We are blessed!

Merry Christmas Everyone! Sorry it is after the fact but I think I have said it personally to anyone who actually reads my blog anyway. We've had a wonderful holiday so far and we feel truly blessed with all that God has given us. We've spent some wonderful time with family and our children are as active as ever. Here are some pictures of the happenings at our house over the last few days.The annual Christmas Eve jammies!The annual Christmas Eve Fondue.
The wonderful family gift - oh my goodness is it ever fun!
The table all ready for turkey dinner and it was mighty fine if I do say so myself.

Musicals and more Musicals

It's that time of year again when we get to attend concerts and musicals and schools choirs and all of that stuff. This year I got to be a part of the Children's Musical at South Abbotsford. It was a lot of fun and the children did an exceptional job. Hannah was in it singing her heart out and she also got to be in a dance and be a sheep for the nativity scene. Ben enjoyed watching (while eating chocolates) and it was a great way to prepare your spirit for Christmas.Benjamin also got to perform for us last weekend. He sang with his Kidsquest class. He didn't actually "sing" a whole lot but he was right into the actions and when it came to singing "We wish you a merry Christmas" he sang his heart out.
And today I got to squish into a tiny gym and watch Hannah sing at school. It was quite entertaining and my daughter certainly likes to perform.

New Job

Well everybody, I got a new job and I am very excited. As of January 15 I will be the Director of Children's Ministries at Greendale MB Church. It has been quite a process but through it all God has made it incredibly clear that this is where He wants our family to be. Hannah and Ben have already made some friends and they are excited about their "new" church. We of course have to say good-bye to South Abbotsford which will not be an easy thing to do. The transition won't be easy but I know that God has prepared a place for us to call home at our new church. The staff are incredible and I know that this job will be awesome. I will be working 1/2 time so I still have plenty of time to be a mom and a housewife. Below is a picture of our new church.

Enjoying the Snow

What an absolute gorgeous day! I love snow and I love it even better when it snows for a long time. Today we had snow from around 8:30am til around 4:30 and we got quite a lot.
I think what I like about it most is that my kids get so excited. They love getting bundled up and coming face to face with fresh untouched snow. As you can tell, they loved it.
Here is the cutest snowman I have ever seen. Ben and Daddy worked very hard to accomplish this masterpiece. Well, Daddy did...Ben decided he had enough and came in to watch his superhero movie. Where was I during all of this? I was in bed with a horrible headache and then when I woke up I decided to stay where it was warm and enjoy a nice hot cup of coffee. It was such a nice day (minus the headache). I just wish this silly rain didn't have to come and ruin what could've been another beautiful day tomorrow.

Filling in Space!

OK, so I know it has been a while since I have posted anything but I really don't have a lot going on. My sister in law has been on my back about posting something new so this is primarily for her. It's basically a space filler that I stole off someone else's blog but I guess it's better than nothing.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bag?
If it's a present I give than gift bag because it's so much easier (except I wrap for my kids because I need to draw out Christmas morning as long as possible.) If it's a present I receive than it has to be wrapped - I love the anticipation.
2. Real tree or artificial?
Artificial - it lasts longer (forever) and I hate watering things.
3. When do you put up your tree?
Usually the last weekend of November.
4. When do you take down your tree?
New Years Day or just before (depends on how tired of it I am).
5. Do you like eggnog?
UMMMMMMM - YUCK!!!!!
6. Favorite gift received as a child?
The one I totally remember is my little Monchichi - it's a little monkey that sucked his thumb.
7. Do you have a nativity scene?
Yes, but I didn't put it out this year.
8. Hardest person to buy for?
Mother in law
9. Easiest person to buy for?
Kids and Husband
10. Worst Christmas gift you've ever received?
I honestly don't know, I've always been pretty lucky!
11. Mail or email Christmas cards?
For any other time of year I'd say email but Christmas really deserves mail - after all I've got to send out the yearly family picture.
12. Favorite Christmas movie?
Polar Express, of course.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Probably October.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Wedding Gifts, Yes. Christmas Presents, I don't think so.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
FOOD - oh, I guess I should be more specific... FOOD!
16. White or coloured lights?
White - it's more classy!
17. Favorite Christmas song?
O Come, Emmanuel - Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire.
18. Travel for Christmas or stay home?
Stay Home, but then I've never been able to afford to travel...perhaps travel one day.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers?
Of course!
20. Angel or Star on top of tree?
I grew up with an angel but this year I actually have a bow!
21. Open presents Christmas Eve or Morning?
One present Christmas Eve (always jammies) and the rest Christmas morning.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
TRAFFIC!!!!!
23. What I love most about Christmas?
Sharing what the true meaning of Christmas is with my kids. Spending time with family.

Fun with the Family

This last weekend we went down to Bremerton where my sister and her family live. My brother and his family also went down. It was great to spend time with my siblings and their spouses and the kids had an absolute blast. Even my little kids just couldn't get enough of their big cousins. Here are a few pictures of the fun we had.

This is Paige trying to show Ben how to play foos ball.
This is Ryan carrying Ben back to the car after enjoying wonderful ice-cream from "Cold Stone Creamery."
This is the four youngest cousins at the waterfront in Bremerton. It was kind of cold!
We spent a lot of the weekend just hanging out and playing video games. In this picture Marc is playing guitar hero. It was so fun that it is definitely on my Christmas list.

I love this picture because it is of all of my beautiful nieces. I hope my daughter turns out to be as great as these girls.
This picture was taken on the way home on the ferry. I think we all had a great time and it is such a blessing to be able to spend time with family. We've already planned our next sibling get together. Love you guys!

Trick or Treat

I have to be totally honest with you and say I am so happy that Halloween is over. Maybe it's because the kids got their costumes so long ago, but I feel like it has taken forever to be done with. Having said that, the kids had a great time and we have over two ice cream pails of junk food to show for it.

Hannah was a barbie cheerleader this year...so cute, and Ben was Robin. I think they made the costume just for him...he was so adorable.
We decided to forgo the whole Trick or Treating thing (except for a few close neighbours) and we went to Northview's Pumpkin Patch Fall Fair instead. It was a great time...although there were a lot of people. It cost two dollars and there were about 40 stations where the kids could play carnival games. At every booth they got a small toy and there was also a cotton candy booth and a popcorn booth. We were there for well over an hour and then as we were leaving each child was given a very full ice cream pail full of Halloween candy. My goodness! So needless to say, my kids were elated.

Marc and I also got in on the action a few days ago as we had our yearly pumpkin carving party. I think they look pretty good.