And now we are on our way through January and 2012. I am determined to make this a positive year. There is a lot to accomplish. I have to admit I have not done much by way of making resolutions beyond resolving to continue to finish what I have started and  to make 2012’s Christmas a 100% handmade one… but I have begun to consciously work on my positive thinking. I used to (and really still am) be a HUGE optimist. I like that about myself and am renewing my faith in Ken, in hard work, in our family and the world around me. 

Poor Ken fasted for most of the day today only to have his appointments for himself (bloodwork) and Echo (x-ray and bloodwork) rescheduled for AFTER his doctor visit tomorrow. Apparently they only do x-rays until a certain time today and were running way behind. So they wanted to reschedule them. Not the best case scenario but we will survive. 

Our review of math continues and with it the realization that Zander does a TERRIFIC job if he SLOWS DOWN… the trick is, he hates doing it and wants to rush on through. Work in progress that boy… he certainly has more concentration issues than Gavin does but he has just as much of a wish to do well. 

Math review

First big completion of 2012! One of Emanuel's K books!

So other than some light work and a Bob book each the boys have really been focused on playing constructively together this week. Lots of Lego and crafting and a bit of the ps3 downstairs. Oh and a nice chunk of the afternoon outside! I just wish I could figure out some way to speed along this front tooth of Gavin’s moving out. It is now pointing out of his mouth and rather in the way. Frustrating as we don’t have our dental coverage in place yet (hopefully beginning of February) so just a stop off at the dentist is a big financial issue. And as Ken says, we would hate to go in only to be told it will fall out. 

Kristen and Fydo came HERE for a game or two tonight. The plan WAS to head to their place with Echo but a combination of work and late dinner had us change the location to here. It is never as quiet or relaxing but we had just as much fun I think. Pandemicwas the new game to try! Definitely quicker than some of our other games and a cooperative. But… we lost! 

Pandemic

So beyond the difficult tooth and the ever changing appointments our week is going well. I have library books to pick up, Echo is working on her walking… all 4 of our bigger kids are working on learning new things and Ken has started TWO big contracts in the new year. January is by no means completely SMOOTH but the bumps are a whole lot smaller and more manageable. 

So cute

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