Christmas 2014

This Christmas was such a fun one with the kids.  They were actualy looking forward to Christamas and in countdown mode knowing what was to come and what traditions they could expect.  It wasn't unusual to hear Grady telling Cooper all about what would happen on Christmas morning and when we would open our gifts.

Christmas morning starts at our house with a few presents to open under out tree.  This year, it was the presents from my mom.  We have not had a healthy household this Christmas so when Cooper decided to sleep in on Christmas morning I convinced Grady we could wait to open presents.  He decided to separate the gifts while he waited then proceeded to count how many each person received.

When Cooper finally rose from his slumber I made them stand in front of the tree before they could open up their gifts.  Not a bad photo if I do say so myself.

Then the fun began and they quickly opened everything under the tree.

At 9am we head over to Nana's in our PJs to open stockings and the rest of the presents.  I must admit that it is hard to explain why Santa doesn't come to our house and how Santa knows to bring their stuff to Nana's.  He just knows.

Santa was very good to us as always.

Santa brought us many disney souvenirs this year.  He obviously knew we had a Disney vacation this year!

Grady was thrilled with his Flames Jersey with his last name on the back.  He put it on immediately.

Cooper was disapointed that he didn't get a leap frog watch.  Santa didn't know that is what you wanted Cooper.... Be more specific next time!

Although Cooper didn't say it, I am pretty sure that this little brown bunny was his favorite gift.  When we wrote our letters to Santa he told Santa he wanted a friend for bunny and that is exactly what he got.  Cooper carried him around all day.  He had many names over the day, Bini being my favorite, but Cooper insists his name is 'Brown Bunny'.  I continue to call him Bini.

Each of the boys got a board game and they were well played.  Bo and I were Jenga experts.  Grady did pretty good to, better than Dad and Nana!

Kerplunk was a great family game and one that even Cooper could play and enjoy.

Aunty Bo and Bini relaxed on the couch before dinner.

We ended the day with a yummy turkey dinner and wine.

It was a wonderful Christmas full of memory making.  I forgot to even mention that we went to the skating rink mid afternoon and ran into Grady's buddy from school.  The weather was great, so great in fact, that there wasn't enough snow to tobogan!

I love the anticipation of Christmas and when it is over, it's over.  My mood is just blah.  Hence why it took me so long to get this post up.  That and we have been doing ski lessons, hockey tournaments, and now hosting guests.   You know, just life stuff. 

I hope everyone had a marvelous Xmas.  

Ps.  I didn't spell check this.  Don't judge ;)

The Calgary Tower

For the past week or so, Grady had been asking to go up the Calgary Tower.  We aren't sure where he got it from but he had it stuck in his mind that he wanted to do it. Once he gets an idea, it is hard to talk him out of it.  We had Sunday afternoon last week open so I asked Grady what he wanted to do, the tower or Zoo lights.  The tower.  James asked him if he wanted to skate at Olympic Plaza or the tower. Once again, he said the tower.

So that's what we did.

Cooper was still not up to snuff after having the flu on Saturday so James opted out and Grady and I headed downtown.  The smile on his face says it all.  The kid was excited.  Buzzing with excitement actually.

We rode the 62 second elevator to the top and Grady talked about being a little nervous.  I'm not sure exactly what he was expecting, but whatever he was imagining, I'm pretty sure it didn't disappoint.

This is 100% Grady's excited face.

Grady's favorite things to see were the the Olympic Plaza and the Saddledome.  In this photo, the Zamboni was out clearing the ice but we also saw MANY people skating.

Dare I admit that Grady said James was right and he did want to skate there?  I must admit, it was a perfect day for skating that afternoon. We've been very blessed with a mild December.  I immediately knocked on wood after typing that.

Grady also loved seeing the Saddle dome where his favorite hockey teams play.

Personally I love this photo taken from the glass floor looking straight down.  I was nervous stepping on the glass at first but got over it very quickly.

