Every year for the past six years I have written a holiday letter that is sent to family and friends. Some years the words come easily, while other years I struggle to find the best words to encapsulate and entire year's worth of goings on.
Here is this year's letter, minus the formatting and pictures:
We've had a happy, busy year here in the Paċe-James household! It's always nice to look back over the year and remember what has happened, as well as taking some time to count our blessings. As you can imagine, there is never a dull moment in our house - and we wouldn’t have it any other way. As we watch our children grow and discover the world around them, we are constantly reminded of how truly lucky we are. There is often much chaos and craziness in our little abode, but there is also an abundance of laughter and love.
An accomplished 5 ½ year old, Aidan is now in Senior Kindergarten, in a French Immersion program. He has a knack for picking up French, and will spontaneously break into song (in either language) at any moment. His boundless energy continues to astound us – as does his enthusiasm for soccer, hockey and anything involving cords, construction and electricity. He is maturing into such a big boy, and can be such a helper around the house and with his brother and baby sister (Shannon will erupt into gales of laughter any time Aidan does anything remotely funny for her).
At 3 ½, Quinn is a very social little boy. He has lots of buddies at his daycare, and is a bit like Norm from Cheers when he walks in: all his friends run over saying: “Quinnie!!” Quinn has quite a creative streak, and likes to make up stories about dragons and witches. He loves to play with his big bro, and can often be heard saying: “Ee-den, want to… (insert evil scheme here).” Quinn also LOVES doing gymnastics (or ‘nastics as he calls it) and karate. Watch out for his Kee-Yaw!
Now 14 months old, Shannon is steadily mastering the fine art of walking. She has fully grasped the ‘monkey’ walk (hands up, legs stiff, and a self-satisfied smile on her face), and is slowly moving on to the mad dash. She keeps herself busy chattering away, and loves to say “mama”, “hi”, and “more”. Shannon has no problems keeping up with her big brothers, and often scoots her way into the thick of things when they are busy playing. Her natural ‘curiosity’ has led to her inheriting the nickname “Destructo”, as she has the unfortunate tendency to knock over her brothers’ creations in her enthusiasm to see what they are up to. They have quickly learned that intricate inventions and constructions are best done behind closed doors! Nonetheless, she is our little Miss Sunshine, and keeps us entertained with her perpetual smile, and easy-going disposition.
Much to our complete and utter surprise, shock, and disbelief, we discovered that we are expecting baby number 4 in March. The doctor and the ultrasound have convinced us that this one will be a girl – which means that we will have a nice balance of power in our house. The boys are VERY excited about a new baby, and are even more excited at the prospect of sharing a room once the baby comes. As of yet we are still searching for names, so any and all suggestions would be appreciated!
We hope this letter finds you happy and well. Thanks to everyone who sent a Christmas card or email this year -- we appreciate hearing from all of you. We think of you often, and look forward to seeing you again whenever that may be.
From our family to yours, we wish you the very best during the holiday season,
and a wonderful New Year to come!
Tara, Chris, Aidan, Quinn, Shannon and Baby #4
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Merry (belated) Christmas!
Our whirlwind Christmas has come to an end. 4 Christmas celebrations later and we are still putting away toys, and even assembling some! We ha a great Christmas Eve with the James family at Brigitte's house. The kids had a blast playing with their cousins and the grown-ups got a great visit in. The highlight of the night had to be when Quinn got his chainsaw - he was so darn happy!!! Here are some pictures of the night:
After the Christmas Eve festivities were winding down, we headed of to Cinci to celebrate Christmas with my family. The kids woke up at a fairly reasonable hour (well, reasonable for one day of the year: Christmas) and after a bit of stalling finally dug into the prezzies. While we were in Cinci we also visited the Children's museum (a must see and do for anyone with children - it's absolutely FANTASTIC!) and the Newport aquarium.
We left Cincinnati and came home, where Santa had also paid a visit. Yesterday we spent the day organizing and assembling toys - a surprisingly painless ordeal! The boys were delighted because we finally decided that it's time they got their own playroom, due to the fact that Shannon likes to demolish their toys, and also eat any thing that will fit into her mouth. Sooo... we created a "Big Kids" playroom (we had to specify that it was for big KIDS and not big BOYS as that would quickly spiral into a 'boys only' type of thing). The boys are so proud of their new playroom, and Shannon is still trying to figure out how to crash the joint!
