tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90002450332953978182024-03-22T00:38:37.561-04:00No Place Like HomeMotherhood, Marriage, Movies, Montréal, Writing, Food, Français. Mostly in that order.Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00085616548979596294noreply@blogger.comBlogger456125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9000245033295397818.post-74889121499205394442013-09-17T15:03:00.000-04:002013-09-17T15:03:49.776-04:00Lady Who Lunches <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sorry I didn't post last week, readers. I was busy. Busy MAKING LUNCH.</div>
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Why does it have to be so stressful? Maybe because it's not an option to NOT make your kid's lunch? And they can't have anything <strike>delicious</strike> that's not good for you. What, no Twinkies? Come ON.</div>
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But thanks to my <a href="http://ahomeslice.com/" target="_blank">brother and SIL</a> and their portable food container savvy, Liliane is bringing her photogenic and organized mid-day meal in an awesome <a href="http://www.laptoplunches.com/" target="_blank">Laptop Lunch</a> box. Doesn't it look delicious? It's really great for portion sizes and all the boxes and colours make everything look tastier. </div>
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NOTE: she did NOT appreciate my putting cucumber in her wrap. Cucumber is to be eaten BY ITSELF. Also a big N.O. on the snap peas. Red, yellow or orange pepper s.v.p. Carrots and cauliflower passed muster. </div>
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I actually put fresh corn kernels in her lunch once (with a fork) but FAIL. Corn on the cob STAYS on the cob. Unless we eat it at home.</div>
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The lunch rules are complicated, people. Parents of preschoolers, be warned. </div>
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Otherwise, it's business as usual around here. Alice is combining her love for horses with her skill in the salon:</div>
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And the girls got their bangs cut. WOO HOO.</div>
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I'm heading out of town tomorrow to go hang out with my Mom in Washington, D.C. for a couple of days. If you happen to be in the neighbourhood, please feel free to stop in and offer my husband some moral support as he'll be solo parenting for three whole nights. Caffeinated beverages and adult conversation will be gratefully accepted. He's my hero! </div>
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I'll give my regards to the ruby slippers for you. À bientôt!</div>
Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00085616548979596294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9000245033295397818.post-43133838027618100672013-09-06T14:07:00.000-04:002013-09-06T14:07:12.409-04:00Friday Favourite: Devotional EditionSo, I had a little revelation recently (<i>ha ha, Bible humour</i>) when I realized that maybe all the down time I've had since June has been for a reason. A reason beyond the privilege of enjoying the sunshine and swimming and kids and holidays and camping and ice cream. Which I did! To the fullest!<br />
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They have not been carefree months, friends. I think once you start working for yourself, that fear of <i>never working again because actually I suck</i> is never very far away. I had some of that. I had more than one meltdown about money. I had some general doubts about what the heck I was doing with my life. <br />
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But it turns out there was a point to all that. That time was a gift. Time to work on developing the habit of spending time with God and listening to what He has to say. To develop the reflex of turning to God instead of giving in to the fear. So much harder to do than it sounds. And I'm still not very good at it but I am definitely better. <br />
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Turns out that for me, the best way for me to be in God's presence is by writing things down. Hello! *smacks forehead* I am a writer after all and I always use words to work mah stuff. So yes, it's perfectly logical and maybe I'm SLOW but better late than never, right? SO. I have my journal, I have some great music, I have some quiet time (<i>thank you school and excellent subsidized daycare system</i>) and I have this book called <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Jesus-Calling/9781591451884-item.html?s_campaign=goo-BooksByTitle&gclid=CN6l643utLkCFUJlMgodFEoAWg" target="_blank">Jesus Calling.</a><br />
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Full disclosure: I was doing some research and I discovered quite a few folks who are disturbed by it calling it "dangerous" and "occult-like." As if the author is trying to replace the Scriptures with her own words. I disagree. And I digress. ANYWAY.<br />
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This book has been incredibly helpful for me. The other tool I use is <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/one-year-women-devo/id446653566?mt=8" target="_blank">this app</a> written by <a href="http://www.annspangler.com/" target="_blank">Ann Spangler.</a> Someone else recommended it to me and I LOVE it. <br />
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It takes practice to build a good habit. So I'm practicing. I am also working on memorizing verses. So far I've got "<i>Jesus wept"</i> (heh! we church kids know that as the shortest verse in the Bible), John 3:16 and I'm working on this one:<br />
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<i>Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. -Psalm 37:7</i></div>
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I read this for the first time about a month ago and I love it because it makes me feel better about all the crap that goes on in the world. Example: when I think about Syria, hotbed of wicked schemes right now, this verse gives me some hope. I don't watch the news or read the paper anymore (it's a <a href="http://noplacelikehome-theresa.blogspot.ca/2009/11/full-disclosure.html" target="_blank">PPD </a>thing) but I know what's going on and this verse soothes what troubles me. <br />
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Voilà. That's what I have on my mind right now. Along with school lunch ideas, pumpkin spice anything and starting to save money for a turkey. <br />
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Oh and we made all of Alice's soothers disappear yesterday. (DAH SUCE!) She protested more than her big sister did but then it was over. And she went to sleep. Fingers crossed she does it again tonight.<br />
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Wish us luck! And wishing you peace, dear readers. In whatever form you find it.<br />
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Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00085616548979596294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9000245033295397818.post-196001590048599192013-09-04T16:14:00.000-04:002013-09-04T16:14:00.040-04:00OTTA-WINNING!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You may not know this about me but I like to keep summer going as long as possible. Don't talk to me about how it's all over after Labour Day because *lalalalala I can't hear you* </div>
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However. It is tricky to <strike>keep up the charade</strike> enjoy the remaining days of summer when you have a child in school. Sure it's easier to let go of my favourite season since we're all busy adapting to the routine and getting excited about kindergarten, etc. And it helps that we really did make the most of summer with all the traveling and camping and trying new things and generally having fun as a family unit. But STILL. I'm not quite ready.</div>
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So that's why we squeezed in one more adventure over the long weekend! It may not have been particularly warm or sunny, but we got to swim in a fancy outdoor pool, eat BBQ and drink rosé, hang out in Ottawa and generally slack off. </div>
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We hit up the kids' section of the Museum of Civilization and it was awesome. Super fun and well organized. Also not too expensive. Because, in case you don't know this, freelancing = POOR. For now! It can also mean big bucks but I am grateful for the time just now.</div>
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ANYWAY.</div>
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We met Mr. Potato Head. </div>
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Alice transported stuff.</div>
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And swabbed some decks.</div>
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They rode a camel.</div>
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We got in some family time in with Stéphane's sister. I took these while they were playing a form of HIGH FIVE! but with feet. I highly recommend it.</div>
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Deb! My dear friend from the waaaay back. Let's not explore how far back exactly but we met in Junior High in 1987 so that means we were 13 - carry the one- OH SHUT UP.</div>
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She kindly put us up for two days in her guest room. AND came swimming in their swanky condo pool. AND bought us lunch on Monday AND came with us to the mall. We love her.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxGpHirxIfo_L8pxwcBFQDi6oeHQhE2am3DHLY-WywtPwg-V1m-J3VrxtkGiYh9_PM0zt3pLjsasn3G-hku6BZuMVUZWyAKUmMPVDkD6p9wgHbHhCH4tAHTdEkaUbcfBwZC6JMk_j50Es/s1600/IMG_4623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxGpHirxIfo_L8pxwcBFQDi6oeHQhE2am3DHLY-WywtPwg-V1m-J3VrxtkGiYh9_PM0zt3pLjsasn3G-hku6BZuMVUZWyAKUmMPVDkD6p9wgHbHhCH4tAHTdEkaUbcfBwZC6JMk_j50Es/s320/IMG_4623.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Liliane has declared Deb to be her best friend EVER. Like mother like daughter I guess.</div>
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I only share this so you can see Alice and her side eye wondering why are even bothering with this busted selfie. Liliane was in charge of the angle, can you tell? </div>
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So now, this is our new normal:</div>
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An excited nearly-6-year-old with new shoes, ready to skip out the door and plunge into whatever kindergarten adventure awaits.</div>
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OK FINE, summer. You are free to wind down. But I'm warning you, fall. You have big shoes to fill!</div>
Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00085616548979596294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9000245033295397818.post-2944011190511644112013-08-30T14:05:00.000-04:002013-08-30T14:05:26.933-04:00SKOOLED<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh friends. I get it now. This whole BACK TO SCHOOL thing. It's BIG.</div>
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I seriously had to stop making Liliane's lunch last night and lie down because I was so tired. My body was all "CAN WE PLEASE GO TO SLEEEEP" and my feet were screaming (school is seriously a five minute walk. FIVE MINUTES) and my brain was insisting on two more episodes of Orange is the New Black because hello! We earned it.</div>
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I don't know if it's the newness of it all? Or the millions of questions we seem to have that no one can really answer yet? Whatever. This is insane. And that's just the parents! </div>
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Liliane is a combination of comatose and cray-cray by the time dinner rolls around. She loves it and is afraid of all the new stuff but... she loves it. This morning she said, "Maman, school is like vacation." Ha! Hang on to that, kiddo. </div>
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It's a joy to watch her. Information comes out slowly at the end of the day and we try not to ask too many questions but it's hard because I'M JUST SO INTERESTED.</div>
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We do know that she already made a friend! This is Sarah and she is in Liliane's class. Sarah doesn't speak much French so her teacher is happy they found each other so Liliane can help her out. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53-RqQcuvvuXxpA8c0Uvycz3c2KWGosTE_znpWj7pWpb9Sa9GrKLMrNlBEqflI5NjNMBIE6HGgxJd6EOKaR6l7Ed6HHBQpcNEKxa2b-X60jRJoeWKroUpoYrgjh3tsofEMtTbK2Vi4Dzr/s1600/IMG_4526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53-RqQcuvvuXxpA8c0Uvycz3c2KWGosTE_znpWj7pWpb9Sa9GrKLMrNlBEqflI5NjNMBIE6HGgxJd6EOKaR6l7Ed6HHBQpcNEKxa2b-X60jRJoeWKroUpoYrgjh3tsofEMtTbK2Vi4Dzr/s400/IMG_4526.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing in front of the vegetable garden. Look! A patate! (Actually a tomato but that's why she's at school, right?)</td></tr>
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Stéphane's parents came to hang out with Alice while we took Liliane on her first day. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention. Alice's teacher is on holiday this week so she's off, too! Good times!</div>
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Grandmaman and Grandpapa brought some excellent back-to-school-type activities. </div>
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Liliane has now traced over every single letter of the alphabet thanks to that book. </div>
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Alice got out her horse collection for Grandmaman.</div>
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Liliane's new <a href="http://secure.laptoplunches.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=L600%2Djubilee&eq=&Tp=" target="_blank">lunchbox </a>hadn't arrived yet so this is what her first lunch looked like. I also ordered <a href="http://www.snackpackreusables.com/" target="_blank">reusable snack bags</a>, so simmer down Judgy McEarthday. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her teacher, Marc. We love him. And they are supposed to call him by his first name. WEIRD.<br /></td></tr>
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So this morning was the first day we had to get there at the regular time which is 8:12. That's EIGHT-TWELVE AY-EM. Friends, we usually roll out of bed around 8:12 and sometimes I have to go in and wake the girls up. We were so nervous about this new schedule but it went off without a hitch.</div>