Grady on the other hand got on the glass and didn't look back.

The above pictures were taken towards the end of our 90 minute visit.  It was very busy when we arrived but as the crowd thinned out he made himself right at home on the glass.  You wouldn't catch me laying on the glass that is for sure.

I enjoyed our afternoon.  While I was sad that James and Grady didn't join us, it was nice to get some one on one time with Grady. There was no screaming, no yelling, no hitting.  It was just him and I chatting and doing something together.

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There was no doubt that he loved it.  He walked around taking pictures of everything so he could go home and show James and Grady.  He kept saying that he couldn't believe that Dad and Cooper were missing out.

Later that night when I was putting him to bed he told me loved the Calgary Tower more than hockey.  For this kid, that is saying something!!

When I got home the next day from work he had drawn me a picture of the Calgary Tower that is now proudly displayed on our fridge.  Obviously it made an impression on him and I was so glad to share that with him.

Even if you are a local, I recommend checking it out with your kids you may be surprised how much they enjoy it.

Winter Style me Pretty Challenge - Week 3

I am seriously loving the winter looks. They are totally me.  But, they are harder to dress up.  I am needing more and more substitutions to make it work for my job.  My strategy is to pick one or 2 things from the recommended outfit and work with that.  I think I was pretty successful.

Day 10.  Long Cardigan + Neutral Tee + Gray Jeans + Ugg Boots + Boot Socks

For this outfit I went with the long cardi and the grey pants.  The photo showed a patterned sweater and since my fair isle sweater still wasn't here I went for stripes.  It is hard to tell but the tank underneath is kind of polka dot.  I really really liked this outfit.  A definite keeper and repeater.

Day 11.  Tunic Sweater + Plaid Scarf + Leggings + Ugg Boots + Boot Socks

This particular day I had a meeting at work and needed a suit jacket.  So I had to sub the entire outfit.  For this outfit I went with the plaid scarf and black pants instead of leggings and built the outfit around that.

 

Again, I love it.  Stepped out of my comfort zone with the cream blazer in the winter and did a little pattern mixing with the polka dots and plaid.  Yay me!

This was taken at the end of the day. I was so busy I didn't have time to take a picture.  When I went upstairs to change into comfy clothes I was determined to get a photo since I was so pleased with the outfit.  I wore black booties with the outfit, not bare feet!  ha!

 

Day 12.  Long Sleeved Tee + Statement Necklace + Skinny Jeans + Black Heels

Another busy day in my household.  I had to choose an outfit that was 'Friday at the office' and husbands 'casual Christmas party' appropriate.  

I think I pulled it off but not convinced my leatherette leggings are office appropriate even on a Friday.

Day 13.  Dressy Sweater + Pencil Skirt + Printed Tights + Black Heels + Dressy Clutch

Today was not a dressy kind of day. After having a few too many glasses of wine at the Xmas party, we woke up at 5am to a liking cooper. We had tickets to Peter Pan so Grady and I invites a friend from his class to join is and I threw this little number on.

This is my 'my sweater finally came in' face. And it is super warm. Like I didn't wear a jacket for groceries in December warm.

Day 14.  Poncho + Neutral Tee + Gray Jeans + Print Scarf + Riding Boots  + Boot Socks

I still don't have a poncho and seeing all the other ladies, especially Deena, in there beautiful sweaters I knew I needed one.  I ordered one from F21 since I knew I didn't want to spend much on it. Can't wait for it to arrive.

I put this on for a busy day around town with the fam.  I bought this sweater my first time in NYC and although I haven't worn it in ages I am emotionally attached to it as I bought it at the big Macy's store.   It came in handy for a sub on the poncho.  

Day 15. Tunic Sweater + Printed Scarf + Skinny Jeans + Wedge Boots

Christmas is in the air and I am only working Monday and Tuesday morning.  I decided it would also be casual week at the office so jeans it is!!! 

