BE SAFE AND HAVE FUN!!!!!!!

And we thought we lived in a safe neighborhood!!!

This morning police found the body of a woman in her 30's in the trunk of a car in the school parking lot. Rumour has it that it is actually a teacher from the school. Her family reported her missing last night. Helicopters have been flying very low over our home the last hour or so, not quite sure what they are looking for, but we are all thinking it must be related.

It's sad that we all have this false sense of security; nothing can hurt us in this safe family oriented neighborhood. How do we go about explaining this to our children who return to school next week?

~update~ Sadly the rumours are true. The woman found was in fact Paula Gallant, a grade three teacher at Daniel's school. She was the mother of an 18 month old. They even interviewed one of her students on the news this evening. She will be missed deeply. Grief counselling will be available to the students on their return to school next week.

The helicopters were in fact related, taking pictures of the neighborhood.

What will they think of next?!?

This is one of Sam's most entertaining gifts. Darth Tator!!! He's hilarious! 

Christmas Sparkle....

One of the things I find so peaceful about Christmas aside from the greatest gift ever given, is the softness of the lights on the tree. I can sit for long periods of time just enjoying the stillness. Now that the rush is over, the panic over last minute things is gone, my evenings are even more relaxed and special. I'm hoping that all of you are now able to find some quiet moments for yourself in which you can reflect on all that is important and dear to you. Let us take nothing for granted. 

Cozy creatures, only a "little" excited!

Waiting for Santa.......

A collection of some of the christmas activites. I love the picture in the middle of Craig and Claire. They look so peaceful just enjoying the wonder of the night.

Just to let you know....

I am a stupid woman!!!

oh my, oh my......

A visit to my Gram's is never dull, but at Christmas we always have a special time. Today we went for brunch. Her home is a lovely little winterized cottage, not so child proof that I can totally relax! Anyhoo, we arrived at 9:30 this morning and right away she serves egg nog. Now there was some child friendly nog, but ours was far from kid proof. Two large glasses later on an empty stomach and I was near done. We then sat down to brunch. I ended up sending the hooligans outside so we could have some quiet and mellow adult conversation. Of course, after brunch we had to have a couple of slippery nipples. Very yummy, but oh my, I'm thinking I now need a LONG nap.

I have plopped the kids in front of the TV to watch a movie, Hud has left for work and I am just going to putter VERY slowly about the house getting ready for our open house tomorrow.......

Hope you are all ready for the joyous season nearly upon us and that you are all able to sit back and relax with your dear family and friends. Cheers to all of you!!!

just a thought....random at that.....

~Alison unleased+ a tin of Quality Street Chocolates= a very happy and hyper Alison~

Hope the rest of you are enjoying all of the treats of the season as much as I, ever mindful of our blessings. (However they present themselves!)

And so we say good-bye.....

The funeral for Matyas' was this afternoon. What a heart wrenching service. One of the biggest things that touched me was the difference in our cultures as far as how we express our grief. We would be inclined to weep silently, putting on a brave face. Samea on the other hand wept openly and loudly. Her grief was so intense. She could hardly walk down the aisle as she hasn't eaten more than a few sips of soup the last few days. Hudson said that last night at the visitation was even more heart breaking as she cried so much, almost to the point of falling asleep. At one point she reached over and rubbed Matyas' head speaking quietly to him.

Please continue to pray for her and her children. She has stopped nursing the baby, and is still not talking with the others. Hudson will go again tomorrow to be with the children.

The family was featured on the news last night and was on the front page of the paper today and today many, many calls from people wanting to help have come into the church and for that we are all very thankful.

Be extra thankful for your families, and stay safe!

And in the Midst of Joy, Tragedy!

Yesturday, while we were enjoying the snow, the youth group girls were here baking cookies for people in our congregation, and many others were going about the business of the season, a young man from our church was killed in a car accident on one of our busiest highways. He leaves behind a wife and five children. The youngest only three weeks old. They had come to Canada only a few short years ago, the language still very much a barrier for his wife. He had been working as a custodian until last month when there was not enough work for him. The family has very little, and now are even worse off.
Hudson will go this afternoon to be with the oldest boy who is not speaking to anyone. The pain is unimaginable. The fear probably equals the pain.
This puts a whole new perspective on life, how we spend time with each other, and what we choose to make important in our lives. My prayer is that I no longer take for granted the moments with my children and Hudson. That I never assume that I will have a tomorrow. I need to make the best of every moment I am blessed with.

**update** Hud just called as he was leaving their home. Since she was told of Mathias' death, his wife has not spoken to her children. She nurses the babe when he is hungry, but her grief is so intense that she can't cope. She has not left her bed since last evening. All of their Sudanese friends are at the apartment. There is some talk of her wanting to return to her home. Simon was in his room with his sister surounded by his friends but there are two younger ones as well who have not only lost their father, but for the time being are without their mother as well. Pray that she is able to find comfort in her children. That her pain would be alleviated enough that she can nurture her children through this as well.

Our first snowfall of 2005, and it was a good one! I came out in my jammies to take some pics. Looking at me Hud says..." and that's why we call her Barbie!" It's a beautiful day, light wind and sparkling snow. Who could ask for a better Saturday?

Remember When?

Post a comment with a COMPLETELY MADE-UP, FICTIONAL MEMORY OF YOU AND ME. It can be anything you want--good or bad--and can include fellow bloggers, if you wish. Keep it within a PG rating, please. I'm anxious to read about our fictional past.I encourage you to do this on your blog, so I can post some made-up memories about you too! I seem to recall you milking a cow for the first time.....

Thanks to Jamie Dawn for this fabulous idea!

Christmas Mice.....

At the moms group today, we made the cutest little mice. Totally edible, I thought they may be something fun that some of you might like to do with the kids.
Simply separate a double cream oreo cookie
dip stemmed marachino cherry in melted chocolate
immediately stick on a hershey kiss
place on the cookie
snip mini marshmallows into little ears
use green and red gel icing for holly, and red for the eyes......

'tis the season for good fun. We even had a light dusting of snow last night....things are getting festive!

HAPPY DECEMBER.......