Track Boy

Joel has had the opportunity to try soccer and football, but neither really appealed to him. This fall he asked if he could try track and since he was doing really well at school meets, we thought he might actually be good at it.

I did a bit of research, made some phone calls and did a cost analysis. Finally in mid-September Joel was out on the track 2-3 times a week. At first he was a bit overwhelmed by the fact that many of the athletes were older (only because the younger ones didn't come as often on the days Joel went), but soon made friends with some junior high girls, some high school boys and a few university students. I was proud that even though he was nervous, he introduced himself and connected with people.

By the end of October the training moved indoors and more runners his age came. Joel has two good friends that he trains with and is really enjoying track. Though he runs and runs and runs and does a million crunches during conditioning, he has a great time. I think the individual aspect works well for him as he competes against the clock.

On one of his first meets, he entered into a crazy long race and was so exhausted he thought he might cry or throw up. I was SO proud that he didn't give up. He decided after that to focus on his shorter running events! He also is awesome at long jump and is looking forward to being old enough to try discus, shot put and javelin. At his last meet, he did really well and what made me almost cry was after he ran the race and won, he turned to all the other athletes and they shook hands. Such sportsmanship displayed!

We are really proud of him. It's great exercise and Joel is having a fantastic time.

Birthday Girl

I find it hard to believe that she's four already. The weeks coming up to her birthday, she kept announcing it was January, therefore her birthday. We also had a talk about "Colchi" her special blanket and how it may have to be packed away since four year olds don't suck their fingers. On her birthday she woke up and mumbled, "See, it's true that 4 year olds do suck their fingers."

Her birthday was stretched over two days since her dad was coming home from an international trip the day after. I baked some cupcakes with the kids, got a sitter the night before, and roamed Target all evening for birthday gifts and tried to make the day special. She was utterly thrilled with her dress and her new shoes, headbands, water bottles etc. And the best part was that she got a CD player and the soundtrack from her favourite movie.  Now she can play music, dance and sing all day to her heart's content.

Elena is a very articulate little gal. Definitely knows what she wants and depending on the situation is either a Big Girl or Baby Girl. She's passionate and so thoughtful. At daycare she often is comforting the little ones if they are having a bad day or telling everyone she's their friend. And every once in a while there is a typical meltdown with wailing and tears. Yes, we have a four year old!

First Time on Skates

She did alright. I think she thought that once we put on the 3 year old skates she would take off like she sees on t.v. Not quite, kiddo.....

We were impressed by her determination and had a great time on a balmy day in December.

Re-Cap on Christmas

It was a quiet Christmas. I wasn't feeling up to doing all the shopping, so Carl took on a majority of the gift buying. Maybe because I was still adjusting to my new job, that I only end at 5:00 and who has time to think about shopping after that? On the 20th I was driving home from work and the distinct thought came to my mind, "I don't really want to Christmas shop,". Gasp. I know that something isn't right if I can't find joy in shopping and then giving.

However, the next day I woke up and decided that I wanted to go shopping. It also had to do with me procrastinating and not wanting to study for my exam. I decided that I would take a list, but not feel obligated or stressed if the shopping malls were crazy and I needed to leave. Well, I arrived and had a good time. My arms were tired from all the gifts and my heart felt good buying things for the people I love.

Our Christmas was quiet, which was nice. Something that I needed. Our New Year's was more busy, filled with quite a bit of eating and staying up late. I was so thankful for the time off from work as the University was closed. It was life giving to spend time at home with the kids and with Carl.

Double Digit Darling

It seemed just like yesterday that she was a little wee "todd-e-ler". Now she's ten. I remember on my tenth birthday, I cried. So dramatic but it felt like a huge milestone. I'm glad my daughter wasn't as emotional about it all!

She had a fabulous day; first going out for sushi, which is her all time favourite thing to eat and being presented with some pretty awesome gifts. She shares a birthday with a very good friend, so the evening was spent at a sleepover. The next day she hosted a group of friends from church, gym and school to a cooking birthday class. They cooked up a storm and had a lovely time. It was meaningful to celebrate Kezia. She is one amazing gal! Happy birthday sweet heart!!

Timely Words

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

—Exodus 33:14

Ventanita

Ventanita. That's what you call someone in Spanish who has lost many teeth. It's like they have windows in their mouth. She's thrilled at the cash she's getting and the smiles she gets in return for her big toothless grin!