December, 6 more sleeps and counting!

Once again, I regret not updating sooner. Here are some notables since my last post. May be point form as my eyes are threatening to close!

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells.... Ahhhhhhh You should see our snow! And just as an FYI, today our daytime high was -18 C. With the windchill factor, it felt like -32. Boy was it cold!!!!

-Our Christmas Card picture taking session (part 1 and part 2) was a bit of an adventure this year! Ok, to say the very least! Let's put it this way, we have 5 pages of picture attempts at taking, "a keeper". Ummmm Mara-Grace is a child of perpetual motion!
Here are a handful of action shots!

-Here is a pic of our girls decorating the tree! Oh what fun! Sorry for Mara-Grace's lack of pants! I regret that we didn't get many pics this year of our decorating. Hmmmmmm, Victoria was trying to put the angel on top of the tree! Never mind getting a chair, the couch will do nicely. Look at Mara's face, "wow! Seems fine that we are standing up here!"

-Of course part of getting ready for Christmas is writing a special letter to Santa. Mara-Grace mentioned asking for a "REAL Mermaid". This was thanks to a Diego episode. Thankfully after a descriptive conversation on why Santa probably shouldn't/wouldn't bring a real. live, big mermaid, she quickly became enthralled with the idea of Santa bringing a bird. An owl to be more specific. A snowy owl to be exact. Here are a few pics of the famous letter. Btw, this past week we received a note back from Santa! And he even mentioned that he is looking forward to her fudge and milk, and that Mara-Grace is wonderful at drawing!

Making sure it is definitely stuck!

- You know how I think Victoria has the most glorious hair? Well, next fall she will be shaving her head! Yes, you read correctly. Actually, she asked us if she could participate in this last year and we didn't have enough details. This year however, she asked again and honestly, I am so incredibly proud of her. Victoria will be participating in "Shave to save" at her school. It is a large event where the school watches as a local radio station comes and they shave heads for cancer awareness. Victoria has committed to participate for next fall and will soon begin her fundraising for this cause. Also, her locks will be sent to make a wig for someone battling this disease. She is really committed to raising awareness and fundraising for this cause and I salute her. I am beyond proud. She had everyone sign her arm at school in support of her signing up to participate.

-We attended a local Santa Claus Parade. Victoria was on a float with one of the volunteer youth committees she participates in.
(Tori is in the green shirt- on the float-sitting down-center-black hat!)

Waiting for Santa to arrive....

Nope, that isn't Santa yet..... Not so sure about this!Here comes Santa Claus!!!!!!!!

Much love from our home to yours. May your last-minute holiday preparations be treasured.

xo

Just a very quick little update! I was absolutely certain that I had posted a week or two ago. Where is the time going?

Our tree is up and the house is decorated!!!! This brings me such joy! I cannot even describe it:) Our tradition was always to decorate on Dec.1st or the weekend afterwards. That is the EARLIEST Kev agreed to! LOL Up until last year that is. When we went to Florida last year I made it my birthday wish to decorate 'way earlier than usual' as we wouldn't be home until into December. Crafty! Well, I confess that it is a little manipulative, but this is my new birthday wish! To decorate around my birthday (Nov.19th). Whoohoo!!!! Why on earth didn't I think of this sooner? haha So, we decorated in and outside the house all day Saturday and decorated the tree Saturday after supper. Tori is an expert and Mara-Grace LOVED it and was quite the professional this year (this being her 2nd Christmas and all!). She is very proud of the ornaments that we made and she is also incredibly proud of the ornament we had made when we were 'waiting' for her to arrive home. We had her referral picture put onto a Christmas ball. And of course this is put onto the tree with an emotional story told. She LOVES it! Her other two favorites are one with her picture from last Christmas in it and another that is a little angel who says 'my' lines from a Christmas pageant years ago. I was Angel Gabriel two years in a row! LOL I remember being so incredibly proud and then my brother told me Gabriel was a boy! ROFL Well, I was a very feminine girly angel in the pageant. So There! haha Anyway, she is quite impressed that the little angel ornament tells her so much!

