Boxing Day Fun!

One of my favorite days of the year!

I know some people don't like the crowds and the stores filled with hungry for a deal shoppers or the fact that you have to park a block away..... but I love it.  We started the day off right with a mint iced cappuccino and a bagel.  Then we made our way to the first store on the list... oh I get excited just thinking about all the fun we had.

  Kimberly and  I usually get into a store and divide and conquer, picking up 2 of everything, one for each of us.  Mom usually wanders between the two of us helping us make decisions.  This year just like the last few was nothing less than spectacular.  

It wasn't long before we ran out of money and decided it was best to head home.  

We got home just in time to go tobogganing with the girls.  Is this pic from Left to Right is Myself, Scott, Gracie, Kimberly & Brooklyn, Mom, Connie.

Here is a short video of the event.  Oh what fun it is to ride.....

Ho Ho Ho

  

It's Christmas Eve!!!

There is an incredible excitement in the air as we fill the base of the tree with more gifts.  The abundance of food, the sounds of cards being shuffled, the smell of pine, cold toes from the  snow as we create snow forts and christmas music playing in the background.  This is, just like the song says, the most wonderful time of the year!

 The kids are running around without socks because they have worked up quite a sweat.  The men are playing cards quietly until someone wins a hand and the roar of laughter raises the roof.  I love that part.  It reminds me of being a kid.... no one is ever really hungry because we just keep snacking.  

I can't imagine what it would be like to have no family at Christmas.  For this I am truly grateful!  

Yahtzee!

Tonight in between studying and wrapping gifts the kids and Darren sat down for a game of Yahtzee.  The competition is fierce as I am witnessing as I blog.  It was so cold today.... but we did brave the cold to do a bit of Christmas shopping.  

I found myself looking at old Christmas pictures of my sister and I as kids and then looking at pictures of Jordan & Josh.  I have attached them to the side bar if you are interested in checking them out. It is funny how even though you know what Christmas is all about there is this little part of you that enjoys believing in the magic of Christmas.  I hope you all take time to enjoy the days leading up to Santa's arrival.  

This Christmas will be another great chapter in Our Story... xo

I think tonight is the first night (in I can't remember how long) that I just stayed home.  I mean from 3:00 until I go to bed... this may not seem unusual or special to you but to me it is unheard of.  So what did I do with all my time you ask?  Well I cleaned the house (with the help of the boys), made supper and then started some laundry while wrapping Christmas gifts.  It was awesome!

Unfortunately Darren & Josh missed supper because they were making a visit to the hospital for some x-rays on Josh's back after a collision during his soccer game.  Everything is fine... just some bruising.  

I am looking forward to this week at dancing and having some Christmas fun with the kids.

Darren and I plan to paint the basement next weekend.  The bathroom should be done by the end of this week.   We really would like to have everything finished before we leave for Sylvan Lake for Christmas.  

My laundry needs to be switched so good night!

Welcome,

This is my first blog entry and am looking forward to seeing how this type of journaling will work out for us.  My intention is to share with you things that are happening with us... the simple and the complicated.  Considering Christmas is the busiest time of year this should be a piece of cake.  

Tonight was a night filled with Christmas tradition.  You guessed it.... we made popcorn and watched "Christmas Vacation".  Even the opening credits bring back Christmas memories.  It is funny how we can watch the same movie over and over and still laugh like it was the first time we had ever seen it.  

I have started shopping and even wrapped a few gifts but am not even close to being done.  When will I find the time to go out and get the rest?  I guess I will have to battle the malls just like everyone else.... on the weekend!  

We are getting close to finishing the basement bathroom and then we will paint the family room to finish the basement.  It is looking really good and I am sure Jordan will glad when it's done as he is still running up 2 flights of stairs to shower.  We put in a heated floor and I think he will appreciate that on those cold winter mornings.  

Well that is all for tonight..... thank you for following Our Story.