I am on holidays until January 4th...so I will not be posting for the week! I will keep reading and I will be back January 4th!
I wish all my friends, family and blog readers a very Happy New Year! See you in 2016!!!
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Monday, December 28, 2015
{Christmas Rewind}
And just like that...Christmas is over!
- Christmas Eve we had the day off, we went to visit my father in law then stopped to get a few things only to get to the grocery store to find everything closed because of a power failure
- it was a balmy 16 degrees with absolutely NO SNOW in sight but very windy...which caused power outages and down trees in the area
- we ended up having to drive an extra 40 minutes to the nearest store to get the few things we needed
- the kids and I headed to Church with my grandma, sister, brother in law and Rylie
- service was great, the kids were wild but thankfully our minister is great with it...unfortunately saw a comment on her facebook that one lady did not like the noisy kids...thankfully, she is probably the ONLY ONE that would have complained
- we set cookies and carrots out for Santa and Rudolph, scattered our Reindeer food outside and Maddy left a note for Santa to leave the presents on the kitchen floor (cuz we had no room under our little tree)
- Christmas morning, the kids got up around 7:30
- I think Ricky may have been more excited
- the kids opened all their gifts (spoiled rotten of course), we made a little breakfast, Butter,Tracy and Kaitie stopped in then we headed to my parents to open more presents and stopped to see my grandparents quickly
- once home, I tried to re-organize my house before we packed up and headed to the Lions Hall where we were having our dinner
- we set up down there, played cards, played music, ate supper and had a good time with extended family members, we were home by 10
- we also played Pie in the Face game that Maddy got from Butter, Tracy and Kaitie...it was hilarious, I lucked out and never got hit with it
- Boxing Day was putting all the toys away and relaxing then I headed to the city with my parents to get a Boxing Day deal on a new drill, then ended up getting a new bedroom set for Maddy
- we came home, changed her bedding and things and just like that, I was hit with a migraine...the rest of the night was watching Grey's on Netflix
- Christmas Eve we had the day off, we went to visit my father in law then stopped to get a few things only to get to the grocery store to find everything closed because of a power failure
- it was a balmy 16 degrees with absolutely NO SNOW in sight but very windy...which caused power outages and down trees in the area
- we ended up having to drive an extra 40 minutes to the nearest store to get the few things we needed
- the kids and I headed to Church with my grandma, sister, brother in law and Rylie
- service was great, the kids were wild but thankfully our minister is great with it...unfortunately saw a comment on her facebook that one lady did not like the noisy kids...thankfully, she is probably the ONLY ONE that would have complained
- we set cookies and carrots out for Santa and Rudolph, scattered our Reindeer food outside and Maddy left a note for Santa to leave the presents on the kitchen floor (cuz we had no room under our little tree)
- Christmas morning, the kids got up around 7:30
- I think Ricky may have been more excited
- the kids opened all their gifts (spoiled rotten of course), we made a little breakfast, Butter,Tracy and Kaitie stopped in then we headed to my parents to open more presents and stopped to see my grandparents quickly
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| Maddy with her Zoomer Kitty |
- we set up down there, played cards, played music, ate supper and had a good time with extended family members, we were home by 10
- we also played Pie in the Face game that Maddy got from Butter, Tracy and Kaitie...it was hilarious, I lucked out and never got hit with it
- Boxing Day was putting all the toys away and relaxing then I headed to the city with my parents to get a Boxing Day deal on a new drill, then ended up getting a new bedroom set for Maddy
- we came home, changed her bedding and things and just like that, I was hit with a migraine...the rest of the night was watching Grey's on Netflix
How was your Christmas?
Friday, December 25, 2015
Merry Christmas
I don't know about you but I am probably sitting around watching the kids tear open their gifts, I am watching Ricky tackle each box because they have to have EVERY toy out THIS INSTANT...I am most likely taking down the tree already, cleaning, re-organizing and getting things ready for our dinner tonight!
I just wanted to pre-set this blog and wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS. I hope that Santa was good to everyone!
I leave you with pictures from the kid's FIRST CHRISTMAS'S (crazy how long ago it seems)
I just wanted to pre-set this blog and wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS. I hope that Santa was good to everyone!