After the Christmas Eve festivities were winding down, we headed of to Cinci to celebrate Christmas with my family. The kids woke up at a fairly reasonable hour (well, reasonable for one day of the year: Christmas) and after a bit of stalling finally dug into the prezzies. While we were in Cinci we also visited the Children's museum (a must see and do for anyone with children - it's absolutely FANTASTIC!) and the Newport aquarium.
We left Cincinnati and came home, where Santa had also paid a visit. Yesterday we spent the day organizing and assembling toys - a surprisingly painless ordeal! The boys were delighted because we finally decided that it's time they got their own playroom, due to the fact that Shannon likes to demolish their toys, and also eat any thing that will fit into her mouth. Sooo... we created a "Big Kids" playroom (we had to specify that it was for big KIDS and not big BOYS as that would quickly spiral into a 'boys only' type of thing). The boys are so proud of their new playroom, and Shannon is still trying to figure out how to crash the joint!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Secret Santa's
A few weeks ago, I took the kids to the mall where Pathways had set up a Secret Santa shop. What you did was create a list for each child which outlined who they were to buy presents for (so Aidan's list looked like this: Mom, Dad, Quinn (age 3), Shannon (age 14 months). You then gave the child some money (I gave both boys $20) and they went into the Secret Santa shop with an 'Elf' who helped them, and bought gifts for the people on the list. They came out with bags full of wrapped and labeled gifts. All the proceeds from the Secret Santa shop go to Pathways which is a healthcare centre which provides services to children in need.
The boys had so much fun doing this, and couldn't wait to have everyone open the gifts. Well on Saturday night I finally succumbed and we opened all the Secret Santa gifts. It was absolutely adorable to watch the kids give us (and each other) the gifts because they were just so proud of the gifts and so excited to see if we would like them.
Here is what they got:
Shannon:
From Aidan: A blanket (because he wanted to get her something she could use all the time) and a rattle
From Quinn: A puppy pull-toy
Me:
From Aidan: A ceramic Santa (because he knows how much I love Christmas decorations)
From Quinn: A ceramic Snowman (which he just couldn't keep secret because he kept telling me about my 'snowman' that was wrapped!)
Chris:
From Aidan: An old-fashioned straw container filled with straws (for Daddy's beer, as Aidan exclaimed when Chris opened it!)
From Quinn: A heavy-duty flashlight
Aidan:
From Quinn: A Bob the Builder toy
Quinn:
From Aidan: Crayola Paint scribblers (because Aidan knows how much Quinn likes crafts)
I think Quinn was still a bit young for this type of exercise, but he loved it nonetheless. Aidan on the other hand TOTALLY got it, and was so proud of all the gifts, and had to explain the logic of each gift once they were opened. It was sooooo sweet!
Chris and I have really been trying to explain to the kids the concept of "'tis better to give than receive" and I really think that this helped hammer that home. I asked Aidan after it was done how he felt to see how much we liked his presents and how special the presents made us feel and he said: "Mummy it was awesome! When can we do it again?!"
The boys had so much fun doing this, and couldn't wait to have everyone open the gifts. Well on Saturday night I finally succumbed and we opened all the Secret Santa gifts. It was absolutely adorable to watch the kids give us (and each other) the gifts because they were just so proud of the gifts and so excited to see if we would like them.
Here is what they got:
Shannon:
From Aidan: A blanket (because he wanted to get her something she could use all the time) and a rattle
From Quinn: A puppy pull-toy
Me:
From Aidan: A ceramic Santa (because he knows how much I love Christmas decorations)
From Quinn: A ceramic Snowman (which he just couldn't keep secret because he kept telling me about my 'snowman' that was wrapped!)
Chris:
From Aidan: An old-fashioned straw container filled with straws (for Daddy's beer, as Aidan exclaimed when Chris opened it!)
From Quinn: A heavy-duty flashlight
Aidan:
From Quinn: A Bob the Builder toy
Quinn:
From Aidan: Crayola Paint scribblers (because Aidan knows how much Quinn likes crafts)
I think Quinn was still a bit young for this type of exercise, but he loved it nonetheless. Aidan on the other hand TOTALLY got it, and was so proud of all the gifts, and had to explain the logic of each gift once they were opened. It was sooooo sweet!
