Christmas Preview

While it will take a bit of time to compile the footage from Christmas morning, here is a preview of one of the gifts.

Taylor is obsessed with K'Nex. Ever since he got his mega box, he's been wanting one of the roller coaster sets. Shawn and I purchased one at Toys R Us for him and then found a better one at a much better price on Kijiji (classifieds).

Daddy and Taylor spent the morning assembling it and here is the finished product!

The Sick

'Twas the week before Christmas, and to my dismay, two children were feverish and hacking all day. And if this condition could get any worse, the father got sick and desired a hearse. "The sick" was here and lasted all week, while preparations for Christmas were considered at peak. Presents were wrapped, the family survived, and at long last, Christmas Day did arrive!

Thankfully, both Mommy and Ella were spared but Ella felt left out...

Ella (from her bed):  Mommy, I'm sick...  (pause)  I have the hiccups!!

Get Along T-shirt

A terrific way to decrease the frequency of sibling disruption!

Not sure where this came from but will have to try!!

School Portraits

I just realized that I forgot to post the kids' school portraits!

This is the first year we splurged on the kids' school pics. We decided on the Portrait CD so that we could create as many copies of whichever size that we wanted. Another advantage of this is that we get the photos in color, black & white, and sepia without having to manipulate anything ourselves.

Our sweet princess Kindergartener (who had lost her glasses at the time):

This was Averi's retake, and while we didn't choose the gray-brown background, I quite prefer it to the blue we chose for Taylor. Will have to remember this preference.

Our handsome 2nd grader:

A photo collage that I whipped up:

While it is doubtful that we will get pictures out by Christmas, please send me an email if you'd like any of these. Just indicate which version and what size.

Teacher's Pets

Christmas gifts from three of my students:

I got my very first #1 Teacher paraphernalia! It's a snowman s'mores ornament.  I was quite tickled.  ;)

Also some cookie-mix-in-a-jar and a vocabulary desk calendar. So sweet!

The Christmas Cactus in the background was a gift from my mentor, Lori. I'm so nervous that the thing will die cuz I'm terrible with plants. Otherwise, it's a lovely spot of color on the desk.

Christmas Card Artists

The kids are helping me out with Christmas card mass-production this year! This was my first Saturday home in who knows how long! I think that Shawn is just as excited as I am that I won't be working Saturdays for the next while. :)

You can catch a glimpse of Ella's new glasses here:

The glasses are a brand-new kind made entirely from plastic! Just perfect for our energetic 3-year-old!

Ella colored a whopping EIGHT Christmas trees, all with fabulous color combinations!

Averi colored THREE Christmas trees and chose Grandpa Nelson, Aunt D, and cousin Claire to giver hers to.

Taylor took his sweet time coloring his ONE Christmas tree. He picked Omi to give his creation to.

I still have a few uncolored trees left. I'm not sure if I will do some coloring or just change it up a bit. Cutting them out was a pain.  ;)

Location, Location, Location

Even though it's a long commute to northwest Calgary, I love working at SAIT because of the spectacular view!!

This is just outside the parkade:

The glorious night view! (Excuse the poor photography...)

A shot of downtown on a foggy day:

The building I work in as seen from the parkade (my office is actually on the opposite side but I've been teaching classes up on the 9th floor here):

 This was the very first building at SAIT. It's called Heritage Hall and Shawn's grandmother actually graduated from here in 1920!! (The photo was taken from the steps from the parkade... I really should have found a better place to take this shot from...)

The view from my office:

I share the office with 4 other instructors. The lovely lady in the bottom left of the photo above is my mentor, Lori, the Medical Transcription program instructor. I really work with most spectacular ladies!

Quick Update

I've been super busy but wanted to share that I signed a contract for next term at SAIT. Wehoo! I'll have my fingers in 3 different programs: Medical Transcription, Health Information Office Assistant (being renamed Medical Office Assistant/Unit Clerk), and Health Information Management (the program I took once upon a time). I even have an old pal that's currently taking that last program, so I'll get to see her on a regular basis starting in March.  :)

We set up the Christmas tree this past weekend and the kids are wondering where the presents are.  lol!

Ella finally got her glasses! I haven't had a chance to take pics... Will have to do ASAP.  Since she's farsighted, the lenses magnify her eyes a bit... She's still cute.  At least when she's hugging you.  ;)  She's very huggy but only on her own schedule.  ;)  We also have to patch her a bit. I feel terrible that our kids' eyes are so terrible.  Even Taylor's grade 2 teacher has voiced concerns so Taylor's up next for an optometrist visit.  :(