Happy New Year!!

This has been a great Christmas season.  Dave had 10 days off and spent it all with the kids.  He took them skiing and to the farm.  Moved cows. Played Lego and board games. The best part was he never once ask what my plans were, he just took the kids.  It was a vacation for me for sure.  The kids have loved every minute of it.  Today we did a clean the house day.  I have never been knocked out with a cold before but I sure was yesterday and most of today.  Dave ended up taking down all the decorations and doing most of the laundry.  The kids helped a lot.  I had to work at noon.  We then went out to a movie with the Puzey clan and our traditional Chinese.  After the movie we ran Cora back to the house so she could get picked up for babysitting, then we went back to the restaurant.  Leah has gone to Emry's for a sleep over and we are hanging out with Blake.  We told him to get used to it, this is what every night will be like when Leah graduates. :) We have had many great things happen this year and some trials to go through but such is life and hopefully we are stronger because of it.  We toasted the New Year in with some 7-up at 9:23:) I hope every one has a really great New Year.

Merry Christmas 2012

Our Christmas morning started early.  The night before Blake and Cora went outside to scatter "reindeer food"  in the snow.  Dave got up at 4:30 to grab a broom to put "reindeer tracks" where they had scattered the food.  We did fall back asleep until 7.  Then the kids slowly started waking up.  They started the day by coming in our room and singing 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas', all the verses.  Because I had breakfast in the crock pot I actually convinced them to eat first.  It was right ready and only took 5 min to eat and throw the dishes in the sink.  This worked great for me because they were full and nobody bugged me about stocking candy for a couple hours.  Perfect.  It was a great Christmas.  We all got spoiled even though we had cut back this year.  It doesn't take much to make them happy.

Cora got her camera with memory card and case.

Leah got her Maplelea doll with bed and clothes.

Blake got a Kre-O(which is totally compatible with Lego but a lot less money and Dave likes the people better) form of Devastator with a Lego technic 4-wheeler a scripture case and backpack.

After playing for a while and showers we headed to HillSpring.  There we had our traditional Mexican feast then my parents had rented the school gym and we played basketball for a couple hours.

Mom did play a bit with us, but Dad was not feeling to well.  Nasty cold going around.

After our calorie burn we went back to the house for snacks and chatting.  It was a great day.  We did wonder every once in a while what the Puzey's were doing since they were all together for Christmas also.  We were sorry we had missed it and am glad we will see them at New Year's.  Boxing day we just stay at home and played with new gifts.  Dave spent the day building with Blake and working on our building permits, location, and such.  Leah we barely saw.  Cora tried all sorts of buttons and read parts of her camera manual.  This morning early they all took off to go skiing.  I have to work today.  I hope they have a great time and all come back safe and sound.

Christmas Eve

It was a little to cold to do our traditional ski trip on Christmas Eve so we stayed around here instead.  My parents had given us a Pre-paid Visa card for Christmas and we decided to us that to take the kids out.  Dave started the bed for Leah's doll Monday morning.  We got that part way done I got measurements and started the blanket and pillows.  Around 11 we set out to Lethbridge.  We had a few last minute fresh ingredients to get then we tried the new restaurant Cora's in town.  It was really good.  Everyone liked what they got.  Next we headed over to the Mill to watch a movie.  Then home.  Dave and I worked on our projects until they were done.  We played a bunch of games.  Cora and I where doing push-ups and crunches while it was other peoples turn.  Blake took a bathroom break and it was the turn for squats, he took so long in the bathroom I thought I was going to die.  A little sore the next day, but it was fun.  We did the nativity (everyone had multiple parts:) then set out our stockings.  Leah had made Dave and I Santa and Mrs. Claus hats for Christmas Eve.  This year their Eve presents ended up being books.  My kids love to read and do so every night before bed.  We thought it would be a perfect gift.  Blake love his so much we had a hard time getting him to open his first gift the next morning because he was reading.  The kids got their beds ready in Leah's room and settled down to read and go to sleep.  I had decided to make an crock pot breakfast.  I did not want to cook the next morning at all.  Dave and I got that ready and in the crock pot then off to bed for us as well.  It was a different Christmas Eve but we had just as much fun. 

