Christmas Eve!

Christmas Eve was different this year.

Marc got the menu prepared in advance, and bought all the ingredients for our celebration a few days prior and cooked a few things in advance too. He had homemade meatballs (yummy), stuffed mushrooms caps (crabs, cheese, etc...), cheese, crackers, ham sausage, grapes and so on. Simple yet quite filling and really tasty.

His uncle and aunt came over and brought their great sense of humor with them. We had some great finger foods, great company and the boys got to open a couple of their presents just like our traditions dictates.

The night ended well! I got to talk with each members of my family. From my parents, to my siblings to my nephew and niece. We had some great conversations, some good laughs and a few tears but over all it was just what I needed.

I have such a wonderful husband! He is the most loving and caring man I know.

He made 156 meatballs.

Buttertarts.

He made millionaires squares!

Those were yummy!

Christmas this year!

I got up early on Christmas morning and woke my family up. We opened our stockings first then enjoyed breakfast together before opening our presents.

This year was different! I quietly and, with a huge smile on my face, watched my children as they tore the wrapping papers off their many presents, took a break to admire what they got and smile with excitement for Santa has brought them exactly what they have asked for, this year.

I snapped a few pictures here and there so we can look at them later on, when our own memories won't be enough anymore.

The boys got toys, pencil cases filled with pencils, and crayons so that they can perfect themselves in the art of drawing which they both like doing now. They got some Dr Seuss books, magnetic drawing boards, and movies. They got aprons, some treats, superhero bubble bath soap, lip balm, and most importantly hugs and kisses from us.

Marc being our master chef this year, got our ham ready for supper. He made homemade mashed potatoes with our favorite homemade honey mustard sauce (the only one I like with ham), roasted Brussels sprouts with carrots, and bake some butter tarts (my favorite). We kept it simple so we wouldn't have too many left overs and froze a whole bunch of ham which we will need soon enough.

We spent most day watching T.V with the boys since we had nowhere to go and the boys didn't feel like going out anyway.

I got to set my table this year and was really happy about it. As you know, I like setting my table for Christmas. Our colors were green, white and red this year. It turned out cute :).

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and enjoy time with your family. After all that's what matter the most.

Yes, my wrapping papers match too. I am crazy that way.

Opening grandma and grandpa B's presents.

Papa even got what he wanted plus some.

Christmas pjs!

My family <3 comment-3--="">

Unto us a child is born!

I found this cute set at the thrift store a while ago, and immediately was attracted to it. Although it is not an actual nativity scene per SE, with the stable and baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes laying in a manger, surrounded by the typical animals, wise men, shepherd and his mother and father, I thought it would be a beautiful thing to display in my house,(when I actually get a new house) all year around to be reminded of this glorious Child that was born to save us, and take upon him all of our sins. No other child could have done it but him who was chosen. No other child could have done it but the Son of God.

My husband and I sat at the dinning table tonight, talking about Our dear Savior, and the blessing his birth was, and the joy it brought. I love this time of year where we get to celebrate HIM. Where we get to sing, the Christmas hymns at Church, and where people's hearts seem, even for a short time, to be filled with compassion, love, kindness and selfless service towards their fellowmen.

I love this time of year! For the excitement it brings, the love that is felt, and the time we get to be with those we love but also, for the presents we give, and for the reminder that we were given the ultimate gift of Salvation.

'Tis Truly is the Season!

Today, I made this picture/poster to add to our ward bulletin for Sunday. and once again was reminded about this coming holiday.

I do love this season! I love it also because of the ribbons, the wrapping papers, the decorations, and Christmas songs and Christmas lights, and the presents neatly wrapped under the tree. There's nothing wrong with this, as long as we don't forget what's truly important.

I made this also. I love to make my own custom printable quotes.
 Easy way to decorate my house. Just pop them in the frame and there you go.

Soon to be 13 years!

Almost 13 years ago, I married my sweetheart. I can't believe it but in the same time, can.

As I thought about writing this post, I asked Marc if he could write down, on a note pad, 13 lessons he had learned, since we've been married, about himself, marriage, etc. I thought it will be great to have my husband's input in a post, for once. 

Here they are, in no specific order:

1. Don't hide things! Be completely honest with your spouse, and never hide anything from her,
2. To compromise.
3. To agree to disagree, sometimes.
4. (Voluntarily keeping this one off the record. TMI is all I can say about it.).
5. To share and NOT be selfish.
6. To listen. Truly listen to what your spouse has or is saying. And make changes accordingly to show her that you have heard her.
7. To serve. Serve each other by doing the simple things, and lighten up your spouse's load.
8. How to control ones temper. I definitely learn how to control my temper, most of the time.
9. How to be more considerate. To be thoughtful, attentive, mindful.
10. How to be cleaner. 
11. Learned that kids are a lot of FUN.
12. To better manage our finances.
13. That I love my wife no matter what.

Reading his list made me smile! He truly does all those things he mentioned in his list. I have said it before  and I say it again, my husband is undeniably, and truly a WONDERFUL man. He is one in a million. I am blessed to call him my husband, my best friend and my all time favorite, to call him papa since he became the father of our children.

