Norah playing piano. She had been singing Christmas carols while playing...but then Ruby came by doing her best Swiper the Fox impression. (hence the grunting and "heh heh heh" in the background)

Christmas

We haven't had a chance to update since Christmas. Time just flew by on Christmas Day, and we didn't pack our camera cord when we traveled.

We woke the kids up on Christmas morning (we have a schedule to keep, with Church at 10). They had a blast opening gifts - they are in their stockings in the picture above.

After church in the morning, we loaded up the van and drove down to Nanny's house in the city. It was a nice drive, and SO nice to arrive to an already made Christmas dinner. We opened a few more gifts, including the surprise Wii. There was much excitement, but the kids eventually went to sleep that night, in their new sleeping bags. While at Nanny's, there was some shopping, a trip to the Fun Factory and the Enchanted Forest (drive through light display), lots of playtime and snacks. Lots of fun. A great Christmas, indeed.





Here is Ruby, stripping down to put on the new clothes from Jack and Grace.


The girls in their new dresses from Nanna and Poppie. Ruby is proudly holding her push ladybug toy from Gramma D.


The kids at Nanny's house, in their new sleeping bags, camped out on the floor.

the children were nestled all snug in their beds

or at least, in their sister's bed. This is how I found the girls tonight once all was quiet.


Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Church tonight

Christmas Eve is always a crazy night here. I won't go into detail (really, you don't want the full details... It was a nice service, and mom only had to climb under the bathroom stall divider once when Norah locked herself in while stuck on the toilet. Ruby was upset because she couldn't find "baby Jesus" at first, then she dragged the poor doll all over.

At least she was paying attention, and yelled "baby Jesus" when Rob was talking about her previous day's theft of the baby from the manger.

Isaac has a mild fever right now, so we're praying he's feeling better by morning, and that Rob gets home safely from his other service.





baby Jesus thief!











I just think Isaac looks "too cool" here. That's Kevin on the left. He's lots of fun, and so are his parents.

the Pageant

The cast, note the dressed up moms.

a shepherd, 2 wise men, 4 angels, Mary, a cow, a donkey and a star













Isaac doing his bible verse reading. He did very well.


After the pageant, Ruby took off with baby Jesus (she tried to take the whole manger). We took the kids over to the hall to start the party, and Ruby used the baby Jesus as a weapon. What an angel...




Decorating the tree. They also had lunch, which was somewhat healthy (even though all the kids had a homing device for the sugar). They got to destroy the gingerbread house and all received books and gift bags. It was a great success.

Isaac's school concert was this afternoon. We all went and had a great time.
















Here is a video of the K/1 immersion kids in action. Isaac is in a red sweater and black pants, and is on the shorter side. Watch for him almost walking into the chair.

In this pic, he's right at the top of the stairs.

Note the posting spree! Scroll down for lots of pics

Ballet!

Norah's ballet class had their 'open house' today. Fun! We all went to watch our favorite little ballerina in action. She was so cute! She's the blonde with the ponytail in black and pink, if you aren't picking her out easily.








what is really neat is getting to watch "Miss Kate" in action...especially because Miss Kate is ALSO Mme G, and Isaac's kindergarten teacher. Norah and Isaac both adore Miss Kate/Mme G.

Bethlehem walk

One of the churches in town where our other church is hosts an annual "Bethlehem walk". We headed out there last Friday night.

How neat! They had some people dress up as characters from the nativity story, and sharing their story with us. Then they had a marketplace, where you could sign the census, get some shekels and 'purchase' things like hand made tree ornaments, mandarin oranges, candles and hotdogs (that you could roast on the bonfire outside). The kids thought it was really neat, especially when the women at the live animal booth - really - let them pet the little white bunny. There were sheep, a chicken, a piglet, goats, a duck and the cutest bunny you ever did see. Then we went back inside for snacks and entertainment. Fun night!

Not great pics, but it was dark!

