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.

Lazy Days!

There is nothing quite like a jammie day! Yesterday my kids and I had the joy of staying in our pajamas the whole day. Hannah had a pro-d day so it was the perfect day to stay at home and do nothing. We played games, watched movies ("Surfs Up" is really good), ate popcorn, read and everything else you feel you should do on a lazy day (with the exception of cleaning the bathrooms and dusting the livingroom. There comes a time when these things just have to be done despite it being jammie day.) Here are some picturess that show us enjoying our day. Oh, I almost forgot...Marc got to enjoy his day at work! So sad for him.

Thanksgiving

We have so much to be thankful for. A house to live in. Two cars to drive. Health. An awesome family. Wonderful friends. A great church. etc. etc. etc. God has blessed us indeed! I just pray we remember this everyday and not just when it's easy.

Run in the Rain

Yesterday our family participated in the CIBC Run for the Cure. It was actually quite a neat experience. Marc has been apart of this for the last three years but we finally decided that the whole family should participate. Nice year to start. I don't think I have seen rain like I did yesterday in quite a long time. Here are some pics before we got wet.I am not one to run but I have to tell you the rain was a motivating factor. Half way through I said "to heck with the umbrella" and Ben and I took off together in the rain. When I pulled him out of the stroller at the finish line I discovered he had been sitting in a big puddle. And here I thought I was keeping him dry. Oh well!
I kept thinking about what we were doing and that was the biggest motivation. My family has a history of cancer and my grandmother actually died of breast cancer so I hope that within my lifetime we can see a cure. It's really neat to see the kids asking questions and really getting into the event as well.
Another neat thing was that I actually won a door prize and I never win anything. All in all, it was a pretty neat day...rain and all.
Notice there are no pics of after the race...too tired and too wet.

Cruisin'

Last night I had a wonderful experience cruising on the Norwegian Pearl from Seattle to Vancouver. I went with my family and took my sister in law Alison with me (Marc was starting his new job) and while it was quite a tiring experience it definitely was a fun one. It's always nice when the family gets together. There is a lot of joking and laughing and yes...a little mocking too. We ate waaaaaay toooo much but when you are on a place where there are ten restaurants and food available whenever you want it, it's easy to just keep on eating. Here are a few pictures.