I leave you with pictures from the kid's FIRST CHRISTMAS'S (crazy how long ago it seems)
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| Maddy's First Christmas 2007 in her Dora Ball Tent from Santa |
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| Tanner's First Christmas, clearly doesn't look happy! |
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| Tanner's First Christmas opening gifts 2012 |
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| Maddy in her toy box from Momma and Grampa! |
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Christmas Week: Elf on the Shelf 2015
Today is a great day in a lot of parent's eyes...it's the end of the Elf on the Shelf. There were times that I didn't know what to do but I always did something. I had print outs ready for those nights that I forgot or was just plain lazy and that didn't even happen once! Woo hoo!
Here is what our elf Cutie was up to this month:
Here is what our elf Cutie was up to this month:
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| Day 1 - He's Back |
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| Day 1 Con't |
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| Day 2 |
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| Day 3 |
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| Day 4 |
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| Day 4 Con't |
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| Day 5 |
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| Day 6 |
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| Day 7 |
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| Day 8 |
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| Day 9 |
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| Day 10 |
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| Day 11 |
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| Day 12 |
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| Day 13 |
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| Day 14 |
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| Day 15 |
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| Day 16 |
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| Day 17 |
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| Day 18 |
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| Day 19 |
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| Day 20 |
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| Day 21 |
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| Day 22 - Ricky's turn |
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| Day 23 |
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Christmas Week: What I Love About Christmas
- the excitement on the kid's faces in the morning
- that our kids actually let us sleep in, well I mean, they aren't up at the crack of dawn like some people
- family time and gatherings
- Christmas Eve service at Church (nothing quite beats the acoustic Silent Night by candlelight)
- being off from work
- having some snow, but no major storm (doesn't look like this is going to happen this year, I think we're having a green Christmas)
- having elf friends that can keep my gifts safe and sound
- de-cluttering and organizing the house
- going through the toy boxes and the kids getting rid of toys to donate to other kids, organizations and this year, to our Sunday school (our toys need to be updated)
- watching Christmas movies
- listening to Christmas songs
- carolling (this never happens the traditional way but we had carolling at the library last night and it was great)
- the excitement that Tanner has for Christmas lights and inflatables
- our health, our families, friends, love, peace and all that jazz!
- that our kids actually let us sleep in, well I mean, they aren't up at the crack of dawn like some people
- family time and gatherings
- Christmas Eve service at Church (nothing quite beats the acoustic Silent Night by candlelight)
- being off from work
- having some snow, but no major storm (doesn't look like this is going to happen this year, I think we're having a green Christmas)
- having elf friends that can keep my gifts safe and sound
- de-cluttering and organizing the house
- going through the toy boxes and the kids getting rid of toys to donate to other kids, organizations and this year, to our Sunday school (our toys need to be updated)
- watching Christmas movies
- listening to Christmas songs
- carolling (this never happens the traditional way but we had carolling at the library last night and it was great)
- the excitement that Tanner has for Christmas lights and inflatables
- our health, our families, friends, love, peace and all that jazz!
Happy Eve of Christmas Eve (??)
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Christmas Week: Baking
Last year, Maddy and I started a Christmas tradition. We spend a day baking, we freeze it and when we're ready, we pack it up in little baggies and walk around the neighbourhood to hand them out (she even had one neighbour offer some money, but she said no, it was our treat). She loves doing it and the recipients are also grateful.
Here is what we made:
Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Icing (our personal touch: crushed candy canes on top)
Cherry Squares (I hate these but they look nice and it's all about variety)
Mint Brownies (basically I made a brownie recipe and I put a package of chopped Andes Mints in the batter and then when they came out of the oven, I put another package on top and let them melt then spread it)
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies (these are my faves)
Shortbread (cuz who doesn't expect shortbread in Christmas baking...my personal touch: I use half the batter plain with a candied cherry on top, then the other half, I grate in some frozen chocolate)
Nanaimo Bars (this was actually my first time making them, and Maddy actually did each step herself)
Chocolate Fudge (the only reason I made this was cuz I had a jar of marshmallow crème I wanted to use up...and the end result, LOVED it)
Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks copy cat)
SKOR Squares (these have a funny story that Maddy seems to tell everyone. I have ZERO counter space, so when this pan came out of the oven, I put it on the kitchen chair to cool...you know where this is heading right? Anyways, I was putting icing on something and I was sick of standing and I went to sit down, only too late and my butt was covered with melted chocolate...they were totally edible still)
I think that was all...I did make our 7 layer squares but they stayed in a container for us, oops! Haha!