A Hole in his smile!

Two weeks ago, my little M fell face first on the sidewalk, in front of our apartment building, and was rushed to the hospital by his dad. He ended up with a cut on his chin, and bottom lip, and a chipped tooth. The visit to the E.R was fuss free. Marc was cooperative, and did everything he was asked to do.

Once home, my little man started complaining about his tooth hurting. I looked at it and noticed that it was chipped. The next day, he started complaining again. I looked and noticed that there was a sliver from his tooth that lodged itself under the gum, so we contacted our friend, who also happen to be our dentist, and were able to get Marc an appointment to see him the next day. The dentist took the sliver out, and Marc was relieved for a bit. However, upon returning home, my baby started complaining again. After two days, I checked Marc's tooth again and noticed it has changed color. He was still complaining about it, so, we got on the phone, and last Monday, I took him to see the dentist again.

Have you ever taken your child to the dentist to have his tooth pulled out? NOT FUN AT ALL. The tooth not only chipped when he fell but it actually fractured, and was infected, so they had to pull it out. Although Marc didn't mind the syringe, and the pliers that wiggled, and pulled his tooth out. He sure HATED the vacuum apparatus that they use to clean the blood, and saliva. That was the only time he SCREAMED! My heart broke that day. I cringed a lot, and even was shaking a bit. I think it hurt me more than it actually did my son. I felt so helpless. As a parent, we don't like it when our children are sick, or hurting. We try to comfort them, hug them, snuggle with them, and kiss their boo-boos better. Well, I couldn't really do that at that moment, so I kept talking to Marc trying to reassure him while desperately trying to keep it together and not lose my cool. Jeremy (friend/dentist) was exceptionally good with little M. He did a great job talking/comforting/entertaining Marc while performing his duty as a doctor. Once the tooth out, Marc got to pick a present, and off we went as if nothing happened. Yann couldn't wait to see his brother, and was quite amazed when he saw that Marc was missing a tooth. He told Marc that he had heard him cry and wanted to come and punch the doctor.

I am glad his tooth is not hurting him anymore. We all hoped that they wouldn't have to take his tooth out but at the end it was the thing to do. Marc's smile has a hole in it but he is still the same happy, handsome boy I love.

Updates on the boys!

It's been a while since I have posted an update post about our monkeys.

They have changed a lot since the last time I wrote a full update about them! It's amazing how many changes they go through in a matter of  a year, even a few months or weeks.

Yann:

Where do I even start?
He has grown in height, and is definitely one of the cleverest boys I know. He loves to draw, and is always so eager to learn something new. He learned to write his name about a month ago, and has since asked us to teach him how to write papa, mama, Marc, and monster. He loves to dance and has such a cute voice when he sings. He is really creative when it comes to playing with his toys, and builds the most elaborate games with anything he can put his hands on. He is well articulate, and is a fun child to have a conversation with. He still understands French really well but would rather just speak English but we make sure they learn how to say things in French. He likes to make gestures when he talks, sometimes, which are quite cute. He is still a mamma's boy but loves his dad as much as he does me. He is a caring, loving boy and often puts up with his brother's energetic personality. He loves to swim and still is a big milk drinker. He has quite a sweet tooth on him and dislikes ground beef. He is a sweet boy but can be a big pain when cranky, and tired. He is really good at helping us around the house, and is really independent. He dislikes having dirty hands, haha. He still plays shy when we go places until he warms up to people and start chatting away. He loves his brother, and protects him when he feels that he needs it. He still loves to cuddle and snuggle. He always reminds us about saying prayer and reading scriptures. He cannot wait to go to preschool, and do soccer. I was a bit annoyed that he couldn't do these this year hence my teaching him at home how to recognize, write his name, and learning about the whole alphabet among other things. We love him to pieces, and are really proud of the boy he is becoming.

Marc:

Now really, where do I start with my little M?
He is my tiny shrimp, although he has grown a bit, and is equally clever than his big brother. He likes to draw but prefers painting and does such a good job at it. He knows what he likes and dislikes and is really vocal about them. He likes to copy everything his brother does, and because of it, has learned to draw a 'bonhomme' (stick man). He knows how to count until twelve and knows his alphabet. He absolutely likes to sing, and likes dancing too but not as much as Yann. Like his brother, Marc is really creative. They get it from me, I think ;). He is well articulate as well, and likes to ask us how to say a word in French. He understands it perfectly and likes to practice with us. Conversations with him are interesting, entertaining and right out goofy at times. He is more of a daddy's boy, and occasionally gives us cuddles and snuggles. He is such a sweet boy, and loving BUT man is he ever energetic, crazy, and fearless. He is whiny too! Doesn't like to help us around the house. He is as independent as his brother and sometimes more. He is not as shy as Yann, and absolutely loves his brother. He loves to eat! He is always eating. Even when time comes to go to bead, he is asking if he can have an apple. He loves fruits, vegetables but is not a big fan of meat. He likes candy but would always choose a fruit over it. He likes flashcards in both languages. Listening? He is NOT a big fan of it, trust me. He is the spice in our everyday life though and we love him to pieces. We are equally proud of him. You don't have time to get bored with Marc, he is always up to something, good and BAD.