Involved Sunday

We had a very involved Sunday.  The kids and Dave had two songs that they sang in the choir.  Blake and Leah did a song with the Primary.  I have a talk and Leah was asked to read some scriptures.  All in Sacrament meeting.  I had someone say to me after 'Wow, Puzey's today huh?'  They all did really good.  I was proud of Leah.  She was only slightly nervous.  I then did Sharing Time and Dave of course taught his class.  We are relaxing and have played Uno with the kids.  Now Leah and Cora are designing, story of our lives:)  Blake is playing with magnets.  We have some fun stuff planned for tomorrow and then CHRISTMAS.  Can you believe it?  I hope everyone has a really great holiday.  Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas Concert

This year the school did 'The Grinch'.  It was fun doing Leah's hair.  Although it did not survive the night.  Barely survived getting in the car;)  The kids did great on their songs and I think they had fun.  Blake said it was very embarrassing, but he never told us why.

At noon we have Dave's work party.  Tonight is the Champion Christmas Party.  This is always well done and we really look forward to going to it.  I can't believe that Christmas is so close.  Last day of school for the kids today.  Blake and Leah had Christmas parties Wednesday and Cora is watching a movie in the gym today.  Then off for two weeks.

Basketball Begins!!!!

I always knew that given the chance Cora could be good at basketball.  I'm not saying the best but who knows.  Last night was her official first game of the season.  They had 5 1/2 players because a few girls where sick. (1/2 player because she floats and is only allowed to play limited time)  The girls they played against are a strong team and really tall.  Coalhurst did full press the entire game and kept ahead.  They won by 10 points.  Cora got a basket.  She is doing way better this year.  Not so timid.  She boxed out great a number of times so her teammates got a basket.  And she is jumping for rebounds.  Big improvement from last year. She also told me she is having a lot of fun.  I'm so glad. :)  I just got asked to coach Leah's team in the Elementary.  Myrna was at the game last night and said something, I can't remember, that got us thinking and if it works out Dave is going to coach with me.  He is great with kids.  That would be so much fun to spend that time together doing something we love.  Can't wait!

Today at Leah and Blake's school was red and green day.  I knew this day was coming and was excited for all the things I was going to have Leah do.  I planned a month ago.  As it turned out we had 15 mins this morning to pull it all together. (Yesterday I was standing in the store at 10:30 in the morning and was so tired I was tempted to lay down right in the aisleland sleep.  With work, school, and church stuff I feel like I don't sleep and with Dave and I coughing all night we sometimes literally don't)  Anyways with all that I had not got it done yet.  It didn't turn out as cute as I had hope because of time.  Leah's tree is to low.  We did clean up her nails after the picture and I couldn't find eyes for the reindeer on her hair.  But she was happy and that is the main thing.

Blake only had a red shirt and we used green washable marker to make some trees on his cheeks. But he didn't want a picture taken.

Thanks to all the great Christmas Eve ideas.  I loved all of them.  I appreciate the help.

Thank You!!

Leah's Christmas would not have happened, or happened as easy, if not for many people.  So here is my thank you. To Myrna, Grandma Southam, and mom for getting rid of fabric that they no longer wanted.  I hardly had to buy anything.  For Natalie who is knitting me slippers to go with the pj's.  And especially to my mom, who years ago signed me up for sewing lessons and then gave me a sewing machine.  I can't tell you how many times those lessons and machine have helped me.  Oh and also to Diana who told me about free patterns online. I still have a few things I would like to make, like brown cords, but that can all be done later.  I also found a free shoe pattern and am going to attempt that next week.  Remember don't say anything to Leah until after Christmas;)

Also thank you to my great family.  Yesterday was my turn for the stomach flu.  Cora and Blake worked together to make lunches and breakfast.  Cora did dished.  Blake brought me apple juice and crackers. They all made sure they got to school on time.  Leah made the after school snack and put all back packs and coats away.  Dave and Blake did dinner and dishes.   I am a total wimp when it come to throwing up.  I can manage through headaches, surgery with no pain killers after, and others but the flu turns me into a wimp every time.  I can't talk on the phone of barely sit up.  I have no idea what I did when my kids where little.  I only remember calling my mom one time.  I guess we do what we have to:) Or I have a bad memory.