Chris and I have really been trying to explain to the kids the concept of "'tis better to give than receive" and I really think that this helped hammer that home. I asked Aidan after it was done how he felt to see how much we liked his presents and how special the presents made us feel and he said: "Mummy it was awesome! When can we do it again?!"
A whirlwind week
I know, I know - it's been a while! Last week seemed to fly by in a blur - mostly because it was just so busy and because we were sick.
Last Sunday Chris and I were out for the count with some type of nasty stomach bug. We pretty much took turns running back and forth to the bathroom (TMI - I know!) and were both lying on the couch for most of the day. Thankfully the kids were absolutely AMAZING! Shannon decided it would be a good time to take a three hour nap, and the boys were happy to amuse themselves in the basement for most of the day.
On Monday night Aidan came down with it and was up most of the night throwing up. Poor guy - it's been about 2.5 years since the last time any of the kids threw up, so he was so upset about it.
By mid-week we were mostly recovered and trying to catch up on all the last minute Christmas stuff we had to do. Friday was a MASSIVE snowstorm so the kids and I hunkered down inside and watched the crazy weather and the snow whipping around. When all was said and done we got about 6 - 8 inches of snow, followed by bitterly cold weather!!
Here are some pictures of our sledding excursion on Saturday - the one great thing about the snow is that the kids LOVE to play outside in it!!
Aidan discovered that if your snow boogie board is frozen, it won't go down the hill:
Even Quinn loved it!
Shannon (aka the snow-marshmallow) was less than amused to be outside all bundled up!
Last Sunday Chris and I were out for the count with some type of nasty stomach bug. We pretty much took turns running back and forth to the bathroom (TMI - I know!) and were both lying on the couch for most of the day. Thankfully the kids were absolutely AMAZING! Shannon decided it would be a good time to take a three hour nap, and the boys were happy to amuse themselves in the basement for most of the day.
On Monday night Aidan came down with it and was up most of the night throwing up. Poor guy - it's been about 2.5 years since the last time any of the kids threw up, so he was so upset about it.
By mid-week we were mostly recovered and trying to catch up on all the last minute Christmas stuff we had to do. Friday was a MASSIVE snowstorm so the kids and I hunkered down inside and watched the crazy weather and the snow whipping around. When all was said and done we got about 6 - 8 inches of snow, followed by bitterly cold weather!!
Here are some pictures of our sledding excursion on Saturday - the one great thing about the snow is that the kids LOVE to play outside in it!!
Aidan discovered that if your snow boogie board is frozen, it won't go down the hill:
Even Quinn loved it!
Shannon (aka the snow-marshmallow) was less than amused to be outside all bundled up!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Visiting with Santa
The kids and I were at the mall on Wednesday when they decided they wanted to go see Santa. Let me preface this by saying that in years past they always say they want to visit with Santa, and then once they see him they slowly back away shaking their heads. Well this year the walked right up to Santa, said: "Hi Santa" and then proceded to tell him what they wanted for Christmas.
Quinn was absolutely priceless. First he told Santa he wanted a chainsaw and an ax. To which Santa replied: "you're too small for a chainsaw and an ax! Maybe I can get you a pretend chainsaw and ax." Quinn then proceeded to ask Santa where the reindeer were. Santa's response? "Up on the roof Quinn."
The kids even agreed to take pictures with Santa! You can see from their outfits that I was not at all prepared for this - hence the grubby shirts and boots.
Shannon didn't quite know what to make of the bearded fellow, but at least she didn't scream bloody murder!
The sweetest moment came about half an hour after we left Santa. We were walking through the mall and Santa was walking towards us on his way for a break. He had an 'elf' and a security guard with him (because you never know who's going to go after Santa!) Well Quinn runs over and shouts out: "BYE SANTA!!!" as he waves to the jolly big guy. The security guard (who looked every bit like a big, beefy Secret Service Agent) stopped dead in his tracks, broke into a HUGE grin and said: "You know what - that's what makes it all worthwhile."
How sweet is that?
Quinn was absolutely priceless. First he told Santa he wanted a chainsaw and an ax. To which Santa replied: "you're too small for a chainsaw and an ax! Maybe I can get you a pretend chainsaw and ax." Quinn then proceeded to ask Santa where the reindeer were. Santa's response? "Up on the roof Quinn."
The kids even agreed to take pictures with Santa! You can see from their outfits that I was not at all prepared for this - hence the grubby shirts and boots.
