christmas traditions

Christmas is most definitely one of my most favourite holidays.  The lights, the family, the traditions, the FOOD.  Everything about it just makes me so happy.

For some reason, I didn't really ever get into the Christmas spirit last year.  This year, however, I'm bursting with Christmas spirit.

Maybe it's because we went and saw White Christmas with a couple of our very dear friends.

Maybe it's because we've got Christmas carols playing almost constantly.

Maybe it's because I've got an almost full bottle of Baileys in my fridge right now.

 Who knows, and it doesn't matter because I'm just so happy with this season right now.  The quiet nights spent in the glow of Christmas lights, watching our favourite movies of the season, while sipping on some Holiday cheer bring back that magical feeling that was always present during December when I was a kid.

These are my Christmas traditions.  Quiet, simple, but still so magical to me.  It's all about putting your precious and special ornaments onto the tree.  Carefully wrapping the gifts you lovingly bought for your family.  Turning off the television and spending time with your loved ones.

Merry Christmas!

a day for our moms

Happy Mother's Day!

Thank you for always being there for us.

When we're happy.  

When we're sad. 

At 3 am in the morning.

For Sunday night dinners.

For laughing with us.

For crying with us.

For sacrificing so much of your lives for us.

For teaching us and guiding us through life.

For constantly giving us your love.

We are the people that we are today, because of you.

Love you forever and always, T & A xoxo

in one year and out the other

We are just over twenty-one hours in to 2011 and, so far, the year has been AWESOME.  Hubby and I rang in the New Year surrounded by good friends, slept in, ate a delicious breakfast (also with friends), watched a Disney movie, and had a yummy family dinner.  Oh, and I took a nap; so far this is the best year ever!

I love the start of the year, everything always seems brand new; old problems are forgotten, and everybody gets a fresh start.  I always feel like making resolutions is pointless, does anybody ever really follow their resolutions?  I certainly don't.  I find that I make resolutions just for the sake of making resolutions.  So, this year my resolution is to not make any resolutions; I want to start 2011 with no expectations.  I want to take the year as it comes, to enjoy the ups and downs (with hopefully more ups than downs), and ride the roller coaster of life with Hubby holding my hand tight.

Welcome, 2011, I can't wait to see what you have in store for me.

play date

So, my last blog post was on the 20th.  Eleven whole days ago.  What can I say?  I was enjoying the Christmas season!  This year, it took me FOREVER to get into the Christmas spirit.  I pretty much wanted nothing to do with Christmas (gasp, shock).  However, all those feelings melted on Christmas Eve; I love being surrounded by my family and friends (many who I only see once a year) to celebrate the holiday season.  It's magical.  From singing Christmas carols at Oma's house to laughing so hard at my In-Law's house that I almost couldn't breathe, this Christmas couldn't have been better.

That said, with all the Christmas craziness, Hubby and I really haven't had a chance to spend a lot of time together, just the two of us.  So I was so happy when we had a date night planned for last night.  It was nothing fancy, we went out for dinner and then to the play White Christmas; it was perfect.  Hubby and I have watched this movie every Christmas that we have been together, so when I saw that the Arts Club was putting on a production of this Christmas classic, I was thrilled.   It was a great night; we laughed, I cried (don't judge, it's a cute story), and, most importantly, we got to spend one of the last nights of 2010 holding hands and singing.  We ended 2010 on a high note, literally!

I hope that you all have had a great 2010, and wishing you and yours a safe and happy New Year!!!

a festivus weekend

This past weekend was filled with so much festive excitement that I can't believe it's Monday already.  The first festive activity was my firm's annual Holiday Christmas Party.  I love these parties, they are always a lot of fun, however, this year was extra-special because one of my co-workers let Hubby and I spend the night in the hotel room that she rented.  It was a BEAUTIFUL room with the most spectacular view that I've ever seen.  I couldn't think of a better way to spend a Friday night.

this picutre just doesn't do the view justice

Satruday, my Mom and I did some cross-border Christmas shopping.  I managed to spend all of my Christmas bonus, but I finished ALL of my Christmas shopping.  Man, that feels good.  It was a long day, but it was so nice to spend the entire day shopping with my Mom.

we couldn't resist trying the eggnog truffle.  it was as delicious as it sounds

Sunday, the festive weekend continued, as Hubby, his parents, and I went to the Santa Clause Parade.  I love going to this parade, and I'm so glad that it's an annual tradition with Hubby and his family.  We got all bundled up, grabbed some festive drinks from Starbucks, and watched the floats, bands, and Santa Clause himself, march through the streets of Vancouver.  I love watching how excited all the little kids get at the sight of Santa, it makes me really excited to have kids; really, really excited.

