My Christmas List

I've been asked lately what is on my Christmas list.  And I have to say... I'm not sure! 

How sad is that?

I'm not sure what I want.  I've always thought Christmas was more of a "want" holiday.  But lately it has become a need.  Which, don't get me wrong, is wonderful!  But sometimes a "want" is funer than a "need".

I recently joined a group online called "40 bags in 40 days".  It was created by a woman in the USA who had lost her best friend and a parent within a few days.  After realizing how much stuff there was to go through for them she never wanted that to happen to her family when she passed on.

I've been following the group and getting incredible inspiration.  Last night, someone posted on the group:

"This year for Christmas I don't want stuff.  I want time."

She didn't want time to herself (but hey, that could be nice!), she wanted time with her grandkids.  She wanted time to get things in order.  And mostly she didn't want more "stuff" in her house!

I kind of understand.  I want to get stuff and time!

If I could find my perfect Christmas list it would be:

My mom, at my house, for 3-5 days.  During these days we would drop the boys off at school then attack a room or 2.  We would take everything out of the room.  Decide if it was worth keeping, donating or trashing.  Then repaint/touch up or do any minor repairs.  And put the room back together.  I'd go to work at lunch (for a break!) while my mom slept.  Then back home to do more work on the room(s).

My dad, breakfast date!  I would love to go out with my daddy and spend some time with him.  While is cancer is getting better, it is still a reminder that we have to spend time together when we can.  And I'd love a date day/meal with my daddy.

My brother, babysitting for a weekend!  So I could get away with my hubby.  We haven't done that in a while, and after spending time together this past weekend I realized we need more of it.

My kids - I'd take anything they give me!  Stuff or time!

My Mom and Dad in law, visiting!!  We love spending time with Arnold's side of the family.  If it is just going to visit them in Alberta, or spending some time at a vacation home or anything!  But we would love for them to come and visit us here in Toronto again.  We haven't been able to show them the house!  Arnold has said out loud more than once that he would love to show his Dad what he has done.  Mind you our house is small so I'm not so sure how visiting would really work!  Unless they borrowed and RV and stayed in the driveway (warmer weather) or a hotel nearby.


***Now please, if you are reading this and are listed above, do not feel like this is what I have to have, or anytime soon.  It's just something I'd love to see happen!

And yes, I'll still take gift cards for home depot :)  We have a second level, basement and a backyard to think about!!

What a Christmas!!

Our Christmas wasn't at all what we planned but was amazing none the less!

We had our first bit of Christmas on the 23rd when Celine, Jack's girlfriend, came for dinner with my parents.  We opened gifts afterwards that were to and from Celine.  The boys loved it! They are super excited to open their volcano set in the spring/summer. 

Arnold and I got a beautiful print from IKEA.  It's now on our wall and looks PERFECT there!

That night my mom was in such pain.  We couldn't figure out what was wrong and ended up in the emerge room at the hospital.  I have to admit... I'm not often the "extra" person. And it was nice.  All in all the emergency room was fantastic!  We got there around 10pm and were home by 2:30pm.  It did take a bit to get her in as they were busy but I'm impressed.  I understand Mom isn't but hey, it went well for Toronto

The next morning was just as if nothing had happen.  We did some running around, cleaning up and the boys did some work.  Then Papa and Nana took the "kids" (Kyler, Quinton, and their kid Jack) to the movies.  They saw Night at the Museum 3.  They had a lot of fun.  Arnold and I stayed home and wrapped those last second gifts and had a shower.

When the kids got home we had some munchies and prepped for supper.  We shortly turned around and went to the Candle light service at Heron Park Baptist Church, where Arnold, the boys and I have been attending.  We had a wonderful time!  So full! 

We had supper (Tacos) as soon as we got home and the boys headed to bed around 10pm.  Got to get to sleep before Santa comes!

We were all in bed by 11pm.

The next morning I got a text message at 4am from my mom saying that her and Quinton were up and that they had counted stockings and were so excited that they only had 2 more hours to wait!  We were all up shortly after 6am.

