Another Year come and Gone

Well, here it is, the eve before a new year. When I think about the past year, I can't believe it's flown by so fast. Even the last decade really. Atleast when you think of the past 10 years, more milestones were hit.

We had a great Christmas. I little chaotic, but fun. Christmas eve we were out at my parents, as the tradition continues and all my cousins and their families come. I love Christmas eve. This was our attempt to get all the "great grandchildren" in one shot. Then we woke up Christmas morning in our own home. The kids, creatures of habit they are, woke at their normal time of 7am. Caleb wasn't so sure he wanted to go downstairs to see if Santa came, but he did. He's yawning here.

Then we headed to Dave's parents for the rest of the day. The kids were spoiled. We had a nice dinner with them and then from there went back to my parents place to spend the night and have my family Christmas Boxing day. Yet again, the kids were spoiled, and had a blast playing with their uncle's, aunt's and cousins. Uncle Steve even made a snow castle.

Dave spoiled me for Christmas as well. I got to open up on Christmas morning several different black frames, with black and white photos in them of our family. And then the real big present was a trip away Sunday night, a surprise. He told me on the way there. We went to Niagara Falls and stayed in the Embassy Suites over looking the falls. It was so lovely. We had a fireplace, a jacuzzi tub, an amazing view. We ate at the Keg which again overlooked the falls. And we skated "The Rink at the Brink". It was such a perfect way to relax after the crazy past few days. Below is the view from our room and the last one is of me at the rink. Not so great because it was night, but a really neat experience!

Tonight we're heading over to our friend's place, the kids will probably have to crash before midnight and I'm uneasy about ruining their routine, but everyone keeps telling me, "it's one night of the year Charlene" so we're going!

Happy New Year!

Recent Pictures of my Babes.

This is Amberly in a hand me down! Gotta love it. She's beautiful if I don't say so myself!Yes, the classic matching jammies. Not sure how long I will be able to get away with it, but Caleb thinks it's cool for now.

Decorating the tree. Amberly knows not to "grab" any decorations. But she'll go around and touch them, pointing them out to any new person in the house. Even to Sunshine sometimes.

The very happy Birthday Boy. He was so excited about the Thomas set he got.

Can't you see his exhaustion?! He was so tired, but did so well.

Hooray Christmas is on the Way!

Well, it's the last Saturday before Christmas. We spent the day at my parents, having a relaxing time. Kids love it there. We got home for supper and after supper, Dave played with the kids while I baked a couple of cookies. My shortbread ones were a flop, probably because I used margarine instead of butter, I should have known better but oh well. They are still edible. I also made my hubby's favourite, chocolate peanut butter mounds. So all I have left to make for Christmas is my white chocolate candy mix, and chocolate/pretzels snacks. I'm sure there is a few other things I'll have to whip up but I can handle it.

Dave and I have 2 days left of work. We both took the Wednesday off. The kids will still go to Christa's and leave us the day to prepare (me) and to do things you can't normally do anymore (Dave!)

Caleb's birthday party was last Sunday. It was ALOT of work, but lots of fun. Although I get my nerves in a knot and feel sick to my stomach most of the time while hosting big crowds, Caleb loved it and everyone said they had a great time. Half the people went to the Elmira Sugar Kings hockey game, including the birthday boy. Then everyone was back for a pizza dinner and cake. Caleb was totally spoiled with presents. Most revolving his new found love of Thomas the Tank Engine and Cars. It's hard to believe he's 3. He's growing up so fast!

Work has been going well. Our company spoiled us in their usual manner without removing events due to the economy (as so many companies have done). First of all, our department went to Ennio's for lunch which the company paid for. Then they threw their "Kids Christmas" party where I got to chose 2 $25 presents from the HH catalogue for them. There was a bouncey castle, a balloon man, face painting and Santa. And then this past Thursday we worked 1/2 a day (paid for a full day) and went bowling and then to the company banquet where we had an appetizer style meal, along with a Christmas bonus. It was great!

Now I hear Dave trying to get Caleb to bed. While Amberly keeps asking for me, so I better go. But in other big news, Amberly has peed and pooped on the potty! I'm feeling lazy when it comes to going down the potty training route, but also amazed at my little girl, so talented in so many ways!

Better run!

No Time

I'm totally tired. I want to just crash now. But I've got lots to do tonight. Well not really, just have to finish my Bible study stuff, and go to my small group. But after work, I shovelled the heavy wet snow and made supper and fed the children. I'm just tired. My arms are aching.
Yep. No time to blog.