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The bell rings at 8:12 and then all the kids line up. </div>
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Marc got them all organized then class by class they went inside. *sob*</div>
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I did not cry at all this week. It's all so exciting and overwhelming that I haven't had time to feel sad. Also this child has been ready for school for AGES. AGES! I say that because she's been talking about it for AGES! And waking up in the night all worried about it for AGES! </div>
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I didn't expect to enjoy all the changes to our routine so much. Turns out it's lovely to walk over to the school and to meet all the new people who will be a big part of our lives for the next few years. It's lovely to be excited for my child and remember all the things I loved about school. (<i>For the record: everything except P.E. and Grade 11 Math). </i></div>
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We heading off to Ottawa for the long weekend (<i>Hi Deb! Hope you are still talking to me after our visit!</i>) so all good things coming up. </div>
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Enjoy your last summer holiday weekend!</div>
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Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00085616548979596294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9000245033295397818.post-48819434685960672242013-08-26T14:16:00.000-04:002013-08-26T14:16:43.453-04:00Counting Down<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So this happened on Friday. </div>
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Four years at this school and just like that, DONE. Liliane was totally fine. She's so excited about school she can hardly sleep. No, seriously. I was up with her three times last night.</div>
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Around these parts school starts before Labour Day. I KNOW. So wrong. First day is Wednesday. Alice's daycare is on holiday this week as well so we girls are holding down the fort. </div>
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And by that I mean wearing pajamas, watching movies and having a living room picnic.</div>
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I got this blanket at Maxi (Great Canadian Superstore) for NINE DOLLARS. Flannel on one side, nylon on the other and it has handles for easy transport. </div>
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Also, did I mention NINE DOLLARS?</div>
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Kinda crappy outside so we are all pretty relaxed around here. Relaxed except for my brain which keeps tapping me on the shoulder every few minutes and screaming EVERYTHING IS ABOUT TO CHANGE! AWOOOOOOGAH! AWOOOOOGAH!</div>
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But then I opened my awesome new<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Jesus-Calling-Enjoying-Peace-Presence/dp/1591451884" target="_blank"> devotional book a</a> few minutes ago (thanks Mom!) and this is what I read:</div>
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<i>Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. </i></div>
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<i> -John 14:27</i></div>
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So there. Hush up, brain. </div>
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Anybody else having back-to-school anxiety? </div>
Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00085616548979596294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9000245033295397818.post-23003355245606885512013-08-19T15:56:00.002-04:002013-08-19T15:56:46.980-04:00Campy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now these may look like normal family camping trip photos to the average blog reader. But to me, they are proof of a triumph over adversity!</div>
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Maybe adversity isn't the right word. Triumph over our inner perfectionist! Triumph over the "you're doing it wrong" voice! Triumph over mind-numbing anxiety! </div>
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Yeah, I'll just go with adversity. </div>
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Our first attempt at camping was back in July and while we loved it, we were sort of overwhelmed with the learning curve and came back exhausted. Plus I didn't bring enough warm clothes for the cool night and shivered my way through most of the weekend. Plus the anxiety of we're sleeping outside! With the kids! In a remote park in the middle of nowhere! Surrounded by strangers! Oh friends, I spent so much time praying, asking for peace and to please not be murdered on my many trips to the bathroom.</div>
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This time we shared a site with Stéphane's parents and they were all set up when we got there AND they had dinner organized for us! Hooray! Stéphane and his Dad put our tent up in about half the time it took the first time while I took the girls to the playground. Easy.</div>
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We had time to actually do some fun camping stuff and also do nothing. Not pictured: roasting marshmallows because GET MY PHONE AWAY FROM THAT STICKY MESS and I was busy wiping hands for about an hour. </div>
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Stéphane totally mastered the fire pit and we got to have lots of sitting around the fire time once the kids were asleep. </div>
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Everybody slept well except me, I was cold again. But hey! No anxiety! </div>
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I was a little worried on the first night when the people across from us started up a singalong just as we were coaxing the kids to sleep. My heroic husband eventually half-jokingly asked them if they knew any lullabies and they hastily finished their set. Sorry! Party pooper alert!</div>
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Our campsite was about an hour outside the city and, no joke, had a Tim Horton across the street. Thank goodness because guess who forgot our coffee mugs? (me) $10 later, BOOM. Tim commuter mugs for our camping kit.</div>
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It's right on this little lake so it's perfect for kids.</div>
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I can't remember the last time I saw a lilypad. They're so purty.</div>
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On Saturday night there was a big ol' shindig up at the main entrance. It was cool because lots of people were hanging out up there so it was pretty quiet down by our tent. I was picturing a nice, peaceful bedtime. But Liliane and her new friend (staying in one of the many obnoxious RVs surrounding us) wanted to go check out the dance party so I scrapped my plan of trying to get Alice to bed by myself and we all went. <br />
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Picture this: a roaring bonfire at least two storeys high. I could hear it crackling and hissing well before we actually saw it. Campers of all ages were burning up the covered dance floor under the watchful eye of this crumbling yet clearly beloved Elvis statue. Liliane and her pal immediately got their groove on while Stéphane and I hung back with Alice. Her eyes were wide and she got very quiet as she took in the towering inferno, flashing lights, loud music and, of course, Elvis himself.<br />
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She cautiously got down from her perch in Stéphane's arms after a few minutes and by the time Footloose came on, she was tearing it up with the best of them, turning around every few minutes to so to make sure that Elvis wasn't going anywhere. She and I watched in amazement as Shania Twain organized everybody into a line dance. Dang, those people are COORDINATED. The lines dissolved as quickly as they were created when Pump Up the Jam took over.<br />
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"I don't remember any campsites with dance parties when I was a kid," I said to Stéphane as we walked down the hill back to our tent about an hour later.</div>
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"Every Saturday night pretty much. Welcome to camping in Quebec!"</div>
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Indeed. Is this really just a cultural thing? This site has a 11PM curfew which people mostly respected although we could hear the thumping music (Wow, they're doing Shook Me All Night Long! Again!) until sometime before midnight. But eventually it was completely quiet, the stars were out and apart from the occasional frog or bird, the only sound breaking the peaceful silence was the chattering of my teeth. </div>
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Brrr.</div>
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I am definitely in the market for a new sleeping bag.</div>
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To sum up: we had fun, we definitely appreciated sharing our space with the grandparents who made everything easier. (Merci beaucoup!) We enjoyed the atmosphere of this private campground as opposed to a provincial park but felt a little squeezed by all the RVs. (Why would I want to see much less smell your sewage pipe? SO EWWW.) The disadvantage of being in such close proximity to everyone is that it's not super quiet. On the other hand, Orford was quiet because the sites were really isolated BUT both nights we had closeby loud talkers carrying on until the wee hours despite the 11PM curfew. </div>
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I think next time we'll try and find something between the two. More experienced camping readers, help me out: what is the official camping etiquette? There is curfew but no one respects it? Some people respect it but it's not enforced? Where are the best places to take kids whose mothers are overly obsessed about not being kept awake all night? </div>
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Thank you in advance. I am going to go hide the leftover Nutella now.</div>
Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00085616548979596294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9000245033295397818.post-19934583713676408762013-08-14T13:09:00.001-04:002013-08-14T13:09:21.031-04:00That Girl<div style="text-align: center;">
Yeah, she's that girl. </div>
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The one who can't stop moving. The one with the dimples and the energy and the impish grin. The one who is in turn the sweetest and most hardheaded child I have ever met.</div>
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She is a kind and doting big sister. </div>
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Mostly.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifz1xLoCkiM5tRIy55h2TElSTpMkIzCVJYujWZVY3gjL_A4IpDyBtCP4Sjvthz8VhiR4ksREijGVuRJlQyD_DLTLYnKKLg0jIyW-3ZroTsvLSMRa_mZa6peZ5sFE4lt5vOSuH0tZM1wne8/s1600/IMG_2678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifz1xLoCkiM5tRIy55h2TElSTpMkIzCVJYujWZVY3gjL_A4IpDyBtCP4Sjvthz8VhiR4ksREijGVuRJlQyD_DLTLYnKKLg0jIyW-3ZroTsvLSMRa_mZa6peZ5sFE4lt5vOSuH0tZM1wne8/s320/IMG_2678.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LEEEYANE!</td></tr>
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She's the kid who was too afraid to do to the mini zip line at the Stanley Park playground by herself. </div>
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Then while we were in Brooklyn she finally stopped staring at the monkey bars and just went for it. And went for it and went for it some more until I made her get down because we had to go. <i>It hurts my hands, Maman! </i> She showed me her chafed fingers proudly, strutting just a little past the swings.<br />
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Oh, and then there is this. She is leaving preschool, the cozy cocoon where she has been for the last 4 years to start school. SCHOOL. With bring-your-own lunches and backpacks and big kids and WOW! </div>
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I can't breathe. </div>
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**Current favourite activities**</div>
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Taking goofy pictures</div>
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Hanging out with babies</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lc4ZXIU4mbAEPSNYK2KI4ZAzDnbuB-VzU6PnrqL7kRLX3hUDN0pMMcUgHYCqXpPW8yg1GrDaTSD3kUCIlcxD3j-ooP64GBssjCjzy-VWeNRjdmkFfq3tHSr7dTkev_wwEAA3qT-hNhG8/s1600/IMG_3508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lc4ZXIU4mbAEPSNYK2KI4ZAzDnbuB-VzU6PnrqL7kRLX3hUDN0pMMcUgHYCqXpPW8yg1GrDaTSD3kUCIlcxD3j-ooP64GBssjCjzy-VWeNRjdmkFfq3tHSr7dTkev_wwEAA3qT-hNhG8/s320/IMG_3508.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousin Sadie!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousin Rory!</td></tr>
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Girly stuff</div>
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Friends</div>
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Maman</div>
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Papa</div>
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Alice</div>
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The Ferris wheel</div>
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Bike riding</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbQuIShq8CMZ2IUqtPhQ-gEHvvip3TP9riaYvplnFEbNuab37jSeTznsZW5WUdTsATynf4pd35V4b1Strvy4dam_-OLOqVQ-JvXTHp4necCU9vKk2m8vzKV2972BoqKVa7lYqgty3C8_e/s1600/IMG_3869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbQuIShq8CMZ2IUqtPhQ-gEHvvip3TP9riaYvplnFEbNuab37jSeTznsZW5WUdTsATynf4pd35V4b1Strvy4dam_-OLOqVQ-JvXTHp4necCU9vKk2m8vzKV2972BoqKVa7lYqgty3C8_e/s320/IMG_3869.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Tickling</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAE06etmOjp9N4lSQqMYHtAvrbZ-ogGomZcFqjYxuIHjc67c5LZzchIFuINhJbVaDIjXiMz1hZnuz-XUNJm6R7FmtvRxQRwP5K2yEgpH3fZf0Hqlk8oTcyOJJzPZt-oi8qSapAWuSvzlk/s1600/IMG_4248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAE06etmOjp9N4lSQqMYHtAvrbZ-ogGomZcFqjYxuIHjc67c5LZzchIFuINhJbVaDIjXiMz1hZnuz-XUNJm6R7FmtvRxQRwP5K2yEgpH3fZf0Hqlk8oTcyOJJzPZt-oi8qSapAWuSvzlk/s320/IMG_4248.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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**Dislikes**</div>
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Sleeping</div>
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Eating anything with sauce or flavour</div>
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Napping</div>