We had such a "lazy" Christmas.  It was fantastic!  We opened our stockings, then 2 Santa gifts.  Kyler got a scooter he has been longing over.  And Quinton got some minecraft books and sword/pickaxe.  Quinton had also received a Lego set in his stocking so he went right to work on that and Kyler went right to work on his scooter with Daddy and Papa.  Jack and I started breakfast.  Then everyone went out to try the scooter.  It's weight goes up to 220lbs so they were all on it going up and down the road having a blast.  Nana liked it so much she got her own on boxing day!

Then we came in and opened some more gifts, and had some breakfast, then more gifts, then a scooter/dog walk break, then more gifts, then cinnamon bun break, then more gifts, then play time/prep the turkey, then more gifts.. as you can see this went on for a while.  We did finish the tree gifts until 2:30pm.

We had nap time/build Lego time after gifts.  We even pulled up an extra table for building.  We all took some walks around and then home for prepping dinner. Which I believe was served at 5:30/6pm.  And it was AMAZING!  If I do say so myself!  Everyone got something they wanted.  We had turkey for me.  Ham for my brother.  Mashed potatoes for Arnold.  Sweet potatoes for my parents and Kyler.  Stuffing for Quinton and I.  Sugared Carrots for Arnold.  Brussels sprouts in cheese and bacon sauce for me (and forcing my mom to eat "the green balls from hell").  Asparagus for mom.  Cauliflower for Mom and Dad.  and gravy!!!

Then we went on a nice walk around the neighbourhood!  Who knew plus 8 would be great weather for Christmas.  When we came home we cleaned up and had dessert of Pumpkin pie for Q; Apple pie for K and Arnold; Key lime pie for Jack; whipping cream for me; ice cream for Arnold and fruit tray for Mom and Dad (but I don't believe that ever came out!

Then we went to bed.  Tummies full and happy.

Boxing day we did ALOT more Lego!  Kyler got this amazing set from his Aunt Sasha, Uncle Jason, Kasmira, Mattea, Jorgie, Uncle Chris and Soon-to-be Auntie Ashley.  He has been putting it together for 4 days now and loving every minute!

Quinton got 3 sets of Lego.  He got a Minecraft set (endermen or something?) and 2 Star Wars sets from Aunt Sasha, Uncle Jason, Kasmira, Mattea, Jorgie, Uncle Chris and Soon-to-be Auntie Ashley.  He loves them!  So much he went out and spent his money from Grandma and Grandpa Visser to buy a little attachment set for them.  He is just in awe and has been playing with them non stop since Christmas morning!  They love them!

We also did some Boxing Day shopping.  There was almost no one out there!  I really expected way more going on but nope!  Nice and easy.  Mom and I went out and she got some new jeans (yeah mom for size 10!!).  Then Jack and Dad went out and got the scooter for mom and a new chair for dad. 

That night mom and I decluttered and cleaned and re-arranged our living room/dinning room.  We are getting everything ready for a big reno for us soon.  We are going to be reno'ing our little kitchen so we wanted to move some things around.  It was hard work and my body is STILL sore from moving everything but it works for now!  We have to make a trip to IKEA to get some baskets and then we are done!!

Papa and Nana went home on the 27th in the morning.  They had a great time chilling out at our house and took the puppies home with them. 

Shortly after the boys, Arnold and I went out for lunch and did some shopping at Chapters and a few electronic places and then home. 

Celine came over for dinner and her and Jack headed out for the weekend.

That's when I started paper work.  I now have a HUGE box to shred and my bills are organized and I'm ready for at least 2015, maybe more!  I have one box of bills/papers for upstairs and one box for the basement (things that need to be kept)

I even got a few minutes to go over things and see how we are doing.

It's been a world wind Christmas but I've loved every second of it!

Now to get ready for New Years Eve Fondue, and National Tinfoil Day!!!

6 more days!

That's right!!  6 more days!