Christmas preparations all over the place

Gingerbread man decorating in Sunday School

























Gingerbread house decorating at home. We used a kit, as the kids aren't gingerbread connoisseurs enough to warrant making one from scratch.






















The tree - look, it's low down this year! We may get a full sized one next year and not have to worry too much. The kids did all the ornament hanging.

what is most likely to drive a small handful of adult women to drink?

pageant rehearsal.

8 children. 2 one year olds, a two year old, 2 three year olds, one age 4, age 5 and age 7. 8 excited children, who find their costume accessories to be great weapons - and we didn't even let the shepherd near his crook. Teach them a short, basic song, have them walk and sit. Play some bells.

who knew it would be that crazy?

Perhaps next Sunday will start early with the moms enjoying coffee with Irish cream...I mean creamer!

They will be adorable. The grown up sized angels, not so much.

Where the wild things are

Apparently, the wild things are at our house. Baby in a cage!


Actually, they are playing monkey, and it's Ruby's turn to be the monkey. I don't get it, but they find it hilarious.

humorous and irreverent

Bad nativity scenes

you've been warned.

the good, the bad, and the ugly

good:

- Christmas preparations are nearing completion. Tree is up, things need to get mailed, but are almost ready. Christmas pageant is almost complete and ready to rehearse this weekend.

- It's stopped snowing, finally, and has warmed up a bit. Only -15 today.

- there are some delicious gingerbread cookies in the cookie jar, thanks to a kid/mom effort yesterday afternoon. they smell divine.


bad:

- hot water heater may have died today. nice.


ugly:

- Ruby's near black eye, after a small run in with either the dehumidifier in the basement, OR a hockey stick. The kids aren't filling in the details.

get me out of the kitchen!

This has been a week of baking. Our church had our annual "cookie walk" today. I brought 21 dozen cookies, 3 different varieties, plus have another 3 dozen egg nog drops for our post-Christmas party. Isaac's school had a turkey dinner for the students on Friday - and the K students were delegated desserts. Another batch of cookies - this time we did multi color honey cut outs (red and green, of course). Then for the cookie walk bake table, I did a cherry pound cake and decorated cupcakes. We're doing a lunch after church this Sunday, so I did up cupcakes for the kids too. Plus, I'm bringing a big pot of soup for lunch after church too.

Cupcakes, anyone?

A little Christmas Cheer to share

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1238076341

violating child labor laws?

Ruby woke up from her nap and wanted to join in on the tidying that Isaac and mom were doing. I guess letting her run the vacuum keeps her from being afraid of it.

random pics

Norah after ballet class. One of our many, many snowy days.

note the snow in the van, it didn't melt. You know it's cold when you can sweep the snow out of the van.








Reading together. Note the summery clothes. We're trying to hide the summer stuff, but they keep finding more. Parents are putting on sweaters, and kids run around in short sleeves. Makes no sense.








Storytime with Dad.











Mom's project for the front entrance. It holds at least 4 snowsuits and accessories.

In retrospect, buying it earlier in the year and starting the staining process before the temperatures dropped below 0 would have been a good idea. Hard to do a good job when you can't feel your fingers.

Christmas is on the horizon

so I changed up our look for the season. At least, it's wintery for now. More tweaking to come.

You may have noticed that there is, once again, a little wish list for the kids on the right hand side. You may find there isn't that much on it. After the last 2 birthdays, and subsequent gift piles, we're actually rather panicked - heart palpitations - about the idea of more toys in the house. All three children have lots of clothes (to the extreme) and we're not really needing anything right now for them. What a blessing that is! Between feeling as though we are living with great abundance, most things seem to be recalled these days. If it's made in China, it seems to contain lead paint, or be a choking hazard. Trying to actually come up with a wish list is hard work. The only 'big ticket' item that the kids could really use is a bigger playhouse for the yard, but that's for months (gasp! months!) from now.

not for the squeamish

there have been a few too many injuries here lately. In the space of a week, each child has had one major owie. Most involving profuse quantities of blood.