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Did I mention sleeping?</div>
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Long pants</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jeans</div>
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Socks</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cold pizza</div>
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Sharks</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wolves</div>
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High ponytails</div>
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Peanut butter</div>
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Chocolate (except Oreos are OK)</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Two more weeks until it all changes. But she is ready, so ready. I know school will be great for her. I hear it tires out even the most resilient anti-sleepers. (We don't call her <i>The Terminator</i> for nothing!)</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
So she's ready but am I? Are you ever?</div>
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Gulp.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlg-N0GiAKIqjw6Fy4F-TvIAjoYuOsMSXzVqPUr7B9dovZHyVJEen18x1gjnTL5tdUASPvipnyiAaVUpzk_5Ne3AYHci89kflUZuTutqkNBBf1Bw-657wk6sIO3dV79B14NVraVzeX7u7b/s1600/IMG_5251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlg-N0GiAKIqjw6Fy4F-TvIAjoYuOsMSXzVqPUr7B9dovZHyVJEen18x1gjnTL5tdUASPvipnyiAaVUpzk_5Ne3AYHci89kflUZuTutqkNBBf1Bw-657wk6sIO3dV79B14NVraVzeX7u7b/s320/IMG_5251.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wait, wasn't this just last month?<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00085616548979596294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9000245033295397818.post-15378221883712965052013-08-12T14:42:00.002-04:002013-08-12T14:42:39.754-04:00RustyI know. I KNOW. I beg your forgiveness, I've been busy, blah blah blah.<br />
<br />
The truth is, I miss you. All three of my readers. (Hi Mom!) Although it's not about the audience as much as it is about ME. (surprise!) No, really. Writing has always been an outlet, a way for me to work though things. It's high time I got back in the saddle! End of cheesy metaphors!<br />
<br />
OK, here we go. Cast your minds way back to March.<br />
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It was Easter:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRyZvMHMTj9F3mdV7bP6IA93RbQaRVU7sYc-eJtXtmPQkssDZYsXw4176d2rPb4fOyHxx2awFkG2DAcYJazChbXYbY7TeMvCrL9nvYZzWa6LAjgwDDjWbAj-6YScbKLuEB0NfQzp0hUk/s1600/IMG_8234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRyZvMHMTj9F3mdV7bP6IA93RbQaRVU7sYc-eJtXtmPQkssDZYsXw4176d2rPb4fOyHxx2awFkG2DAcYJazChbXYbY7TeMvCrL9nvYZzWa6LAjgwDDjWbAj-6YScbKLuEB0NfQzp0hUk/s320/IMG_8234.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes there was still snow on the ground. SHUT UP.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnikdU5hthHigaCB0GRBMOYIGGa95f27saMD2kHbzKdb-rB2Yy1X7Aje_7FvWz_YyTuuyLZgR9FOfr-FsaY3bzApQnYXhBaSLd4CjKeV0mNCJ7gsy21wVV5y1MIvg8C4oJmEZxnbAtJY/s1600/IMG_8252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnikdU5hthHigaCB0GRBMOYIGGa95f27saMD2kHbzKdb-rB2Yy1X7Aje_7FvWz_YyTuuyLZgR9FOfr-FsaY3bzApQnYXhBaSLd4CjKeV0mNCJ7gsy21wVV5y1MIvg8C4oJmEZxnbAtJY/s320/IMG_8252.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I got a gig in Vancouver so in April we headed west for a couple of months. Stéphane organized to keep working in the Burnaby office (thank you, Telus!) so it was easy.<br />
<br />
We did a lot of this:</div>
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Then it was over. We came back to Montréal and I continued to work like a DAWG but at least I was home.</div>
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Alice and I were apart for two weeks and in case you were wondering, she still hasn't forgiven me. That girl keeps a grudge like nobody's business.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2S1_Mrx5abCq0_pdQ-KrgUA6aKNodfnsJwHT8yC__Rk52ZlqRlSACa6pAFU2j9EnNceEka531voydC4B9ofV5kaZrCw274gQmyXFSbwAenJzE3KQ9W6gKhXQWbciYn1mzik5qpzTLdLA/s1600/IMG_3389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2S1_Mrx5abCq0_pdQ-KrgUA6aKNodfnsJwHT8yC__Rk52ZlqRlSACa6pAFU2j9EnNceEka531voydC4B9ofV5kaZrCw274gQmyXFSbwAenJzE3KQ9W6gKhXQWbciYn1mzik5qpzTLdLA/s320/IMG_3389.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Shortly after getting back to Montreal I developed this ridiculous zit. I had that thing for weeks and weeks. It finally moved to L.A. to star in its own horror franchise.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Facebook profile pic? Thoughts?</td></tr>
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We did kindergarten orientation. I may or may not have cried.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgJzFhbTizfH_D6oCVVOpRnz5Ba_-Sa2Z34Z19144qkiAfwZ07FMYECP3bDydaSa8pme7f-S2rgfMNLDaE3HF4cmGRArTTVfImHveD0sf4iwnfIvBoyD1379lMiEzN97mhheQWmBVvV8/s1600/IMG_3426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgJzFhbTizfH_D6oCVVOpRnz5Ba_-Sa2Z34Z19144qkiAfwZ07FMYECP3bDydaSa8pme7f-S2rgfMNLDaE3HF4cmGRArTTVfImHveD0sf4iwnfIvBoyD1379lMiEzN97mhheQWmBVvV8/s320/IMG_3426.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I dashed back to Vancouver for four days to finish off the job I had sacrificed my nose AND most of my clothes to. What? Two words: WHITE. SPOT.</div>
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UM - WHO SHRUNK ALL MY PANTS?</div>
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(*<i>It was me! said the cheeseburger platter*</i>)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mOlqMn9dElH0-5lcxjpg3VtOFHjtW1DaeIRI8bz5Ury3vuSTdPYCeaiuMGS2OsY84N6YdppFGOYmgzXM_vFpsA6jrclqHOOZO5pxwn9DDQJjxFE-i8Z9XmbyUOnLMiIyfURlStXfVAE/s1600/IMG_3372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mOlqMn9dElH0-5lcxjpg3VtOFHjtW1DaeIRI8bz5Ury3vuSTdPYCeaiuMGS2OsY84N6YdppFGOYmgzXM_vFpsA6jrclqHOOZO5pxwn9DDQJjxFE-i8Z9XmbyUOnLMiIyfURlStXfVAE/s400/IMG_3372.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GUILTY</td></tr>
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I produced the video portion of this amazing fundraising event and it was EPIC. This is a teeny, tiny piece of the huge room and the HEEEWWWWWGE screens. There was singing and dancing by a lot of very talented people (oh and my sister Jaime, too) and we managed to raise over $2 million for a very worthy cause. You can read about it <a href="http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Dinner+honouring+Segal+raises+about+million+Vancouver+charity/8484856/story.html" target="_blank">here.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBSysmnGiNcdqiteo0kJvrYDir8GGtIi88VoaOqTXjfgm801dyqy8mzfhL5nonHhv5jBYyhdis-_MvW3DuIrVQ25Yuybqj9t2MvryK66hgRVecz1TpAEcRarjA1Id3ZFKkTb4l3Obu58/s1600/IMG_3464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBSysmnGiNcdqiteo0kJvrYDir8GGtIi88VoaOqTXjfgm801dyqy8mzfhL5nonHhv5jBYyhdis-_MvW3DuIrVQ25Yuybqj9t2MvryK66hgRVecz1TpAEcRarjA1Id3ZFKkTb4l3Obu58/s400/IMG_3464.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Also I got to get all dressed up AND wear fake eyelashes for the first time. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMF74_DxVE_GZDlgCthFhbI8LtUK-geEZXSosa8ftfZ5FEoZng6pBcf_FTMkrDdpK5nA85hskGKn-6nXlC4pMzUi5Xwq6bvjG1PdHCgkAAThpuPcjI56ZYBAoHpk35GdB6KARgZA7905A/s1600/IMG_3478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMF74_DxVE_GZDlgCthFhbI8LtUK-geEZXSosa8ftfZ5FEoZng6pBcf_FTMkrDdpK5nA85hskGKn-6nXlC4pMzUi5Xwq6bvjG1PdHCgkAAThpuPcjI56ZYBAoHpk35GdB6KARgZA7905A/s400/IMG_3478.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Then it was all over and I came home and recovered. FOR AGES. You see, I have become what you call a "weenie." This was my first outside-world-no-pajamas job since Alice was born so HELLO! Do all the producer stuff you used to do AND be a loving parent who remembers to feed your two children? Harder than it sounds.</div>
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But thankfully I had my family around and our amazing nanny Emily to make it all work. I recharged my batteries with the kind of love you only get at home and I marveled every single day at the ocean, the mountains and everything that makes Vancouver so... Vancouver. Liliane got to hang out with her cousins ("brudders") and both girls got quality time with lots of their west coast peeps. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoV4viHz4lIAqC7FY7b2DqS-il3_TtT3ec2LIqlHBXEqfPyliqc5BGgAw-AP79Y70yg90PCBmAcgQVLsBADqCAvm_y7CFSAxwq0CMTGJ9AkU_tkl3FgPwjuZUbY6cQxzwbWFGLVOd2BE/s1600/IMG_3317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoV4viHz4lIAqC7FY7b2DqS-il3_TtT3ec2LIqlHBXEqfPyliqc5BGgAw-AP79Y70yg90PCBmAcgQVLsBADqCAvm_y7CFSAxwq0CMTGJ9AkU_tkl3FgPwjuZUbY6cQxzwbWFGLVOd2BE/s400/IMG_3317.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqx3iVMx957CAEVDRlfptKsZG0a7eCQkKkXy1u27G-hKGxxEtpawkQ79qU8SsTBzX8CzQ-aPMAQTNiJeQXuhVw6PjoBpDR9QjviGvULhs3Z3qg8g2aCNEq7MDK3P01al9-jkwNaNAPYSA/s1600/IMG_3311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqx3iVMx957CAEVDRlfptKsZG0a7eCQkKkXy1u27G-hKGxxEtpawkQ79qU8SsTBzX8CzQ-aPMAQTNiJeQXuhVw6PjoBpDR9QjviGvULhs3Z3qg8g2aCNEq7MDK3P01al9-jkwNaNAPYSA/s320/IMG_3311.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgbz1DnGAp2TAemWCaNSr86Ls78dlOMoD3nMINNyCCBP6rXSP1PkVMfhDnoeyMRh6e8LNBPytA5PEqw-5rDut0sbyVDZ31pGbsXliVzETrHNkrDRH_6gg2ZcmV_qxS9aHjyE3FsRLvk62/s1600/IMG_3326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgbz1DnGAp2TAemWCaNSr86Ls78dlOMoD3nMINNyCCBP6rXSP1PkVMfhDnoeyMRh6e8LNBPytA5PEqw-5rDut0sbyVDZ31pGbsXliVzETrHNkrDRH_6gg2ZcmV_qxS9aHjyE3FsRLvk62/s320/IMG_3326.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you Auntie Jen! You not only NOTICED me staying with you and your 8 kids, you totally spoiled me!</td></tr>
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Then it was summer and frankly, I haven't had TIME to take on another big work project. Puh-leez. <br />
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Between St. Jean Baptiste:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5ePiMFryS9m3Vb_PAZa59u84cDj7q00oi9lTTgYws7rlbw0U-cKMsvaG-VxZ_SAddAjPrvCZJF1jNRS1zehzPk94pdG-vYTf5qe4xv4MoCPcGURf3kJmKkJco7YNvVeA7bjG4Kv6rSw/s1600/IMG_3662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5ePiMFryS9m3Vb_PAZa59u84cDj7q00oi9lTTgYws7rlbw0U-cKMsvaG-VxZ_SAddAjPrvCZJF1jNRS1zehzPk94pdG-vYTf5qe4xv4MoCPcGURf3kJmKkJco7YNvVeA7bjG4Kv6rSw/s320/IMG_3662.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our first family camping trip:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0eaGOpQhy6S_Am5UsvpKjRMyB0ceBKbKMAtGrVO64FtYa256z2bQJGBkIg8b__CNBTJFSc0JM-0iUX3FZ3Vfui0-3mIVPeTli3xTT6_5bNV6TGlMTZl73U_GOQhJOLIuxZvKE8CdJ1o/s1600/IMG_3805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0eaGOpQhy6S_Am5UsvpKjRMyB0ceBKbKMAtGrVO64FtYa256z2bQJGBkIg8b__CNBTJFSc0JM-0iUX3FZ3Vfui0-3mIVPeTli3xTT6_5bNV6TGlMTZl73U_GOQhJOLIuxZvKE8CdJ1o/s400/IMG_3805.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Oh yeah, Alice turned 2:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEElSRUGzPZUz7ls2ya6wF3JYEx-4cCNOlZ7N7nKZmi6Sywosq7OE0pdiXbauJfuC2gfH7_8vy-iN5IEzrb8EsakM3fZf0EpX-FoZVJZKUL8TJNdnXuxJ7XnyheJHi6gH7XRaaI3zIeiE/s1600/IMG_8290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEElSRUGzPZUz7ls2ya6wF3JYEx-4cCNOlZ7N7nKZmi6Sywosq7OE0pdiXbauJfuC2gfH7_8vy-iN5IEzrb8EsakM3fZf0EpX-FoZVJZKUL8TJNdnXuxJ7XnyheJHi6gH7XRaaI3zIeiE/s320/IMG_8290.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The zoo:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYl95i0xTu_FSErIRRhbKk7E8z2GbzZJHp7shrPLOe5MqAb8tajOh7Hs4NbtP_Avax8dHC49MHmdfMsM9_xCgW882fOzYX9bE4pi1gt3-kDMNzQ9r4PlPCvkYbJhZTfEcwYtEGjGiMCQ/s1600/IMG_3926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYl95i0xTu_FSErIRRhbKk7E8z2GbzZJHp7shrPLOe5MqAb8tajOh7Hs4NbtP_Avax8dHC49MHmdfMsM9_xCgW882fOzYX9bE4pi1gt3-kDMNzQ9r4PlPCvkYbJhZTfEcwYtEGjGiMCQ/s320/IMG_3926.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The NYC road trip:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OH YES WE DID.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28OHZ8QUpjAiMnRHqt3o1acUCnBmZXWBRt_7Ha6J4yFEtPf2pqkWVgBAfadAEaIwXwXJomrrYQLexwmAYwocQQse_8C1KoPvaMQ4rDOuGNgfT6oVpf6EuQB49UwiEfwi3iFjAQ2dLSx8-/s1600/IMG_4044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28OHZ8QUpjAiMnRHqt3o1acUCnBmZXWBRt_7Ha6J4yFEtPf2pqkWVgBAfadAEaIwXwXJomrrYQLexwmAYwocQQse_8C1KoPvaMQ4rDOuGNgfT6oVpf6EuQB49UwiEfwi3iFjAQ2dLSx8-/s320/IMG_4044.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgC-G1qoXG2CW9IBlpWkAwREMwHcmh2SE6MuNCp_VJ9ejrDjbveCqy3ZtaIMeh46w5cGZ9DKhO3OCgG_1S9W20BA_SgY3_XdSx58QIY3HkmB21cofGliapPNQyHFsjcP2_a6MLDm04l32o/s1600/IMG_4045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgC-G1qoXG2CW9IBlpWkAwREMwHcmh2SE6MuNCp_VJ9ejrDjbveCqy3ZtaIMeh46w5cGZ9DKhO3OCgG_1S9W20BA_SgY3_XdSx58QIY3HkmB21cofGliapPNQyHFsjcP2_a6MLDm04l32o/s320/IMG_4045.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFCl5JFp5VIyJAWu0P43e5WcsSXZtReCh6_z_GIRHR1dtZ-b_0_APsuZVWn-Mw2sNbF-R4kptDX6MdUhyphenhyphenLRDJu6CY8_mssCtUaz7Byv3OJDlreBfTEz9ms55Zc58wVb2msTdKLgcS_gQ/s1600/IMG_4099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFCl5JFp5VIyJAWu0P43e5WcsSXZtReCh6_z_GIRHR1dtZ-b_0_APsuZVWn-Mw2sNbF-R4kptDX6MdUhyphenhyphenLRDJu6CY8_mssCtUaz7Byv3OJDlreBfTEz9ms55Zc58wVb2msTdKLgcS_gQ/s400/IMG_4099.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Where we got to meet the world's cutest baby a.k.a. new cousin Rory:</div>
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And hang out and ride the subway with our other most favourite cousin Asher:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXjwpMfkBuJf8bMLvUlNum-oLjSOYHJ4iiUP1xX6hLacRPrkIxz5Gai-CTDvWjKNwfWkDXfnX444xywNP1DIC0UeSNnY1gxDwkUYT3Mnw38F675tmvgsfKZj0_4qlJS1Pn9naa5kd9CMV/s1600/IMG_4035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXjwpMfkBuJf8bMLvUlNum-oLjSOYHJ4iiUP1xX6hLacRPrkIxz5Gai-CTDvWjKNwfWkDXfnX444xywNP1DIC0UeSNnY1gxDwkUYT3Mnw38F675tmvgsfKZj0_4qlJS1Pn9naa5kd9CMV/s320/IMG_4035.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Where we stayed in the most perfect Brooklyn apartment, all for the price of feeding this furry dictator:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9H8m6fzXlha0jp06pzWCQUB4jl2ylzQ6grtTIli3cHgG3bxgIA52lLE98ylAlT8DQet0CPGcwQl0BKhW2Q3qS6C1E4s_xNDQfACeCZ-kysyk6Wj_7JZl7hsKXrlGFjqGg0Lp3Me-ZyBoF/s1600/IMG_4191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9H8m6fzXlha0jp06pzWCQUB4jl2ylzQ6grtTIli3cHgG3bxgIA52lLE98ylAlT8DQet0CPGcwQl0BKhW2Q3qS6C1E4s_xNDQfACeCZ-kysyk6Wj_7JZl7hsKXrlGFjqGg0Lp3Me-ZyBoF/s400/IMG_4191.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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AND spend time with Uncle Matthew and Auntie Bari to whom I officially apologize for the lack of photos featuring either of them. </div>