This mornings board at school was our nice reminder that there is only 6 more days of school left!!!  Which for teachers (who weren't counting today) it was really 5 days!  One whole hand!

Last night was our Christmas concerts at school.  Actually, one was in the afternoon.  But they were great.

Our week has been busy!

On Monday we dropped off our teacher gifts!  Mr C (Q's teacher) got a "book of gift cards".  Ms. G (K's teacher) got a jar of gumballs and a GC.  Then the office staff and those I work with 1 on 1 got my "exploding box" gifts.

Tuesday was preparing for our concert.  It meant for a super duper busy day!

Wednesday got crazy.  A fun morning to get the concert ready and to get the kids excited.  Then lunch and onto the concert.  We had our concert from 1:30 until about 2:30pm.  Everyone was gone by 3pm.  Which is nice.  I even got my first "teacher gifts" :)  I loved it!

On Wednesday night. it was my boys turn.  The parent council did a great job with our baskets so I spent most of my time doing the raffle.  A friend of mine one the VIP seating.  It was big cushy seats at the front with no one in front of you.  It was great :)  I loved it!  Her hubby couldn't make it so I did.  We got front row seating, and they waited on you!  There was a bottle of water and a juice box to start.  Then you got a tray of grapes, cheese and cracker.  After the next group you got carrots/cucumber and dip in a cup.  And last was a tray with cookies on it!  It was all so great!  The kids did a wonderful job serving.

Then to add to the fun I won a basket!!  The boy basket.  I seriously bought 2 tickets and they were the ones in there :)  I'm so excited for it.

The boys sang so well.  You could hear Q over EVERYONE!  It was so funny.  And Kyler did a great job.  He did a little "saying of favourite things" during the first song in the microphone and the second song was a dance.  He loved it and did a wonderful job!

Then today... the "6 more days" of school left was so fun!  We all had a wonderful day, even with the wind-chill.  They called indoor recess for the classes.  So no one played outside in the morning.  All the kids came in ASAP and then we only went out for 10 minutes at lunch.  I swear it took more time getting the kids ready than it did to play outside!  We did play "What time is it Mr. Wolf?"  with them to have them run around a little then it was time to go inside.  We did a train to walk around and "pick up" everyone around the area then back to the gate and in the classroom.  I read the kids a book and then they were off to gym.  Great timing!

All in all a great day!

Here's hoping tomorrow is just as fun!  Then we are on our last week of school.

Merry Christmas!!

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas this year. We were so blessed and spoiled it was nuts! I kept feeling like we needed to load it all in the car and go as fast as possible. You know that commercial for IKEA where the wife is leaving the store yelling to her husband "star the car! Start the CAR!" like she robbed the place? That's how it felt. I can't get over the wonderful gifts and love shared to us from family and friends. Thanks!

We are now in recovery mode for a week or so. We have to re-find our house, get the stuff organized that we were given and figure out what we want to bless others with when the Canadian Diabetes association comes by to pick up our donations.

Anyway... if I miss you guys this year before this weekend. Have a FANTASTIC new years! We are very excited to see what it brings for our family and friends.

Fly By!

Isn't it just the thing... everything seems to "Fly by". Even my fly by post!

We went to the nutcracker on saturday and it was fantastic. My kids are still talking about it and how they can't wait to go next year. Even hubby wants to go!

Sunday we had church and went to IKEA with my family who was still here. It was great to wander and have fun.

Yesterday I had a few random things to do (help a friend get a change table in her car, bake buns - not enough to bring with me to an event). I even got out a bit early for Aqua Fit and went to the dollar store and finished up my Christmas Shopping!!!

Today I have a meeting at church in hopes of starting up a moms program at church as we are beginning to have a few more moms!! Also tonight I have a date with Kyler. We are going to buy Quinton's Christmas gift and then he is done. I'm loving being finished so soon.

I talked to a friend of mine last night and we both agreed with having the kids in school longer is really screwing with our "holiday spirit". "normally" we would be out on Friday but this year we go right up until the 23rd. It's not fair. Hopefully next year the school board smartens up a bit!