Shannon didn't quite know what to make of the bearded fellow, but at least she didn't scream bloody murder!
The sweetest moment came about half an hour after we left Santa. We were walking through the mall and Santa was walking towards us on his way for a break. He had an 'elf' and a security guard with him (because you never know who's going to go after Santa!) Well Quinn runs over and shouts out: "BYE SANTA!!!" as he waves to the jolly big guy. The security guard (who looked every bit like a big, beefy Secret Service Agent) stopped dead in his tracks, broke into a HUGE grin and said: "You know what - that's what makes it all worthwhile."
How sweet is that?
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
A weekend of rest?
Rest is apparently not a word in our vocabulary. This weekend we were BUSY! Chris and Aidan spent a good three hours building the hockey rink in the backyard. Not only were they building the rink, but they were doing it as it was snowing and COLD!
Unfortunately, the slope in our backyard proved to be more than we anticipated, and the rink collapsed under the weight of the water. Not to be defeated, Chris promises that he will re-build it differently.
While the 'big boys' were outside, Quinn and I were inside busily baking over 4 dozen cookies. I decided to participate in a cookie exchange this year, which means I have to make 11 dozen cookies. I am seriously regretting this decision, because during the holidays I already bake around 8 dozen cookies to give to family and friends. So, I'm seriously behind the eight-ball when it comes to my holiday baking.
After Aidan came in from the cold, the boys and I assembled our Gingerbread house and decorated it. I think the boys could have worked on that for a solid 2 hours if I head let them. Here is photographic proof:
Later that night we dropped Shannon off at Omi & Gramps' place and went to watch the Christmas Parade. It was a frigid night, so it's a good thing Shannon stayed inside where it was nice and warm. But the boys and Chris and I snuggled under blankets and watched the parade. Not surprisingly, the highlight of the parade was all the Christmas lights on the floats!!
Our other big task for the weekend was moving all of Quinn's furniture and clothes and toys and stuff out of his room and into Aidan's room. Chris has already ripped out the carpet and the baseboards, and is getting ready to install hardwood in the room. The boys absolutely LOVE sharing a room, and so far they've even been going to sleep without too much fuss (i.e. monkey business!) Once Quinn's room is done we'll move both of they boys stuff in and re-do Aidan's room. It's the never ending renovating story in our house - but boy do the results look amazing!!
Our last task for the weekend was to get a Christmas tree - which we did. Unfortunately we have not yet had time to bring it inside and decorate it. Hopefully we'll get to that tonight.
Unfortunately, the slope in our backyard proved to be more than we anticipated, and the rink collapsed under the weight of the water. Not to be defeated, Chris promises that he will re-build it differently.
While the 'big boys' were outside, Quinn and I were inside busily baking over 4 dozen cookies. I decided to participate in a cookie exchange this year, which means I have to make 11 dozen cookies. I am seriously regretting this decision, because during the holidays I already bake around 8 dozen cookies to give to family and friends. So, I'm seriously behind the eight-ball when it comes to my holiday baking.
After Aidan came in from the cold, the boys and I assembled our Gingerbread house and decorated it. I think the boys could have worked on that for a solid 2 hours if I head let them. Here is photographic proof:
Later that night we dropped Shannon off at Omi & Gramps' place and went to watch the Christmas Parade. It was a frigid night, so it's a good thing Shannon stayed inside where it was nice and warm. But the boys and Chris and I snuggled under blankets and watched the parade. Not surprisingly, the highlight of the parade was all the Christmas lights on the floats!!
Our other big task for the weekend was moving all of Quinn's furniture and clothes and toys and stuff out of his room and into Aidan's room. Chris has already ripped out the carpet and the baseboards, and is getting ready to install hardwood in the room. The boys absolutely LOVE sharing a room, and so far they've even been going to sleep without too much fuss (i.e. monkey business!) Once Quinn's room is done we'll move both of they boys stuff in and re-do Aidan's room. It's the never ending renovating story in our house - but boy do the results look amazing!!
Our last task for the weekend was to get a Christmas tree - which we did. Unfortunately we have not yet had time to bring it inside and decorate it. Hopefully we'll get to that tonight.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Bye-bye Bush...
Oh how we'll miss him....
It will be strange to hear complete, coherent sentences coming out of the White House...
It will be strange to hear complete, coherent sentences coming out of the White House...
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