Holiday wrap-up

Many people's holidays have been over for days, but officially ours ends tomorrow.  Kids are back to school on Monday and Chris re-enters the crazy world of work and travel.  It's been a fantastic 16 day break and I'm sorry to see it end.

2013 now, and I suppose I'm supposed to be making resolutions.  I think I'd rather just keep on with the pledge to organize the house (since it's never been done since we moved in!) and keep things chugging along here.  I don't really understand these amazing working-out-of-the-house moms... I feel like my days are full keeping things organized without working at a job.  Salute to all you heroic women!

Here's a little photo collection from the last 2 + weeks.

Click 'read more' for about a million photos after the jump, if you dare!

Yuletide cheer

It's all systems go on the holiday front here in Po-Ho.  The boys are properly excited about Christmas, without actually caring about presents (yet!).  The weather isn't really cooperating but, there's still time for snow before the 25th.  And, after the awfulness of the events in Connecticut yesterday, we're all just happy to be healthy, happy and together.

Friday was a bonus day for us, as the teacher's were striking in our board.  We went out with signs and treats to show our support.  The kids really liked seeing the teachers "on parade".  haha... Everything is fun for them!

Afterwards we went to our favourite 'cut-your-own' lot and picked out the world's greatest Christmas tree.  I don't want to exhibit excessive tree-pride, or diminish your own personal trees in any way, but it's seriously the best tree ever.  It's about 9 feet tall and bushy and symmetrical and smells amazing.  Just got to keep it alive now!

Here are a few pictures from the last week:

 When you don't have a tree up yet, why not decorate your face??

 Felt Santa face creations.

 Still looking rather green here, but there's time for a white Christmas!

 Of course, the boys wanted the tree that was as wide as it was tall.  No way! 

Look at that tree!  Didn't get this one either, but boy! they have some chubby trees up there!

 See that huge one in the background??  Oh yeah, baby.  That's coming home with me!

 Some quick cuts, and long carry out and TA-DA!  We have a tree!

 Presto!  I wish you could see it in real life.  It's really, really great.  They beauty of an old house is that you can get the biggest tree in the lot and it fits just fine.  Hooray!

Hope you're having fun preparing for your holidays.

The mania of the 25th, captured in photos

 I love this photo, because only my kids would stop mid-uwrapping of presents to read a book.  He needed a breather, I guess.

 

 GT Snowracers for all!  Now, if we would only get some snow...

Because Christmas without Yoda, isn't Christmas at all.  Thanks Nanna!

More to come, including the tale of the early New Year hospital outing!  Stay tuned.

Christmas, in pictures

I have quite a lot to catch up on, so here's the first batch of pictures from the holidays.  This only covers up to Christmas Eve, so prepare for many more posts to come.

 The first present of the year, courtesy of Uncle Phil.  The excitement was a barrage on the senses.

 Here's Mr Sick, who was too ill to attend festivities.  Sinus infection, inflamed ear drums, pneumonia, and MORE!  Joyous!

 Sam and Evy really know how to get out the excess Christmas energy.  The shot below, of Evy launching herself both backwards and head-first is amusing and frightening.  I get this "I'm-slightly-possessed" feeling from it.  Come to think of it, she was possessed with Santa-itis around this time.

 If you don't have children, this picture should give you a pretty good idea of what the holidays are like with offspring.  Scaaaary!

 Sammy + Foosball = Happiness

 Ditto, for Charley receiving a vintage train conductor's outfit.  He's just cute enough!

That's all for now.  So many pictures to come... Christmas Day, a quick trip to Ottawa, New Years hoopla and Chris' health woes. 

More soon!

Charley's Christmas card

I can't take credit for the idea... I saw it used on a Valentine's card somewhere along the way.  It sure was a cute way to hand out some holiday cheer though!

Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays to all.  I hope you have a happy mix of peace, crazy, joy, mania and fun.  At least, that's what I"m hoping for.

Mini- DIY notes:  Obviously, you just take a picture of your kid with their hand up in the air, to the side of their head.  Print off a bunch.  (I used Picasa to add the text before I sent the shot off to be printed).

Use an exacto to cut slits on either side of the fist.  Insert stick-like candy of your choice.  Candy canes being a good Christmas choice, but suckers would work well too.
Hand out to friends and family and listen to them 'oooh' over it.
Finished!

The Christmas pageant

Charley's Christmas pageant was yesterday.  He did as well as I imagined, meaning he only did one vigorous lap around the auditorium while he was supposed to be singing at the front.  I call that "success".

The teacher asked me for a stuffed animal a few days ago, thinking that holding something might distract him long enough to get through their two songs.  I sent Grover, who is a particular favourite at the moment.

I tied a festive bow around his neck and off he went. 

This is what Grover looked like as Charley entered the auditorium yesterday:

 Yep, nothing says 'festive' like Grover, noose'd up for the holidays!

 If you enlarge this shot, you can see the moment immediately preceding the 'victory lap' around the gym.  The pondering face is especially adorable.  har har

 Here he is, returned to his spot, after his brief exercise.  They sure are a cute bunch!

And here's the wee man, proud as punch, at the evening performance.  Grover has been re-bowed and there were no jogging shenanigans.  His hat is a bit jaunty, but, hey, I'll take it!

It's an exciting place, here in Charley-world!

Earnest, with spice

Kids are so cute when they're taking a task very seriously.  Gingerbread is very, very important stuff.

This week has been a bit of a mess.  Both kids have been sick, and now I'm sick too.  Chris is away for work all week and has had a rough, stressful time on this mission.  And his truck just got broken into.  It's really rainy, my furnace is troublesome and every bill/contractor/tax dude is coming calling at the exact same time.  Well, freakin' Merry Christmas.

Here's the thing though... We'll be healthy by next week and Chris will get home and write something great and all will be well.  We've got plans to see the whole gang over the break and it will be A-MA-ZING to have 2 weeks off from making school lunches, right? 

Hope everyone reading is hanging in there, in what always proves to be a stressful time of year.  Here's to peace and joy and quality family time upcoming.