Day 366

Ringing in the new year at a motel, after enjoying a mineral spa, dinner out. We ate tonnes of snacks, played games (like Fibber) and watching movies until the clock struck 12am! Happy New Year!

Day 365

A quiet Sunday, spending time together and reflecting on all of our blessings in 2012. Even being far from our family members, we felt incredibly loved as we looked through the many cards and letters we received this Christmas. It helped us remember how much we are loved and we feel incredibly blessed.

Day 364

The last Saturday of 2012 spent outside, sledding! After about an hour, we started to get chilly (and tired from hiking to the top of the hill over and over) and we settled on some delicious hot chocolate to warm our bones. Yum!

Day 363

Five beautiful girls, having a make-over session to make us even more fabulous! We know how to work a clay mask, no?

Day 362

Trying a new recipe - one *we* didn't make ;) It was the mexican 7 layer dip from Costco, with some gluten-free tortilla chips, which were delish! Loved it.

Day 361

A jolly indoor snowball fight using HUGE marshmallows. Lots of fun, but don't throw TOO hard - they can sting! Ouch!

Day 360

Christmas morning!! So fun and so exciting. The girls each received a great load of gifts, and we got to visit with Sis. Rammage, too. The rest of the day was spent quietly enjoying our new gifts and hanging out together. A perfect Christmas!

Day 359

Christmas Eve made special by sharing it with friends! We spent the evening at the Howie's house, enjoying turkey dinner, acting out the Nativity, and opening a few gifts. It was a very special way to spend Christmas Eve.

Day 358

December activity of the day - unwrap a new book to read! The girls had theirs unwrapped and almost read before breakfast. I love that they love to read!

Day 357

Time to decorate sugar cookies - Santa's FAVORITE kind ;) We just have to TRY to save a few for him...it's going to be difficult with how delicious they are!

Day 356

I turned 34 today! I'm one step farther away from 30 and one step closer to 40! I enjoyed my day with dinner out as a family, then appetizers and dessert at Moxie's with some girl friends. I know how to party!

Day 355

Another concert! This time it was the school choir, who all did a beautiful job singing their songs. A woman approached me afterward, asked if BB was my daughter, and told me how amazing her voice is. I was so proud of her!

Day 354

Another fun "December Daily" surprise for the kids - opening a new "little people" nativity set to play with. I know the kids are getting older, but they had a lot of fun playing with this. It will be nice to have it in the family :)

Day 353

The kids had their school concert today. It was "Christmas Around The World"! JJ sang about Mexico, B sang about Germany, and BB sang about Africa. TJ spent her time as a stage manager, doing the sound for it all. It was fun!

Day 352

Tj worked hard to complete her first ever cake in her class at school. It turned out pretty darn good for her first one. I'll have to hire her to make the cakes for her siblings' birthdays!

Day 351

TJ had the awesome opportunity to sing Christmas Carols, with the King family, on a local radio station. What a fun experience!

Day 350

Taking photos in front of the tree. The kids were telling me about their wishes for Christmas. It's going to be a good one!

Day 349

This might be the snowiest December in history - but the trees sure look gorgeous all frosty, against a blue sky!

Day 348

A surprise! The kids got to unwrap a new game to play! It was such a blast - a definite must for family game night. We love headbanz!

Day 347

 

Taking "12" at 12:12pm on 12/12/12! 

Day 346

I attempted to make my mother's cabbage rolls and they were a success! A couple of things I would change (as I guessed at my mom's recipe) but all-in-all, they were super delicious. I'll be making these again soon, besides - it is NOT Christmas, for me, until I've had cabbage rolls!

Day 345

Surprised the girls with a night at the movies to see "Rise of the Guardians"! Cute and meaningful story - we had a great time.

Day 344

Skyping with grandma and grandpa (who live two Provinces away) for the first time! How amazing is technology?!

Day 343

The Primary children sang Christmas songs at our ward Christmas party - they were so adorable. The party was well attended and the food was delish. It's always a great time.

Day 342

Getting prepped to record a video for their cousins. Crazy singing and dancing - here we come!

Day 341

Pajama day at school! Yay for bed head and not having to get dressed for a whole day!

Day 340

A beautiful and uplifting Young Women In excellence program. We focused on the temple and the blessings found there, as well as heard from the Young Women about the Personal Progress goals they have been accomplishing. A very spiritually uplifting evening. I loved it.

Day 339

A twist on our yearly tradition! Instead of decorating one gingerbread house, the girls each got to decorate their own! Big time fun, especially because they also shared the evening with family friends.

Day 338

We made our own pizzas using biscuit dough and toppings. They were HOT but YUM, YUM, YUMMY!

Day 337

Some down time playing Christmas carols on the piano by the Christmas tree.

Day 336

The magic of putting up the Christmas tree and decorations is always there, every year. I think we must have decorated in record time, this year, and we all loved the results. Christmas, we are ready for you!