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We have this gem:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBgC_1GElQ9xFPAj5n4Eg0b73mg7m1gPZEmD_wCeQ_lXYX3XkKieq2U2EAGgxt0CmT5qLaGzCpQHy90K94N77nvlJlJhiIHpVIJ-gsWPFJo9TZcTYH8JulWBVKRIV4JmY0zdeEqiXf-Gb/s1600/IMG_4201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBgC_1GElQ9xFPAj5n4Eg0b73mg7m1gPZEmD_wCeQ_lXYX3XkKieq2U2EAGgxt0CmT5qLaGzCpQHy90K94N77nvlJlJhiIHpVIJ-gsWPFJo9TZcTYH8JulWBVKRIV4JmY0zdeEqiXf-Gb/s320/IMG_4201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And then we have THESE:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-f3kGWlpvSBduMoDiKrkPzSbkJyrVq3olHyVqYL1mkkkdiGRf1BiBX-WDJ1zTXLiC6ozt9x8GycDbJkY8609oIafaD2a4mKiDnWyiuwYmsyg4be0Mjx7ccYRZ__78Hmb303YP9TS23Z-/s1600/FaceJuggler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-f3kGWlpvSBduMoDiKrkPzSbkJyrVq3olHyVqYL1mkkkdiGRf1BiBX-WDJ1zTXLiC6ozt9x8GycDbJkY8609oIafaD2a4mKiDnWyiuwYmsyg4be0Mjx7ccYRZ__78Hmb303YP9TS23Z-/s400/FaceJuggler.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Matthew and Liliane - FACEJUGGLED!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHovHZZss82QV1fPWPb0sxKaiXADY9eAaxuQQ10EoDdmUCVrSL1YJjBki4oyvla-PBrM3ZWLg_f-tO3l_p-YwnOkMVxLSP0oKlRK3Y-B6GzQkjZlI_iB3pW6-n1PzshpVCGjo4s2eytbd/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHovHZZss82QV1fPWPb0sxKaiXADY9eAaxuQQ10EoDdmUCVrSL1YJjBki4oyvla-PBrM3ZWLg_f-tO3l_p-YwnOkMVxLSP0oKlRK3Y-B6GzQkjZlI_iB3pW6-n1PzshpVCGjo4s2eytbd/s400/photo.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bari and Rory - FACEJUGGLED!</td></tr>
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We laughed until we could laugh no more, friends. It was an excellent evening.</div>
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Oh and after the NYC trip, we had a day an Agricultural Expo outside of Montreal. </div>
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The girls rode horses:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FYo0jABYJ8z7cWBrgjrD0SaZg5qkLq6-bckT2RSmttoX_vkkWYBd_9aLt9UZlPh5gJqy-W6HCDzmFEUOoi-7-ZV6qdKwhUbKOBHRo3MaQVvN7AMsUvgMom-kSu11MxdyW4bGiVuONtY/s1600/IMG_4288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FYo0jABYJ8z7cWBrgjrD0SaZg5qkLq6-bckT2RSmttoX_vkkWYBd_9aLt9UZlPh5gJqy-W6HCDzmFEUOoi-7-ZV6qdKwhUbKOBHRo3MaQVvN7AMsUvgMom-kSu11MxdyW4bGiVuONtY/s400/IMG_4288.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Alice freaked about the COWS, the COWS! MOOOO!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvsdvCN94fcCPz0hRfwZuSSs3wKV5IBRhWDIamWwGywR_kjZSQm_UT2xMjKqt28Gm-wtMvyASTIZ_6JApw9Tct4gTJXZSM0pWOSLpV5R8Khf0AbzpXhaW0jvDyhlDjOKqQKA0zF7WBYcR/s1600/IMG_4302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvsdvCN94fcCPz0hRfwZuSSs3wKV5IBRhWDIamWwGywR_kjZSQm_UT2xMjKqt28Gm-wtMvyASTIZ_6JApw9Tct4gTJXZSM0pWOSLpV5R8Khf0AbzpXhaW0jvDyhlDjOKqQKA0zF7WBYcR/s320/IMG_4302.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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They won prizes:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBoko9jBIADtOChzAP9-YUbXaC2GHgXHae9fyjhXwEmFQfEALEvezDa_2abfla7QEiYqMfjkvhafmpe8llFaJStGLw0UYK6EYL212a3Nbm21gxjBAGT8VrbcbB5qrYPemuJkgqhQEXK6W/s1600/IMG_4313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBoko9jBIADtOChzAP9-YUbXaC2GHgXHae9fyjhXwEmFQfEALEvezDa_2abfla7QEiYqMfjkvhafmpe8llFaJStGLw0UYK6EYL212a3Nbm21gxjBAGT8VrbcbB5qrYPemuJkgqhQEXK6W/s320/IMG_4313.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Liliane rode as many rides as she could:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kX8yYS3CgY3RD5rpRKdZHSC6Hu4-D4TIz1ueitqG9gQ7GdE_XgJtniP-xWOQTVCFKamcyvROjAMNtqDefTv1Q-ZZnHb4g6Avy8SypxmYQ7aUUVbnnfEk2c3DNMSgHS6_bCI-ul11dAZC/s1600/IMG_4318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kX8yYS3CgY3RD5rpRKdZHSC6Hu4-D4TIz1ueitqG9gQ7GdE_XgJtniP-xWOQTVCFKamcyvROjAMNtqDefTv1Q-ZZnHb4g6Avy8SypxmYQ7aUUVbnnfEk2c3DNMSgHS6_bCI-ul11dAZC/s320/IMG_4318.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Aaaaand, we're done. I didn't take photos of the mini donuts or the homemade chips. You're welcome.</div>
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So! We're all caught up!</div>
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I do have more things to say. <i>I didn't even mention the whole karaoke story. You heard me.</i></div>
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But I feel like if you have scrolled this far, you're ready to be done? Yes? </div>
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We're going camping again this weekend so I'll be back soon. Promise. </div>
Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00085616548979596294noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9000245033295397818.post-44552632699856151542013-03-08T12:11:00.000-05:002013-03-08T12:11:04.989-05:00Reality CheckSee this picture? This adorable, Instagram image of a young family?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlXOI9QQhf92hd2dGb2uWca1vtHoaYohRFFX0eE_a3QwULFn_IvUVTkD-Dnej-l7l92I8LC8Sg2BKh-Tf0Q0Kt47Yy7Ot7viN7ly2VFolBXnbVysZI4BI7GEsmKjWQzQg_lTKbcVDTfY/s1600/17585_10152389813380190_1975344810_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlXOI9QQhf92hd2dGb2uWca1vtHoaYohRFFX0eE_a3QwULFn_IvUVTkD-Dnej-l7l92I8LC8Sg2BKh-Tf0Q0Kt47Yy7Ot7viN7ly2VFolBXnbVysZI4BI7GEsmKjWQzQg_lTKbcVDTfY/s320/17585_10152389813380190_1975344810_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Not actually a family portrait because that is not Liliane. That is dear Luana, one of her very best friends who was happy to take a picture with us while our own feral five year old, um, declined. Loudly.<br />
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Drama aside, I liked it enough to use as my Facebook cover image. Kind people started commenting on what a lovely family we have, we are so blessed, etc, etc. Which of course we are. But I couldn't just leave it up there without explaining.<br />
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I've been reading lately about how we all so easily manipulate the portrait of our lives on social media. Of course we only share the good photos. Of course we don't talk about the yelling and screaming that happened just before the shutter click.<br />
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I'm not saying that we need to get all negative about everything, but in the spirit of honesty, fellowship and solidarity with my fellow mothers, fathers and anyone else who has a messy life (Hmmm, EVERYONE?) voilà. That's the story behind that photo.<br />
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And speaking of which, I want to post again the link to two of the best blog posts I have ever read on this (sort of) subject:<br />
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1. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/allison-tate/mom-pictures-with-kids_b_1926073.html" target="_blank">The Mom Stays in the Picture</a><br />
Alison Tate wrote about being a Mom and constantly shying away from the camera. I SO GET IT. But your kids don't see you that way so wipe the barf off your eyebrow and tuck those greys behind your ear and SMILE.<br />
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2. <a href="http://myfriendteresablog.com/so-youre-feeling-too-fat-to-be-photographed/" target="_blank">So You're Feeling Too Fat to be Photographed?</a><br />
Yes, women. We all suffer from it. Self-sabotage. This is a great post on how to get over it. We only have one shot at this life! And it will keep on keepin' on, even if we put ourselves on the sidelines. <br />
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This is what I would shout from the rooftops today, International Women's Day:<br />
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Take back the power that you already have inside!<br />
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Quell the horrible voice in your head whispering that you aren't good enough! BEGONE! <br />
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Vive la femme! Long live crappy photos of our REAL lives! <br />
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And stop being so hard on yourself so you can hear the still, small voice telling you what your purpose is on this here planet. <br />
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(That last part might just be for me.)Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00085616548979596294noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9000245033295397818.post-5275173030598929142013-02-27T11:58:00.000-05:002013-02-27T11:58:51.309-05:00You've Got MailThe day started with her teacher handing her an envelope. A sealed envelope with her name on it.<br />
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Immediate excitement, eyes wide. "What IS DIS?" In English. <br />
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An invitation to a fellow Panda's birthday party. But she didn't want to open it. <br />
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"I will look it tonight with you and Alice and Papa," she declared and then placed the envelope carefully in her cubby.<br />
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OK.<br />
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That afternoon on the way home, nothing but chatter about the party. All the Pandas were invited. But not everyone got their invitation yet. The birthday boy likes trucks so we should get him a truck.<br />
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She brought the envelope inside and put it on the table. Me, casual. "So, should we open it?"<br />
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"NO Maman." Sternly. "We have to wait for Papa." <br />
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I raised my eyebrows. "Well, maybe he won't mind - "<br />
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"NO. I don't want him to MISS it."<br />
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This is not her first birthday party invitation or anything, but the big, sealed envelope put this invite in a class above the rest.<br />
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After dinner we cleaned off the table and obediently gathered around Liliane's chair. First, a squeal of delight at seeing her classmate's picture on the front. This means that the invitation is now lovingly perched atop all her other treasures on the bookshelf beside the bed. She sometimes talks to it.<br />
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Once I read her all the information, she took the card back and smiled. Maman, I LOVE DIS.<br />
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Let it be known that my oldest child has a profound sense of occasion not to mention a heartfelt love of stationary. <br />
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I love that.<br />
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<br />Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00085616548979596294noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9000245033295397818.post-33528966598640921172013-02-01T15:05:00.002-05:002013-02-01T15:05:21.264-05:00One Point Five <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Eighteen Months old last week. Le sigh.</div>
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The good news about Alice getting older is that her opinions are EVEN MORE pronounced which makes it SO MUCH MORE fun to uncover all the layers and complexities of our littlest family member! </div>
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The bad news is... all of the above. Also, the screaming. Oy.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">LIKES</span></div>
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Books.</div>
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And more books.</div>
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Movies and TV. Particularly enjoys the Disney logo. Will reach excitement Defcon 5 if there are kitties or puppies onscreen.</div>
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Dressing up.</div>
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Her daycare teacher.</div>
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Vaccuuming.</div>
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Bathing.</div>
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Clementines. </div>
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Horses.</div>
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Luana.</div>
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Sitting and colouring, all by her onesie. </div>
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Getting her sticky hands on my iPhone.</div>
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Doing exactly what her sister is doing.</div>
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Dancing! I could watch her do this all day. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">DISLIKES</span></div>
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Smiling for the camera.</div>
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Being held by Papa for family photos.</div>
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Being held by Maman for family photos.</div>
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Bringing out the camera before 9AM.</div>
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Carseat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcQq2q6E-Hmpqxqy-HA7-VV_H5ujOjms4O9Cvm9nwx47E8OIJxYnG1vFBTAYTr_nK2RRHQ28ABM-nLWU05ZKpPZPrCGZukkPIHAwJyRkRmWhd4tLEgGp-RT4LHU32jWlqJbBWu5PV1cc/s1600/IMG_1926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcQq2q6E-Hmpqxqy-HA7-VV_H5ujOjms4O9Cvm9nwx47E8OIJxYnG1vFBTAYTr_nK2RRHQ28ABM-nLWU05ZKpPZPrCGZukkPIHAwJyRkRmWhd4tLEgGp-RT4LHU32jWlqJbBWu5PV1cc/s400/IMG_1926.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Getting shots. Although she was a total trooper. </div>
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Taking pictures again instead of READING TO ME.</div>
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On the fence about party horns.</div>
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Pretty clear about New Year's Eve.</div>
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And... this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dGmoi3pCJllQfMFiauS-BbKZbsIWGVSRuJcx_3zW3f47tQlEzv96suKMNuqI3k6pzAHah_Ifmi-UvsuzujDrseE3Xqgo0aB2RW4ENbsycg-o1T1Ouz8-zLOIcpXW6XH2J8cF2-egQlI/s1600/IMG_8109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dGmoi3pCJllQfMFiauS-BbKZbsIWGVSRuJcx_3zW3f47tQlEzv96suKMNuqI3k6pzAHah_Ifmi-UvsuzujDrseE3Xqgo0aB2RW4ENbsycg-o1T1Ouz8-zLOIcpXW6XH2J8cF2-egQlI/s400/IMG_8109.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>"No Alice please don't..." </i></div>
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(INSERT DANGEROUS/INAPPROPRIATE/ANNOYING ACTION HERE) </div>
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while Alice howls and Liliane huffs impatiently in the background. In this case, I think I am telling her that not ALL the presents have her name on them. The injustice of it all!</div>
