Dismantling Christmas really DOES take longer than putting it all up, especially when you want to end up with a MORE organized set up. I am trying to put everything into nice Rubbermaid tubs with labels… not an easy task with 4 kids who just can’t seem to entertain themselves. But at least this year we managed to keep our Little People Nativity set together AND only break a very small number of glass balls! 

All in bits

The year is coming to an end and it is now time for us to think about 2012. I am had the twins come up with some resolutions we are going to save and see how they do. I got my New Years themed papers from our favourite Uk Site… they have a whole New Years section right here. We did not cram in much this week between Christmas and New Years but I wanted to do SOMETHING to keep us in the flow of it.

Resolutions

Spending a little time on time

Last night we had a night out at Kristen and Fydo’s with Echo. We have been spoiled the past month or so with (he)Chris around often to babysit. Sometimes it is just a relief to get out with one kid but ALSO with Ken. We do not get a lot of time together to begin with, let alone outside the home!

Game night!

In fact, the past 2 or 3 days have been positively boring blog wise. Though we are starting to plan new things to learn about in the new year. Planets, submarines, dinosaurs and rockets have been suggested. So more and more of my time is being spent on the online catalogue for our local library. Our library subscription was 10.00 and we are allowed 99 books out on it! Now that we have an adult one we could actually get the kids each their own for free but I figure 99 books is enough for one family!!

I am still combating the massive amount of post Christmas clutter. BUT I do have all my ribbon in ONE container… though when I think on it, that has NOTHING to do with Christmas clutter! Renting does limit one to storage solutions. A lot of the ones I prefer require bolting to the walls, something we are not willing to risk doing here.

We have completed our villages… Three on the walls and one standing on its own. Each of them are so different with the colouring and personality of our kids right there… lots of pink on Trinity’s of course! I love this tradition and will return to Activity Village next year! And probably many years to come!  I will post a picture of Emanuel’s on the next entry.

Gavin's village in the dining area

Trinity's village in the hallway

Zander's tabletop village

We are having friends over tomorrow… it is rather expensive to have sitters to begin with, let alone for New Years. I hope everyone remains safe and has a wonderful evening! See you all in 2012!

So cute

And not it is Tuesday! Where did the time go? I am still rather blah but with some lovely pep talks, my amazing family and a nice long supportive phone call I am feeling more myself. Christmas is so stressful, even if you try to keep it realistic and non Christmas stress is never a helpful add on. All I ask is that everything say a little prayer or hold a happy thought that whatever stresses we have this month will pass quickly and allow us a brand new start to 2012! I would really appreciate that! Oh and here is a pick me up from the Old Spice Guy!

And now back to Christmas… we have been busy bees cleaning up for leaving to Grandma’s on the 22nd. It will be our first trip there since August so it is highly anticipated… It has been quite some time since I have packed for a overnighter for the whole family so it will be interesting. Regardless of mom having laundry there is all the randoms you need to be sure you have, the winter gear, the favourite toys, the gifts… wow I feel tired already! So tomorrow will mostly be unearthing bags to carry stuff in in the limited space we have in the van (after all the Quest has NO stow and go so suitcases are rather too bulky) and sorting through any of our perishables for the 3 day excursion. 

We have basically all but given up on regular school work though each of the boys completed a page of their math books. That is not to say we didn’t do our daily colouring because THAT got done (and the pile of laminating to be done grows and grows!) but really nothing else. I got roped into a game of Uno, refereed some Play Doh boardgame arguments and sent the twins outside to run until they were chilled, but actual sit down and planned schoolwork… nope! 

Already a little lady!

So two videos to make up for 2 blog posts in 3 days… well I had to share this one – for the LADIES!

And Trinity has requested we share the video link off of today’s Advent Calendar day. I have lost count of the number of times I have heard it play today!

Tomorrow is also Karyn’s birthday and as she is here in town still I am assuming fun will be had! Last year she was in Saskatchewan for the day! Though the next day we all seem to be dispersing (some for longer than others). I am still unsure of what everyone got the kids individually on Sunday so I want to send out a blanket THANK YOU to everyone… lots of fun, excitement and joy is being had with these new gifts. We feel so very blessed! Thank you! 

Not our finest Advent day but we have managed some fun, some crafting and some colouring. Of course our Advent Villages are growing as my laminating sheets stock is shrinking. I love this tradition we have (now for its second year) of using this Advent Calendar to direct our schooling. Trinity and I had a special craft to do together while the boys enjoyed the outdoors – Santa puppet and his chimney. As usual her colouring style is very unique!

Pop!

Echo’s brightly pastel mega blocks have been a source of great fun for Emanuel and Trinity. Last night Trinity made a bed for her little snowman. 

Shhh

While Emanuel made a lovely skyscraper. 

So proud

I got our first two Christmas cards of the year today! One from Cousin Veronika and household and the other from my sister and her husband. They are already up on the mantel! 

CARDS

The twins spent some of their afternoon teaching Emanuel about mixing colours using Play Doh! Their idea! I love it when they WANT to help their younger siblings learn something new. 

Learning through play.... doh

Ken, Echo and I managed to get out and shop today! I bought the dress I tried on yesterday… got wrapping paper etc etc AND got to spend quality time with Ken. Bonuses all round! 

People watching with Petite Sheepette

Emanuel spent his special adult time working on a sticker picture with the dress a Santa stickers that came with his kit. It has been fun this week, having one on one time with him! 

Fancy picture

Here is a peek at our downstairs tree – made up of basically the ornaments the kids made last year! Pretty huh?

Tree #2

And the video for today!!!

Oh and a couple pictures of Echo!!

In my felt bucket

Storytime