We handed out about 12 bags, plus we made some extra tins for teachers and daycare providers.
Once they were packaged, I made this cute little label that we stuck to them all:
Here is what we made:
Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Icing (our personal touch: crushed candy canes on top)
Cherry Squares (I hate these but they look nice and it's all about variety)
Mint Brownies (basically I made a brownie recipe and I put a package of chopped Andes Mints in the batter and then when they came out of the oven, I put another package on top and let them melt then spread it)
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies (these are my faves)
Shortbread (cuz who doesn't expect shortbread in Christmas baking...my personal touch: I use half the batter plain with a candied cherry on top, then the other half, I grate in some frozen chocolate)
Nanaimo Bars (this was actually my first time making them, and Maddy actually did each step herself)
Chocolate Fudge (the only reason I made this was cuz I had a jar of marshmallow crème I wanted to use up...and the end result, LOVED it)
Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks copy cat)
SKOR Squares (these have a funny story that Maddy seems to tell everyone. I have ZERO counter space, so when this pan came out of the oven, I put it on the kitchen chair to cool...you know where this is heading right? Anyways, I was putting icing on something and I was sick of standing and I went to sit down, only too late and my butt was covered with melted chocolate...they were totally edible still)
I think that was all...I did make our 7 layer squares but they stayed in a container for us, oops! Haha!
We handed out about 12 bags, plus we made some extra tins for teachers and daycare providers.
Once they were packaged, I made this cute little label that we stuck to them all:
Do you have certain baking faves that scream "Christmas"?
Monday, December 21, 2015
{Weekend Rewind}
Oh boy, this weekend did not start off well. We were off work on Thursday for Tanner's hearing test (which he passed with flying colors) but we woke up in the morning to a sick boy. But it was weird, he puked once then was okay. We went to his appointment, came home, and he puked again. He rested for the rest of the afternoon but again, was okay otherwise. That evening was Maddy's dance recital so we went to that, came home and went to bed.
Tanner woke up at 11 pm, puking again but again, still no fever or anything other symptoms. Friday morning we had the day off again but this time, Tanner was supposed to go to daycare and Ricky and I were suppose to go and finish shopping....that did not happen.
Friday, instead, we stayed home and I did laundry, and more laundry...and cleaned and disinfected things. I wrapped some gifts that were at home and basically just relaxed. In the afternoon, I picked Maddy up early and we went up to cheer my grandma up and help her decorate her Christmas tree. We did a few groceries and picked up Chinese food for supper. That evening, we went to my other grandparents for cards.
Saturday morning, I was woke up by Maddy screaming cuz Tanner was once again, puking on the stairs. OMG, when will this end. It was only happening once every 24 hours. Anyways, Ricky and Maddy headed to my grandparents to help my dad build something up there while Tanner and I just chilled at home. I made a pan of squares and some shortbread cookies then just putted around home. After Tanner's nap, we headed to my parents place to visit with Rylie (and my sister and brother in law too I guess), had supper and headed home and made a gingerbread house and men (the men were easier and we came to realize that we are NO good at gingerbread houses!)
Sunday morning, we dropped the kids off at my parents and headed to the city to do our shopping. Surprisingly, it wasn't as chaotic as we though, but we went to Ontario and didn't bother in Quebec. 3 hours later, $700 spent, we were all done, everyone checked off! We dropped them off at my elf's home and went to my parents for supper, again! Another early night, watched the Survivor Finale finally and were in bed by 8.
How is Tanner feeling today? Well, he hasn't puked since Saturday morning, but I think it's coming out the other end now....ahhh! He better not pass his germs around!
This week is Christmas week! YAY!
