CHRISTMAS - PART 3

As usual, Oscar was very excited about opening presents. He didn't bother with any of the presents under the tree until the stockings were opened - then everything was free game. He really enjoyed opening his present.After the presents were done he collapsed in his new bed.One of the highlights of our Christmas dinner was having Naomi cook the turkey, complete with bacon. Mmmmmm. The turkey was awesome.Meanwhile, Brian, Hannah and Josh were working hard on preparing the potatoes.A couple days after Christmas Josh decided to use the rootbeer making kit Santa brought. It was great fun mixing it all together. It was only a couple days before Josh was able to enjoy his creation. It was very funny because when he went to open the bottle it literally opened with a bang. The rootbeer started flowing all over the counter and he was madly trying to get the cap back on to no avail. But after a quick cleanup he was able to relax and enjoy his creation.

MERRY CHRISTMAS - PART 2

Since it's Christmas everyone has been taking the opportunity to relax and just enjoy some quiet time. We bought a set of books for each of the kids. Hannah and Josh opened theirs early simply because Josh needed to read a novel for his english class and I was sure he would enjoy the ones we bought for him (which he did, by the way).Oscar is in heaven with all the family home. He hasn't been feeling all that great. But is very content to have everyone here.Oscar went nuts when I sat down with a gingerbread cookie. He scampered over top of Naomi and her book, hopped up on the arm of the couch and stared intently at my cookie waiting for a small morsel.Josh has picked up an amazing talent for spinning a basketball. Hopefully all my christmas ornaments will be safe. LOL.

MERRY CHRISTMAS - PART 1

Merry Christmas everyone!
I began taking pictures this week and realized that I still had some pictures left from the beginning of December. When I decided it was time to put the lights up outside I discovered that we had been in a bit of a hurry when we disassembled them last year. Hence the rats nest:On December 24th I took this picture from our back door at 9:00 am. The picture makes it look lighter outside than it really is. So happy that the days will be getting longer from here on.
This past week has been busy with a variety of different activities. Including watching movies, playing on the computer, and baking.
I made ginger sparklers and skor shortbread:Josh made some very delicious and nutritious sugar cookies. He used some whole wheat flour just to see what would happen and they turned out fabulous.The girls iced the cookies. They are very creative.I also whipped up some gingerbread men while the kids were still in bed yesterday morning.Naomi tried her hand at making caramel popcorn and discovered that she is very good at it. Another delicious treat.Of course no Christmas is complete without chocolate. Candycane chocolate bark, almond bark and almond berry clusters:

BIG BUSINESS NABS ANOTHER ONE

We are just elated today. We found out that Josh has his first job. He is starting at Staples today. I know he is excited too. Good luck Josh. I know you will do well.
UPDATE: He was told by one man that he had a job, but it turned out to be an interview. So, he will have to keep looking.

WHAT GOES THERE???

Since Brian and I have become empty nesters we have noticed a few things that are dramatically different around our house. One being the decrease in the number of dirty dishes. When the kids are home the dishwasher is operating once or twice a day. With just us we put everything in, even the pots and run it maybe once a day. Another thing is the quietness in the house. I've even taken to listening to radio stations on the satellite just to fill in the quietness. The cost of groceries has gone down dramatically too - our bill at the store is half of the usual amount. But one of the first things we noticed was that we no longer needed a large garbage can in the kitchen - it was taking so long to fill it that it was too smelly. So the last time I was in Whitehorse I invested in a small can for the house and a large can for outside. Apparently there is some creature outside that likes the improvements we've made, although I'm sure he also finds them very frustrating. Since I know how diligent animals can be at getting into garbage cans, I bought one that is designed to stop animals. Therefore, we frequently find the garbage bag on the outside of the can in tatters. I wonder how long until the dog, or fox, realizes that plastic is not in any of the food groups and is not supplying him any nutrition?