Another major first I noticed yesterday while we were at playgroup. We have been going on Tuesdays to a playgroup for internationally adopted children. There is always an informative discussion for the moms while the children are in sight and playing. Yesterday was the last day and I was beside Mara when she started counting (we've been working on this). She made it to 10 all by herself!!!!!!!! I was so excited!

Another notable first is that Mara-Grace can wink on demand! She can wink with both eyes! Not a blink, a wink. One at a time! Another proud mama moment! Gosh!!!!!! It is my blog and I am allowed! LOL

Kev is in Toronto and last night it was my turn at the chapel (Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration). So, Victoria read Mara her story and brought her up to bed. When I came home, Victoria told me that Mara-Grace kept doing things and saying, "Mama lets me do it all time!". hehe Really?! Flip through the book over and over, sommersaults on her way to bed, extra milk....." Hmmmmmmmmm

I better run! Love from our house to yours!!!!! xo

Where does the time go?

I cannot believe how quickly time is flying by! I have been wanting to find time to sit down and update. I really must get into the routine of posting regularly. If you are reading this, thanks for checking in for updates!

Since I last wrote, there have been many milestones made...

I meant to say in my last post that since mid August Mara's speech has been coming in with leaps and bounds. It seemed that suddenly she was saying so many words and piecing them together. Sentence bound! Now she astounds us every day with her sentences and new words. She has retained so much (colors, numbers, exotic animals..... )

Also, not to be graphic, but Miss Mara's fear of "Poopy's" in the toilet has been conquered! Also since August (or so). This was a major milestone as you can imagine! Sorry for sharing hehe, but this is my journal to read in years to come.

Mara-Grace has cherished her bottle time. She would have one before nap time in the afternoon, and one before bedtime. Both times would consist of her drinking her bottle snuggled under a blanket on my knee. We would read a few books and then she would leave the bottle and go up to bed. Early in the summer I talked to her about changing from her bottle to a cup. She really didn't want to discuss it! Then I read the "bye bye bottle" book and we put the bottles into a 'special' bag and I attempted to give her a cup instead. Well, she was literally heart broken regarding this idea. She genuinely sobbed and I quickly realised that she isn't ready. Plain and simple. She needs this time. So, I didn't push it. We continued the routine and I felt as though she would give this up (possibly with gentle coaxing) when ready. Well, about 4 weeks ago when we were doing our run to Walmart I asked Mara-Grace if she'd like to look for a "special bye bye bottle cup". She quickly replied, "no...... bottle". So, I put it out of my mind. Then when we were shopping and passing through the baby/kids section Mara said "Bye bye bottle cup!". I almost fainted and quickly jumped on board! I found a Diego sport bottle which Mara adored. She loves Diego and so, this was perfect! However, I was prepared to have Mara still want her bottle that afternoon. But, she did not! Diego was just what was needed! So, bye bye bottle cup it is! The visions of Mara-Grace heading to Kindergarten with bottle in tow have now vanished!!!!

October was amazing! We went pumpkin picking and as always, it was such a special day. We even chose a little green pumpkin in Hannah's honor.

We had a few days of rain and since it was mild, Mara-Grace and I got in our gear and headed out. We went for a walk and jumped and splashed in EVERY puddle we could find. I remember doing that with Tori and honestly, it never gets old! I don't know who had more fun! We came home soaked to the skin (well, Mara was pretty dry with her rain gear and layers). She had a warm bubble bath and we had hot chocolate (her first cup ever!). Fun times! I cherish my days.

The night we carved our pumpkins (Oct.28th) we looked out and it was snowing! SNOWING!!!!! Mara was jumping up and down with joy as she looked out. Ok, we were all incredibly excited! That night she wore a Christmas nightgown to bed. Note the Halloween table cloth, broom cookie and Christmas nightgown. haha!