Tanner woke up at 11 pm, puking again but again, still no fever or anything other symptoms. Friday morning we had the day off again but this time, Tanner was supposed to go to daycare and Ricky and I were suppose to go and finish shopping....that did not happen.
Friday, instead, we stayed home and I did laundry, and more laundry...and cleaned and disinfected things. I wrapped some gifts that were at home and basically just relaxed. In the afternoon, I picked Maddy up early and we went up to cheer my grandma up and help her decorate her Christmas tree. We did a few groceries and picked up Chinese food for supper. That evening, we went to my other grandparents for cards.
Saturday morning, I was woke up by Maddy screaming cuz Tanner was once again, puking on the stairs. OMG, when will this end. It was only happening once every 24 hours. Anyways, Ricky and Maddy headed to my grandparents to help my dad build something up there while Tanner and I just chilled at home. I made a pan of squares and some shortbread cookies then just putted around home. After Tanner's nap, we headed to my parents place to visit with Rylie (and my sister and brother in law too I guess), had supper and headed home and made a gingerbread house and men (the men were easier and we came to realize that we are NO good at gingerbread houses!)
Sunday morning, we dropped the kids off at my parents and headed to the city to do our shopping. Surprisingly, it wasn't as chaotic as we though, but we went to Ontario and didn't bother in Quebec. 3 hours later, $700 spent, we were all done, everyone checked off! We dropped them off at my elf's home and went to my parents for supper, again! Another early night, watched the Survivor Finale finally and were in bed by 8.
How is Tanner feeling today? Well, he hasn't puked since Saturday morning, but I think it's coming out the other end now....ahhh! He better not pass his germs around!
This week is Christmas week! YAY!
How was your weekend?
Friday, December 18, 2015
Little Passports
*This posting is not sponsored by Little Passports or anything affiliated with it, these opinions are solely mine and I ordered the kit on my own*
One of the gifts that Maddy will be receiving this Christmas is the monthly subscription to Little Passports. I heard about this a while ago but I wanted to do it when Maddy was more at an "explorer age". I wasn't sure if I was going to physically get it on time for Christmas so it was a toss up between Christmas or her birthday (cuz it's no fun just getting a piece of paper saying "hey, your gift is coming soon"), but on Tuesday, it was in my mail!
I signed her up for the 6 month World Edition Subscription which is for ages 6 -10. It's kind of costly, especially when you add on the exchange rate. It was a flat rate of $83.70 plus $25 shipping to Canada and then with the exchange rate, I think it was $137 total for the 6 months.
The first month you get the Explorer Kit. Inside you get:
One of the gifts that Maddy will be receiving this Christmas is the monthly subscription to Little Passports. I heard about this a while ago but I wanted to do it when Maddy was more at an "explorer age". I wasn't sure if I was going to physically get it on time for Christmas so it was a toss up between Christmas or her birthday (cuz it's no fun just getting a piece of paper saying "hey, your gift is coming soon"), but on Tuesday, it was in my mail!
I signed her up for the 6 month World Edition Subscription which is for ages 6 -10. It's kind of costly, especially when you add on the exchange rate. It was a flat rate of $83.70 plus $25 shipping to Canada and then with the exchange rate, I think it was $137 total for the 6 months.
The first month you get the Explorer Kit. Inside you get:
- the signature blue suitcase
- her very own passport
- Wall-sized world map
- A welcome letter from new pen pals Sam & Sofia
- Stickers, photo and activity sheet
- Plus access to online games in the Boarding Zone
For 6 months, she will receive a new package every month that she can add to her suitcase. I have the list of countries she will get for the next 6 months but don't have them off hand. I know the last one is Australia. Every month she will get:
- Letters from Sam & Sofia
- Fun souvenirs
- Activity sheets
- Stickers for your suitcase, passport & map
- Photos
- Access to Boarding Zone for more online games
Happy Weekend!
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Throwback Thursday
I am off today, so this blog was done yesterday.
I am throwing it back to Elves of Past again...except using yesterday's as the main one because I got lots of feedback from it haha!
2013, on December 16th, Cutie was playing Pass the Ace with Santa and Mrs. Claus
2014, on December 16th, Cutie was hiding in the fridge, crammed into a Mason jar...
