Don't Lick Scotch Tape

It's the Eve of Christmas Eve....eeeeekkkkk and I am so excited...so excited, I think that is the reason I was up tossing and turning all night!  All that kept running through my mind was - stuff that I needed to pick up today and some baking that I want to get done tonight!  So not cool when you are 7 mths pregnant and sleep is already limited.  Needless to say, I am very tired today but thankfully, it's only half a day!

Is everyone ready for the big day?  Other than some last minute things to pick up today - stocking stuffers for Hubby and I and some batteries...I think I am done.  Everything is wrapped and hiding in Tanner's crib covered in blankets!

Last night when I was wrapping up some final presents, I had a minor injury...a minor injury that is still hurting today and could be partially the reason I tossed and turned all night too.  You know when you take a piece of scotch tape off and it sorta rolls...hard to explain...anyways, my piece of tape did that and instead of just wasting it, I put it in my mouth, well more on my lip, and tried to fix it, when I took it off, it literally peeled my skin off my lip!  Owie!  It started bleeding like crazy and now is sorta fat, swollen and still very sensitive!  Lesson learned!

Anyways, I hope everyone has a great Christmas...I will likely not be blogging again till sometime next week!  Enjoy your time with family and friends!

Totally Random Thoughts - Christmas Edition

- 3 more sleeps till the big lad makes his entrance through our whole in the ceiling in our kitchen (yep, long story but basically, I have a little hole in my ceiling above our table in the kitchen...Maddy asked the other day if Santa was coming through there because we have no fireplace...smart kid I tell ya!)

- Tonight is the day that we finish EVERYTHING - oh wait, that's a lie, I have something to pick up on Friday!

- Friday is half a day at work, so Maddy is going to go with Daddy to work.  Last year she came with me, then went with her Auntie for a bit to her Christmas party at her office.  This year, I will be solo and she will be playing ball with Dad at work!

Here are some quick questions and answers about Christmas Things I Love:

1. Favorite Christmas Song
   I have lots...I have been listening to Majic 100 and their Christmas music has been playing since November so I am sorta getting sick of it...but I like Old Toy Trains, O Holy Night (Martina McBride version), Christmas Shoes (even though it makes me cry), anything really...I really like Christmas hymns!

2. Favorite Christmas Movie
   I love watching Christmas movies that are on TV - ones that you can't buy on the store.  I do like All I Want for Christmas...it's one of my faves!

3. Favorite Christmas Show
   I don't really know...I like them all!

4. Favorite Christmas Cookie
    Shortbread I think are number 1.  A close second are the peanut butter ones with the Reese's peanut butter cup inside....Yum!

5. Favorite Thing About Christmas Morning
   I LOVE STOCKINGS.  Unfortunately, Hubby doesn't really do the whole "buying each other things" so I get my own stocking stuffers (his too) so at least the Santa thing looks real and we get things from the Big Lad too.

Finishing Touches

Before I get into today's blog - last night there was a tragic accident on our highway caused by one stupid driver...road closed for more than 12 hours, 4 cars involved and 3 dead including a 4 year old....how sad any time of the year, but right before Christmas...my thoughts are with the families!
Here is the story!


4 more sleeps and I don't know who is more excited...me or Maddy?

Maddy is 4 1/2 years old but still really doesn't understand the whole Santa Claus thing...the kid doesn't even really enjoy watching Christmas shows.  When I finally find one on for her (before her bedtime), I try to get her to watch it, but usually she turns it to one of her stations and ignores the Christmas stations.  It sorta makes me sad.  Once she's in school, she will be exposed to it more I suppose - at daycare they really don't celebrate it because one little girl doesn't.  They don't exclude it, but they change it up - for example, on Monday they had their gift exchange (each child brings in a toy they no longer play with and then they leave with a "new - used" toy from another child)...but it has nothing to do with Christmas and they just call it a toy exchange.

Last night she received a letter from Santa in the mail and while I was trying to read it to her (me, more excited clearly) - she ignored most of it and was more focused on a Christmas card that she got from my brother and girlfriend.  

