Abby's school had a family skate night last weekend. Abby and I skated for nearly an hour. She has progressed so much this year. We went only once last winter, but she's gone 3 times with her JK class this year. The first time I went to watch her skate with her class, she skated while hanging on to the boards. Last week she skated without holding on at all! She gets more confident each time she goes. She wants to take skating lessons next year.
Jude's even been asking to go to bed, which is VERY unusual. Every time he coughs, he tears up and says, "I no feeling very good". The day I took this picture Jude wanted to go to bed even before Jon got home from work.
The highlight for us was watching a Native woman make bannock over an open fire in a tee pee as they would have in 1815 at the fort. Abby enjoyed trying the bread (I gave Abby my piece... it was fried in pork fat... which as a vegetarian I generally try to avoid!)
Abby tried walking in snow shoes. They were similar to ones that we had when I was growing up. Watching Abby took me back to my childhood... walking through the woods behind the barn and through the fields around the homestead.
Abby printing her friends' names and her own name on all her birthday invitations.
We celebrated Abby's 5th birthday last weekend. We had a "family" party for her on Saturday where she opened her presents from family and had pizza, ice-cream & cake (Mummy pulled off a "Hello Kitty" cake) and then a "friend" party at Wiggles 'n Giggles with 6 of her friends.
It was her first birthday party with school friends.
The cake was included in the party package... no "outside food" food allowed (thus the main reason why Mummy did the Hello Kitty cake for the family party).
We got Abby a "Jungle in my Pocket" (like Kitty in my Pocket) from Jude & Jordan. She's already played with it for hours!Today... Jude and Jordan both decided to poop after they were already changed once.
Today... Abby forgot to pee when she woke, but didn't realize it until her bus was coming (she was able to hold it until she got to school... I could not have)
BUT
Today... I decided to enjoy a cup of coffee with Jon after the kids were at school and the sitter's home.
Tonight... I gave my kids lots of cuddles and attention instead of trying to madly prepare something for supper... they ate cold chicken and sausage, cheese, raisins, applesauce and bread...all food groups covered :)
Tonight... I took time to admire Abby and Jude's artwork from the day and asked them to "tell me about it".
Tonight... I let Jude feed Jordan his applesauce and smiled at the joy this gave both brothers.
Tonight... I took extra time to "chat" with Jordan and snuzzle his little toes as he nursed.
Tonight... Abby helped Jude put his jammie top on and then read him a story.
Tonight... my house is quiet.
Tonight... I'm wearing Jon's sweater, just because it's cozy and it smells like him (I know, I'm a sap... I actually cried at a dog food commercial last week...)
Tonight... I'm thankful that God is bigger than the little stressors of my day. I'm thankful for the many many many ways in which He blesses my life.
Jon goes back to work a week from tomorrow. He's been on parental leave and vacation since the beginning of August. It's been an incredible blessing for him to be home with the kids while I've been at my internship. He's been able to spend quality time with the boys while Abby's been at school and been able to pick her up from her bus stop. When not with the kids, he's been working long hours on the addition so that we can soon (ish) move into the additional space. I know that I groan and complain too much. Jon has spent little time for himself since we started the addition 2 1/2 years ago. I know that I don't tell him enough... thanks for all that you've done and that you're doing for our family, Jon. I love you.
. Then, I'll be "Dr. Lezlie, stay-at-home mum" until Jordan starts school. Only 8 months to go!! So, if the blog is neglected, it's hopefully because I've stopped procrastinating (New Year's resolution?) and am busily writing when not doing laundry or dishes or dancing, singing, cuddling, tickling, reading stories, playing playdoh, blocks, cars, trains, kitties... :)
Although Jon and I agreed that we would only fill stockings for each other, he surprised me by making me a beautiful, rustic headboard to go in our new suite. It's made from posts and boards from our old shed. We're not officially living in our suite yet, but we're getting there. 
We had a great Christmas yesterday. The kids woke up shortly after 7 am and cuddled in with Jon and I and opened their stockings. We then made our way downstairs where we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus and shared the Christmas story.
We went to the candle light Christmas Eve service at our church. The kids were up later than usual, but the morning didn't reflect their lack of sufficient sleep. Even Abby, who had been vibrating with excitment for several days leading up to Christmas, was able to take her time and enjoy each present, giving thank yous and cuddles.
Daddy opening presents the kids had made for him.
A surprising (non-kitty) request on Abby's Christmas wish list was a princess costume. Playing princess means having Mummy or Daddy dancing with her. Watching Abby dance with her Daddy, giggling as he spun and "dipped" her, nearly brought tears to my eyes.
We bought Jude some Diego unders and a potty book & DVD. We explained to him that he could wear his new unders when he could stay dry and use the potty. He decided that wearing his unders OVER his diaper (and his jammies) would be easier :)
"Seriously Mum, these lights are a mess! How did I get stuck with this job?!" 
Jude working on presents for Daddy and Abby. One of our new traditions is to make an ornament for each other each year. Abby and Jude exchanged homemade ornaments this year. Hopefully next year we can all do it for each other. 