Anyway I'm really just flying by! Hopefully I'll have pictures soon!!

December Photo Challenge

This month I am trying, again, to do a Photo Challenge. I'm hoping I can do it! This is a fun month!

This month is all about Christmas/Winter and things that remind me of that time of the year. I started on Dec 1st, but here's a "hint" of my post today!



Check out the blog here:

All The Seasons - A Photo Blog

Santa At the Zoo!!

On Saturday we went to the Zoo and got to see Santa. The kids love it! Last year we went and had so much fun. I think it might be something we do all the time. It is alot of fun!

Here are some great shots from the time there:

Happy Dutch Christmas (With pictures!)

So after the boys got home from church this is what they found:

Happy Dutch Christmas!

In our family, Arnold is Dutch. So in turn we have adapted the "Dutch Christmas" for our family. Our goal is one day, when we have enough money/time off, we will fly out to Alberta for Dutch Christmas. It will be a blast! I know it!

Until then we celebrate at home.

Our "version" is to have Dutch Christmas on the first Sunday of December. This all started when Kyler was little. I had gotten him and his dad a chocolate letter. I believe it was our first Christmas in Toronto (2007). I had forgotten to put everything out the night before. So before we left for church I was all ready with the shoes. I put out K's and Arnold's and headed off to church. It was a busy morning and totally forgot to put out the gift so I bolted in the house before Arnold and the boys and made sure that Sinterklaas had arrived. Sure enough he had, and thus our tradition began.

Every year we have had a "Dutch Christmas" in our house, the same time, first Sunday of December. For one thing it's easier for me to remember so that's a big reason for it.

This year we are a bit early, but that's alright. The boys are excited to use Kyler's wooden shoes and place them by the Christmas Tree before heading off to church.

For your enjoyment I have been check out this person blog about Sinterklaas. It's just so funny to read. Here is a copy of the blog and a link. Enjoy:

Invading Holland Blog

The arrival of Sinterklaas can be a very confusing time for expats in Holland. It’s a tradition that raises a lot of questions for those who are unfamiliar with it. Who is Sinterklaas and why does he give out presents on December 5th? Why does Sinterklaas live in Spain? Who are his helpers the Zwarte Pieten?

However, over the years I have come to realize that there are certain questions that it is simply best not to ask when old Sinterklaas comes to town. The Dutch don’t always respond well to such questions and sometimes they simply pity your stupidity.

“Do you think the pope knows his hat is missing?”

“If I pledge allegiance to Sinterklaas do I still get gifts from Santa?”

“How many hours do you think Sinterklaas spends grooming his beard every morning? He’s very metro for an old man.”

“Who do you think would win in a fight? Sinterklaas or Santa?”

“Do you think it’s like this all year around in Spain?”

“Do you think Sinterklaas works on pakjesavond so he can have Christmas off? Or do you think Santa works on Christmas so he can have pakjesavond off?… or both?”

“Do you think the Pieten get confused whenever anyone calls out their name? Do they all answer?”

“If I’m on Santa’s naughty list am I automatically on Sinterklaas’ naughty list as well? Because if so I’m in trouble.”

“Do you think Sinterklaas realizes that owning a steam boat is not very good for his carbon footprint?”

“Can you OD on pepernoten? Because I might need an ambulance.”

And the number one question that you must never ever ask a Dutch person:
“Why is Santa riding a horse?”

Tree And Snow!

On the 29th of November we put the decorations on the tree and had a nice evening.

Kyler wanted to put the start on but DANG that kid is fast! I should have used sports mode instead. Here's what I did manage to get:











AND Nov 30th we did get our first snow. It even lasted until the 1st of December!! Then it was gone. But wow did it look nice!

Christmas Tree Cutting!

Last weekend we went to my parents house. We stayed the night on Saturday and headed out in the morning and got our Christmas trees. IT's always something exciting for us. Here's a photo idea of how it went: