Tis the Season....Bah Humbug!

of stress, fatigue and crankiness.

This past week has been so weird...emotional, draining, trying. I've been awaiting a client to start her labour since the 11th, that's a really long time to be on call...that's exhausting and stressful. Then there is the shopping that needs to get done...which still isn't all completed. And the wrapping, which is nearly complete. But then the cleaning and baking and Christmas card writing. Lets not forget the whining (the kids and I both), and wining (yes I've been drinking my share).

I'm absolutely done. So tired that each night my eyes are closing on themselves by about 9pm and I can easily sleep until 8am the next morning. I'm at the point where I don't even care about Christmas. I don't care if anyone is happy with what I buy them, I don't care about going anywhere, I dont' care if I sleep right through it. That's pretty sad.

The kids have been so cranky and I have too. They finally got outside yesterday for a few minutes inbetween rain falls and are outside again today (thank goodness) which helps everyone's mental health. Now all I need is a coffee for this birth to be done and I can focus on the things that are supposed to be important and joyful this holiday season.

December 18th - Preschool Christmas Party

And yet one more thing to post about today.

Tess had her Christmas party at preschool today. They do a wonderful job of entertaining the parents with a string of songs, some regular ones, some Christmassy ones. I love going and Tess loves entertaining. A parent afterward asked if anyone has ever said how much Tess is like Shirley Temple. Well, I have a vague picture of what Shirley Temple looks like, but I know that Tess with her curly hair and eagerness to entertain fits the bill. This mom wasn't the first person to say that to us, and I reallly need to pick up some of her movies for all of us to watch.

And then I took the kids to Chapters to play and read books while I had a refueling coffee where Tess proceeded to don a bunch of headbands, necklaces and bracelets and then do a ta da!

December 18th - Acknowledgment

Back in October I may have let it be known that Morgan had raised $830 for his school's contribution to the Terry Fox foundation. A goal of $5500 had been set by the school and the principal, Mr. Pasaglia, said that if that goal was reached he'd shave his head. Then Mrs. Williams, a teacher, said she'd cut her long gorgeous hair too if the school reached there goal. Well, the goal wasn't reached at the end of the run month. But Morgan did get a recognition award for his efforts.

But this morning, I got a call from Mme James, Morgan's teacher, saying that they found out today that the school had indeed met there goal and they were going to use the Christmas sing-along assembly as a chance to announce it to the school and do the hair cutting. She asked if I could get Morgan there. Well, I was dressed, but I had wet hair and three kids still in their jammies. So she offered to pick Morgan up and take him. So I quickly got the boys dressed and Mme James took both boys (both her students) to the school and I'd come as quickly as I could. I arrived with Tess 1/2 an hour later to a wonderful sing along by the kids at the school. Then Santa arrived, the kids were so excited.

Then they announced the Terry Fox goal had been reached. The principal didn't look impressed, a week before Christmas and he'd have a shaved head. Well, first the teacher was going to have her hair cut and guess who got to do the cutting? MORGAN. When he was on his way to school with Mme James, he said he didn't want to do, but then when I got there he decided he did want to do it. He got up on the stage in front of all the kids and cut a teachers hair. I was so darn proud of him.

Santa guided his hand with the big pair of scissors and Morgan just kept cutting until the job was done. I think he got really into it. And that's his teacher standing behind him beaming.

When I told him later how proud I was, he said that he didn't like being up in front of all those kids, but that's exactly why I was proud of him. He did it! And he did it well!

For Today . . . December 18, 2009

Outside my window... it's dark. The sun has yet to come up.

I am thankful... for dear friends and family in my life that reminds me I'm normal in my struggles and not weak.

I am praying... for patience.

I am thinking... about how to spend tomorrow, we have a few commitments and I need to make a decision about what I'll be doing.

I am celebrating... the last day of school and not having to get somewhere every day over the holidays.

From the kitchen... likely cold cereal for the kids and an omelet for me this morning.

I am wearing... my pjs and a blanket of Tess' over my shoulders.

I am reading... the fifth book in the Outlander series by Diane Gabaldon.

I am hearing... the furnace blowing air and the boys playing cars/trucks in Morgan's bedroom.

I am creating... not much these days. Looking forward to a quiet night to get some Christmas layouts done.

Around the house... is a mess. Lot of things need to be put away or moved out of the house.

One of my favorite things... coffee. I have developed a love for coffee. Am even making it at home more often. I am looking into buying a Bosch Tassimo to make it that much better.

A few plans for the rest of the week... awaiting a client's birth that should happen in the next few days. And I've been wanting to get some Christmas baking done.

Here is a picture thought I'm sharing with you... I'm finally figuring out how to adjust things on my camera to take better photos in low light by playing around with my camera.

December 17th - Le Bonhomme de Pain d'Epice

It was Morgan's last day of kindergarten before the Christmas break. Due to the move to the new school over the break, the school cancelled the Christmas Concert (yes they still call it that) this year, as much of the school was boxed up and the gym and library were full of boxes. His teacher still prepared a wonderful "spectacle" for their last day.

Morgan was L'amie Speciale for the last day in the old school. He was more excited about that than the Christmas show. It was neat to see him in front of the class.

There were three craft tables set up and most kids managed to finish all three crafts. A marionette de Pere Noel , la Petite Nez Rouge, et une chaine des bonhommes de pain d'epice.

Even Tess got right into the action.

Then the kids performed for the parents. They did the story of Le Bonhomme de Pain d'Epice (the Gingerbread Man). Morgan was the renard (fox) and had to say, "Je peux t'aider. Traverse la riviere sur mon dos!" He had so much trouble remembering it for the play, but took Mme James cues well, but now he has it down and was saying in the evening unprompted. I guess he could have used one more day. Then they sang a song. I didn't catch the title.

Sitting next to Morgan is Logan, one of his bestest friends at school.

December 14th - 12 Days of Christmas

Well, here it goes...the 12 Days of Christmas starts today. Can you believe it? I can't, for many, maybe there true love is giving them partridges in pear trees, but that sort of gift giving isn't happening here. I wouldn't know what to do with one drummer drumming, let alone ten, or a maid milking, granted, the kids could take care of the milk, but really, that's a little too much milk even for 2 growing children. Now the five golden rings, I'm into that, but they better be white gold and be donning a few diamonds too. Oh, and I guess the three french hens would cover us for a few meals too, hmmm, maybe that song was onto something. And lords a leaping, well, that could make for some good entertainment.

But alas, my true love is sacked on the couch watching hockey. What he doesn't know is that his stressed, overwhelmed true love is about to plant a pile of Christmas cards and photos in front of him to do, I'm also about to wrap a few gifts, package them and he'll have the job of getting them mailed and on the bus to their appropriate destinations tomorrow.

I do know of one place where the 12 Days of Christmas aren't bringing added pressure of getting things done, or the looming feeling of dread as the time dwindles, but the to do list barely does. It's over at The Inspired Scrapper. Over there, we're posting some lovely little gift ideas, decorations and the like each day until Christmas and it all started today. I posted a little lovely today, you should go check it out.

December 13th - First Snow and Tree Trimming

How fitting that the first snow falls on the day we plan to trim the tree. Made for a perfect day. Snow means kids outside. Kids outside means they stop asking me when we are decorating the tree. Stop being asked about tree means mama stays sane. Like I said, the perfect day.

Here are a few pics of the kids playing in the snow...and by snow I mean the dusting plus one (as Doug calls it) that we got.

Here are some shots of the tree trimming. I do the lights (5 strings on that baby), then let everyone go at it. I've completely given up on having a designer tree and this year confirmed it when Morgan was heard saying several times, I remember making this over and over again. Okay, we'll keep those green dyed bowtie pasta wreaths on the tree for another year.

Morgan and I also played around with taking pictures of him in an ornament. Tess couldn't figure it out.

There are a large number of ornaments that I have made over the years, here are a few too.

December 12th - O Christmas Tree

One of the best days of the holiday season, finding our perfect tree. We've found a great little tree farm in Maple Ridge. I can't even tell you if it has a name, or exactly where it is, we just seem to find it every year. But if you really wanted to know, I'm sure I could track the name or address for you. It has no extras. The owner meets you in the field of trees, directs you to the trees you might be interested in and that's about it. He'll saw for you if you want, but there is no hot chocolate, no carols playing, it's simple. And we love it.

Tess wanted this tree, um, too big around.

And there she is...our Perfect tree. A fraser fir, nice and thin around and tall. A whopping $35.

Doug likes to do his own sawing and with our newly inherited saw it was a quick job.

There she is atop the car...nice face Morgan!

December 11th - Gingerbread House

My favourite grandma, Minnie, used to have a gingerbread house each Christmas. It would be beautiful. I never knew if she decorated it herself, but I suspect she bought it already decorated from a friend or bakery. I would look at it, imagining I was Gretel from the Brothers Grimm's tale, coming upon a sugared house to eat. I don't ever remember getting to actually break off a piece of roof, but knowing my grandma she probably did let me.

Well, gingerbread houses have become a tradition in our house as well and for the past few years, I've bought a kit from Michael's Craft store and let the kids decorate it. Well, each time, I give up more of the decorating to the kids. I do help, but I follow their directions and do what they can't for them. They seem to really be getting the hang of it and I have to say that it turned out great!

The cup is holding up the front door awning until it dries. There are piles of candy and icing on the side of the house that are log piles and such. It's a perfect mess. We love it.

December 6th - Bright Nights at Stanley Park

Doug and I loaded the kids up yesterday and headed into Vancouver to take in the Fire Fighters amazing display of lights in Stanley Park and to ride the Christmas train through the park. Our first stop though was the Old Spaghetti Factory for supper. Doug loves that restaurant, it's not one of my favs, but it really is a great family restaurant and one that we should go to more often.

