A Year in Review

As I spent the last few hours looking back on the blog and noticing how my lovely wife has taken the time to chronicle our lives, I am truly amazed how much takes place over the year. In fact, this is something I will do each year to remember how truly blessed I am to have such a wonderful family. Although there were lots of moments to choose from, here is a selection of events that made up our year.

Family Two-Some

Yesterday we all had the opportunity to participate in the annual Family Two-Some bowling tournament where the child and parent bowl on a team together. In past years Sterling has always selected me as he said I was the better bowler, not really understanding that they automatically give the parents 225 per game for a three game total of 675. I would have to bowl out of mind and way beyond my skill level to get that high so the winners are really determined on how the kids bowl against their own average. I know Shannon has always wanted to participate and luckily this year with Kaedo bowling as well we were both able to. Sterling had a bit of a rough start but caught his groove and ended up with his best triple ever earning him and I 2nd place in the Junior boys division. Shannon and Kaedo did great as well and got 4th in the Bantam boys division. It was a good time and the first time we have ever won anything doing it, Sterling was thrilled, especially since he beat me in his last game, though I think he was disappointed that I kept cheering him on even as he taunted me with 'How does it feel to have your son kick your butt in bowling'. Strangely enough, it felt good, he needs those kinds of things to happen to get his confidence up. Anyway, here are some pictures from the event.

Just had a talk with Kaedo and "Santa" is no more here in this household. He has been bummed all day and it finally came pouring out. That's what happens when you snoop. He feels "betrayed". Poor guy. Our Christmas has been good but bittersweet. The end of an era.

Christmas Eve

Happy Christmas Eve to everyone. We have had an eventful evening already. The pictures aren't in order but I hope you like them.

Sterling putting out his reindeer food

Kaedo sprinkling his reindeer food

Craig's "balls" he got as his secret Santa gift. (to put inside his smelly cleats)

Christmas pj's - a must

My guys

The awesome "fundue" Craig put together for us

Gingerbread cookies made today

Found on Kaedo's iPod - I actually cried

More pictures tomorrow. Merry Christmas everyone!

duh

So, last night I went to bed early. I was very tired and worn out from the spaziness of the kids. At 10 I looked at my clock and was shocked to see the time and no one was in bed and I hadn't heard my alarm go off. I was a little pissed that Craig hadn't woken me, knowing full well I had to be out the door by 10:30 at the latest to get to work for my early shift today (thanks Boss, for moving my shift to 12-6pm).
So, I'm in the bathroom putting on my face and Sterling comes in and asks what time I have to work, and I say 12 - and he says, "like, midnight?", to which I say, "no, noon", to which he replies, "mom. it's only 10pm - go back to bed".

It feels like Saturday

How's that for handsome? 37 candles on that bad boy. The cake was snarfed down within 18 hours. Delicious.

But alas, it is Wednesday. I got a call from my boss today letting me know that my shift changed tomorrow to 12-6pm. Yahoo - don't know how he did it, but I'm thrilled that I'll be home around 7 instead of 10pm. Ya Me! He also told me there is some permanent overtime coming for the new year and I'm on the top of the list. Going to get more info tomorrow.

Today I got the last of the shopping completed, and spent some one on one time with Sterling. Our tree is looking full and while I said to the boys it would be a smaller Christmas, it doesn't really look like it. The boys are super excited and we have told them they will be chained to their beds until 8am. Hopefully they sleep that late.

This afternoon Sterling and I made the above pretzel kisses. Super easy to do and peanut free to boot. He had lots of fun, as did I. I can't wait to try them. Speaking of trying them - Weigh In Wednesday is officially on holidays until Jan 6.

Mom - great call this morning. Loved it as always!

Week 16

3 days until Christmas and I still remembered to get Gnomey done today. Kaedo and I were out early this morning running some errands, Craig is sewing on all of their bowling badges (thank you - I'll owe you for life!), Sterling has been hanging out, I made some treats for work, I'm doing this then heading off to the "office".

All is well here. I have one last thing to pick up and then I'll be done.

Kaedo mentioned to me this morning that he thought he would be disappointed this Christmas because he had been snooping. This may very well be the end of Santa and the beginning of a new hiding place. He comes by it honestly.

Hope you like this weeks picture. Handsome as ever.

Happy Happy Christmas Eve Eve Eve!