Life goes on...

Well that's it, Christmas is over. We had a wonderful week with 3 separate family day Christmas'. We were all healthy (thank god!) and the kids were great. Every year I look forward to the Christmas season and it's so sad once it's all over. It goes so fast and ends up being one big blur. I hate that. I wish it could be slowed down a bit. I know there's a whole new year of adventure to look forward to but it's hard to let go of the past year as well. The kids are growing up so fast and life seems to be going in fast forward. As I look back at pictures I find myself thinking "it seemed like last week" when it was in fact 6 months ago. Anyway can you tell I'm coming off the high of the season.... Tomorrow I hope to get together with some friends and bring in the New Year. I know it won't be long before I'll be saying I can't wait for spring to be here. I'll try not to wish away Jan and Feb and live and enjoy the moments. Hope everyone has a happy and safe new year's. Talk again in 2007!

Michelle

Christmas treats

Baking for Christmas is something I normally enjoy doing. Since I found out 2 1/2 years ago I can't eat wheat, dairy and egg I don't do as much. It's just not as much fun when you can't eat it yourself too. This year I was planning on doing some baking, that was until my oven died last week. I'm not happy at all especially since it's only 3 years old! A part has been ordered for it but it won't be in till after new year's. So since I'm not quite on the ball this year I hadn't started any baking yet. I amazingly found lots of no-bake cookies on the web yesterday. So I've managed to get some things made. Hopefully these new recipes will taste ok. I tend to stick to what I know will taste good. The one thing we had fun making last year was our chocolate cherry mice. I think they're so cute and I'm sure they taste good too. So I think I'm officially ready for Christmas to start. I've got the kids stuff to wrap but other then that I think I'm good. Do you ever have that feeling of forgetting something though? I think it's just me worrying. Anyway hope everyone else is having fun getting ready...Only 3 more sleeps!! Michelle

A nice surprise

Travis and Kaitlin did end up with the flu too. Last night I stayed home with them while Dan went to Goderich to pick up a gift for his brother and his boss. When he got home Dawson (who was still awake in bed) heard him and came downstairs. I was on the computer but could hear Dawson talking to Dan in the living room. When I went in to see what all the fuss was about I saw a bouquet of flowers on the couch. Dan bought me flowers!! I never get flowers. Sometimes on Valentines but that's it. The best part was Dawson's reaction when I opened them though. He was soo excited! He thought they were "beautiful" and wanted to plant them in the garden! The flowers were all sprinkled with glitter so he thought they were magical. It was all very cute. I was very surprised. It definitely made my week a bit better! Michelle

It all started on Friday...

Poor Kortney had an awful day last Friday. It all started by falling off the couch and bumping into the coffee table.She got a black eye immediately. Not pretty sight. That night she started throwing up. I think she's finally done now. (It's Tuesday) Dawson also started throwing up Friday night but after 24 hrs he was back to normal. Since then the little girl I watch, her mom and a friend of mine and all 3 of her kids have also been sick. I'm praying that we're over the worst now. Travis and Kaitlin are still healthy and with a family Christmas on Sat I hope they've stay that way. I just hate the flu. This weather doesn't help at all. I wish it would snow and stay cold for a while. It just doesn't feel like Christmas like this but as long as everyone's healthy I guess green grass won't be so bad. Every year I worry about kids being sick and bad weather for travelling. Hopefully the sickness is done and the roads should be good. So the count done is on...I can't wait! Michelle

Christmas concert

The night finally arrived. Kaitlin has been very excited about the school Christmas concert. She got to be one of the dancing snowflakes who have been busy at recesses practicing their dance. It was wonderful to watch her do something she is so proud of. Never once did she say she was nervous. Just excited...Not sure where she gets that from. Travis was also on stage and had a small talking part. He surprisingly didn't complain about having to do it. He sang did a little dance and when it was all over it was no big deal to him. It's amazing to watch your own children up on stage and growing so fast. Nights like these are pricless.

A crazy day!!

What a crazy morning it was today!! I woke up this morning to a phone call from my neighbour. When I glanced at the clock I noticed it was 7:44.....the kids get one the bus at 8:10!! So yes I panicked. Plan A: call Dan at work and tell him to come home to drive the kids to school. Plan B: run like crazy to get kids ready. I went with plan B. So I got kids up told them to get dressed and fast. This of course woke Kortney up who wanted her milk right away (which I didn't have made up either). Travis got his own breakfast and Kaitlin didn't eat which is normal. She's not a breakfast girl. I quick made lunches, brushed Kaitlin's hair and sent them out the door. Right after they left Kailey (a little girl I am know caregiving for) got dropped off. I at least usually have my hair brushed and my faced washed. Well it didn't happen today. I'm sure I looked like I just rolled out of bed. With a sigh of relief I regrouped, got Dawson and Kortney some breakfast and was ready for the day which so far is turning out much better. I had a good friend stop in for coffee and right now I've got two little ones sleeping. I'm looking forward to tonight which is the school Christmas concert. It will be a lot of running too thought because right after I've got to bring the kids home, get them into bed and rush off to volleyball. So wish me patience and low stress!! I will write about the concert tomorrow. Michelle

Out my side door

I just love winter days like these. You can feel the excitement of Christmas in the air and the thrill of the first sledding of the season. This picture is looking out my side door. If you look closely enough you can see Dan and the kids on the hills sledding. To be honest I love days like today watching from inside! I hate being cold and the wind blowing right through me. I was so glad that Dan took them out while I stayed in with Kortney... Another day I'll bundle up enough to fly down the hills too. =) For now I'll stay warm and try to be in the moment of enjoying this time of year. I've got Christmas music on in the background, my lights on my tree shining and the kids outside loving the snow. A month from now when Christmas is over I know I'll be out of this mood and hating this weather! Gotta enjoy it while it lasts!! Michelle