the precious jewel

On Friday morning, the precious jewel returned to life outside of Hal's body. It was promptly thrown in the garbage. She was quite upset that we weren't returning the jewel back to her friend. It was quite the issue but we sorted it all out.

Last night was the Christmas concert at church. The girls did great. It was quite comical. Hallie was in true Hallie style as she lost her balance and fell off the stage. She quickly got up and made a great recovery!

check out facebook for some new photos of the kids including ones from the concert.

So we were at a friends place yesterday afternoon when Hallie comes up to be grabbing her throat. She says

"my throat hurts mom and I'm really sorry but i swallowed one of those jewels"

The girls were playing with those glass marble type things that are often used in centre pieces etc. It's about the size of a nickel but thicker. Apparently it will come out the other end in 3 days. I think I'll post a picture just for my brother!!!!

Did I mention that it was HALLIE...the 4 year old. Not the teething 2 year old or the baby. She is constantly putting things in her mouth and in fact I had disciplined her TWICE earlier in the day for putting non-food objects in her mouth. AAAAAAHHHH. Funny thing is, I wouldn't let her bring a jewel home even though she was offered one by her friend....but now, she is so excited for the jewel to come out so she can have it back. I DON'T THINK SO!



Onto other stuff....

Theo slept from 11pm-815am last night!!

Raya is learning to say alot more.

I'm doing two cookie exchanges this week.

I had a great birthday...thanks for all the phonecalls.

I'm almost done Christmas shopping....we aren't really doing much this year.

Hallie is smarter than ever, as usual....although that statement kinda contradicts the above story!

Chris is super busy at work with Operation Christmas Child and other various things.

I still have the dream that my brother and sister-in-law are going to show up at Christmas.

Chris's parents are coming this weekend!!!

I gained two pounds this week with my birthday and office Christmas party....gross.

Holidays

We just returned home from our first holiday in 5 years (with the exeception of going to Lethbridge). We first went to Lethbridge for a couple days over Thanksgiving and then proceeded on to Columbia Falls, Montana with some good friends of ours. We had a great time and it was a muchly needed break from "regular" life. We stopped again in Lethbridge for two nights on our way back and got to visit with some exdended family and that was awesome. I love Sunday afternoons with family and really miss that. The kids had a blast on our holiday but Hallie was really missing home after a few days. She wanted her friends, her church, her preschool, her dance class, and even her neighbors. I have to admit that I wasn't quite ready to come back. I was enjoying being away from the everyday stresses that we've been facing lately and I was able to hide my emotions and feelings from myself a little bit. I did some therapeutic shopping which I have to say in hindsight was quite selfish at times and may have bruised a friendship in the meantime. Without justifying that, I have to admit that it allowed me to forget some worries and do something that I really enjoy and rarely get the chance to do. Chris was able to golf a bit and we all got to take advantage of a great hot tub right outside our door. Our accomodations were fabulous and the weather was gorgeous. This past week made us realize that we definately need to take time for vacations!





Here are some recent pics...enjoy!

Grandpas birthday cake from the girls

Grandpa and Raya

Big Boy Theo

Hallie and Dad

Theo at Grandpas party