2015, on December 16th, Cutie was hiding in the fridge again, crammed into a water bottle (and I didn't even know it was done on the same day haha, just a coincidence when I did this blog).
I am throwing it back to Elves of Past again...except using yesterday's as the main one because I got lots of feedback from it haha!
2013, on December 16th, Cutie was playing Pass the Ace with Santa and Mrs. Claus
2014, on December 16th, Cutie was hiding in the fridge, crammed into a Mason jar...
2015, on December 16th, Cutie was hiding in the fridge again, crammed into a water bottle (and I didn't even know it was done on the same day haha, just a coincidence when I did this blog).
Happy Thursday!
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
What I'm Loving Wednesday
- yesterday we had our annual Christmas dinner for the kids at the school...it's always so nice to see them so excited
- being off most of the week, I was only at work on Monday and today
- finishing off Christmas shopping on Friday
- got all my baking done
- that Christmas is quickly approaching
- I received my last Christmas gift that was ordered online...I wasn't sure if I was going to keep it for Maddy's birthday but I think I'll give it to her for Christmas. We got her the monthly subscription to Little Passports
- the weather
- we get to see Rylie this weekend
- that for the first time in forever, I do not have to work between Christmas and New Years
- trying to teach myself to play the ukulele...easier said than done...ouff!
- because there are only two of us in the office, more money in my pockets cuz we don't have Christmas parties and we don't have Secret Santa exchanges
- being off most of the week, I was only at work on Monday and today
- finishing off Christmas shopping on Friday
- got all my baking done
- that Christmas is quickly approaching
- I received my last Christmas gift that was ordered online...I wasn't sure if I was going to keep it for Maddy's birthday but I think I'll give it to her for Christmas. We got her the monthly subscription to Little Passports
- the weather
- we get to see Rylie this weekend
- that for the first time in forever, I do not have to work between Christmas and New Years
- trying to teach myself to play the ukulele...easier said than done...ouff!
- because there are only two of us in the office, more money in my pockets cuz we don't have Christmas parties and we don't have Secret Santa exchanges
Happy Wednesday!
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Canadian Blogger Ornament Swap 2015
I am not sure how long I have been participating in the Canadian Blogger Ornament Swap, but it has been AT LEAST 3 consecutive years and I really enjoy it. I love it because it's within Canada. When I first started blogging, I would participate in some swaps that were going on but I would have to ship to the States and it got costly.
This year in the exchange, I was matched with Christy who lives in Calgary. I immediately touched base with her and tried to see what she liked - get a sense of some Christmas theme's she had going on but she basically replied with "we just love Christmas, anything goes". Great. She did give me a little help that she likes Hello Kitty! Every time I was out, I looked for the "perfect" ornament(s).
I received her package on Friday, December 4th and I couldn't wait to get home to rip it open and see what was inside (I am sure we all love getting presents as opposed to telephone bills). When I got home and opened it, it was exactly my Christmas style.
I love these little ornaments. They immediately found a place on our little tree. I think they were hand crafted or bought from a craft fair. Along side the ornaments, a big candy cane that naturally my 3 year old took right away!
Thanks to Leigh and Lindsey for organizing it again!
This year in the exchange, I was matched with Christy who lives in Calgary. I immediately touched base with her and tried to see what she liked - get a sense of some Christmas theme's she had going on but she basically replied with "we just love Christmas, anything goes". Great. She did give me a little help that she likes Hello Kitty! Every time I was out, I looked for the "perfect" ornament(s).
I received her package on Friday, December 4th and I couldn't wait to get home to rip it open and see what was inside (I am sure we all love getting presents as opposed to telephone bills). When I got home and opened it, it was exactly my Christmas style.
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| Silly Kitty Card / Ornaments / Candy Cane (she wrote me a note to say that their family Christmas cards weren't ready on time) |
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| Snowman |
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| Santa |
Thank you so much Christy - I loved it! I wish you a great Christmas with your family...especially with it being Ellie's First Christmas! Take it all in and capture all the memories!
Thanks to Leigh and Lindsey for organizing it again!
Monday, December 14, 2015
{Weekend Rewind}
Friday night - cards was cancelled so we just stayed home I think...I can't remember Friday night haha!
