Winter Solstice

This Winter solstice is definitely not as pretty as in years past. We have barely enough snow for a white Christmas and many parts of Alberta are currently quiet brown. It's been a very warm Winter. I am not complaining, but I do miss my snow flocked trees and frosty Winter mornings.

Thirty-Seven weeks already and on the countdown. We celebrated two kiddos birthdays this week and we are finishing up our Christmas shopping/wrapping. Everyone is excited for the last day of school tomorrow and we are hoping the worst of the sickness and germs are behind us so that we can enjoy our holidays!

And could somebody please tell my big kids to stop growing up so fast?!

Fin Turns NINE

Today Finley turned NINE! Fin brings a lot of laughter to our family. He is a big talker and loves to have a listening ear. He has a quick mind and is very witty. 

He is good at entertaining his younger siblings and making them feel loved. He makes friends easily and is very smart in school. He's kind hearted and likes to make people happy. 

We are so grateful he is ours! Happy birthday buddy!

Lily Joy is THREE

Lily Joy turned THREE today! Where does the time go?! We love her spunk and sass. When she opened her card from Gramma and Grampa, she 'read', "It says Happy Birthday to ME!". After the party she skipped around the table and shouted "Fank you everyone!" Lily is one smart cookie and also very observant. Nothing gets past her! She loves hanging around her older siblings, and pestering Sawyer. She is a snuggler and will often sleep cuddled right up next to whoever she is near. All she wanted for her birthday was a really big unicorn! We found her a stick unicorn that's blue and makes noise and she was thrilled. She is full of light and love and we are so glad she is ours! Happy birthday Miss Joy!!

 

Sunday Snapshot

Sisters on a Sunday...

 

Ugly Sweater Party

This morning Mr. Stannix and the boys went to the rink bright and early for a parents vs kids game. They all came back and filled the house with excited chatter as they recounted the events for me. It sounded like it was a lot of fun!

The rest of the day was filled with yard work, tidying, and grocery shopping as we prepared to host an Ugly Sweater Party in the evening. 

We had prepared quite a few appetizers, and those who came also brought something to share, which made for a really fun dinner/evening of finger food! 

I think we ended up with over forty people. We had Christmas music playing, kids running everywhere and a whole island full of yummy food and treats! Everyone was content to gather and visit and the games tables we had set out were hardly used. It was nice to see everyone enjoying their time together. 

Some people stayed until well after 10pm which was so fun! Once everyone had left, we quickly tidied up a few things, let the dogs out pee, and tucked everyone in. The kids were practically begging to go to bed!

 

Seeking Warmth

Today Lily came in from playing in the snow and knocked on the bathroom door, "Who's in dere!"

"Mom. What do you need?"

She layed on the floor and yelled under the door, "I just need a snuggle because you are warm and I am cold". 

We got a fresh blanket of snow overnight and it has left everything looking beautiful again.

 

Cozy Vibes

The living room is feeling quite cozy these days! I am loving the new image I got for the Frame as it is such a beautiful painting of the baby Jesus and reminds us each day of the real reason we celebrate. 

 

Still, Still, Still

This week has been another crazy week filled with lots of running, sports, practises, and events! We are all counting down the days until a much needed Christmas break!

Everytime I sit down for a few moments, Lily finds her way onto my lap for a snuggle and makes sure to give the "baby boy" some smooches. Whenever we ask what we should name him she says, "baby boy". 

This evening there was a brief few minutes of stillness where Lily once again climbed up beside me in the grey chair and nodded off to sleep. I quietly watched her eyelids close as she fought to stay awake. We continued to sit together basking in the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree. Then I scooped her up and tucked her in for a really early bedtime before sneaking out to catch Camilla's basketball game!

After losing to this team by one point last week, they were pretty happy about their first home win! We love watching our "feisty number four" on the court and can't wait to cheer her on again at her next game!

 

A Cozy Sunday

A cozy Sunday afternoon...

 

Christmas Cheer

We are counting our blessings...

Miss Joy and most of the Stannix crew seem to be on the mend (somewhat).

Everyone (except Daddy and Sawyer) attended the Ward Christmas Party. The look on Lily's face when Santa arrived will be forever in my memory. She was so excited!

And this guy still has a believing spirit and enjoyed chatting with the Jolly red guy as well! Meeting Santa was a highlight for sure!