Christmas Memories

Merry Christmas Everyone! Some Christmas memories that I want to jot down before I forget:

1. This is the year of the mountain goat, aka Eric, and I'm amazed that I got a picture of him actually sitting on a chair rather than climbing on it or pushing it to reach something else.

2. Jack LOVED the power tools he received from Grammie and Grandpa. He was busy drilling, sanding and cutting everything in sight.

3. Both the boys are having a hoot with this play tunnel/tent combo from Auntie Lara, Uncle Dean and Aidan. They like being chased by Dad.

4. The year of the Wii. It has been fun playing tennis, golf and bowling together. And now Darrel has Guitar Hero.

Somebody Likes Apples

Hard At Work

Darrel has been busy around the house lately. He hung all new lights in the kitchen, these halogen tracklights in the work areas and then a chandelier in the dining area. I am so thrilled to not be living in dark, dingy rooms! Just on a pure power basis the new dining room light is 6 times brighter than the the old one! (We may actually have to install a dimmer now.)

As of last night the trim in the entry way is pretty much done except for one piece. Darrel made matching rails for coat hooks and they look terrific! He spent a lot of time figuring out the angles on the stairs so that there wouldn't be 6 poorly lined up pieces per side a la the previous owners.

All in all he's done a great job to get things done before Christmas, you're great honey!

Merry Christmas!

Okay, I'm just accepting the fact that I am not going to get Christmas cards mailed to all of our friends and family. I'm sorry, while I think that actual physical Christmas cards are classier and just plain nice to hold, I acknowledge that it's the thought that counts. So Merry Christmas dear friends and family. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas season, that you spend it with those you love and that it is filled with as much peace and wonder as excitement and bustle.

This has been a great year for us. We have spent much time with family and friends. Being closer to our families has been so nice. Jack and Eric have grown by leaps and bounds and continue to be so cute and darling amidst the craziness of toddler-hood. Their latest milestones are learning to walk (Eric), and becoming even chattier (Jack). (Jack is also becoming quite savvy at getting what he wants, he recently informed me that Dad wants toys for Christmas.) Darrel continues to enjoy his work for the City of Edmonton. He is gearing up to start re-building his CNC machine post Christmas. He has also put in a fair amount of time over the past year on home improvement projects. I am busy with the children and doing the odd contract job on the side. I'm easing into my own home business doing photo restoration. It's been fun to learn and it pays for me buying the software and gizmos that I want for myself.

We love you and wish you all the best in the coming year.

Kirsten, Darrel, Jack and Eric

An Album For Eric

I am desperately behind on my scrapbooking. Thank heavens people make pages you just put your photos on to! Voila, an album in one night. Poor Eric had so many milestones that I had already forgotten about that I had to sit down and just get some things documented.

Kids "Fit Ball" Workouts

Eric demonstrating his exercise prowess. He loves to sit on these balls, what a funny boy.

It's Beginning to Feel a Lot Like Christmas

There are parcels sitting by the door, the tree is up and the nativity is out. My baking cupboards are stocked with goodies and I am feeling slightly panicky, lol, yes Christmas is upon us. I couldn't sleep this morning so I got up to spend some quiet time by myself and did some scrapbooking.

Sometimes as parents of young children you long for the days with a little more freedom and ease (shopping with young children can be a little crazy), but on the other hand there are times when having little ones is so much fun. Jack is really starting to "get" Christmas and it is fun to watch him be excited. The other day he told me that Dad wants toys for Christmas. ummm hmmm. I think he's got the present part down!

Do Not Operate Heavy Equipment...or Light Equipment...or Any Equipment

Jack has been sick with the flu the last couple of days. As a result I have not had much sleep the last two nights. This morning I went to make my regular breakfast smoothie. I put the milk and berries in the blender, turned it on, and was met with this really bad crunching, glugging sound. Not so normal. Then I noticed it was leaking out the bottom. It was at this point that I remembered that the last time I washed it I threw the rubber seal ring in the blender itself instead of putting it together as it was washed after the blender itself. Doh! The seal had a couple little nicks out of it, and a small tear, but is still operational. the first smoothie went down the drain and I successfully made a new one. But I think for the rest of the day the only equipment I should operate is the DVD player to put on cartoons for poor little Jack. Good grief.