Halloween has come and gone and Victoria went trick or treating with friends this year and then to a friend's house for a Halloween movie. She had an amazing time! Mara-Grace also seemed to be very excited about Halloween this year and understood the concept so much more! She got all dressed up (that morning!!!!!) and came in costume to bring Lady to the spa and for groceries. She was so proud of herself! That evening she was thrilled to be back in costume and did really well going to doors and saying "Happy Halloween". Victoria manned the door for us for an hour so Kev and I could both take Mara trick or treating.

Victoria is really enjoying school and is very busy with her friends! She is now involved in a youth group and another youth volunteer program. Those along with her school work, social activities and swimming means a busy teen! She is really having another great year.

November 1st was Mara-Grace's 3rd birthday. We had both sides of our family to our house for lunch/opened presents and then headed to a local farm to visit the animals and have a wagon ride. The weather was gorgeous and it was really a great time. Back for cake and then everyone left late afternoon. As mentioned in an earlier post, the theme was 'farm'. I made Mara's farm cake and we played pin the tail on the donkey. Mara and her cousins enjoyed coloring farm pictures and making paper bag pigs. It was a great memory.

Our family celebrated again at suppertime by ordering Chinese food and having a quiet supper at home. Mara-Grace opened her presents from us and did some playing with her new toys.

As Mara's birthday approached, I couldn't help but think of her birth parents (even more so than usual). I gave much thought to beginning a tradition to honor them and we remembered them during our grace at supper time. We have been so blessed having our angel in our lives. Happy birthday sweet Mara-Grace.

I should mention that as of yesterday, when we speak to and call Mara, 'Mara-Grace', she says, "Nooooo, HONEY Mara-Grace". So there you have it, her new name! What a funny girl. She kept that up all of yesterday and today. We shall see what tomorrow brings for our Honey Mara-Grace! A quick mention... When I sing Mara her lullaby in her room she now makes this 'cooky face'. It is so funny really. I have been known to have to begin again and again as we both giggle our heads off. Also, tonight Mara climbed out of her crib! She has been jumping in and climbing in for quite some time. But tonight is the night she climbed out (with the side rail lowered thankfully. She didn't attempt it when the side rail was up-perhaps that will be the excitement for tomorrow:) As I said, we shall see what tomorrow brings for our Honey Mara-Grace.

I will do my best to update again soon! Love & prayers from our house to yours. xo

Catching you up to Fall...

Hello!

Regardless of my many good intentions to update this blog regularly, it rarely happens! If you do check this out for news, please hang in there. Eventually, it gets updated!

Since the last post, we have all settled well into back to school and Fall. I have always loved this time of year. The crisp, autumn air, apples and all of their gifts (applesauce, crisp.......) and then of course there is the symphony of colors to appreciate. I adore decorating for Fall and always feel my very best during this season. Did I mention I love the fall?!!!?

Victoria has begun her second year of high school and is loving it! I am so happy to see her so content and involved in her studies, friends and school life.

Mara-Grace is in the middle of a growth spurt which caused her to outgrow every pair of shoe she owns in one week flat! Literally, overnight, she outgrew her shoes. All size 7's. So, off to the shoe store we went. It was confirmed that her toes just pass the size 7 line. So, she now is into a size 7.5. She was quite proud to try on shoes and we bought two new pairs. We have her fall and winter boots already purchased (size 8) so they should fit well. Even her clothes seem to be shrinking rapidly! Mara used to be longer in the top than bottoms. Now she is quite proportioned! She has outgrown her size 2's and is into 3's now. PJ's, I always buy a little bigger. It will be interesting to see how much she has grown since May when she has her 3yr check-up next month.

Mara-Grace will soon be having her birthday party. The theme is FARM. For obvious reasons (described in past posts)! When I asked her what picture she would like on her party napkins/plates she told me pig. Surprise surprise!!!! Then she said cows. So, pigs and cows=farm theme! I made her invitations again this year and they are in the shape of a farm house. I will take a picture and post it when I get a chance. Mara was quite thrilled, and most impressed to mail them to her cousins at the post office. Very exciting indeed!!!!!