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But, my sweet girl, most of the time you are a delight, a cuddly little coconut monkey (as you are known around here). And I'm sure we'll all get more sleep when your teeth finish coming in. </div>
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Only the molars to go! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi099S2-V1Ewz7PtJ21c2UxjWyp0HS3LQb755RJ8VHJmyDj7ia4efEPS_eb7WLm4eXs5sVepu4JXFfkGEUkYyKcTB1YEkTrTqXIZ5T9J5f4AVFZRrT2lD3TzwikvgfVY94dY_LPmVEU_s/s1600/IMG_2437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi099S2-V1Ewz7PtJ21c2UxjWyp0HS3LQb755RJ8VHJmyDj7ia4efEPS_eb7WLm4eXs5sVepu4JXFfkGEUkYyKcTB1YEkTrTqXIZ5T9J5f4AVFZRrT2lD3TzwikvgfVY94dY_LPmVEU_s/s400/IMG_2437.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You crack me up every day. That may be due to exhaustion on my part, but rested or not, you are lots of fun. You talk a lot. Some of it we understand but when we don't get it, you just turn up the volume! Some of the words we hear regularly are: NO! Encore? Ouch. Owwwww. Hot. Socks. Banana. De l'eau. Ça. Regarde. Capable. Maman! Papa! Assis (SIT). </div>
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I love you, babboo. Let's slow down this growing up thing just a little, mmmmkay?</div>
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Maman xo</div>
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<br />Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00085616548979596294noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9000245033295397818.post-12363946032257033842013-01-30T16:51:00.001-05:002013-01-30T16:51:17.852-05:00Looking Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Instead of rushing to post my holiday pictures, I like to let them marinate for a while. You know, like a month or so. It really lets the flavour shine through. And the flavour of Christmas 2012 was AWESOME.</div>
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These are my favourite things from this year (Fine, last year. Don't rub it in.):</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98g_3fgt2IEN7Zrqps8Ayng_8K5-n9uvweJd17kEbw_89YVsIB2C0Eitdu8o11uWsYUnj0ZuPnNDHvS-zCsZ0RWUCPcCeGqP3YHQHK4cFPa2vXWsHKrdK7dOf4_20m0EAqWlL4tTdQVg/s1600/IMG_2223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98g_3fgt2IEN7Zrqps8Ayng_8K5-n9uvweJd17kEbw_89YVsIB2C0Eitdu8o11uWsYUnj0ZuPnNDHvS-zCsZ0RWUCPcCeGqP3YHQHK4cFPa2vXWsHKrdK7dOf4_20m0EAqWlL4tTdQVg/s400/IMG_2223.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our tree was so much prettier than yours. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XR8wAOPS0nYL-EqDnFoAVfCIg9rLIKHaRdEV6a8JOfddRNDes3dIsmFbG9tdBdJSo1AloQfN3BmsRQPsWpQjtIsOc0qK2jRQ72pk-drXLB4WYgpChr3bw0ixLUvw7YAbBzrxEtw9Bjg/s1600/IMG_2148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XR8wAOPS0nYL-EqDnFoAVfCIg9rLIKHaRdEV6a8JOfddRNDes3dIsmFbG9tdBdJSo1AloQfN3BmsRQPsWpQjtIsOc0qK2jRQ72pk-drXLB4WYgpChr3bw0ixLUvw7YAbBzrxEtw9Bjg/s400/IMG_2148.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liliane's last year for daycare song pestacles *sob*</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdNlfxUyNisdWe3zpG1UxSNoExIqSenOce_DXlH_aXMCnpYjAoR45iekOJdB0FRxvd_Jd8MULoU2Io2iNfp_lQNqudsTNIeHEqwSkr3QvyTctSwH4AKLIccZ1zgbJgG3DuX-hNr4R1AI/s1600/IMG_2226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdNlfxUyNisdWe3zpG1UxSNoExIqSenOce_DXlH_aXMCnpYjAoR45iekOJdB0FRxvd_Jd8MULoU2Io2iNfp_lQNqudsTNIeHEqwSkr3QvyTctSwH4AKLIccZ1zgbJgG3DuX-hNr4R1AI/s400/IMG_2226.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh look! The Christmas turkey! Also pictured, our dinner for the 24th. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7HChmikdQoOT1mEk2UR7AxTZCx4j6Ud-VO97uAP6kkPdddvdYHSsFz00dgqXUjrIMmRJz7MvbKaFmmgIMPhPD4BvprvkO-rVtxqeJQypmNz-JQie9BZ9yfhxbYynRXTEqUj8ZCOVMuA/s1600/IMG_8064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7HChmikdQoOT1mEk2UR7AxTZCx4j6Ud-VO97uAP6kkPdddvdYHSsFz00dgqXUjrIMmRJz7MvbKaFmmgIMPhPD4BvprvkO-rVtxqeJQypmNz-JQie9BZ9yfhxbYynRXTEqUj8ZCOVMuA/s400/IMG_8064.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandparents!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihi-49bAqAzmvAch7C7xe93st2ehphQTVV8Jw2iPX8u4zbNS1yObw8vP0tIiuIKtzyf9ow-PzMBG3LwVl2f6hyVMwfXXbtvlw_jgl3HzlKfaF56cKtBNebirNQ9KwdDg2qYI3uN5GssTA/s1600/IMG_8065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihi-49bAqAzmvAch7C7xe93st2ehphQTVV8Jw2iPX8u4zbNS1yObw8vP0tIiuIKtzyf9ow-PzMBG3LwVl2f6hyVMwfXXbtvlw_jgl3HzlKfaF56cKtBNebirNQ9KwdDg2qYI3uN5GssTA/s400/IMG_8065.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Auntie Jaime!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvX7ihyphenhyphenfBcn86I0k-k8kNGcAlFmqIvI0b5YgQy-xYtOTZoUBCN47gWjC4JxtQ1Ry0152z6NiUbRWYI0qydM8wfwc8vxTgJQQIR2-AIxM4ydephq_DFwsX4v15r2fcal27xccGrCV7y50/s1600/IMG_8069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvX7ihyphenhyphenfBcn86I0k-k8kNGcAlFmqIvI0b5YgQy-xYtOTZoUBCN47gWjC4JxtQ1Ry0152z6NiUbRWYI0qydM8wfwc8vxTgJQQIR2-AIxM4ydephq_DFwsX4v15r2fcal27xccGrCV7y50/s400/IMG_8069.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This may have been the only time Stéphane and I sat down for more than 5 minutes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTive-nPujeq8muQnNW4NhbektR9Jnnjdv3vKqPmhSaAFPknYEmI8lt3F4IwP9MRqQWYAe_UENw3zLRJhFumtf9SGusJPaNBrla-z9CWaCxzpJRVybWZbMhpFSh0tBUHoi0_uY7jqR2fc/s1600/IMG_8075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTive-nPujeq8muQnNW4NhbektR9Jnnjdv3vKqPmhSaAFPknYEmI8lt3F4IwP9MRqQWYAe_UENw3zLRJhFumtf9SGusJPaNBrla-z9CWaCxzpJRVybWZbMhpFSh0tBUHoi0_uY7jqR2fc/s400/IMG_8075.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THESE TWO.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKk2rFkaU4dhKkZZbanBfHIKAGVJ4HM9YX-_BC3U6pGgfggbh1wFRRioV-8kSWUxOgU_-1VPobsJz49O5kNHqvBzOBVgMhqBtjaUz6GkJNcokb91ZhNK5UNiGRS0-cvMvcpAC_qUQiNvg/s1600/IMG_8077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKk2rFkaU4dhKkZZbanBfHIKAGVJ4HM9YX-_BC3U6pGgfggbh1wFRRioV-8kSWUxOgU_-1VPobsJz49O5kNHqvBzOBVgMhqBtjaUz6GkJNcokb91ZhNK5UNiGRS0-cvMvcpAC_qUQiNvg/s400/IMG_8077.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goofball central.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoywRw7NjPsTqtmDBd1w_K7xCMnHKgzCt5MEroBLoNizeo_z8_Xn0mkmizz6e7HZLCNaaYdYLZmGThKd9GmZPbaPUPivoWOJqhELDH7chJFY7JcOPq-MS4XObal0h3MZ18EyClnwJjEM/s1600/IMG_8079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoywRw7NjPsTqtmDBd1w_K7xCMnHKgzCt5MEroBLoNizeo_z8_Xn0mkmizz6e7HZLCNaaYdYLZmGThKd9GmZPbaPUPivoWOJqhELDH7chJFY7JcOPq-MS4XObal0h3MZ18EyClnwJjEM/s400/IMG_8079.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They are hilarious together.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tweGxfm3ouQKRLXlxax9tXzpa2fjna9NzKxidfCn_BYcItNV59_ZkAvuBBGOvkCPG7s3D54y5VJQiMzwc73zXJxlKc0_beU4IetYEvT19pYkCm9uwU-0eqZS_h5Z93pF3LZjONIHnjU/s1600/IMG_8082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tweGxfm3ouQKRLXlxax9tXzpa2fjna9NzKxidfCn_BYcItNV59_ZkAvuBBGOvkCPG7s3D54y5VJQiMzwc73zXJxlKc0_beU4IetYEvT19pYkCm9uwU-0eqZS_h5Z93pF3LZjONIHnjU/s400/IMG_8082.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy90nB04U__B8MabxWs9_lmfW6WcOPe7kflEVCAQLeD0nI68OqumvNCLf1UpsHcHwbBylVDkIhhe6GXxIFwV5KOOdsFEY16BV1DbNJsPXQcpijzOxa0RPQJ4zRHPocwaWP0WSv6QyzS1M/s1600/IMG_8072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy90nB04U__B8MabxWs9_lmfW6WcOPe7kflEVCAQLeD0nI68OqumvNCLf1UpsHcHwbBylVDkIhhe6GXxIFwV5KOOdsFEY16BV1DbNJsPXQcpijzOxa0RPQJ4zRHPocwaWP0WSv6QyzS1M/s400/IMG_8072.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Christmas cracker treasures. The best. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRH6ymzYb4a_XAwmxNPHmOfqsHe3GEHlBQhMXe7YL1-Ft0-CdYF5kFmRtIQs_EWAjOjX0uUsGKIkOiqIpWfFhENtrdrNoniWTeSq5_mqaui4_M3b66r2TW996g8pajYKx-hZ-JtKRD55Q/s1600/IMG_8089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRH6ymzYb4a_XAwmxNPHmOfqsHe3GEHlBQhMXe7YL1-Ft0-CdYF5kFmRtIQs_EWAjOjX0uUsGKIkOiqIpWfFhENtrdrNoniWTeSq5_mqaui4_M3b66r2TW996g8pajYKx-hZ-JtKRD55Q/s400/IMG_8089.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_n-R5x3FpjW1MJDsBhvFHOelW6bn2m31F0xpSbff9PXUYHQPkR0StG7Ehkcfsn3cd-Ylllp2j_sNuQHzE5Xn5FzRqLVPdWAWjE4zHfGMpgkliNAsUx-ZGqKto1wbuWDTh48k5FnhVPI/s1600/IMG_8118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_n-R5x3FpjW1MJDsBhvFHOelW6bn2m31F0xpSbff9PXUYHQPkR0StG7Ehkcfsn3cd-Ylllp2j_sNuQHzE5Xn5FzRqLVPdWAWjE4zHfGMpgkliNAsUx-ZGqKto1wbuWDTh48k5FnhVPI/s400/IMG_8118.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Homemade presents. Now I KNOW I'm old.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLd2z77KC3EIRB0j5OfwPDkIin7e76oOX9Y5AI0-DcPbBkZgdM4eexgTW40vJSbDeTtFNAJEZhzqHDz_7hnCHDwgycyqCsujemQqT8B1mPu74P2fZB2Dd2BPO8z-BwLzTJN0IPd34Ruu0/s1600/IMG_8126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLd2z77KC3EIRB0j5OfwPDkIin7e76oOX9Y5AI0-DcPbBkZgdM4eexgTW40vJSbDeTtFNAJEZhzqHDz_7hnCHDwgycyqCsujemQqT8B1mPu74P2fZB2Dd2BPO8z-BwLzTJN0IPd34Ruu0/s400/IMG_8126.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Introducing Alice to the concept of gift opening. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4Qj2ugd6ujGy6YQs1sKOGoIEzQTVkE6qMXe_b17CnPkZJDxbjBpLU8AtpMc7Um2gL7VHkxrCWD5MdPPngQXs-e4yk_MNt03QRzdBR9NmPAWNTR5DbH6us-GO7pJhGbJ4PGqzNQbTUgA/s1600/IMG_8140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4Qj2ugd6ujGy6YQs1sKOGoIEzQTVkE6qMXe_b17CnPkZJDxbjBpLU8AtpMc7Um2gL7VHkxrCWD5MdPPngQXs-e4yk_MNt03QRzdBR9NmPAWNTR5DbH6us-GO7pJhGbJ4PGqzNQbTUgA/s400/IMG_8140.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She was a quick study.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dk46CvzHbjw3NGa_BzaDsBEiLMRu0LArdm7G4VZ-ktEBUJFE_jX6V332RaupZguxbCK9BDtXVff9bvTZX29hn7XJSTNiMqo-dfEHs0n-1hU4k6Dpe20X3f8hyphenhyphenvRsd3PAvdib9QHpwtc/s1600/IMG_8153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dk46CvzHbjw3NGa_BzaDsBEiLMRu0LArdm7G4VZ-ktEBUJFE_jX6V332RaupZguxbCK9BDtXVff9bvTZX29hn7XJSTNiMqo-dfEHs0n-1hU4k6Dpe20X3f8hyphenhyphenvRsd3PAvdib9QHpwtc/s400/IMG_8153.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UDb-1VPu8GxzOvDw2oRnEEeDISBn9WMU3DEJINNG4M8KXR1Y7hkslHd3OaS9ocjUBGSqhUq_HADCzZ3Zx-wVbiPtYwhef2dsEwFKvQuJ-_OAGjSw3dO6ZjzdVAwJhm7OBNoEehWWLZw/s1600/IMG_8154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UDb-1VPu8GxzOvDw2oRnEEeDISBn9WMU3DEJINNG4M8KXR1Y7hkslHd3OaS9ocjUBGSqhUq_HADCzZ3Zx-wVbiPtYwhef2dsEwFKvQuJ-_OAGjSw3dO6ZjzdVAwJhm7OBNoEehWWLZw/s400/IMG_8154.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatfCTMFjENB0q-b6xWaeffsZPyA5mvlU4NFW1R767B7w3ggmjeePXa8s3QZ7muOLcNpqy00FDxOVa8yKvqQTuzt1OKisKIV2QChuK-RD1HHwC2UrQz0svHkUQRbql2fJJlJyHfRHWLK8/s1600/IMG_2258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatfCTMFjENB0q-b6xWaeffsZPyA5mvlU4NFW1R767B7w3ggmjeePXa8s3QZ7muOLcNpqy00FDxOVa8yKvqQTuzt1OKisKIV2QChuK-RD1HHwC2UrQz0svHkUQRbql2fJJlJyHfRHWLK8/s400/IMG_2258.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got another make up lesson with all my new eyeshadow from my talented sister.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2JqYtWfI2nZlfmrLRuh6GD5gMsBgm08kXvUC6VV2wkvOPF3vslowqUY7cqvsfe2is5djcR7UJXetZU0JxiLSnmU5-eN-tyMqGAd5M8VIDFdBAEAHQ0vdZsQnCn19uqc04zeeef7mH9g/s1600/IMG_2277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2JqYtWfI2nZlfmrLRuh6GD5gMsBgm08kXvUC6VV2wkvOPF3vslowqUY7cqvsfe2is5djcR7UJXetZU0JxiLSnmU5-eN-tyMqGAd5M8VIDFdBAEAHQ0vdZsQnCn19uqc04zeeef7mH9g/s400/IMG_2277.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">So much couch time.<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2ZRO3Wig1UFejle_8Aj_G5pWcSQrqsR9Q8QC5yZ3eOTg36gyyBhQd2Xzl98jnNinN_-7jkojiK1Ygl3WItRgmVmNQSFysbNPEQWDEnlW1jINq0G4BF8lOZb9pxwl_5rTh9DV2aMFH9Q/s1600/IMG_2327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2ZRO3Wig1UFejle_8Aj_G5pWcSQrqsR9Q8QC5yZ3eOTg36gyyBhQd2Xzl98jnNinN_-7jkojiK1Ygl3WItRgmVmNQSFysbNPEQWDEnlW1jINq0G4BF8lOZb9pxwl_5rTh9DV2aMFH9Q/s400/IMG_2327.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Year PAR-TAY!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6mXSl31PcN-2aqYeYo6KiQlpvp-aeLtqqKl5bhRfk2XlKlSuejw5NLXjTLQB1J55tI2YFQALZgObx2MYurZbqqbyrj61PkQ53KJEwZ_slTQf9TMf6wNuiwruiqra9vbOOzCO4rC_PdA/s1600/IMG_2353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6mXSl31PcN-2aqYeYo6KiQlpvp-aeLtqqKl5bhRfk2XlKlSuejw5NLXjTLQB1J55tI2YFQALZgObx2MYurZbqqbyrj61PkQ53KJEwZ_slTQf9TMf6wNuiwruiqra9vbOOzCO4rC_PdA/s400/IMG_2353.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPsHhrCzarLDz3nsjV8ZGYSafAts5WYtq6BZWkx-ixRYWEISQiFLdx7zkDLuFxav8NQzGiE8XmWylzzdWSq7sCiSkG5GK_4f21wbv3TKRxpfSdeRZqmoDvO7lJ8NF_YAV28_vdpuUmKw/s1600/IMG_2375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPsHhrCzarLDz3nsjV8ZGYSafAts5WYtq6BZWkx-ixRYWEISQiFLdx7zkDLuFxav8NQzGiE8XmWylzzdWSq7sCiSkG5GK_4f21wbv3TKRxpfSdeRZqmoDvO7lJ8NF_YAV28_vdpuUmKw/s400/IMG_2375.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The short one discovered colouring.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNf_yzI_eTHgVIqiV7gAQr3E5-VtBcDc18Xz5ehstxRQpjP1Nnhyd4JGU8rnWhjOob450kZ6pxLdnYXgKQK6dmDZ06gMx7AUZhgzxLwC70R3alyEa8ieAfrnRJo87Wcl4ItY3Ts3T6D6k/s1600/IMG_2366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNf_yzI_eTHgVIqiV7gAQr3E5-VtBcDc18Xz5ehstxRQpjP1Nnhyd4JGU8rnWhjOob450kZ6pxLdnYXgKQK6dmDZ06gMx7AUZhgzxLwC70R3alyEa8ieAfrnRJo87Wcl4ItY3Ts3T6D6k/s400/IMG_2366.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BFF Luana!<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5mapWhto3mJ0P4JDMBFjBKh7GuN0GxkjZUQS3mBI5wTeKrnSqJ78392wreldu9gXB2s9J4A2BaXMgMdehheJgDpXxoNo9PC0GhoM6btnF0vp2unIA4VpTq5ObrjriZjopdhBfNoViqk/s1600/IMG_2389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5mapWhto3mJ0P4JDMBFjBKh7GuN0GxkjZUQS3mBI5wTeKrnSqJ78392wreldu9gXB2s9J4A2BaXMgMdehheJgDpXxoNo9PC0GhoM6btnF0vp2unIA4VpTq5ObrjriZjopdhBfNoViqk/s400/IMG_2389.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Star Wars.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And so many more great moments! Unfortunately it took us the entire ten days after Christmas to recover from that marathon of eating/merrymaking/drinking/presents and my camera arms were so, so tired.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was wonderful having my Dad and sister with us. It was not wonderful trying to get them to the airport during the <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/montrealers-take-snow-in-stride-as-storm-smashes-1971-record/article6758046/" target="_blank">storm of the century</a>, but they eventually made it out after spending waaaay to much quality time at the airport. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Looking back, I have to say that as much as I love going back to the west coast for the holidays, it's pretty wonderful just staying home. The girls are entering that era of perfect, magical Christmases and I know that those years are going to be over too soon. Le sigh.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
ANYWAY! Enough looking back, moving on to 2013! </div>
Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00085616548979596294noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9000245033295397818.post-74930785453426605292013-01-07T12:33:00.000-05:002013-01-07T12:45:08.944-05:00Portrait of a Family Portrait<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Take one teething toddler</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2A63BV6TruUN7ykJSK-DMRXQ2zz5w2tr_5fl_C9OTvscvW9mKVpKoD5C3u6cT9optOqp4naCTklxySoIB16uI0wUxGWyAOxkLR80CuklBFpFWPheA_3oc7Yyj404YNtPFjjjpa_NpdY/s1600/061A8456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2A63BV6TruUN7ykJSK-DMRXQ2zz5w2tr_5fl_C9OTvscvW9mKVpKoD5C3u6cT9optOqp4naCTklxySoIB16uI0wUxGWyAOxkLR80CuklBFpFWPheA_3oc7Yyj404YNtPFjjjpa_NpdY/s400/061A8456.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Add an enthusiastic five year old</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JLb06bbaH2RfzlQT_xJ5y1b3ialp-mteOhgFFhLCB-WuW8pNim8TlOIZLr-AIdsNAWHF7EtYkzEGtYPFGiDsQHy_0u-QBBqp9asjkaPHYA5gA-MEJMOBAVPUVOAae0fQ8bLZ5_5XS0Y/s1600/061A8475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JLb06bbaH2RfzlQT_xJ5y1b3ialp-mteOhgFFhLCB-WuW8pNim8TlOIZLr-AIdsNAWHF7EtYkzEGtYPFGiDsQHy_0u-QBBqp9asjkaPHYA5gA-MEJMOBAVPUVOAae0fQ8bLZ5_5XS0Y/s400/061A8475.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Throw in some sleep-deprived parents</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpNUsGYqEiMuDmGjxdOb2vewoKFl1knu_GrvOiSebJRwnEioHoRVMqos-NNH5S7cs0MuuyctkQaWFSNFM-o6ZpD497tEufuElR9uQZ6FGiO4wIpAm8C4L54OVi_f-5RkSMjNWqqgmpOs/s1600/061A8536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpNUsGYqEiMuDmGjxdOb2vewoKFl1knu_GrvOiSebJRwnEioHoRVMqos-NNH5S7cs0MuuyctkQaWFSNFM-o6ZpD497tEufuElR9uQZ6FGiO4wIpAm8C4L54OVi_f-5RkSMjNWqqgmpOs/s400/061A8536.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="266" /></a></div>
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And this is what you get! </div>
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Eleventy billion attempts at a family portrait.</div>
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Nope.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qM6XKom5iNPwyKxTRTd263cTcx_I5XDb3glmlUUOmjyuk4dTLiyidb8yxECx1a5RBEXiSGwaPzn4uPXuHuoXU75XQeKlwKfk3MAMq3fZxMqngRQ5OHVStYHQtqXY5gU6qC35FMk8CTw/s1600/061A8481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qM6XKom5iNPwyKxTRTd263cTcx_I5XDb3glmlUUOmjyuk4dTLiyidb8yxECx1a5RBEXiSGwaPzn4uPXuHuoXU75XQeKlwKfk3MAMq3fZxMqngRQ5OHVStYHQtqXY5gU6qC35FMk8CTw/s400/061A8481.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Really no.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSpN1b-A_5QU4BnN1_Gpgg9eQZROeXlZI8zpRDE-F-5EQDZ2EjUJALXoQquxIF9NWuIp5wXi4D_38aSbAeQVHnCqDY7HbW7JL53UnQ6K3S17PuhwG4UMGJ8LLn7fiAVs5xK6WK9e9zD4/s1600/061A8484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSpN1b-A_5QU4BnN1_Gpgg9eQZROeXlZI8zpRDE-F-5EQDZ2EjUJALXoQquxIF9NWuIp5wXi4D_38aSbAeQVHnCqDY7HbW7JL53UnQ6K3S17PuhwG4UMGJ8LLn7fiAVs5xK6WK9e9zD4/s400/061A8484.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Alice wandered off to find some food so we grabbed this one. Note the subtle camouflage of my child's ridiculously bruised legs. </div>
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Trying again, now with snack.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvYZ88Cggnc4PAzKmQ6MW2F8kLwtgJsWlTmnciRDyoICwyTo0VcgyeKWJbVN3zaPODSGS2N1cj4e7B5mh-DIXFEYusQjUFBnxA6-mKmEapUFe0PXSyg0qrlSm4wzPtY67B5tn66TmOgE/s1600/061A8495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvYZ88Cggnc4PAzKmQ6MW2F8kLwtgJsWlTmnciRDyoICwyTo0VcgyeKWJbVN3zaPODSGS2N1cj4e7B5mh-DIXFEYusQjUFBnxA6-mKmEapUFe0PXSyg0qrlSm4wzPtY67B5tn66TmOgE/s400/061A8495.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Almost there.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisasQCs5tMopkNmSKXaUDgGrfJsg33DdI-dSDINSnAh5EM4mEpn_bF-VhkpuoVKG1Il7OAySbqOYIy4FARfrFjYJohyphenhyphen417mpUfFHJmGieUNcgvev2iODOnwa6p0HjubFh_9f2yy2ti3aE/s1600/061A8496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisasQCs5tMopkNmSKXaUDgGrfJsg33DdI-dSDINSnAh5EM4mEpn_bF-VhkpuoVKG1Il7OAySbqOYIy4FARfrFjYJohyphenhyphen417mpUfFHJmGieUNcgvev2iODOnwa6p0HjubFh_9f2yy2ti3aE/s400/061A8496.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Sigh.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTQSwOn1v_szOuzihjJgXqR9lmtBeQSxrB2ESFku1eVoRjHOQK7y737Wh2ueL72apGqr2x3zZDov74CXIoM0n-4lh_w6nHxUU75u1S5xOK7nm2aNcM7SGT3OfvU-4Z9Lcr99OjQ6Gx-U/s1600/061A8492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTQSwOn1v_szOuzihjJgXqR9lmtBeQSxrB2ESFku1eVoRjHOQK7y737Wh2ueL72apGqr2x3zZDov74CXIoM0n-4lh_w6nHxUU75u1S5xOK7nm2aNcM7SGT3OfvU-4Z9Lcr99OjQ6Gx-U/s400/061A8492.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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So close. Alice apparently has a hairball.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SmDrh9BxLH9iMd7CJM9nWH6PPafQwheW0oHcEdpSbzMPE0M1XigBjWImJwKQo7O7XQ1Dam1Qf9u-h-xgho1UsXggBj4fg1GLXxNwhIakOE3j5ZBndjLyASYuKTf7_C1gdrY5Mqw2Q0w/s1600/061A8508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SmDrh9BxLH9iMd7CJM9nWH6PPafQwheW0oHcEdpSbzMPE0M1XigBjWImJwKQo7O7XQ1Dam1Qf9u-h-xgho1UsXggBj4fg1GLXxNwhIakOE3j5ZBndjLyASYuKTf7_C1gdrY5Mqw2Q0w/s400/061A8508.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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I think we have a winner! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXoJkXlSRSlS-tgvufrNpF01D_DKEvdU5Rs9rYWVv3XAw9LOh11dJ9p6K6AT-e0fDOYlKmhP5nEjNHyExMKKHF8X2Nu3GWeujVdqPx5FyV25rdiNOpAw-tJjdzV0TKgZIUhh063FlvGPI/s1600/061A8494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXoJkXlSRSlS-tgvufrNpF01D_DKEvdU5Rs9rYWVv3XAw9LOh11dJ9p6K6AT-e0fDOYlKmhP5nEjNHyExMKKHF8X2Nu3GWeujVdqPx5FyV25rdiNOpAw-tJjdzV0TKgZIUhh063FlvGPI/s400/061A8494.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Thanks again to our friend Ariel Tarr for getting some really lovely photos despite the spoiled rock star behaviour of the shortest member of the family. </div>
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If you live in or around Montreal Ariel can do your family photos, too! Email me if you want more info. UPDATED: Here is Ariel's website - check out her work. All this and she's great with kids! Not to mention parents! </div>
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http://www.arieltarr.com/</div>
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Oh, and Happy New Year. </div>
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Also, Christmas was amazing. So much fun that I did not make any time to sit down at the computer to blog about it. But I will. </div>
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Wishing you all the best for 2013, readers! </div>
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<br />Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00085616548979596294noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9000245033295397818.post-68074503482986412162012-12-19T21:58:00.002-05:002012-12-19T21:58:52.036-05:00Bonne Fête Mon Amour!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away... (far away from B.C. anyway)</div>
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This adorable, budding filmmaker would grow up...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaoSxQXz4bxtWT0m1nO_lJdrBy2XcX2eqxWiZbzdAgS1gN-e-1zW3GcgAjjzjS6ZO8BXWkA_YEyy4t-bRtn_r819GwntG1JtFQdAD0UP9NAQaVo9-K2BbAwbxX0c5gLhbI_2AQoLInKxw/s1600/IMG_2129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaoSxQXz4bxtWT0m1nO_lJdrBy2XcX2eqxWiZbzdAgS1gN-e-1zW3GcgAjjzjS6ZO8BXWkA_YEyy4t-bRtn_r819GwntG1JtFQdAD0UP9NAQaVo9-K2BbAwbxX0c5gLhbI_2AQoLInKxw/s1600/IMG_2129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaoSxQXz4bxtWT0m1nO_lJdrBy2XcX2eqxWiZbzdAgS1gN-e-1zW3GcgAjjzjS6ZO8BXWkA_YEyy4t-bRtn_r819GwntG1JtFQdAD0UP9NAQaVo9-K2BbAwbxX0c5gLhbI_2AQoLInKxw/s1600/IMG_2129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaoSxQXz4bxtWT0m1nO_lJdrBy2XcX2eqxWiZbzdAgS1gN-e-1zW3GcgAjjzjS6ZO8BXWkA_YEyy4t-bRtn_r819GwntG1JtFQdAD0UP9NAQaVo9-K2BbAwbxX0c5gLhbI_2AQoLInKxw/s400/IMG_2129.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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...to become this handsome fellow. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFuLqeVppROjNQfYflNY3h2_Fr6M_rbK-Q_hr8YRPAQ2YeiNzz2TYLUOrFaXDoTRlpiblOuFrAoMnROjv5iWs3vZQDHL0KMDr17YUaSnznmvIUNDFeIKcBvFenTd9XUFiWWyp1DOjJ_c/s1600/061A8415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFuLqeVppROjNQfYflNY3h2_Fr6M_rbK-Q_hr8YRPAQ2YeiNzz2TYLUOrFaXDoTRlpiblOuFrAoMnROjv5iWs3vZQDHL0KMDr17YUaSnznmvIUNDFeIKcBvFenTd9XUFiWWyp1DOjJ_c/s400/061A8415.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Who, aside from all his talent, charm, wicked sense of humour and mad computer skilz, is a magnificent Papa.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HXvSbgIFP3LzNZMF-6F4bFC8LudEAhgqobBDNC36EYk6Muj2vhRdzFjQoMybhlF6oPH3L5Yu8SZx1Sh0Uu9lgGJpBNpTfTEEHmrrcIwOG4bEAqlzyme91Ot67_BFDdSx8zPSTYT340U/s1600/IMG_1341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HXvSbgIFP3LzNZMF-6F4bFC8LudEAhgqobBDNC36EYk6Muj2vhRdzFjQoMybhlF6oPH3L5Yu8SZx1Sh0Uu9lgGJpBNpTfTEEHmrrcIwOG4bEAqlzyme91Ot67_BFDdSx8zPSTYT340U/s400/IMG_1341.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQQAkxndo_foRqOAWgV-fw6B1rrjuDGzPkEXiL1wpx_gzJ-gPsmGBWevPZYqn-vdcUomSPw8bzEOdj3S0ocCgoQcSXll1KRiRuqxLjajL8AHcLa1OMoYoCm_TSr-iye5TmVufOmZOHLQ/s1600/IMG_7907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQQAkxndo_foRqOAWgV-fw6B1rrjuDGzPkEXiL1wpx_gzJ-gPsmGBWevPZYqn-vdcUomSPw8bzEOdj3S0ocCgoQcSXll1KRiRuqxLjajL8AHcLa1OMoYoCm_TSr-iye5TmVufOmZOHLQ/s400/IMG_7907.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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...not to mention a magnificent husband and my very, very best friend. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AuCiRbTl9FATFGAeKTQF5KPcoxYih7_qIK1nKav7LW1xWVKyCuYj6yaXfYO0wwlzWC3ZlSeMQjsy74fpjfPCIj8vH7OaXIBLs5XQtxp8hFD3MSajuGFw8x2hT5Km1w8D86X7VwdkbNU/s1600/WeddingSATP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AuCiRbTl9FATFGAeKTQF5KPcoxYih7_qIK1nKav7LW1xWVKyCuYj6yaXfYO0wwlzWC3ZlSeMQjsy74fpjfPCIj8vH7OaXIBLs5XQtxp8hFD3MSajuGFw8x2hT5Km1w8D86X7VwdkbNU/s1600/WeddingSATP.jpg" /></a></div>
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Bonne fête Stéphane. We appreciate everything you do, even when it seems like we don't. <i>Ahem. </i></div>
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Bisous partout,</div>
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Theresa, Liliane et Alice xoxo</div>
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<br />Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00085616548979596294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9000245033295397818.post-21433880266598091002012-12-18T16:29:00.000-05:002012-12-18T16:29:15.183-05:00The Holiday Moose Demands A Sacrifice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hey kids, come and decorate the Christmas antlers! Don't be scared, it's the Christmas Bull! </div>
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Glaring down at you with his red head and freakishly huge horns. Mwah ha ha ha.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYT2nftNn81XkYrdoHgsGD6xLCsTPtc3kFU5l5vCYxlkxq7WgzTec7sL20-kF-yRjycXTULlMO0Ksgg0xkPuFwYqIp1IR1eKy1aFMPDnCJsqhWzWLaYAQjiydcjdhEvQODHn9cTci_xE/s1600/IMG_1990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYT2nftNn81XkYrdoHgsGD6xLCsTPtc3kFU5l5vCYxlkxq7WgzTec7sL20-kF-yRjycXTULlMO0Ksgg0xkPuFwYqIp1IR1eKy1aFMPDnCJsqhWzWLaYAQjiydcjdhEvQODHn9cTci_xE/s400/IMG_1990.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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This part is actually cute. I like the baubles and streamers. Nice use of almost-traditional Christmas colours, too! </div>
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But honestly. For the love of eggnog, what about a mounted moose (reindeer?) head (albeit a DECORATED and SPARKLY mounted moose head) says <i>Happy Holidays, Shoppers!</i> ?</div>
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A hunting equipment tie-in perhaps? A promotion for taxidermy? <i>(the olde-tyme hobby that is good, clean, family fun!) </i>A subtle warning that Santa is not to be trifled with?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrQGvOt8araTPDV9IUZDyk24wxp2rEvD9hIjG_JUEFKXGGWpK20wjyKSRd5FivDIQtJ1-I3JvuCvgYY1XhpZ8nPLqCeWxqtgZr2bbgxfbLCuTXPWFZAlYwGW3RfBMQffXcs0YB7n0v-0/s1600/IMG_1992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrQGvOt8araTPDV9IUZDyk24wxp2rEvD9hIjG_JUEFKXGGWpK20wjyKSRd5FivDIQtJ1-I3JvuCvgYY1XhpZ8nPLqCeWxqtgZr2bbgxfbLCuTXPWFZAlYwGW3RfBMQffXcs0YB7n0v-0/s400/IMG_1992.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Points awarded for not using orange and keeping the decorations near the ground a little more... lighthearted.</div>
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Is anyone else noticing a theme here? What's the decor like in your favourite mall?</div>
<br />Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00085616548979596294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9000245033295397818.post-13344381067373990902012-12-17T16:03:00.000-05:002012-12-17T16:03:15.465-05:00Père Noël<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I don't know about you, but around here we are TIIIIREEED. I opened my eyes at 8:45 this morning and had to wake the girls up. It wasn't easy. But we're in the home stretch! Christmas Eve in a week! </div>
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So, as most people know, parents or not, tired kids = cranky, sassy kids. And this is when believing in Santa comes in handy. I know we should teach our children to do what we ask because they WANT TO but let's be realistic. I do that all the rest of the year. A cranky, over-stimulated, gift-obsessed 5 year old doesn't respond to much but let me tell you, the threat of no presents gets her butt out of bed. </div>
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I'm such a Grinch. But it works!</div>