Here at Our House

Dave surprised us all yesterday when he came home with a tree.  I didn't know when we were going to get a chance to get one.  It wasn't to cold and the tree came down right away.  So we were able to decorate it.

Cora is becoming our resident photographer.  She took more pictures then she put on decorations.  Again she does have some good ones though.

It was Leah's turn this year for the star.  They get so excited it is funny.  Such a little tradition that I have no idea how it started. Dave said it is also tradition that he lift them up, they aren't allowed to stand on a chair:)

We, along with the rest of the country apparently, have been doing the flu rounds this weekend at our house. It started with Blake, moved to Leah and yesterday it was Dave's turn.  I am hoping that with this lovely intense cold I have that my white blood cells are overactive and just fighting everything.  I guess we will see in a few more days.

Leah has had a pain in her middle right side ribs for about 6 months.  We have tried everything we can think of, bed bumps, volleyball was stretching it, underwear to tight, etc.  I finally took her to the doctor yesterday.  They took x-rays and we will see what those say.  He thinks that it is just an inflammation that has been repeatedly irritated because I never gave her any meds for it.  So she has to take 2 Advil 3x a day for a week.  That is a lot of chemicals going in my little girls body.  I hope it helps.  He also told me that after 2 1/2 years my iron levels have stayed consistently good.  I am now to try going off for 6 months and see if I can keep them up.  That was great new.  We then headed to the eye doctor where he said that he is amazed at my eye health only 3 years after Lasik.  He said it had to be the Omega 3's.  I tell you those things have a huge range of health benefits.

We are almost ready for Christmas.  Except stockings.  I feel very relaxed this year.  The kids are only getting 4 present each and they kinda correlate.  We told them we were going small this year and I am glad to say that they still feel lucky and are excited to see what everyone else opens from them.

This weekend we also had our ward Christmas party.  It was great food and a nice short program.  The next night we headed to HillSpring for the adult only Smith Christmas party.  That was a lot of fun.  Mom made us a great meal.  She did appetizers and a 3 course meal on all the china.  We then had a white elephant exchange and enjoyed each others company with no kid distraction.  I really love that we don't do gift exchange on that side anymore.  I feel we get more out of Christmas by just being together.  My friend Mandy makes earrings so I got a pair for all 4 of my sisters and my mom and gave it to them that night. (Except Kita and Kristin's, I mailed a couple weeks ago) It was a great evening.

Up next we have Christmas piano recitals and school programs.  This has turned out very long. Sorry!!!

Christmas Card 2012

Deck The Hall

Cora found out that Aunt Natalie put her tree November 1st.  Every day she has been asking if we can decorate.  Tradition is we decorate the first Saturday in December and I held strong to that.  They were so excited to get that done.

We left some room for Dave to put up his nutcrackers.

 We decided what to get our friends/neighbors/teachers.

I really wanted to hang these Merry Christmas stockings in the background of our Christmas photo.  Dave didn't think we would be able to see it. He was probably right.

I think I need a bigger place to set out my Little People Nativity.  The inn keeper and the well are over on the TV.  I don't know who arranged this this time.  The kids play with it every day.  But I love how they are all centered around Jesus.  As it should be.

Last week we went through the kid's toys/books/movies/clothes and donated them to charity.  We also went to the store and picked out a few toys for Toys for Tot and dropped them off.  Tonight I have the FHE lesson and I am going to do something about giving part of our 'self' to become more giving like an 'elf' (See I gave away the s)  I haven't quite figured it out yet.  Then we are going to get sibling gifts and we are pretty much done.  We have really really scaled back Christmas this year and I am loving it.  The kids have really been thinking about what to get others.  We also need a tree then we are set. And all the Christmas parties begin this weekend.