Saturday - my mom, Maddy and I were on the road at 8:30 and heading to Pembroke...that eventually turned into Petawawa. I wanted more of those leggings I picked up last weekend, so I made the trek. We had some running around to do anyways, so we decided to head in that direction. Such a long drive though. After Petawawa, we stopped at Value Village where I got two dresses and a DVD/VCR combo so that Maddy can watch some old VHS I have. We stopped for a bite to eat then ventured into the packed malls and stores. I don't even want to talk about that....I was exhausted. I hate shopping, especially this time of year. I got what I needed and got the hell out of there. Maddy did her annual Dollarama shopping (which cost $130) LOL. We were finally home at like 3:30 - at home long enough to drop my stuff off then we headed over to my parents for a good supper of deep fried foods! Wings, fries, potato wedges and onion rings. After supper, we got dressed and headed outside with friends to watch our Santa Parade. The weather was great. We didn't have to bundle up, it was the perfect parade watching weather. After the parade, we headed to the Hall to see Santa and then went home.
Sunday - the kids and I got dressed and headed to Church. Once lunch was over, Maddy and I baked all afternoon. I was late starting this but we got lots done. I like to make little packages up to go with the teacher's gifts and stuff. We made: shortbread (2 ways), Nanaimo Bars, Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Icing and crushed candy canes, Skor Bars, Mint Brownies and Cherry Squares. There are some things I want to still make but that will happen this week. Right after baking, I started supper and then it was an early night of baths then we all watched Christmas with the Kranks.
Back to the grind today although I have an easy week...I am only at work today and Wednesday!
Saturday - my mom, Maddy and I were on the road at 8:30 and heading to Pembroke...that eventually turned into Petawawa. I wanted more of those leggings I picked up last weekend, so I made the trek. We had some running around to do anyways, so we decided to head in that direction. Such a long drive though. After Petawawa, we stopped at Value Village where I got two dresses and a DVD/VCR combo so that Maddy can watch some old VHS I have. We stopped for a bite to eat then ventured into the packed malls and stores. I don't even want to talk about that....I was exhausted. I hate shopping, especially this time of year. I got what I needed and got the hell out of there. Maddy did her annual Dollarama shopping (which cost $130) LOL. We were finally home at like 3:30 - at home long enough to drop my stuff off then we headed over to my parents for a good supper of deep fried foods! Wings, fries, potato wedges and onion rings. After supper, we got dressed and headed outside with friends to watch our Santa Parade. The weather was great. We didn't have to bundle up, it was the perfect parade watching weather. After the parade, we headed to the Hall to see Santa and then went home.
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| Watching the Parade |
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| Hey Santa! |
Back to the grind today although I have an easy week...I am only at work today and Wednesday!
How was your weekend?
Friday, December 11, 2015
Christmas Gifts
This year I am more organized when it comes to Christmas shopping and presents. I have a list...I update it every time a Christmas gift is bought so that I can keep track and this will (hopefully) avoid over buying. I have it in a spread sheet so that I can make a quick total to make sure that the kids are some what evenly proportioned.
We had a lot of trouble this year buying gifts mainly because our kids don't really ask for anything. They aren't greedy either and aren't those kids that ask for everything on the commercials, I like to think that they are just satisfied with whatever "Santa" brings them. I basically have to put ideas into their heads regarding the gifts that were already bought just so that I see excitement in their faces on Christmas morning and not frowns haha!
This year I decided to do this idea...each child gets:
This is actually called the 4 Gift Christmas Challenge and although I would love to say that this is all they will be getting...unfortunately, not this year. However as a guideline, these 4 things were what mattered...the rest, were just "fill in the blank items" and to be honest, amount of presents and the money spent, I don't think we went overboard at all.
As they get older, I think this Challenge will be more appreciated but for now, we let our kids be kids and open all sorts of presents. The thing with kids, I can buy Tanner a $3 truck and he will love it, it's just another present to rip open Christmas morning.
I know that my kids will appreciate whatever they get. They not only get presents from "Santa" and us, they get gifts from many aunts and uncles, grand parents, great grandparents and daycares, so they are well.