Last night, I wrapped the last of the presents that I have at home (I still want to pick up a few more things on Thursday) and finished up my brother in law's present.  In the past, my brother in law has gotten us a "Shoebox of Goodies"...it's basically a shoe box filled with things found around the house - mostly used!  We get a kick out of this every year so this year, I decided seeing how we didn't exchange names but are going there for Christmas Eve, that we would prepare them a box this year.  The goodies inside are GREAT and I can't wait for Saturday when they get to open it!

I have almost everything done now - like I said, we are taking a quick shopping trip on Thursday to get Maddy a few more things and I have one more thing to pick up for my parents then I think we are done.  I will pick up some munchies, snacks and baking supplies on Friday then let the festivities begin!!

How are you coming along?  

I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas

I know, I know, the song is actually WHITE CHRISTMAS, but in these neck of the woods, I think we will have a green one.  There is no snow on the ground and well the snow that is being forcasted tomorrow may end up more like rain because of the mild temperatures.  I HOWEVER AM NOT COMPLAINING!  I am not a big fan of the white stuff...sure it's "nice" to see outside on Christmas morning, but it could cause havoc and we don't need that at Christmas time.  Who wants to have plans to travel, only to have them botched because of a wintery snow storm. 

My friends and I were discussing this the other night...some want it and some don't (right Lindsay??)!  The conversation surprisingly didn't get tense like it would have years ago when we would chant to Jill - "I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas" - I honestly think back in the day, she would cry at this.  The other night upon discussing this, she surprised me when she said that she has outgrown this (not in those words exactly) but she said she doesn't like the thought of no snow, but she doesn't get all depressed about it anymore!  Way to go!!

According to this article - the weather guru's are predicting a green Christmas at this point!  I don't remember actually having a green Christmas, but it says that in the last 10 years, we had one in 2003 and 2006.  I am sure I was happy those years too!

It's Almost Christmas

I can't believe that at the end of this week, it will be Christmas.  I am so excited for Maddy to open all her presents Christmas morning...but it really does suck that within like 10 minutes, it's all over!

This weekend was the last weekend before Christmas and we had some festive activities that were held.  Saturday we had our annual Christmas Decoration Exchange Party and Potluck.  This year we decided to wear ugly sweaters, unfortunately, it was like only my family that participated AND I didn't get a picture of it yet...no need to fret, we are going to wear them again on Christmas Eve!


The party was a great time, lots of food, friends, presents and of course socializing.  It winded down early (apparently we can't "party" past 9:00 pm).  Here are some pics:

Sunday we had our Christmas Pagent at Church then went to Jill's for coffee, tea and refreshments.  It was a nice time, the kids sat in the living room and watched some Christmas specials.  We came home that afternoon, had a nap and prepared for the season finale of Survivor (which got started a half hour late due to football)....so needless to say, I am tired today and hoping this week passes by quickly!

Weekend Plans

This is basically the last weekend to get things ready for Christmas...woo hoo!  This weekend is jam packed with fun filled activities:

Tonight - Hubby and my brother are going to cheer on the Pens vs Sens game tonight at Scotiabank place so Maddy and I are accompanying my sister in law and neice (maybe the BIL too??) to my other sister in law's restaurant for supper!

Tomorrow (Saturday) - Maddy is going to start wrapping all of her gifts that she bought for everyone!  I am going to clean up the house and possibly finish wrapping some of my gifts (last minute ones that I am picking up today).  A nap will be on the agenda as well because in the late afternoon/evening, we will be going to Sara's place for our Annual Christmas Decoration Exchange.  We decided a few years ago that instead of always buying gifts for everyone, we would just all buy a $25 valued Christmas decoration and then we gather together, play a game and end up walking away with a decoration.  It is a great way to make our homes festive for the holidays.  We of course will also have a potluck supper and I decided on my potato dish - I am making my Crowd Pleasing Scalloped Potatoes (courtesy of Kraft Canada).  New this year, we added Wear An Ugly Sweater.  I have to say, it is quite difficult to find ugly sweaters.  I heard on the news the other day with the increase of these parties, second hand stores can hardly keep any ugly sweaters because they are such a hot seller.  I couldn't find anything, so I bought us some plain sweaters and jazzed them up last night with bells and pompoms etc...can't wait to see if anyone else will be sporting an ugly sweater!

