We were away for a while, but we're back now

 We had unexpected snow a few days ago, so we made the most of it one day after their nap.

 Sadie was so excited to play outside. She kept yelling NOOOOOOO for snow. Although she is wearing mittens, she could not figure out how to get thumbs into the thumb hole. She still had a blast. Right away she threw herself down and made a snow angel.

 I forgot to mention that in the first week of January, our little family drove with my mom and dad to Lethbridge Alberta to visit my grandparents. Oh my goodness, I was so stressed out over taking the children on a 2 day road trip. The longest either has been in the car is only around 2 hours, and usually the littlest freaks out 15 minutes before we get to our destination. Lucky for us we took lots of breaks. Which is also good cause we were traveling with Sadie, who needs to pee at the drop of a hat.

 The road trip there was great, perfect weather on the way there. We got beautiful pictures of the mountains, and the kids had a great time. Lucas only freaked out a bit because of the pressure on his ears in the mountain passes.

Visiting was nice, I haven't seen my Alberta relatives in years, and they've never met the kids. It was a short quick trip, and thats ok.

Goals for 2013

I've decided to make a few goals for myself. I know I know, I'm late to the party, its January 16th for crying out loud. Never the less, I made a list:

-Make macarons  (This counter acts the next couple goals, but its a one time treat thing)
I've wanted to try this for a while, but I always chicken out. I want pretty cookies with filling in them, just cause. They are small and cute and everything I love about food. I've never even had one, but I hear they are the bomb.

-Work out at least 3 times a week
We've been working out for a while now, but sometimes I just dont wanna, and then I sit back and watch Tony while eating something glutenous like cookies. I'm bad. So, since we are determined to get in shape and get healthy, at least 3 times a week for me is my goal.

-Eat healthier
After getting fatter and fatter, we're making a change. My goal is to eat healthier stuff, less canned goods, more veggies. Now that vegan and vegatarian meals don't scare Tony, I'm going to try and make more of those as well.

-Take the kids to the city
Big semi scary goal for me as its a hour long transit ride. Somewhat different than a car trip, so I hope it can be done.

-See the aquarium or zoo
I'd love to go to either of those places this spring. Sadie would have a field day being near the animals, and Lucas would probably love them too.

-Read more books
Now that I'm done Hunger Games and Game of Thrones, I need to read some books that aren't necessarily part of a series. I'd love funny books, Tina Feys book had me laughing outloud, so if there are any great funny books, let me know.

That's my small, fairly easy list.

finally got around to Christmas

//Lucas with his new sock monkey // Jesus in his new digs // Tea advent calendar -loved it // Homemade treats for presents //  PULL PULL she yells // Tony battling the evil packaging // My new Kobo Arc // Stockings hung by the chimney with care // Christmas party dress // Watching the snow // Being my helper // Huge gorgeous snowflake tree //

This year, Christmas was so good. I haven't felt this way about Christmas in a long time. Last years was hard, way too stressful, and I didn't enjoy it as much. This year I wanted to ensure that we all had as good a Christmas as possible.

I loved getting ready for Christmas by doing little things for others. It really brightened my mood, and helped me put things into perspective. I loved it that Sadie was old enough to understand things like the advent calendar, and read the Christmas story with me. I loved it (although it drove me nuts) that they would touch the ornaments and redecorate the bottom third of my tree. They actually played with their nativity scene this year - I still can't find the wise men, they must be in Sadie's room.

Tony and I did our gifts differently this year. Instead of buying something and wrapping it and surprising eachother, we went out on the 22 of december and bought our gifts together. Tony got a new mechanical keyboard and a mouse, and I got a Kobo. We're both super happy, and didn't mind at all about not being surprised. I'm totally doing this next year! The kids got surprised, although Lucas was not really interested in gifts at all. Sadie took over for him and helped.

We still went to three different christmas dinners, one of those things that comes with divorced in-laws. It was a very busy week. I made dinner for my mother in law and her family. I left a lot of stuff last minute, and shouldn't have. I'm a bad procrastinator :( At one point the night before the big dinner, Tony looked at me and pointed me towards the tub. Bubble baths are a wonderful thing.

The kids were so spoiled this year. There's a new little table and chairs in my kitchen, and a bunch more things. Not a lot of toys, I'm so relieved. We were getting swamped with toys the last few years. Its hard not to buy new toys for them, and I ended up buying a couple new things for them.  Such a good Christmas.

I'm so thankful that I really enjoyed Christmas. I hope next year is even better.