December Catch Up

Holy wow time sure goes by fast at times especially with lots of work and holidays as well. Here are a few highlights for the past few weeks.

1 My 60th birthday was a smashing success. Mr P surprised me with a family dinner that was heart rending and so beautiful. Loved having my tribe celebrate with me.
1a Izzy and Kesler's Christmas concert. She was with her class and did a James Brown tribute to Jesus and Kesler was a sweet angel. So proud of him for being awesome. Izzy rocked it too. That girl has moves!

2. Trip to the interior to visit with our family and friends. First stop to see my brother, and then sister, which was so needed. Then off to Nelson for 2 nights with our best friends the Smiths. Open house, and more friends, and a Monday morning with 2 breakfasts and a coffee date before we even left for home. Great time with everyone. Thank you.

3. A 2 day sleepover was THE best. We did everything Christmas, colouring, painting, wrapping, ribbons, and bows, cooking, and baking, and decorating everything possible including the cat. Izzy especially loved doing  the Super Secret stuff for their Daddy & Mommy. Kesler loved his bedtime snuggles.
3a, Daddy says, "Thanks! Two  nights of good sleep! And God bless us everyone!"

4 Snow, snow snow!

5 Christmas with everyone and I got to make all the stockings!!! NINE. Each one had an orange in the toe and a piece of coal on top!
5a The roasted turkey with cranberry glaze that Michie made was amazingly delicious. I realized in that first bite how much I enjoy other people's cooking!
5b. Playing Pandemic and actually playing this time. No interruptions means we can get right into it. I love playing games or doing puzzles after a feast!

6 I have a loved one who is in serious condition in hospital. Please send  your prayers up so blessings may come down.

7 Our youngest son Nick has gone overseas for Christmas break. He left with 2 of his international students and they spent 2 days in China, (Shanghai and Hanghou) then off to Dubai for two weeks. All expenses paid! How awesome is that??

8 Chris is getting half days at work until after the new year. Luxury!

9. She says, "Remember, you are blessed. YOU ARE BLESSED."

10 I am enjoying knitting so much. I learned the brioche stitch yesterday and it will definitely be in my next project.

11 New Years 2018. New beginnings.

coaching, placed just right, & happy birthday honey bear

1 We spend yesterday morning together meeting Russ's new coach. It's the perfect mix. They hit it off right away and Mr P starts an 8 week course of coaching to help him to find his purpose.

2 He surprised me with a beautifully placed red star light!

3 It's our Kesler's 6th birthday today!!! Such a great kid, lots of growth and big love. We are headed to his house for cake and presents tonight so I will post more tomorrow.

tree time, memories, and hindsight is 20/20

1 The Christmas tree went up yesterday but not lights or decorations. Just up. There was just not enough time for it before work. Truth be told, I was just glad it was up. Today it's a different story, it's all lit and decorated.

1a As we are putting the tree in it's spot, Mr says to me, "I think there are too many lower branches on this side." Of course being me, I need to have it all decorated first and then we cut and trim. Oh ya, we trimmed and he liked being able to give me the "I told you so" look. I don't mind, it's exactly as I like it.

2 He put the song, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" onto the stereo and we listen to a remix. It elicits both happy, exciting and yet sad memories for me. I think it's the longing in the song that is so poignant to me.

3 The flu is making the rounds in each household. I really should have bought shares in Kleenex and ginger ale, oh and yes Tylenol, Advil and the ever popular cough and cold remedies. Get well soon lovies.

bush date, party time, and you know it

1 Mr P and I went on a bush date yesterday. Up into the hills behind our sleepy little town we found a logging road or two and ended up finding two little trees perfect for us and Nick and his students. The snow was pure white, and soft. As we wandered in the trees we saw giant snow piles on branches and had fun trying to knock it onto each others heads! H used his hands, I used me feet to topple the snow down.

2 Staff Christmas parties. What to say except dang it was fun! Mr P came with me which was a nice surprise. We socialized, played some pool, and ate a $22 hamburger! Were we crazy????

3 She has my back and I have hers. Some days you just need to know it.

the bug, can't decide, and lucky shot

1 This flu kicked me to the curb. I'm fighting back, well, actually resting and fluids and making my way back to human status.

2 The snow fell in huge flakes, but it didn't stay long on the ground. Winter seems a bit undecided this year.

3 I reached down with my camera and just clicked and this was the photo I took. I kinda like this methodology of photography.