We got to the park, found parking quickly and then started to take in the lights. Man what an incredibly job they do to get it all set up. And the few people in costume are a neat add on too. The kids were especially enthralled with the Gingerbread man (who was a french woman that spoke to Morgan a wee bit). Santa also came by to say hello.

Now, I'm betting you would love to see some photos. I would too, but can you imagine that I hauled my camera out there and took my first photo to see NO CARD display on my LCD screen. Input sinking heart here. Ugh. I really wish I had some photos to share with you, but I have to say it was nice to enjoy the evening without seeing it all through my lens. Doug managed to snap a few photos with his phone, but they really aren't worth showing.

I have to add that I am seriously considering going back with the kids to take photos again...not on the train again of course, but the lights are open to see by donation any time.

December 5th - GLBC Kids Christmas Party

Every year Doug's work, the Great Little Box Co., throws a Christmas party for the kids and grandkids of the staff (12 year olds and under). They have a lunch (which had the best potato salad ever) with lots of goodies, an entertainer (a clown, magician or such which changes every couple of years) and Santa comes bearing gifts.

The kids weren't overly interested in the entertainment and would go back and forth between watching and eating their lunch, but they were all ears and eyes when Santa arrived. The patiently waited for their names to be called to receive their gift and sit on Santa's knee. Morgan went up calmly, sat and left, Tess ran and hopped right up there so quickly, it was adorable.

The company is so generous with their gifts and asks the parents for ideas for the kids. Morgan was given the Star Wars Lego set Armored Assault Tank with Yoda, and Tess received four shimmering Disney Princesses (Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and Cinderella). Both kids were over the moon.

December 4th - The Inspired Scrapper

Well, I for one am happy the week is over and it's finally Friday. It's been a very busy week. I had three evenings in a row of doula interviews (one I've already been hired for) and meetings, lots of running around and the Christmas events have already started (as you can see in previous posts). I also got my hair cut and coloured today, so my greys are hidden for another couple of months and won't be making any appearances at the upcoming parties. Morgan had requested red and green for the holidays, we did the red, but skipped the green. (as a side note, I'm very excited about what we'll be doing in February...there'll be photos for sure because I've never done this before)

Today also brings you my very first post over at The Inspired Scrapper. It's a great challenge today about teacher's gifts or gifts for anyone in your life in fact. Check it out, you may get some last minute ideas for some quick gifts for teachers, co-workers, or the folks next door.

December 3rd - North Pole BC

Last week, or so, was an article on a new Christmas event created in Port Moody called North Pole BC. I checked out the website and thought it sounded interesting, but rather expensive for it's first year and questioned if it would be worth the money. I was telling grandma LouLou about it and she decided that we would check it out, her treat. So I booked us in for 4:30pm. The kids got special invitations from Santa and we headed out to Sassamat Lake, parked our car, and waiting at the North Pole check-in for the North Pole bus.

Well, we arrived 3 minutes late and had just missed a bus, that we learned later was completely full, so we had to wait about 20 minutes for the next one. We hopped on the bus, which took us to the North Pole BC (formerly Sassamat Outdoor Centre). The elves on board did neat things like we'd only be allowed through the gates if we'd been good all year. We all made it through, just!

Once we checked in (where I was asked a couple of things about the kids that Santa would know when they saw him), we were taken to the Elf Academy where the kids donned elf tunics and made a decoration to take home. If they finished early, they could colour a picture or two.


Then it was off to Santa's workshop, where the elves had fallen behind getting enough teddy bears stuffed for Christmas, so the newest elves each needed to stuff a teddy bear, which they also got to take home.

Next stop was the mail room where letters to Santa could be written, stamped and mailed. We also had a tour of where the polar bears lived, other little scenes under the elves huts and the "North Pole".

Mrs. Claus also made an appearance for some story telling about how she met Santa, and answering questions about Santa's favourite things.

Finally we were ready to see the big man himself. Although we were with a small group of others for the rest of the tour, our time with Santa was our own. The kids arrived and Santa was sleeping (ahem, resting his eyes) and they got to wake him up. Then they sat with him, asked him questions and he gave them an orange and cookie.


Overall, it was a fun experience. The kids really enjoyed it. Was it worth the money, not quite seeing that adults pay the same as kids. I had an opportunity to speak to the organizer who asked for feedback. It had been longer than I expected it to be and the kids did lose interest a bit, but I learned that we had been the biggest time slot and were just on day 5, so they were still working things out and trying to add more things to keep the kids interested. I would recommend a time earlier in the day. I'm also sending an e-mail with a few other ideas for them regarding fee structure and keeping things moving.

December 1st - Jammie Day

For the past few years we've started the Christmas Advent with new jammies. The kids love this tradition...they get all excited about their new jammies and the start of one fabulous month. This year I was lucky to be in Vegas just a couple of weeks before December and found a pair of matching jammies for the kids at POTTERY BARN KIDS. They were 30% off and still more than I would usually spend, but I couldn't resist them.