morning. I'm not sure WHO they'll appeal to. Mine of course, will appeal to all, because they're very symmetrical and thought out. Are you surprised? I tried to tell the kids and Barry, that less is more when decorating cookies, but apparently it didn't stick... Oh well, we had fun, and that's all that counts!

Check this website out.

I know Madelyn made a little frozen something with Ama right before Halloween. It was SO cute. I'll have to get washing some cans and get freezing some stuff. I'd love to have a cluster of frozen sculptures awaiting our guests on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Of course, for them to stay frozen, the weather would have to cooperate and stay cold!

12 on the 12th, December 2010

How disappointing... My last 10 on the 10th of 2010 and I missed it by a couple of days. Do I know it's coming up? Why of course I do. Life just seems to get in the way sometimes. So, I'm just adapting to the date. I can do that, no problem.

1. I love white twinkling lights. I love this time of year, to hear Christmas carols on the radio, to sing along and belt out my favourite tunes. I love driving around, and seeing every one's lovely decorations and lights. It really is the most wonderful time of the year!

2. This past week, ended up being a write off. Madelyn was sick on Sunday, and the bug seemed to not want to leave her system. She ended up being sick Monday, Tuesday, Thursday night and Friday. Needless to say, all the things I had on my list of "to-do's" got left undone. Never too sick to pose with BFF Girafee...

3. I'm not sure exactly what it is about this time of year, but everything tastes yummier and more festive. I've made peppermint brownies, gingersnaps, pretzel cookies, nuts and bolts and sugar cookies this past week (Hmmm, stay at home with a sick kid much???) That's hilarious!


4. I can't believe how darn quick and easy my new Crock Pot Nuts and Bolts Recipe is. How how yummy they are!! Eeks!


5. I am on the countdown myself, for December 17th... [The last day of school for the kids.] Because from the 18th to January 2nd, my alarm clock won't be waking me up with the news of death and destruction. In fact, my alarm clock won't be waking me up period... Tee,hee,hee... It will be the lazy days of Christmas sleeping in... [I think I hear angels singing when I say that]

6. I'm hosting Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at my house, and I already have lists of what needs to be done, and when it needs to be done by. It's nearly 2 wks away, and I feel completely organized. [Wait, are those the angels singing again???]

7. I haven't received a single Christmas card in the mail... [Not even yours Sylvia, which is highly unusual] But, having said that I haven't sent mine out yet either. That's on Mondays list of things to do. I'd love to share a peak, but that would spoil the fun of actually getting it and opening it!

8. Almost all of my Christmas shopping is done, despite this past weeks set-back. I am totally loving on-line shopping... Easy-peasy-lemon-squeazy... Not to mention, that renewing magazine subscriptions isn't all that taxing.

9. This afternoon, we're headed to the Calgary Hitmen Game, for the Annual Teddy Bear Toss. I can't wait to see the looks on the kids when the first goal is scored. Check this out. I hope in the excitement, I'll be able to capture a decent picture or two...

10. I walked into the kitchen yesterday, while Mason was on the phone with Ama... I think they were setting up a "play date". All I know for sure, it there was very specific conversation going on, and Mason was pointing to the dates on the calendar [all the while, dressed up like Spiderman] I think it's funny, that he already knows, at 8 years old, that the calendar is the hub to our social life...

11. I LOVE my new camera. In fact, I don't even know if love is a strong enough word. Don't get me wrong, I'm completely un-qualified to be using it. I can barely lift the manual... But I have figured out a few things, and the pictures are phenomenal. Happy Birthday to me!! [Yes, it took me 8 months to do it, but that just doesn't matter] What matters, is I finally did it. I love you camera...