Last Tuesday, Ruby bit partway through her tongue. Lots of blood. All contained in bathtub, thankfully.

Saturday, Isaac fell in tub (hmm, trend?) and did some damage. He bit partially through his lip and has loosened his top two teeth. Trip to dentist to follow. As mom was out, dad dealt with the blood - not his strongest suit. Apparently the bathtub was reminiscent of a scene in Psycho. Ew.

Yesterday, Norah took a big fall while playing chase with Ruby. Massive goose egg on her forehead where she connected with a door frame.

This has not been a great week. AND it's been snowing almost non stop since Saturday.

Ruby's new expression

Generally said while on the change table....

"taller than you!"

She finds it very exciting to be taller than someone. The hard part of being the youngest must be always being the shortest.

yesterday's crafty activity

they were too busy painting to look at the camera. We were painting toilet paper rolls, Norah wanted to make a castle. Then they got bored and moved on. Anyone want some partially painted toilet paper rolls?

conversation tidbits

Norah "mom, when I grow up, I'm going to be a woman like your"
Mom "yes, sweetie, you will"
Norah "not like daddy. I don't want to be like daddy"
Mom "why not like daddy?"
Norah "I don't want to have a beard. I love daddy, but I don't want a beard"

fair enough.

winter's influence

it's only been snowy for a few days, and already we're climbing the walls.


Ok, it's really just Isaac who is climbing the walls. See?

and winter is here

It's pretty much official now. We have about 3 inches of snow outside, it's cold AND Rob got the snow tires put on his car today. The kids got to do some "snow angeling"...and they ate a lot of it too.

<<< "mom! the snow is blowing into our eyes!"







That's a better shot!

"Hey mom...

can we go snow angeling today??"

That was the first question after this first, early morning look out the windows.















Sure we can...and now mom and dad get to fit in some appointments to change over our vehicle tires from all season to snow. Makes us long for the days when the first snowfall was really exciting, instead of a reminder that winter is long.

goodbye...

Fall. Farewell for another year. It was lovely, but short. You came, you turned the leaves beautiful colours, then they dropped to the ground. Now winter has pushed it's way in early and rudely, and we will see you next year, Fall.

We broke out the winter coats and boots today. It's currently snowing.

pics of the girls from today

Ruby wore one of her new outfits today. She loved it...but didn't want her picture taken.


















She *really* didn't want her picture taken.












the cheesy grin

birthday fun!

the days around Ruby's birthday were busy this year. Playgroup, activities here and there, Halloween, and a visit from Nanny and Poppie!


all dressed for the playgroup party. Butterfly and Bug with princess Emma.








The ladybug cake was very well received. Once she figured out what it was, she was really excited. Blowing out the candle was a tough job.











We all enjoyed cake and ice cream...well, at least all of us who like ice cream.

ok, and to be honest, the kids really just like icing.








present time! Ruby modeling part of a new outfit. She got lots of great clothes, 'babies' and baby accessories to play with and books too. Luck little 2 year old.










Norah showing off her new princess accessories, including high heels, which she has almost mastered walking in. "Just not on the stairs, I don't wear them on the stairs"

something is in the fridge

it's Ruby's birthday cake! Not too bad looking for only the third cake mom has decorated, eh?

time goes so fast. Fall is here, mornings are chilly and frosty, afternoons are warm, but there is chill in the sunshine. We rush off to outings, school, playdates, dance class, church. We're making more 'comfort food' type meals, things that fit the fall weather better, stews, soups, fruit crisps.

Ruby is sleeping in her 'big girl' toddler bed, and is talking non-stop, wants to do everything Norah does, and is convinced the world's problems can be solved with a block of ice.

Norah has fully, finally embraced potty training - thank you Hello Kitty underwear. Honestly, it was like a switch was flipped, and what a change! We're not all the way yet, but we are so close. Apparently, she only likes pink and purple now. I asked when that happened, "yesterday, mom, yesterday".

Isaac is full of French words, makes all sorts of signs to post in his room, and likes to imitate his school's bell...much to the annoyance of his parents. He must be preparing for a growth spurt, because that boy can EAT these days.

Mom and Dad? We are busy all the time. Work, kids, ideas in the works for new things going on, planning and talking out ideas...all while running off to swimming or getting Isaac to and from school.

Fall is here, and all too soon it will be winter. Time with little children does go so fast.

Road trip - from the backseat

This is me. Mom and dad put me in the car really early one morning. This could be fun, I never ride in Dad's car. They gave me a muffin, which I shredded in anticipation of our day. Mom said that was gross.










They must have had coffee along the way, because they were in good moods. They talked a lot, that was boring.










I had to look out the window at stuff like this. It got boring, so I napped a bit. Sometimes though, there were birds. I like birds.









We drove, and drove, and drove. We finally stopped and went to a house with a little dog named Georgia. Mom and Dad visited with the dog's people, and I liked to try to kiss the dog. Mom said that was gross too. Then I fell asleep. The next morning, that cold, white stuff was all over the car. Dad scraped it while Mom said it was her turn to drive, then they got coffee. Again with the coffee - I much prefer apple juice.




At least the scenery was different today.













I tried to show Mom the mountains. Then I fell asleep.












Then we stopped so we could stretch our legs. There were dogs there, so I didn't have time to look at the camera. Dogs, people, dogs to look at!

We kept driving, and then I got carsick. Those mountains are twisty.



Then we finally stopped. We went to a place called a hotel. It had a couple of big beds to jump on and a 'wimming pool. There were also a couple of Mom and Dad's friends there. They played with me, but the tall one kept trying to take my shoes and saying they were his. I may not be quite 2, but I wasn't born yesterday, there is no way my shoes are his style. Dad left for a bit to go to a church, and then we went to meet him at a restaurant for something called a rehearsal dinner. I thought it would be boring, until I realized there was another girl there to play with!


She was 3 and really grown up, because she had a job called "flower girl". We played with stickers that mom brought, and then we colored, then we danced. Oh, and we also spilled a whole cup of apple juice, but then we cleaned it up ourselves. Mom said that could have been gross, but we were helpful.




The next day, I hardly saw Dad at all. Mom said he was busy being a "best man". I always think he's the best man, but whatever. Mom also said he was terribly handsome in his tuxedo. I was confused because we were in a church, but Dad wasn't doing the talking or wearing his usual clothes.

Mike and Martiza looked nice, and I though her dress would be fun for dressup time.



Then we had party time. I got to play with the little girl from yesterday again, and we ran and ran, and danced and danced, and I ate lots of ice cubes. We took off our shoes and put them on our hands, that was fun. The people Mom sat with were very nice, and I'm pretty sure that they fed me more treats than Mom knew about - there were m&m's on the table! Daddy was up front doing some talking. I was confused because I could hear him, but not see him, so I tried to yell for him, but Mom told me not to. So I ate more ice cubes.




Then I got to dance with Daddy. He said I made him dizzy because I ran around him in circles. Then my friend went home, and I was sad. Mom said I was tired and held me in her arms for a bit. I thought we were going to our room, but this photos says otherwise.














The next thing I know, I woke up in one of the big beds and it was morning. I know it was morning because it was light. Mom said that I slept in my dress and tights and that made me a real party girl. I don't know what that meant, but it was really confusing to still be in last night's clothes.

That was a fun trip, just me and Mom and Dad. We had another day to play at the hotel and go 'wimming. Then we got in the car and drove and drove again. They stopped and did some shopping, but that was boring. It was nice to get home again and get out of the car already. I liked riding in Daddy's car, but I don't think I want to go that far again. I was so happy to see Isaac and Norah, and Nanny too. I think if it weren't for the ice cubes, the 'wimming pool and the dogs I might have been jealous that Isaac and Norah got to stay with Nanny.