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While we've been able to use that trick for a couple of years now, this is the first time we actually sent a letter to Santa. I wrote what Liliane dictated. Stéphane ensured that we didn't just skip right to the list. He contributed the small talk at the beginning. It was a family affair.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6Zy5Rpm0o03IuCXgTIY_HRrw329o6tIA3N-pMxilgJLTqfOvyR6w6OpjpI65DKnEOIj_6UH6n6MOoGU4bNP-Vy3xVLSDsOy83MDB5RicxrkMtirh7hbTSKPaBAihU6WJD8HeYm_C-W0/s1600/IMG_1971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6Zy5Rpm0o03IuCXgTIY_HRrw329o6tIA3N-pMxilgJLTqfOvyR6w6OpjpI65DKnEOIj_6UH6n6MOoGU4bNP-Vy3xVLSDsOy83MDB5RicxrkMtirh7hbTSKPaBAihU6WJD8HeYm_C-W0/s400/IMG_1971.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5bCRm1X2305LxmwrJ-pvZMRSDURzGqFWt-fWZ8B6IduFy4CoQN5df_pZpOx7wC8EB-WjOaJuLJ_zFSmfSsfCqJIBm77E_eIspx6ZplXTCsOK3-zBZwvh7RLUcxG1ej_85A71G7TwI9o/s1600/IMG_1974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5bCRm1X2305LxmwrJ-pvZMRSDURzGqFWt-fWZ8B6IduFy4CoQN5df_pZpOx7wC8EB-WjOaJuLJ_zFSmfSsfCqJIBm77E_eIspx6ZplXTCsOK3-zBZwvh7RLUcxG1ej_85A71G7TwI9o/s400/IMG_1974.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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It only took a couple of weeks to get an answer. And oh, the excitement. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoTdFu72f2eXdTgEdCOHwugqaCB8MFY-RCPDXb_emOkemL394IH1d7VYx0-41le8kjcOeDL1k5kHKg9dAFjh3vesz7VonhCUl5ynLOZ0urcvqGDiKHTiXNZa7Wx06V4zMr2dpI7nj_c8/s1600/IMG_2127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoTdFu72f2eXdTgEdCOHwugqaCB8MFY-RCPDXb_emOkemL394IH1d7VYx0-41le8kjcOeDL1k5kHKg9dAFjh3vesz7VonhCUl5ynLOZ0urcvqGDiKHTiXNZa7Wx06V4zMr2dpI7nj_c8/s400/IMG_2127.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Such a nice touch, a little handwritten note with her name and everything. Even Alice got her own letter since <strike>Stéphane</strike> Liliane made a point of mentioning her.</div>
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Speaking of Alice... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21tb-skPkvZ1h-sUMItU-V3RiwuYUWMFOnONdbyl-_7ku7IZEM1tsioNoX3SGJyVusQJOvcLEeXRXZY7JtClfkUzXwZM5oNTOP-VTrRSzpyqO3mE6pQLjfBrKiFHmmCmdzmfz7ugmzBU/s1600/IMG_2124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21tb-skPkvZ1h-sUMItU-V3RiwuYUWMFOnONdbyl-_7ku7IZEM1tsioNoX3SGJyVusQJOvcLEeXRXZY7JtClfkUzXwZM5oNTOP-VTrRSzpyqO3mE6pQLjfBrKiFHmmCmdzmfz7ugmzBU/s400/IMG_2124.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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She's a different story. Too young for Santa but since she doesn't talk, it's not such a big deal.</div>
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As long as she has her babies,</div>
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and the TV, she's all good.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YsrHwtnl9uik__7X4JZY4Ocd5WpF5OyGbj7qNh_7UamhiKtpTlVin4Q4BIgBxaVADrY-rs3q23yctqjQK9fS5PCjg7_YTKw9XVqNknsgsMFCUPLgjmbCIv5CMla7mTlx4fUAUGHT378/s1600/IMG_1896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YsrHwtnl9uik__7X4JZY4Ocd5WpF5OyGbj7qNh_7UamhiKtpTlVin4Q4BIgBxaVADrY-rs3q23yctqjQK9fS5PCjg7_YTKw9XVqNknsgsMFCUPLgjmbCIv5CMla7mTlx4fUAUGHT378/s400/IMG_1896.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
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Don't worry, we end up talking more about the baby Jesus around here than we do Santa. Reason for the season and everything. And thank goodness there IS a reason for this season, otherwise this sleepy Maman would be having some motivation issues. </div>
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But overall I'm overflowing with gratitude. I was already feeling thankful before Friday morning, but when an unthinkable tragedy strikes, it's a powerful reminder of how rich our lives are. How great my own life is, lowdown Santa threats and all. </div>
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Now, back to item #675: baking the shortbread. </div>
Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00085616548979596294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9000245033295397818.post-51972219480509221362012-12-16T22:41:00.000-05:002012-12-16T22:41:47.627-05:00Welcome to Christmas... in Hades!<div style="text-align: center;">
I think these pictures are elf-explanatory. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UM-eptDFToQhSj9bzOFLR6kmUHo7kN-tidpcheT1Wj8WhWbk_BlS-NW4yJtgiRHPo4frc8g3z9ejCUNERIZU24z_N_p8UN7_XSG6x1YP6zffWTGPoXRqOYCsCxW1jr4hRN-aH0I9TGk/s1600/IMG_2118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UM-eptDFToQhSj9bzOFLR6kmUHo7kN-tidpcheT1Wj8WhWbk_BlS-NW4yJtgiRHPo4frc8g3z9ejCUNERIZU24z_N_p8UN7_XSG6x1YP6zffWTGPoXRqOYCsCxW1jr4hRN-aH0I9TGk/s400/IMG_2118.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpR9_FGQu9MeaeFC88idudrAcO44HFv3rhJzPeeLHpM6wGWZU56rS-_kFQu4nOftk9CkGGd-3WVkjWldemk3OA1m-U2-JEoxhIDYrb5wUSWTWg8Dv5J3bbQx5yrSwInOLzpkac9qaWd4/s1600/IMG_2119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpR9_FGQu9MeaeFC88idudrAcO44HFv3rhJzPeeLHpM6wGWZU56rS-_kFQu4nOftk9CkGGd-3WVkjWldemk3OA1m-U2-JEoxhIDYrb5wUSWTWg8Dv5J3bbQx5yrSwInOLzpkac9qaWd4/s400/IMG_2119.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvREBBucqBtCYnYYX6TFGAHPvgMa-fiXSIIsKv6GkITeqEW6pk09m7XEZwwG2FqRkJmVpL8aP69-IvyYUtV41k_Px2PkXylPEJRYvwrrj6IvqL3E3O7FnfzEpLJjvbx3-P-GkSmuPBxU/s1600/IMG_2120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvREBBucqBtCYnYYX6TFGAHPvgMa-fiXSIIsKv6GkITeqEW6pk09m7XEZwwG2FqRkJmVpL8aP69-IvyYUtV41k_Px2PkXylPEJRYvwrrj6IvqL3E3O7FnfzEpLJjvbx3-P-GkSmuPBxU/s400/IMG_2120.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Complete with traditional yuletide jester in complementary fiery tones:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWOMzSeyzYnFKWcMZ1M-reEFhnLUiTPeMY37yMPa6ECHBrdQy2IvBYAEzNA-xnDdr7B498UkKy1F8SreVAotISQxW3r4XSPPtpCyQDayRk7iEYGychcAfx9n5_LNHbJzb8A_LwVrQ3mM/s1600/IMG_2121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWOMzSeyzYnFKWcMZ1M-reEFhnLUiTPeMY37yMPa6ECHBrdQy2IvBYAEzNA-xnDdr7B498UkKy1F8SreVAotISQxW3r4XSPPtpCyQDayRk7iEYGychcAfx9n5_LNHbJzb8A_LwVrQ3mM/s400/IMG_2121.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwYXLGVA7r02c3zSkH4CfPWPaKu8KuhdMTfFY2LNQLds8AZbJ2dKa4oSx8HGrsVgLyj81BYLKz03_13OLaxtzXraT-lDATbR4d4Oeu9sg7YlspasJss_g1konj-W67TcVHBZ9heUlQuo/s1600/IMG_2122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwYXLGVA7r02c3zSkH4CfPWPaKu8KuhdMTfFY2LNQLds8AZbJ2dKa4oSx8HGrsVgLyj81BYLKz03_13OLaxtzXraT-lDATbR4d4Oeu9sg7YlspasJss_g1konj-W67TcVHBZ9heUlQuo/s400/IMG_2122.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I mean COME ON. </div>
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BONUS: Taken at a totally different mall.</div>
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Say hello to this fancy looking Christmas tree but don't get too close! See those tangled, spangled weeds sprouting from its deceptively decorated branches? They lure young children and naive short people with their sparkly weirdness (wait, what IS THAT?) then whoosh! Gone. Eaten by the tree.</div>
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We didn't have ours with us but I swear I heard it burp as we walked by.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbHPNOTlouxC-DBD7Dgbb-ddQuYGtw_nyRJOSpgW4d8bmxj2hUe1VTEODBZreXAafFBr4G0RH1_4zt4wnID4ICcW2sdpZU9ZYD61T7g0g-Iz7Z0laNbOofypuhxLSvarBLxjYov1C5-0/s1600/IMG_2107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbHPNOTlouxC-DBD7Dgbb-ddQuYGtw_nyRJOSpgW4d8bmxj2hUe1VTEODBZreXAafFBr4G0RH1_4zt4wnID4ICcW2sdpZU9ZYD61T7g0g-Iz7Z0laNbOofypuhxLSvarBLxjYov1C5-0/s400/IMG_2107.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Am I the only one who doesn't get Christmas decorations anymore? Is this the NEW NORMAL? </div>
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In that case, I think it's time to reintroduce spray-on snow.</div>
Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00085616548979596294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9000245033295397818.post-67173856133874442672012-12-15T15:05:00.001-05:002012-12-15T15:06:15.310-05:00Trois<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RBgMtemw6rKYc144lZ0jfjNUJrKAsHL22Z15qfqdaWVR3uJ40k3fUv5k5fjMqfx5bXCjjl9GkgKRB9WFp_rShOj7ctMMhaqewq-cYPn93pNyt330cOGA2WU7Lh8L3EnCIgMQt1DOqog/s1600/IMG_2034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RBgMtemw6rKYc144lZ0jfjNUJrKAsHL22Z15qfqdaWVR3uJ40k3fUv5k5fjMqfx5bXCjjl9GkgKRB9WFp_rShOj7ctMMhaqewq-cYPn93pNyt330cOGA2WU7Lh8L3EnCIgMQt1DOqog/s400/IMG_2034.jpg" width="343" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THREE FRENCH HENS: The Piercy Arbour Family Story</td></tr>
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O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree! My husband would like to forget thee!</div>
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No, not entirely true. He would much prefer a tasteful artificial tree that we put together from a box instead of a messy real tree that we have to bring home. <i>The needles! The needles!</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6ZW6ssx8prTnvaespwE2zcjY6Ut07t5f8u70QyfvaCHZRlMRlnFsPYvXNj7xh_JmThL8U5ERQw4uWwOKuRnZo9k4ZqfpxTPEoXsDRgWy5eQteWsEQJV83-Zco9g8KiDtmw2z39nLMkY/s1600/IMG_1994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6ZW6ssx8prTnvaespwE2zcjY6Ut07t5f8u70QyfvaCHZRlMRlnFsPYvXNj7xh_JmThL8U5ERQw4uWwOKuRnZo9k4ZqfpxTPEoXsDRgWy5eQteWsEQJV83-Zco9g8KiDtmw2z39nLMkY/s400/IMG_1994.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This girl is very enthusiastic about choosing a real tree. We learned that she is NOT enthusiastic about candy canes about ten seconds after this photo was taken.</td></tr>
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But then I heard about this beautiful species called the Fraser and our tree-buying experience has improved dramatically. And expensively, but worthwhile-ly. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXG3x2Id0M2og_e2SG7cXDZoTFHk3pOxxaQ2xjZlAjnBKe4abhFB4WAOkwvzHEqS6rjHgpYPjlhLWSYL2IMOojLJwCnptnirRowUD-2IDzeAvr-UAeN9RzwZmUFJuO2LtuStWUDtOKunc/s1600/IMG_1995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXG3x2Id0M2og_e2SG7cXDZoTFHk3pOxxaQ2xjZlAjnBKe4abhFB4WAOkwvzHEqS6rjHgpYPjlhLWSYL2IMOojLJwCnptnirRowUD-2IDzeAvr-UAeN9RzwZmUFJuO2LtuStWUDtOKunc/s400/IMG_1995.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Oh, and they deliver! </div>
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Yes friends, we had our Christmas tree delivered to us for FIVE DOLLARS. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sbOeUFjC7koYa4jmd2qV3KDKnWbUdf6J_nEidnF3e11VCMit2gRJyS4BTosMghKNKGQCZL2AQyznnHf3eD3KQ0w2IDGRps8IMWAp4VRNFduhk9NBTVB2VlgiZjfGuIrF1FLRdxPuw1s/s1600/IMG_2005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sbOeUFjC7koYa4jmd2qV3KDKnWbUdf6J_nEidnF3e11VCMit2gRJyS4BTosMghKNKGQCZL2AQyznnHf3eD3KQ0w2IDGRps8IMWAp4VRNFduhk9NBTVB2VlgiZjfGuIrF1FLRdxPuw1s/s400/IMG_2005.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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And that is why I am still married. Thanks to Christmas tree delivery.</div>
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It comes to the house looking like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzqmST5AbEQGw3r1kZbV36MWBH-69VlHIcIa1BmzCX5ZlVjNMXXe_xzpzSeRKR-6UApFpLGziwbW_0ia4DGxbpj5GqrjUjsLlyWg_Ehrf9MJx3t6OT54jVaRZfFuqOiet-F9fFkTlOoY/s1600/IMG_2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzqmST5AbEQGw3r1kZbV36MWBH-69VlHIcIa1BmzCX5ZlVjNMXXe_xzpzSeRKR-6UApFpLGziwbW_0ia4DGxbpj5GqrjUjsLlyWg_Ehrf9MJx3t6OT54jVaRZfFuqOiet-F9fFkTlOoY/s400/IMG_2007.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Once the plastic and string are off, it starts to look like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioM9sbXWYW-M6Zstn9F6SsoZZpb1jXvOgxjcahOFCLhBfHJQb9yfgy6QxQW4emNyfkYY6DIjTZrDpJnaAmz_DCJ7I1lW-YHmXdhFuDY07vqLUSMmBXcPX0TtP986tFW7bIKLcrolejY8/s1600/IMG_2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioM9sbXWYW-M6Zstn9F6SsoZZpb1jXvOgxjcahOFCLhBfHJQb9yfgy6QxQW4emNyfkYY6DIjTZrDpJnaAmz_DCJ7I1lW-YHmXdhFuDY07vqLUSMmBXcPX0TtP986tFW7bIKLcrolejY8/s400/IMG_2009.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="300" /></a></div>
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So by the next day, you're ready to glitz that baby up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4rpvM6DT52s1e-7lnnIQxuol68LLfa3BbaPYoz4bHS5-YjD5yMtNNg9g3254oEvbh54_oJ39a0_rtTz6cIAZIjZZvFppW3qHeso6SQWAcqU5aSGK_OEZvkVkXQV-uO6DR8NrZkPYRxA/s1600/IMG_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4rpvM6DT52s1e-7lnnIQxuol68LLfa3BbaPYoz4bHS5-YjD5yMtNNg9g3254oEvbh54_oJ39a0_rtTz6cIAZIjZZvFppW3qHeso6SQWAcqU5aSGK_OEZvkVkXQV-uO6DR8NrZkPYRxA/s400/IMG_2011.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfkNYP4-Km9XFmxkaobr8zm97zLVUaun9s8zFxLGCHn1I-xTqw0l9cArN_nbzpZhFgXhPERNTqXONpFHSAXRYXDWV85gwEU7-sUvWWYWnf2jV20OwewCXAxjh1xXtshiERCv4sxIXpPI/s1600/IMG_2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfkNYP4-Km9XFmxkaobr8zm97zLVUaun9s8zFxLGCHn1I-xTqw0l9cArN_nbzpZhFgXhPERNTqXONpFHSAXRYXDWV85gwEU7-sUvWWYWnf2jV20OwewCXAxjh1xXtshiERCv4sxIXpPI/s400/IMG_2016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdr5YkF5tDBObvdP-n75BxPL-W-L5kvhHnKv41RtJ3yGP1OvecSxHwPm0SpT9D86X0usItDhtJGlSKUd6bu98ia7UwcQFHokFiq9WqnHjISMOe_x20t7S4-ovUiBE-qVxBW88C4-b1lVc/s1600/IMG_2046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdr5YkF5tDBObvdP-n75BxPL-W-L5kvhHnKv41RtJ3yGP1OvecSxHwPm0SpT9D86X0usItDhtJGlSKUd6bu98ia7UwcQFHokFiq9WqnHjISMOe_x20t7S4-ovUiBE-qVxBW88C4-b1lVc/s400/IMG_2046.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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TA DA! </div>
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Actually I added garland and tinsel since I took this but you get the idea. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnh4rxtOMYdxjDnFU43H0CO4KE19r_x8VyaS48woFfCIp3isAAYyf-xV-U0hyphenhyphenxS_ueMucQ9EnCetF-5DROeRnCXtSop6033tzSi2-o-rLwBl54B1NthAAZACAj5458FoQUdZXeoJn_f0/s1600/IMG_2047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnh4rxtOMYdxjDnFU43H0CO4KE19r_x8VyaS48woFfCIp3isAAYyf-xV-U0hyphenhyphenxS_ueMucQ9EnCetF-5DROeRnCXtSop6033tzSi2-o-rLwBl54B1NthAAZACAj5458FoQUdZXeoJn_f0/s400/IMG_2047.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I wish you could smell it! Heavenly. And nary a needle in sight.</div>
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Nine days to go! </div>
Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00085616548979596294noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9000245033295397818.post-64704467374643465822012-12-14T15:10:00.003-05:002012-12-14T15:10:46.244-05:00Two Turtle Doves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We apologize for the interruption in yesterday's program of "Twelve Days of Christmas Posts" but I don't really have a good excuse except CHRISTMAS IS NOW ONLY 10 DAYS AWAY. </div>
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Ahem. I'm fine.</div>
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We really went out on advent this year. Counting down to the big day! </div>
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We have this <a href="http://www.nfb.ca/free-downloads/nfb-advent-calendar-app/" target="_blank">excellent app from the National Film Board</a> where kids can see a new animated short film each day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuvFq4veYnyGFxKJcCCB5KrCC3qA0gjXNvfiRPO1j3hX3eqvOfHLcwEtH2y1DLf1djgm_whk4mCf5P0pH6HqZ-XzzZg0Rl_O-TH3FbjBp4wKhreAFaDZ9NFi2OmnScwz1N42psqGY78A/s1600/IMG_1976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuvFq4veYnyGFxKJcCCB5KrCC3qA0gjXNvfiRPO1j3hX3eqvOfHLcwEtH2y1DLf1djgm_whk4mCf5P0pH6HqZ-XzzZg0Rl_O-TH3FbjBp4wKhreAFaDZ9NFi2OmnScwz1N42psqGY78A/s400/IMG_1976.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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My Mom very sweetly sent out calendars for the girls. The old school kind like we had, none of this Spiderman/Princess chocolate randomness. Good old fashioned paper, maybe with sparkles. <br />