12. Last night, we went to our final Christmas party. [We have been to 3 this year] We went here
I can't believe how much fun it was. I can't believe how much fun I had with a bunch of people I'd never met before... Could it be I'm cracking out of my shell a little bit? Any way, you get to sing at the top of your lungs, and it's AWESOME... Can't wait to go back with friends. A definite date night destination. [If you like SUPER loud music and singing out loud that is]

Productive Day

Today was so productive. I got Christmas presents sorted through and even wrapped some of them. [Gasp. Yes, I said WRAPPED!] I made gift tag labels, I finished decorating my mantle, I crafted up some window hangings. Madelyn and I made some Christmas trees I found here. I grated and froze a bunch of buns for Christmas 'stuffing'. I made crock pot nuts 'n bolts.

Have I mentioned that I'm having a love affair with my crock pot lately? Seriously. Check this website out, and you just may never be the same again. I also got her cookbook from the library, it's called Make it Fast, Cook it Slow. There are some really good recipes in there. I might have to actually splurge and buy the cook book. I made the Asian Peanut Butter Pork AGAIN the night before last... It is so good... I'm not kidding, it makes my eyes roll into the back of my head. And guess what, BOTH kids ate it. There's just nothing else to say. Or, if I was being optimistic, I might say, mission accomplished.

Last night we had the kids Christmas Concert at school. And GUESS WHAT, it was called this year? Why it was called the CHRISTMAS CONCERT... Whoop-whoop!! The kiddos were so excited, both got to perform. This year Mason joined the choir, he got to perform last night and tonight. Our crew went last night because that was the night Madelyn was there. Barry, myself, Ama, Baba, Grandma and Grandpa made our way there, to proudly watch. It is so much fun. Then they all came over afterwards for a visit, a drink and some dessert. That has been our tradition since Mason was in Kindergarten, and you just don't buck the system.

On the Mend Today.

Poor little girl looked like this yesterday...

After 12 hours of throwing up, thankfully things have settled down. I kept her home again today, but she's a different little girl altogether. Non-stop chatter is what I'm getting today. Yesterday she spent the ENTIRE DAY lying on the couch. So glad she's feeling better.

Yesterday afternoon, the doorbell rang, and there was a package on the front step. There was a letter to read.
We have a new friend.

Elvin has joined us this holiday season. He's a magic elf from Santa's workshop. He's come to stay with us from now until Christmas Eve. Each day he watches the kids from somewhere in the house, and once everyone goes to sleep he makes his way back to the North Pole to tell Santa what he's seen and heard. Welcome Elvin, we're thrilled to have you! I have a feeling Elvin is going to help two little kids be on their very best behavior this month.

Letter to Santa

Someone is promising to be a good girl. Someone is promising to be really good. I don't know if I love or hate the leverage I have with Santa... Why will she behave for Santa, and not her Mum & Dad? These are questions that we have to ponder...

First Day of Advent

Here is our 2010 matchbox advent calendar. I think it turned out so darn cute! Each day has a little treat [M&M's/piece of gum/pretzels] and a message rolled up on a piece of paper. Last year I agonized over the messages. I wanted it to be perfect. What I ended up doing was making things much more complicated and tedious than they had to be. It became way too over loaded there was no way we could possibly keep up. I learned my lesson. Plus last year I dated all the messages, which made it impossible to switch them up. This years messages are much more simplistic. Some of them were as simple as: Tell someone at school you're glad they're your friend. Smile at everyone you see today, and wish them a Merry Christmas! Read a book to your sister. Eat dinner by candlelight. Sing your favourite Christmas carol as loud as you can!

It's bound not to be as all-encompassing as last year for sure.

The second advent calendar is this little gem. A Lego advent calendar. Given to the kids by Ama. The kids are beyond thrilled. They have agreed to take turns each day opening the calendar. Each day is a figure that they have to create. It is bound to be an exciting month.



Then, imagine my surprise to come across these pictures on my camera, of Miss Madelyn's photo shoot. Apparently she put it on for Barry when I went up to the bus to get Mason. But man, she's got the looks down pat... Eeks!


She wore the sunglasses for the rest of the day, until it got dark.