Sunday is our Sunday School pageant at Church.  Maddy will be an angel and I (go figure - at 7 mths pregnant) is Mary!  My "Joseph" does not attend Church with us, so my fill in Joseph will be my minister's hubby, Reg!  After Church we have been invited next door to Jill's place for snacks and coffee and tea.  The rest of the afternoon will probably be laundry, relaxing and getting ready for the Season Finale of Survivor!

What are your plans this weekend?  Busy, scrambling for presents or low key relaxing and taking it all in?

Thoughts on Thursday

Today it's warm - as in unseasonably, not December weather warm.  Right now at 6:06 am, it is +7 and rising to +10...

But it's also pouring rain today....100% POP.

Last night Maddy did her shopping at the Dollar store...can't wait for people to see what they got!  

Tomorrow night Hubby and my brother are going to see the Pens take on the Sens, so Maddy is going to wrap all her goodies!  She is pretty excited.

While she is wrapping, I am going to vamp up our sweaters for our Ugly Sweater Party this weekend...

Today at work we are exchanging stockings and having a pizza lunch...looking forward to that!


Can you believe that Christmas is next weekend...so excited.

My gifts are all wrapped, tagged and ready to go - but...still need to get Maddy a few more things yet!


Sunday night is the Season Finale of Survivor: South Pacific...I wonder who will win the money in my pool...not any of my family, we're all out = bummer!

I am going to a potluck on Saturday, today's agenda includes looking for something to bring/make - I am thinking some sort of potato dish.  If you have any good recipes or suggestions, pass them on please!

I am looking forward to having the week off between Christmas and New Years...since I have been at my current job, I have always worked it - no biggie really, no one is in and I would sit and watch 90210 Season DVD's all week but it will be nice to just lounge in my jammies all day and not have any plans...

The only plan we have is to go see this movie one day with Maddy:

What are your thoughts today??

On The Mend...

Yesterday I was home sick...with Maddy!  She has been battling a cough so I decided to stay home with her and both of us could stay in bed all day and watch movies and recooperate.  That didn't happen though!

We did sleep in and that was all I needed I think - I felt 85% better just waking up after 9:00 am!  We snuggled a bit and then headed downstairs for breakfast.  Throughout the day, I made homemade bread, put a venison stew on, peeled and cut potatoes and made a chocolate pudding cake.  In between cooking, Maddy and I colored, played cards and watched TV. 

Today, I am feeling even a little bit better - I would have to say I am almost there.  My nose is still blocked at times but that I could deal with.  The sinus pressure - I could not!

Last night I spoke with my friend Josee and got the latest on Baby Landyn and herself...she has had a rough year.  In 2011 - she has lost her son Liam at birth, had 4 surgeries, had pre-clampsia, had an emergency c-section and delivered Landyn 7 weeks early...if that wasn't enough, she now has blood clots in her leg.  Two of them!  She has to give herself (or in her case, the CLSC) injections into her stomach for 5 consecutive days PLUS taking a pill for 6 weeks to clear the blood clots up - not to mention her blood pressure is still high and is taking meds for that.  Landyn is doing great though.  He is obviously still in the NICU but is fighting and should be coming home soon.  He hasn't gained TOO much weight yet, but he is up to 3 lbs, 10 oz.  Josee is pumping and Landyn is taking it from a bottle.  He has the feeding tube still in but not in use.  They asked the doctors if he would be coming home when he reaches 5 lbs and they explained that because he was a preemie, it could take a long time for him to reach 5 lbs...so he will be home as long as he is doing good and has not lost 10% of his body weight!  They don't think he will be home for Christmas, but hopefully by the New Year...and let's all hope and pray that 2012 is a better year for them all!