As I mentioned, Victoria is back to school and loving it. She has also joined a volunteer youth committee that will do work and fundraising for 3 local hospitals. She is really excited about this. She also has joined a church youth group which meets once a week. Her girlfriends are also involved, so it is something that she is greatly enjoying. She is also taking her bronze medallion and cross which preps her for life guarding. This is something that will be beneficial to have but it isn't something she is overjoyed about taking. Enough said on that note! LOL If passed, she will be finished this portion of training right before Christmas.

Mara-Grace and I have been attending a weekly playgroup for internationally adopted children. We are really enjoying it and it will run until the end of November. There is also a Mothering matters playgroup which I am thinking of joining when the other playgroup ends. The most exciting part of this fall has been that Mara-Grace has met Kyli! Kyli came home to her family from China this past summer and lives about 8 minutes away from us. Kyli and Mara have so much in common and they have been having a blast together! It is so sweet to see them playing together. Kyli and her Mom came over to our house to play, and we have been meeting at the park a morning once or twice/week. It is truly wonderful to see them playing so well together.

Another special event this fall was a last minute, 2 nights away at Chateau M. I haven't stayed there since I was a child, and have always wanted to go back. I didn't want to be negative, but there were so many lay offs at Kev's work since the summer and things were incredibly stressful to say the very least. Sadly, over 2800 jobs were lost. Thankfully, Kevin's was spared. We couldn't be more thankful. All of this to say that when he was given the getaway through work, it was much appreciated. Unfortunately for Kev, he spent most of the time there working (we were just thankful he had work). I must say though that I had a glorious time with my girls. It was beautiful weather, accommodations and the scenery is breathtaking. I would love to go back and relax. The girls and I went hiking, did a few trails (Tori was sure she saw a bear-GOSH), played mini-putt, had a picnic etc.... Treasured times.

Another incredible accomplishment in our household these days is our towers. LEGO towers! Kev and Mara have built them right up to the living room ceiling. Here's proof!!!!

There you have it, a little update from our house! May you have a beautiful, cherished Thanksgiving! xoxo

A long overdue update....

Well, the summer has come to an end (school is back in session) and here is a quick recap of some summer fun we've had within the last few weeks.

Victoria has been reading, "the Twilight series", by Stephanie Meyer. She gave the books to me to read and I have to say that they are amazing! I always take such joy in watching such excitement over literature. So, it was absolutely my pleasure to watch Victoria and her friends, and our niece Chelsey countdown to the release of the final book in the series. I gladly drove them to and from the book release party at Chapters. They had many events scheduled which included trivia contests, dance lessons, and a costume contest. The theme of the evening was a midnight masquerade/prom. Now, I confess that I assumed that I too was "in" on the invite. Didn't really think I would only be the chauffeur! But Victoria then mentioned her desire to go alone with her friends. With much debate (it was ending at midnight), some strict rules set in place etc... we agreed to her plea. When I dropped the girls off, they hardly remembered to say a goodbye as they were so incredibly excited. And when I picked them up they were so loud and giddy and completely hyper about their wonderful night! Of course during the middle of this excitement they were also scanning their books. It was a terrific night and I am so happy to see them so wild about reading!

Here is a picture of Victoria and Chelsey (dressed as characters from the book). Note the engagement ring on Victoria's left hand. LOL They both got COMPLETELY into character as you can see!!!!

Victoria and Mara-Grace enjoyed their summer together and Victoria had a photo shoot where she was the photographer and guess who her subject was! Here are a few results!

Another highlight was Victoria's pool/movie party that we hosted at the end of August. She and her friends have been going through a phase of watching scary movies. So, we had an afternoon of swimming, boarding in the backyard, then a bbq for supper and then when it got dark we roasted marshmallows and the kids sat outside and watched a horror movie on a screen Kevin borrowed from work (projector and screen) and hung outside. Everyone seemed to have a great time and I must add (Victoria will cringe on this one) that this is the first time we had both girls and boys over for a party. LOL Someone is getting older (no not just Kev and myself). This reminds me, during the party Kevin and I were constantly in and out keeping an eye on things. Anyway, while the kids were engrossed in the scary movie, Kev and I came out and spooked them. They screamed and jumped. Totally classic!