They are growing too fast! We love them. We are grateful for the boys they are, and the qualities they have, and are seeing, every day, the not so enjoyable parts of them that makes us cringe, haha. But we want the whole packages because, without the bad, they are not quite themselves.

We sure love them when they sleep!

Aprons!

I made aprons for the boys today, since they like to help us in the kitchen.

I found an easy tutorial on this blog, and got really excited about it. For now, I made each one one, and they will be part of their homemade presents for Christmas this year. Great stocking stuffers I think!

They are so easy, and so simple to make. I bought a pack of two dish kitchen towels (less than $5),  at Walmart, here in Taber tonight, and made them once we got home. I don't own a sewing machine anymore, and hand sew the aprons but even that didn't take much time.

I am quite happy with the results, and cannot wait to find better print to at least make two more aprons for the boys. I think I'll ask Santa for a sewing machine. Nothing fancy though.

I didn't add pocket to mine.

Christmas is coming!

It's slowly starting to feel like Christmas!. The decorations and the tree are up. My nativities have been dusted off, and neatly displayed on my shelves. The stocking are hung, and Christmas Eve presents are wrapped and tucked away under the tree. And for once, my Christmas shopping is officially done with. I feel accomplished, and not so stressed about it all.

I found that it was easier to buy for the kids this year. They are so vocal about what they want that there were quite a few things to choose from. Of course, we can't buy them everything their little hearts desire, so I made a list of the top three things they kept asking over and over, and that's what I got. Books, toys, non toys items are usually what we get. And I am making a couple homemade presents for each of them this year. I find that I struggle more with buying stocking stuffer.

When the boys and I moved here. I brought all my bottles and cans recyclables from Lloyd and decided that all the money we will get from recycling throughout the year will go to the boys' Christmas Funds. By the time I went out and shopped for presents, the boys had $200 in their fund jar. Crazy right? The year is not over yet, and they still have half their money left. I decided to continue doing this year after year. When we go to the park, or for a walk, I like picking up bottles or cans laying around because it bugs me a bit, and honestly, it is free money just laying around, haha. I am not desperate but doing this keeps the parks clean, litter away, and free money in my pocket. Just saying!

I love the Christmas season! I love the spirit it brings, and the kindness and compassion found in people throughout the season. I wish I could feel this all year around. I don't forget to teach the true meaning of Christmas to my children, and this year by giving their toys monthly, I hope that they learn something important. 

Congo DR!

Marc's parents are serving a mission in Congo! It has been quite entertaining to read their adventures, on my mother in law's blog.

Some of her posts reminded me of my childhood and the poverty we faced and lived. Somehow I cannot remember ever lacking anything or maybe never felt like we lacked anything. Looking back, I can honestly say that I had the best childhood a child could ever dream of. We were always busy playing, and entertaining ourselves with rocks, puddles, mud, twigs, and really, anything we could find a use for. We were never bored. With cousins living in the same house, and in the same neighborhood, we always had someone to play with. Life was simpler back then. Material possessions or the lack of, was not a big deal. We used a garden hose to shower, and buckets, and pots were used as a way to scoop out water for our nightly shower. We were always clean, even if sometimes, we could wave goodnight to the swimming eels from the ditch near by, while showering. We never went hungry, even if sometimes we ate the simplest, cheapest  food you could find in your store shelves. We lived in a less than average, quite unexceptional house where, if you weren't careful enough, your feet could sink in the few holes that our humble wooden flooring, not hardwood floor, hid. In some ways though, we were richer than the Congolese people my In laws are serving but poorer than the average people here. Life was great back then. Cousins were siblings, and siblings were best of friends. It still is true today. Thinking of my childhood is still one of my favorite thing to reminisce about. It brings joy, laughter, great memories, and a good reminder to humble myself and feel gratitude for all that I have today. Our circumstances do not always make us, but they always somehow seem to teach us a thing or two.

They love each other!

My boys love each other, I know they do.

When one of them goes with papa to the store, or other places, the one left with me will unceasingly ask for his missing brother. He will look out the window hoping to see him soon, and wait impatiently until he returns home. And when he finally sees him through the window, he starts shouting with joy, screaming excitedly, and quickly runs to meet him at the door. If one is sleeping, the other one cannot wait for the later to wake up, so they can play and have fun together. My boys are sweet like that and I love seeing this. They start playing, they laugh, they hug, and kiss (occasionally) and will eventually start wrestling, hitting and beat on each other but never a day goes by where they forget, they forgive and become the best, sweetest of friends. As a mamma, I love and cherish these sweet moments between my children and hope they will always treat each other the same way when they get older. If they can nurture their relationship, friendship and love for each other, how blessed will they be later on. If they could have the relationship I have with my siblings, I will be forever happy.

They love each other, I know they do!