 

Through this challenge I've really learned that neutrals are your friend.  If you match them right, they aren't boring at all. Ha!

 

Day 10 is my absolute fave this week.  I could easily see myself swapping the dress pants for jeans and going out with my friends.  A close second is Day 11.  A business friendly outfit with a little Christy flair!

 

Shoes to Shiraz | Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy | A Lovely Little Wardrobe | R Squared  

Two Teens and Their Mama | Foxy's Domestic Side |  | Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life 

Sheila's Potpourri | Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After |  Sprinkled Just Right 
Quilty Joy Joy | From Plaid to Pearls | Daily Style Finds | Fast Life Slow Life

Date Night

Me and my hunky husband have been having a weekly date night for the past 6 or so weeks.  While you may think that we have been going out for dinner or drinks, we have actually been going to spin class.

That's you in the background Stacey!

You may remember earlier this year when I went to my very first spin class and hated it.  Like, despise it.  I could taste blood within the first 5 minutes I was working so hard.  I actually can't even believe I went back.  When Cooper started preschool in September, the only class they offered that allowed me to drop him off and pick him up  was spin, so I decided to try it again.  And what do you know, I started to tolerate and even enjoy it.

I sweat like crazy.  Like sweat dripping off me and towel wiping constantly.  I still count down the minutes until it is over, but when it is over, I feel great.  Empowered.  I feel like I could conquer the world.  I feel strong.

James had come with me back in the spring or summer to try it out and he didn't love it either and he never went back. Until last month.

Out of the blue he told me he wanted to try it again.  I never refuse an exercise date and off we went.  Wouldn't you know it, he liked it better.  He even bought a 10 card pass.   Now he had to go.  WE decided to go weekly and I think today will be our 6th week in a row.  

I love working out with James.  WE don't really have anything we do together, for us.  I actually think it is kind of sexy.  (Sorry mom and marla).  There is something about it that connects you even though you don't say a word.  After the class we talk about our fave part and compare it to prior classes.  We talk about the instructor, the music and which class we want to take the following week.  I imagine it is like how men talk about gold.  Remember hole 9 and you took a shot that landed in the bush?

Our enthusiasm is rubbing off... we've convinced John and Stacey to come.  Now it is double date night.  I am very proud of them as they didn't hate their first class nearly as much as James and I did!

I hope it is something we can keep up in the new year.  A couple that exercises together stays together.  Or something like that.  Ha!

Style Me Bloggers - Christmas Home Tour

It has been a busy week.  We have a big deal closing tomorrow and I have been trying to keep my head above water.  While it would have been easy to just not post, I know that one day I'll enjoy seeing how I decorated the house years ago. So where my post may be lacking in words, I'll make up for in pictures!

This is my wreath.  I looked for it forever.  I wanted the perfect mix of pine cones and berries.   This one fit the bill.  From Micheal's I believe.

This is our welcome bear picked up at Costco for dirt cheap before we had kids.  I want to name him Bob the Bear but it doesnt' fly with the kids.

This is my homemade card holder that I made a few years back.  My only complaint is that I wish it was bigger.  I don't like that the cards overlap and you can't see all the pretty pictures.

This is my dining room table with Xmas balls in the dish. This is the first year I have done that but I am sure I will do it again.

Here is our kitchen table.  I ordered the table runner this year especially for Christmas and it is very 'me'.  Notice that it has a plastic cover over it to protect from the kids spilling, painting etc.  Our beautiful wood kitchen table has been covered since they were born.

Although I haven't blogger about him this year, our elf Chippy is very much a part of our Christmas tradition.  This year more than ever!  It is the first thing they do when they wake up, look for Chippy.  He is not that original in where he hides but at least this year he doesn't have to be out of reach.  The elf's magic goes away if he is touched and the kids get that this year.

I'm not gonna lie, a few nights Chippy has 'fallen asleep' and forgotten to visit Santa.  That darn little elf!

