Long Overdue

It's been a while since I blogged so I thought I'd try and update everyone on the happenings around here...

Christmas was great. We went to Lethbridge and had a really good time. We hooked up with quite a few of Chris's cousins before Christmas and the girls had a blast running around in a big gym. We spent time between both of our families over Christmas day and the balance seemed to work out okay. After Christmas we went out to visit some of Chris's cousins again and got to see Adam and Dana as well. Near the end of the trip our kids seemed to be worn out, tired, and getting a little sick. We did manage to escape the flu though that alot of friends and family ended up having over the holidays. We were able to get together with my extended family too before coming home and it was a really nice time catching up with everyone.

We came back home on the 30th and right away had a party to go to with our old homegroup. It was a blast and our kids really enjoyed playing there with old friends they haven't seen in a while. The girls there are a bit older and so they LOVE Hallie and Raya and do whatever the girls want so of course they loved it! New Years Eve we had some friends over that were visiting from Winnipeg. It was awesome to see them but it was just too short! We then got together with two couples from church to bring in the new year. We had no intention of staying until Midnight but actually managed to stay much later!

Chris is preparing to go to Uraguay in Febraury on an Operation Christmas Child trip with Samaritans Purse. It's a great opportunity for him to go and see how the organization impacts the lives of people less fortunate than most. He will be gone for 15 days and the only big negative is that he will miss Hallie's 5th birthday. I will be going to Lethbridge for the first week and then Chris's sister, Barb, will be coming with her baby for the second week. I'm hoping the time goes by fast...I'm definatlely going to miss him.

I'm still working parttime and have also started taking in a little boy the same age as Theo. I only have him once a week for a few hours and it's nice for Theo to have a little buddy to stare at :)

I registered Hallie for Kindergarten this week. I can't believe that time has come. It's been a stressful time for me as I'm trying to decide which education route is the best. Private, Public, Christian..... who knows!!! She is registered at our community school and on the wait list for another public and charter school.

Raya is starting to increase her vocabulary quite nicely which is great as I've been a bit concerned about it lately. I'm sure it won't be long now and I'll actually be able to understand what she's saying when she is telling me off :)

Theo is growing, growing, growing!!! He is a smiley and content young man! I can't believe that my baby is growing so quickly. I'm so sad that our baby stage is almost over and there won't be another. I am looking forward however to all the fun things we can do when we no longer require a diaper bag, bottles, snacks, sippy cups, change of clothes etc...

thats about all for now....sorry....i know that was all boring stuff that most of you know already but...it was a blog none-the-less.

i'll post pictures later when i'm downstairs on the other computer.

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.