Today is also another exciting day.  Our buddy Tyler is coming home from Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto where he has been living for 84 days receiving bone marrow.  It is a pretty exciting time for them all.  Coming home for Christmas.  Can't wait to see him!  He has fought so hard...he has had very good days and some very bad days...he had to have a certain amount of consecutive "good days" before he was able to be discharged.  Sick Kids has been in contact with CHEO here at home and everything is good to go.  They are being discharged this morning at 10:00 am and coming home!

Today is a GREAT day!

GERMS! GERMS! GERMS!

This weekend was pretty low key because I had a cold ALL WEEKEND.  Not just the sniffles kinda cold...sore throat, leaky nose, coughing - everything!  It obviously gets worse at night which means I don't sleep much.  

The only other highlight of our weekend was our Christmas Parade of Lights.  Here are some pics of our Sunday School Float:

I hope this cold VACATES my system this week cuz I am feeling pretty crappy - LEAVE NOW!  Hope you all had a better weekend!

Snowman Party

These were taken last night before bed...Maddy showing off her new jammies that I bought her yesterday for her Snowman Party at daycare today. I realized that Maddy has a pajama issue - the issue being: she doesn't wear pajamas to bed!  She puts jammies on for about half an hour while getting ready for bed, then when the bedtime routine comes...off they come!  So basically, she could wear the same pair of jammies every night because she doesn't even wear them long enough to sweat or get dirty.  Remember the footed jammies that Auntie Butch bought her...yep she has worn them out already and they are full of holes!

Now she has her new hot chocolate/marshmallow pajamas to wear to daycare tomorrow and how fitting seeing how that's what their Snowman Party is about.  We have NO snow here, so it's not that kind of snowman party.  My daycare is getting together with two other daycares and they are making these:

and decorating these:

and bringing these home for Mommy and Daddy:

and eating these:

Sounds like a perfect Friday to me...stay indoors, in your jammies, listening to Christmas songs and hanging out with friends!  Sign me up! Hope you all have a great weekend!

Thursday Thoughts

Feeling pretty point form and random today:

- Baby Landyn is progressing soooo well.  He lost a bit of weight but has since gained it back and it back to 3 lbs, 8 oz.  He has NO breathing assistance and he started milk feedings on Tuesday!  Way to go Buddy!

- Mommy Josee is recovering from her c-section - she is in pain but that is normal and she is being released today.  Released but will be at the hospital every day to spend her time with Landyn.

- I am battling a cold - all of us are actually.  Maddy started it but it never really progressed into anything and yesterday Hubby and I started the sore throats.

- Hubby and I made a big decision on Tuesday - we decided that we are going to pull Maddy from daycare at the end of February and stay home with me and Baby.  I know some people think I'm crazy and tell me I should take the time alone at home with the new baby, but these people have kids closer in age.  Maddy will be 5 in February so I think she will be my helper and when things are tough, she's a pretty independent girl - we will make it work.  She starts school in September so I want some time with her!

- I still have some things to pick up for Christmas.  I feel like we didn't get lots for Maddy...which in fact, she has gotten sooo much, but after looking at things, she really didn't get any toys...so maybe a few more things won't hurt!

- Our Sunday School class is putting a float in our Parade of Lights this weekend.  So excited!

- I have a Book Club meeting and our Christmas potluck tomorrow and I still have some reading to do...I don't think I will get it done - oh well, I have read the majority of it.  We are discussing - Fly Away Home by Jennifer Weiner.

- I am very sad that I am going to be missing our Christmas Eve Church service.  It's my favorite service of the year but due to Christmas dinner scheduling conflicts, we are having one on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day and the one Christmas Eve is in the city.  Oh well!

- My brother in law generously offered to be a minister and have a service at home (cuz he could tell I was really upset about missing Church).

What are your thoughts today?