We had a lot of trouble this year buying gifts mainly because our kids don't really ask for anything. They aren't greedy either and aren't those kids that ask for everything on the commercials, I like to think that they are just satisfied with whatever "Santa" brings them. I basically have to put ideas into their heads regarding the gifts that were already bought just so that I see excitement in their faces on Christmas morning and not frowns haha!
This year I decided to do this idea...each child gets:
1) Something they WANT
2) Something they NEED
3) Something to WEAR
4) Something to READ
This is actually called the 4 Gift Christmas Challenge and although I would love to say that this is all they will be getting...unfortunately, not this year. However as a guideline, these 4 things were what mattered...the rest, were just "fill in the blank items" and to be honest, amount of presents and the money spent, I don't think we went overboard at all.
As they get older, I think this Challenge will be more appreciated but for now, we let our kids be kids and open all sorts of presents. The thing with kids, I can buy Tanner a $3 truck and he will love it, it's just another present to rip open Christmas morning.
I know that my kids will appreciate whatever they get. They not only get presents from "Santa" and us, they get gifts from many aunts and uncles, grand parents, great grandparents and daycares, so they are well.
Happy Shopping for anyone that is brave enough to venture out to stores and malls this close to Christmas!!
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Thankful Thursday
I am thankful for:
- online shopping (even if the odd orders goes missing like mine, it ended up showing up the next day...makes me wonder however...they couldn't find it anywhere...oh well that is Canada Post for ya)
- one strike day as opposed to three like the French school board (not liking this whole work to rule thing and I am getting mad at our teachers)
- no snow...I give Mother Nature permission to snow on Christmas Eve, but just enough for us to be happy, not enough that people have to go out and plow and miss Christmas memories
- large family gatherings...this year we are combining like all our families together and having a potluck...I made the list yesterday and it just seems a lot less stress
- Funky Leggingz - I bought a pair last weekend at a Craft Sale and holy moly comfy...they don't sag in the crotch, they are just so comfy, it feels like you aren't wearing anything really.
- this time of year getting exciting mail in the mailbox as opposed to junk and bills!
- daycare providers as I am always thankful for them. Maddy decided to not go to one daycare provider yesterday and was just going to go to work with Ricky, but when we dropped Tanner off, Sophie said she could stay, so she did (she was going to see a little boy that went to daycare with her when they were little)
- free things from said daycare provider. Every night it seems that Sophie has something new for us - this week has been a bathroom organizer, a Keurig machine and a 3 bag laundry sorter cart thingy...
- a Brownie break...last night was their Christmas party and now they are on break until January 12th - no more rushing around on Tuesday nights!
- online shopping (even if the odd orders goes missing like mine, it ended up showing up the next day...makes me wonder however...they couldn't find it anywhere...oh well that is Canada Post for ya)
- one strike day as opposed to three like the French school board (not liking this whole work to rule thing and I am getting mad at our teachers)
- no snow...I give Mother Nature permission to snow on Christmas Eve, but just enough for us to be happy, not enough that people have to go out and plow and miss Christmas memories
- large family gatherings...this year we are combining like all our families together and having a potluck...I made the list yesterday and it just seems a lot less stress
- Funky Leggingz - I bought a pair last weekend at a Craft Sale and holy moly comfy...they don't sag in the crotch, they are just so comfy, it feels like you aren't wearing anything really.
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| Got these ones - $25...one size fits 2-10 |
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| Matching shirt cuz I always have a hard time getting shirts that fit right with leggings - this was $30 |
- this time of year getting exciting mail in the mailbox as opposed to junk and bills!
- daycare providers as I am always thankful for them. Maddy decided to not go to one daycare provider yesterday and was just going to go to work with Ricky, but when we dropped Tanner off, Sophie said she could stay, so she did (she was going to see a little boy that went to daycare with her when they were little)
- free things from said daycare provider. Every night it seems that Sophie has something new for us - this week has been a bathroom organizer, a Keurig machine and a 3 bag laundry sorter cart thingy...
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| This is the laundry sorter we got...first night and Cutie used it! |
- a Brownie break...last night was their Christmas party and now they are on break until January 12th - no more rushing around on Tuesday nights!
What are you thankful for?
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