I also love my stockings. I bought them the year after Cooper was born and had them all engraved.  I bought them at Superstore on a random grocery shopping trip and I am a firm believer that if you can buy it at Superstore it is a necessity.  Ha!  When Jasmin came to live with us the year after I managed to find an almost identical stocking for her.

The outdoor inflatable is new to our house this year.  We had to throw our old Santa out last year as he was constantly doing downward dog in our yard.  Grady chose this one.  It is hard to tell but the snowman is holding a hockey stick, the moose is holding skates, and then there is a Mountie.  Maybe he is a referee. It is called 'an Olympic scene' so he is there to bring the Canadian spirit maybe?

And finally our tree.  While tying this I asked everyone in my little family what their favorite Christmas item is and everyone said the tree!!

While that is not all my decor, they are my faves!  

Shoes to Shiraz | Two Teens and their Mama | A Lovely Little Wardrobe | R Squared 

Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy | Family Love Inspiration Education  

The Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life | The Blondissima | Familiar Joy

Positively Learning | Quilty Joy Joy | Daily Style Finds | Sheila's Potpourri | Puppies and Pretties She thought she could | Looks like Lauren | Foxy's Domestic Side | 
Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After

Winter Style me pretty Challenge - Week 2

This week was a challenge.  I am super busy at work and had to work hard at remembering to take a picture.  There have also been lots of after work events so trying to make the outfit ready for the day and the night with only a few modifications.  To top it off, I forgot to finish the post last night so here I am, before 7am, finishing it up to post!  oops!

Day 3.  Poncho + Long Sleeved Tee + Printed Scarf + Skinny Jeans + Wedge Boots

I didn't buy a poncho, but seeing everyone else's I almost headed out to get my own.  I am still waiting for my fair isle sweater which was a bit of a splurge, so I am trying not to buy anything else!

I added the leopard booties and that was a stretch for me since I am wearing a plaid scarf, but I think it worked.  I love mustard this season.  I found the pants for $15 at H&M,  for reals.

Day 4.  Plaid Shirt + Puffer Vest + Black Jeans or Leggings + Wedge Boots

I totally did not take a pic this day.  I didn't remember until I was in bed and certainly didn't have time to recreate it.  i wore a plaid shirt and my fur vest.

Day 5.  Long Cardigan + Neutral Tee + Fur Scarf + Skinny Jeans + Riding Boots

I am still loving my fur scarf.  I ended up pinning it together to keep it in the shape I like since it is actually a snood.  I am the queen of the white tee and scarf/necklace, so I obviously felt right at home in this outfit.

Day 6.  Dressy Sweater + Gray Jeans + Black Heels

I don't have a dressy sweater.  To tell you the truth, I have very few sweaters.  When the kids were young I avoided them since I always got messy and I hate washing sweaters.  James bought this grey sweater for me for xmas a few years ago and I have rarely wore it. This challenge has revived it for me.  It is the second time I've worn it in a week!! 

Since I don't have a dressy sweater I added a blingy necklace. In the end I had to change it since it kept getting caught in my sweater.  This is a very neutral outfit for me but I surprisingly like it very much.

Day 7.  Plaid Shirt + Cable Knit Sweater + Statement Necklace + Black Pants + Black Heels + Dressy Clutch

This is a bit out of my comfort zone.  I was planning on wearing my tunic plaid shirt and leggings to turn this dressier outfit more casual, but instead decided to try out the original.  I like it.  I think it would be good for work.  A little dressy for my outing to the hitmen hockey game, obviously subbing out the shoes for boots!

Day 8. Long Sleeved Tee + Puffer Vest + Skinny Jeans + Fur Scarf + Ugg Boots + Boot Socks

This outfit was too casual for work so I picked my own outfit.  The pants are navy and I am wearing my black Friday bootie purchase but of course you can't see them because this mirror sucks.

I don't love the outfit.  The mustard shirt looks kind of frumpy to me.  I hope it is just the picture.