WWTK - Tis The Season to be Jolly

Here are this week's questions and my answers:

What is your favorite cookie to eat? 

Easy Peasy...homemade shortbread...and I made some on the weekend, except being the nice SIL that I am, I gave the rest to my BIL who LOVES them too!  I'll make more for Christmas dinner!
 

Have you ever done a cookie exchange? 

Used to do them at work and thankfully, it would only be like 4 of us, so we would have to make 4 dozen but haven't done it for the past 2 years!
 

How are you doing on your holiday shopping? 

Pretty well DONE.   There are still some things to pick up, but I know what I have to get!  Such a relief!

 

What is your holiday shopping style? (A little at a time, or power shopper? Early in the season or last minute? Online or part of the crowd?)

I don't like starting until at least December...because if I start too early I will either buy way too much or forget what I have already bought.  This way I have a month to get what I need.  I like going into the chaotic stores Christmas Eve also and picking up last minute stocking stuffers!  I know - CRAZY but there is something fun about seeing people run around the store (especially guys) picking up their last minute presents! 

And a random seasonal 3 part question...
Light displays...do you put them on your house? What is your style and your fave kind to see? 
I have HORRIBLE lights displayed on my house this year...why?  Because they have been up there for AT LEAST 3 years.  Last year wasn't too bad, I switched up some bulbs that were broken or faded but this year in my state, I was not climbing up to do it.  Our porch is falling apart and won't hold my hubby either....so yea, they look pretty pathetic.  Next year, they will all be replaced!! I still have those ancient lights that suck up so much energy and that stores actually PAY you to bring in and replace with new LED lights...just haven't been able to take them down yet!

Week 29

Last night was my monthly doctor's appointment - I am now 29 weeks - wish I was just a wee bit further, but none the less, I guess I should be lucky (seeing how I know of 3 people who have had their babies between 32 and 34 weeks)

Here is some information on my baby at 29 weeks from the Internet:

Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.

How am I feeling?  I am experiencing heart burn - it doesn't matter what I eat or drink, it seems that anything is triggering it.  I never had this with Maddy so it sucks.  I really know how Hubby feels cuz he experiences this EVERY DAY of his life because of a hernia.  I am also very sore if I stand for any length of time.  Just walking a block to the store, I get sore.  I keep getting these wicked leg cramps in the night and what is weird is, after this happens, I guess my muscles are all contracted, I then have ugly purple bruises all over them....yep!

How much weight have I gained?  Last night I was still 145 lbs, which means in the last month, I didn't gain anything, but I think it has something to do with the fact that I always stepped on the scale with my shoes (cuz they were ballet flats) and last night I took my winter boots off!

Baby's heartbeat:  He didn't actually tell me last night what the heart beat was - but it was nice and strong!

Sex of Baby: IT'S A BOY...and we decided on his name - Tanner James!  His room is as good as it's going to get and we are still on the search for some baby boy clothes.  I have some but more is better!

Doctors Advice:  My glucose test came back A-OKAY but I seem to have low iron, which is common, however, he is sending me for more blood work in 5 - 6 weeks to check it again and if it's below 100, he will put me on iron pills...but he doesn't like doing that because it could make me sick!

What's upcoming:  I have one more appointment with my family doctor in January, then I have to start every 2 weeks with the "team".  This team is a group of 4 doctors (I think) that could deliver - so basically, it's to just try and meet them once so I know who the doctor is when the time comes. 

Blog Swap Giveaway Surprises!

Before I show you all what I received in the Favorite Things Christmas Blog Swap that I participated in...I want to give a big shout out to my friend Josee and her hubby Evan on the birth of their precious baby boy - Landyn.  They have had their struggles in the past year but yesterday at 10:15 am, Landyn arrived safe and sound...he's only 32 weeks and weighed in at 3 lbs, 8 oz, but he is doing really well and will be home in no time!  It's just a happy moment for them for all the bad they endured before getting here!  Welcome to the world Landyn, and we can't wait to meet you!