We've also finished putting up all of our Christmas decorations; written, addressed, and sent all of our Christmas cards; and planned all the festive activities that we want to attend.  I love getting all the "stuff" (decorating, cards, shopping)  done early so that Hubby and I can relax and enjoy the holiday season.

Ho Ho Ho!

nothin' says Christmas like steel drums

I'm back!! Feeling better and ready for Christmas!

With our first snowfall of this year this past weekend, I organized all my Christmas music and transferred it onto my iPod.  My commute is now filled with the sounds of the season; it really makes going to work that much more fun!

I have to say though, I'm pretty picky when it comes to Christmas music.  I know what I like, and certain songs or types of Christmas music just don't do it for me.  I love the classics; it's so comforting to hear Dean Marin tell his Baby it's cold outside, or Frank Sinatra wishing everyone to have a merry little Christmas.  Yes, the classics are wonderful, however, I also like songs or albums that incorporate a fun twist on the classics, I love the album called Christmas Remixed - it's so awesome!



you know all those trendy remixed carols on the Joe Fresh commercials?  you'll find them in this album!



The ultimate Christmas album for me?  Definitely Chiristmas with Boney M.  The songs on this album instantly transport me back to Christmas as a kid; somethin' about the steel drums mixed in with the Christmas carols makes me feel like I'm 10 again.  Another reason why I like this album is becuase it contains what I believe to be the greatest Chrstmas song ever written:  Mary's Boy Child/Oh My Lord.  If you've never experienced this song, I urge you to listen to it this season.  If nothing else, this song will make you want to jump up and dance; yes, it's that awesome. 

best. chrstmas. album. ever.

My family and friends also share my love for this song.  It's become a recent tradition among our group of friends to get together during the holidays, cook a turkey, drink martinis, and sing and dance to this song.  No lies, the song probably gets played AT LEAST twenty times during the night.  It's epic.

I love Christmas!

a day of remembrance

Remembrance Day is one of the many moments each year where I'm especially proud to be the wife of an Officer serving with the Canadian Forces.  I happily stand (usually in the freezing, cold rain) among my fellow citizens and remember those who have fought, and are currently fighting, for our freedom.

Yes, I don't get to spend Remembrance Day at home, in my pyjamas watching movies, my day is spent visiting various armouries and legions, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  I get to stand beside my husband (who looks oh so handsome in his uniform!) and proudly introduce myself as his wife.  Also, since most of our friends are also in the military, the day always includes being surrounded by good friends.

This Remembrance Day, please don't forget to take a moment at the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month to remember those who fought, and are currently fighting, for our awesome country!

christmas? bring it!

I officially started my Christmas shopping this past weekend and realized something - once Halloween is over, people immediately start thinking about Christmas.  Unlike our neighbours to the south, we don't really have a holiday in between Halloween and Christmas.  Yes, there is Remembrance Day on the 11th, however, it's not the type of holiday where you get the family together and carve up a turkey.  It's usually spent lounging around the house, soaking up the goodness that one can only feel when it's Thursday and you're not at work (unless, you're in the military - more on that later).

So yes, most of us moan and complain when we see that stores are setting up their Christmas stock and decorations mid-October.  This is definitely how I felt the other day when I spotted my first Christmas tree of the year.

However, I have to admit that I love that the SECOND Halloween is over, the Christmas season is in full swing.  I know that a lot of people cringe at the thought of braving the cold (and sometimes snowy) weather and to push their way through a crowded mall in the search of the perfect gifts for their loved ones, but it brings me so much joy.  I can't wait until all the stores start playing Christmas music, until our schedules are jam-packed with various festive events, and the best of everything - the Christmas Train!!

So, Christmas season starting November 1st? Bring it!

all-hallows-even

Hubby and I never really do anything to celebrate Halloween.  Actually, even growing up Halloween was not my favourite holiday - I much preferred to stay home, all warm and cozy, rather than trick-or-treating.  However, every year, I donned my costume (Catwoman = Best. Costume. Ever.) and braved the cold in search of delicious treats!  The best part was coming home and spreading all your goods over the floor and surveying your bounty.

As I've gotten older, I much prefer the "simple" Halloween (hanging out at home and answering the door for little trick-or-treaters) rather than attending a party at a friend's house.  Although, I do have to admit that I'm looking forward to the day when I can live vicariously through my children and help them pick out costumes and take them door to door to collect their sweets.

This year Hubby and I will be spending Halloween with family at his parent's house, handing out treats to the ghosts, goblins, and little princesses of the neighbourhood - and I can't wait :)

So, here is my Halloween treat for you, not candy, but some festive trivia:

The word Halloween is first attested in the 16th century and represents a Scottish variant of the fuller All-Hallows-Even ("evening"), that is, the night before All Hallows Day - neat!