Day 9.  Dressy Sweater + Skinny Jeans + Riding Boots

I don't have a dressy sweater so I dressed up my tunic with some bling.  This is a go to outfit for me.  I love the tunic and leggings look and I love that it passes the work test. Super comfy!!

Looking back at the outfits, the neutral outfit is my favorite.  I would have never put that together on my own and that is why I love these challenges.  Just forcing me to think outside my usual box.

Check out what the others are wearing, I'm sure there will be many different interpretations of what I wore above, just another thing I love about it!!

Shoes to Shiraz | Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy | A Lovely Little Wardrobe | R Squared  

Two Teens and Their Mama | Foxy's Domestic Side |  | Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life 

Sheila's Potpourri | Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After |  Sprinkled Just Right 
Quilty Joy Joy | From Plaid to Pearls | Daily Style Finds | Fast Life Slow Life
 The Blondissima | Looks Like Lauren

First Hockey Game

I haven't talked about Grady's hockey that has been taking up many weekend mornings and afternoons this fall.  In Timbits, you can't actually play a game until December so up until now we have just been practicing.  Relative to the rest of the team, Grady is a good skater and scores lots of goals.  We are very proud of him.  I never thought I would enjoy being a hockey mom, but so far I am loving it.  Just seeing the smile on his face makes all the early mornings and traveling to arenas across the city worth it.  Almost.

I am enjoying being team manager way more than at first.  It is mostly administrative stuff which I am good at.  I am an organized person so most of the duties come as second nature to me.  What I don't like about the job is all the game organization. I don't know what is normal or what the parents are expecting.  For this reason, I expect that I will nto volunteer as the manager next year but stick to volunteering for what I am good at, managing the money and planning social events.

With that being said, we had a great bowling outing last month. It was like planning an elaborate brithday party for 50 people.  IT was stressful but so worth it, the kids had blast.  I had organized to distribute the team apparel the same night and the kids were all over it.  They put on the hoodies right away and then the hood went up.  No idea why.

The kids had so much fun and so did the adults.  I always imagined the hockey would be great for making new friends and socializing while the kids play.  Up to that point there wasn't a lot of socializing.  That is one of the aspects I love about being manager, you are the most visible person on the team and everyone knows who you are.  Talk about pressure trying to remember everyone else's name!  Finally now in the season I always find someone to chat with at the game.  What a great opportunity to get to know others in your community.

Back to the game....  Our first game of the season was this past Saturday at 730am across the city.  You had to be committed to get there on time and we even had time to grab a coffee!  There was no problem motivating Grady to get out of bed in the 6's that day!

Grady was full of questions about the game... Would there be periods, would it be full ice, would they get to use the break bench... and the questions went on and on.  I told him that he had to wait and find out from his coach when he got there.

Grady is #20

They started the game with a face off, and every 2 min the whistle would blow and they would change shifts.  The play would stop.  When all the players were back on the ice they would have another face off.  There were no goalies at all so the score in the game must have been high but they don't keep score.  Some coaches were on the ice with the players and some were on the bench making sure transitions when smoothly.  The coaches on our team are so good with the players.  I am very happy that Grady has gotten to learn from them.  They are so encouraging and supportive.  A great group of guys.

For the last minute, all the players went on the ice with a few extra pucks.  It was a great first game.

I am happy to report that Grady scored 4 goals but in his mind they lost.  He was sad because that was the wish he made when we turned on the lights of the tree.  

To end the game the 2 teams shook hands.

It is amazing how much they learned in this 'game' and all the smiles reminded us why we put our kids in hockey in the first place.  Glad to have this first one under our belt and already looking forward to the next game.

Here is a glimpse at the game.  Password is tigers.  Grady is #20 on the far side of the ice. And I didn't realize how long it was, James films way longer videos than I do!

First game from Christy R on Vimeo.

After watching it I realized it was really small.  But you get the idea of what a timbit game is like!

Go Tigers Go!!!