Now on to the Christmas Blog Swap that I participated in.  I often see people participating in swaps and wanted to be part of them...but for the most part, they are in the States and us Canadians aren't invited...boo hoo :(  One day I got an email from Ashley and she mentioned that there was going to be a Canadian swap...I immediately wanted in.  This one was hosted by Leigh over at All You Need is Love and Lindsey at A Running Tale.  The rules were simple and the budget was $20 (not including shipping). 

I was so excited when they sent out the email with our partners name.  My partner was Taren and you can see what I sent her by reading her blog entry here!

I received my package on Friday - from Jenny over at Minivan Stiletto.  This is what my package looked like:

Inside was lots of goodies for both Maddy and I.  How sweet!  For Maddy there was a Disney Princess Notebook and Markers and some wooden tree ornaments for her to color and put on the tree (which she did last night - thanks Jenny).  Also included was: A porcelain penguin dish with a snowflake cookie cutter, some Martha Stewart Christmas Cupcake wrappers, a Vanilla Cupcake and Orange Creamsicle bubble bath, a magnetic Christmas notepad (great for grocery lists), a very nice penguin 2011 ornament for the Christmas tree (see picture below for close up) and my all time favorite - Jenny's Homemade Epic Salsa that she made this summer...it is soooo good - I can't stop eating it actually (and the bonus, it hasn't given me heartburn...woo hoo).  If you have anymore, keep sending it! Haha!

 
Anyways it was very fun to participate in this...and I found some new blogs that I enjoy reading.  If anyone is ever throwing a Canadian Blog Swap again, please count me in!

Hope you all had a great weekend!

It's That Time of Year - Gift Exchange Games

Last night was our work Christmas party...for the past two years (due to company not giving us money anymore) we have just met at the office for cocktails and a quick gift exchange, then we all go to a relatively close restaurant for dinner (everyone pays their own).  It's simple and I prefer it that way (especially cuz I am the one that plans it). 

I always have a hard time coming up with gift exchange games.

Year #1 that I was with this company, we played a game where I made up riddles (I found it online somewhere, but I had to tweak it for the amount of people we had).  Everyone that was participating in the gift exchange was given a number then someone read the clues:

Lucky you, you're # 1

You get to start all the fun.

So grab a gift and grab it quick.

Cause you're the one who gets first pick. 

Number 2 you're on the way.

It's time for you to have your say.

Get your gift and when you're done,

Swap it off with number 1.

Number 3 its plain to see.

It's your turn to pick which gift `twill be.

And when your choosing job is through,

Swap with 1 and then with 2.

Number 4 must use your head.

So grab a gift that has some red.

If it doesn't suit you to a `T',

You may swap with 2 or 3.

Jump to it 5, don't drag your feet.

Take your gift back to your seat.

Wonder of wonders, it's yours for a spell.

But what comes next, you can never tell.

I really liked this game and even played it one year with our group of friends. 

Year #2, we played the Right and Left Game - you can find it here.

Year #3, it was a simple game of taking a number, waiting for your number to be called and then going up and picking a gift.  I believe we had a few steals in there...it was sort of like the Dirty Santa Game.

This year, Year #4, the restaurant was a little further so I prepared something myself that would be quick and easy.  We moved to a smaller space last year and our Christmas tree is just too big now, so we got a little tabletop one instead this year.  Due to that, our tree looks pretty bare at the moment cuz the ornaments we have at work are just too big for the wee little tree.  So I took some Christmasy clipart images, printed them out on cardstock, cut them out and put a number on the back of it.  I threaded them with string and hung them on the tree - posing as ornaments and our game.  I then used the same images, cut them out and placed them on the gifts as people brought them in.  Everyone that was participating was given a piece of paper with a number on it - when I called their number, they come to the tree, find their matching number, look at the image on the back and find the gift that has that image.  Simple and quick...the way we wanted it this year!

If you are planning some sort of gift exchange, check out this useful site!  We played the dice game last year amongst my group of friends...and this year, we will play a new game!