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Except Liliane's has stickers for each day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOpEw2phZMMKJpcnc3cfZblwoW_x4bPlaVss5ygFlp3LGn_VmzWpQJcRGbdFR9u6_ZSlR72QuW0UnUXZLijxPpwGA5tAUpoA7Jkj6rCGmexyxhZjXkpSeSrl9qsUR2TJzl_K89SM227Y/s1600/IMG_1982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOpEw2phZMMKJpcnc3cfZblwoW_x4bPlaVss5ygFlp3LGn_VmzWpQJcRGbdFR9u6_ZSlR72QuW0UnUXZLijxPpwGA5tAUpoA7Jkj6rCGmexyxhZjXkpSeSrl9qsUR2TJzl_K89SM227Y/s400/IMG_1982.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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She likes it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7_WI6F6ivgOh2LVfeC5223DK9or-LEQNJgIm7kzmBVkcjJfA8WtNSNXf5RcqptGen6a9nTtAbZF707FvzLQhw2OsfFoLCJyxPkywWkqoNd0YJYgLS-BZ__wiOdbTHtOdK4ZAzOFc5Xc/s1600/IMG_1985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7_WI6F6ivgOh2LVfeC5223DK9or-LEQNJgIm7kzmBVkcjJfA8WtNSNXf5RcqptGen6a9nTtAbZF707FvzLQhw2OsfFoLCJyxPkywWkqoNd0YJYgLS-BZ__wiOdbTHtOdK4ZAzOFc5Xc/s400/IMG_1985.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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And then we have this going on. SOMEBODY (rhymes with Zephane) got an early birthday present and has been playing with it every day since. Literally. (Thanks again, Mom!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLd0Azd1eRDPtWUwHLBH3J0XdFImsEeEYtxdwRlv2TyNbvL8pGN56ZyprlLoJMeQ7VLBFurGxOXvc0kYfkPIGsoOJ-Ua9vfXDxae9Y57B0owQvurxWKmJtfealZ9t9MME7YUE2BhK6YFQ/s1600/IMG_2093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLd0Azd1eRDPtWUwHLBH3J0XdFImsEeEYtxdwRlv2TyNbvL8pGN56ZyprlLoJMeQ7VLBFurGxOXvc0kYfkPIGsoOJ-Ua9vfXDxae9Y57B0owQvurxWKmJtfealZ9t9MME7YUE2BhK6YFQ/s400/IMG_2093.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And our old favourite, the advent calendar we bought when Liliane was a baby. Here it is, circa 2008:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2unVO9uV5brS5uCbBZMGjqBmjJsiCXqqZLNdxb8DRmO8hof53PXUvoI2nHBh0ihOCumUg1xpFAaudPn8KsxDl_9dtoczArSQ1wezk-TEZHd1xIVGVt7E4fD8NZaevESxyH1BV9RzaMec/s1600/IMG_6409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2unVO9uV5brS5uCbBZMGjqBmjJsiCXqqZLNdxb8DRmO8hof53PXUvoI2nHBh0ihOCumUg1xpFAaudPn8KsxDl_9dtoczArSQ1wezk-TEZHd1xIVGVt7E4fD8NZaevESxyH1BV9RzaMec/s1600/IMG_6409.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awwww, mini Liliane! </td></tr>
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There are 24 little books and once you read the day's little story, to the tree it goes. The girls have a mini tree with lights in their room just for this purpose. </div>
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I was the only one without an advent option until our friend Ariel sent me <a href="http://www.jacquielawson.com/advent/alpine" target="_blank">this online calendar</a> and I had so much fun with it that I immediately bought<a href="http://www.jacquielawson.com/advent/london" target="_blank"> this online calendar</a> also. TA DA! You can't turn a corner around here without a visible reminder to how very few days are left. But don't panic! </div>
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Seriously, for the Moms they should invent an advent calendar with WINE. Like everyday you get a new sample that you can drink slowly after dinner and not freak out. I'm going to get on inventing that! </div>
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But after Christmas!</div>
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Which reminds me, I have to go now, my TO DO list is about to eat the kitchen.</div>
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What kind of advent traditions do you have at your house? </div>
<br />Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00085616548979596294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9000245033295397818.post-76703152647446360942012-12-12T15:00:00.000-05:002012-12-12T15:33:04.035-05:00And A Partridge in a Pear TreeBonjour!<br />
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I took a little break there to deal with sick/teething/cranky children and get the house decorated, etc. Still don't have the stupid outside lights up (why oh why didn't I do it when it was 10 degrees out last month? Now it's minus 10. Naturally.)</div>
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It came to me as I was rocking Alice to sleep AGAIN in the middle of the night AGAIN that a) she must be getting her molars because I remember this crazy neverending cycle of not sleeping with Liliane and b) I could get back to blogging and do a 12 Days of Christmas series! </div>
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Yeah, I know, it's been done before but Christmas is all about <strike>cliché</strike> giving and I would like to give you, dear readers, the gift of goofy photos. Who needs myrrh when you can have this?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pXHHHigatLtUFev9Fp3AbcbDRrLuf19Q_L6LtNu8LaXNvyTeSBpJb0qhrFETah-t3BpWSzl_wQ45LAU6knW0dImhgdCwUYeQ94hpyZwMgKQAhVf4Ap55PCKhHkjM3GPBBaKJHbzscvI/s1600/IMG_1906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pXHHHigatLtUFev9Fp3AbcbDRrLuf19Q_L6LtNu8LaXNvyTeSBpJb0qhrFETah-t3BpWSzl_wQ45LAU6knW0dImhgdCwUYeQ94hpyZwMgKQAhVf4Ap55PCKhHkjM3GPBBaKJHbzscvI/s400/IMG_1906.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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So the first of the 12 posts goes a little something like this: </div>
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HOW I SPENT MY WEDNESDAY MORNING: GINGERBREAD MAN STYLE </div>
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(Whoop whoop whoop! Anybody else have kids crazy about the Gangnam style? Please say yes.)</div>
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Stéphane has been away since yesterday morning so I was on my own last night. I can neither confirm nor deny that there were stern words and howling and lots and lots of Advil flowing from about 1-2 AM but then I heard nary a squeak from the shared bedroom until 8:45</div>
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EIGHT FORTY-FIVE. <i>(Hallelujah</i>)</div>
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Since I am lucky enough to be <strike>a lady of leisure</strike> someone who works from home, I let the girls sleep (because I was up at 8 of course). I already knew I was going to keep Alice with me because she had an appointment to see her pediatrician and she's been so unhappy, I figured she could use a pajama day. </div>
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So, gingerbread. Liliane's entire daycare went to see a show yesterday morning about the gingerbread man. From what I can glean, it was the story of the gingerbread man who was tricked by the fox in the water and gets gobbled up at the end. But the highlight was that all the kids got to eat their own gingerbread man and there was a recipe for gingerbread cookies in the program! <i>Can we make them, can we make them can we make them? Now? Now? Right now? </i></div>
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Because I am sometimes awesome, I had all the ingredients in the cupboard and Liliane and I made the dough last night. Since we were already so late this morning, we decided to stay home and bake the gingerbread. Because WHY NOT? </div>
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Here is how that went down:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS66k19uuWWT9JGSOU1qt3DpB7hpLLNzbi4O5XwKoax3lHVaRE2vKmpm9ubX-OM2Z0Me-9k2y71NieoZ1VqpMTWWspKQ8NO1XrhbrXyt8I7Yhc5YDf3yOdBoD8H2M2FqJlI3CyPKzKmLU/s1600/IMG_2066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS66k19uuWWT9JGSOU1qt3DpB7hpLLNzbi4O5XwKoax3lHVaRE2vKmpm9ubX-OM2Z0Me-9k2y71NieoZ1VqpMTWWspKQ8NO1XrhbrXyt8I7Yhc5YDf3yOdBoD8H2M2FqJlI3CyPKzKmLU/s400/IMG_2066.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And then the pain d'épice went on the renard's nose like DIS! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-39UuC8wyO14jZ5h8d2q28rQ8nYhDYgAjIRJHs-y5m8JhXc1COJBtz1dx-IHjda1du2gJsj3TET-ZZ56QgBtkKqiKky37knTR0ho0nguijr3w7FVpbF-TTS5AiH3akgQncQmEQiT4O8Q/s1600/IMG_2067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-39UuC8wyO14jZ5h8d2q28rQ8nYhDYgAjIRJHs-y5m8JhXc1COJBtz1dx-IHjda1du2gJsj3TET-ZZ56QgBtkKqiKky37knTR0ho0nguijr3w7FVpbF-TTS5AiH3akgQncQmEQiT4O8Q/s400/IMG_2067.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the renard ATE HIM!</td></tr>
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I went the soft, chewy route which was apparently NOT what they ate at the show yesterday. </div>
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Oh well, I thought they were delicious. </div>
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It was a pretty excellent morning all in all. Like Saturday, but on Wednesday! Also, spontaneous happy childhood memory: CHECK.</div>
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Bonus: Alice is fine. Congested and teething but no other infection. </div>
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12 days to go, friends! Are you on track with your preparations? </div>
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Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00085616548979596294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9000245033295397818.post-37810212817487326792012-11-30T22:27:00.000-05:002012-11-30T22:27:56.421-05:00Parading<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Time again for the annual St. Hubert Street Christmas Parade! At night! When it's cold!</div>
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Like <a href="http://noplacelikehome-theresa.blogspot.ca/2011/11/lifes-candy-and-suns-ball-of-butter.html" target="_blank">last year,</a> we were joined by our partners in crime, Manon and Luana. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSRm0GFuFdBHLJDhU-WphpWxoKSsCEkhpOAJtKXQIj8icVbFVl3cmlC5IwlEg2kgcrDYL9RzlOQd8qXw2zucQzgRlIQkgbFwAr4XPINON7RhGmBjrOq0E2kDSLJJf1cjWWv1CItAblT8/s1600/IMG_7980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSRm0GFuFdBHLJDhU-WphpWxoKSsCEkhpOAJtKXQIj8icVbFVl3cmlC5IwlEg2kgcrDYL9RzlOQd8qXw2zucQzgRlIQkgbFwAr4XPINON7RhGmBjrOq0E2kDSLJJf1cjWWv1CItAblT8/s400/IMG_7980.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love this picture because everyone is smiling and happy except MY TWO KIDS. Yay! And the parade hasn't even started!</div>
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As soon as the lights started coming our way, things looked up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTzpmdQQgKPhlFogGDPWYa83VTb4g86pmogbOpDV3HFpxt3pDNb1uUYKsx2J3bBBThUmZ20Rhjm1LqjNM-GjebIKpcbL5t26-PvMwRT_xcQto0_CjeEW5PEuIjwVLxHHMFnULT9UATfD8/s1600/IMG_8038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTzpmdQQgKPhlFogGDPWYa83VTb4g86pmogbOpDV3HFpxt3pDNb1uUYKsx2J3bBBThUmZ20Rhjm1LqjNM-GjebIKpcbL5t26-PvMwRT_xcQto0_CjeEW5PEuIjwVLxHHMFnULT9UATfD8/s400/IMG_8038.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sxtksTQVqAWURk_k9sb21hgWF0C_DfOVb6B9k7x_HbIvO5zH9hucoUIxNmzqMK9QhpS6BXcoQz5V_4jLFBmlteO6c3xf8u9KLdw-iMkSphHFwab-cy8RkRI_3cCTuEnuN-i6UTUYsL8/s1600/IMG_7975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sxtksTQVqAWURk_k9sb21hgWF0C_DfOVb6B9k7x_HbIvO5zH9hucoUIxNmzqMK9QhpS6BXcoQz5V_4jLFBmlteO6c3xf8u9KLdw-iMkSphHFwab-cy8RkRI_3cCTuEnuN-i6UTUYsL8/s400/IMG_7975.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was told there would be elves.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9nSsX-gATzcLS6aL3pIMTM7vxw3Mu_t-byawtW1Z8nLdgCMuQX79Xk7FRnVpR4-vVvC3DBTaX4eeGbAPm0E4Ljhq-mdkbXcwjF4CoQ-Vt-J2ocM7jHZ0KhePk42t4aIRx1uxgut9ahw/s1600/IMG_8027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9nSsX-gATzcLS6aL3pIMTM7vxw3Mu_t-byawtW1Z8nLdgCMuQX79Xk7FRnVpR4-vVvC3DBTaX4eeGbAPm0E4Ljhq-mdkbXcwjF4CoQ-Vt-J2ocM7jHZ0KhePk42t4aIRx1uxgut9ahw/s400/IMG_8027.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Santa came but he wasn't very well lit so no photos. </div>
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And to finish it all off, an old bus! How festive!</div>
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It was great fun but I was glad to have a warm car to get home in because BRRRR.</div>
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Today I put up a few decorations so that when we got home, the Christmas fun would continue. You know what's awesome? Introducing the new kid to all the holiday tchotkes. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A snowman and a dog that SING?? *mindblown*<br /></td></tr>
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And that, dear reader(s) concludes my month of daily blogging. As always, thank you so much for reading. Even when it's crap.</div>
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I'll really try not to drop the ball in December but just in case, Merry Christmas! And Happy New Year! And Happy Valentine's Day! </div>
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Just kidding. </div>
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I can't quit you, blog. </div>
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Now go forth and enjoy the next few weeks! I plan to. Pinterest be darned.</div>
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Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00085616548979596294noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9000245033295397818.post-82332324020985432822012-11-29T13:36:00.000-05:002012-11-29T13:48:06.013-05:00My Top TenIn case you were wondering, we all got good sleep last night. Nobody woke up, nobody woke anybody else up, Liliane didn't fall off the top bunk, all is calm, all is bright. <br />
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Hallelujah! <br />
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On to Christmas movies. While attempting to stretch my triceps at the end of a particularly energetic cardio class, I was watching one of the bundled up babies trying to crawl. The poor kid's flailing inspired me to crack a joke to one of my Mama friends: "<i>I can't get up! I can't get up!</i>" à la <b>A Christmas Story. </b> She just looked at me, brows a-furrowed. I tried again: "<i>You know, the Red Ryder BB gun? Ralphie? You'll shoot your eye out?</i>" Nope, no idea.<br />
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This <strike>embarassing moment</strike> experience inspired me to share some of my favourite Christmas movies with you, dear reader(s). Just in case some of you people don't know what you're missing. <br />
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Also, it will help you get my lame jokes.<br />
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<b>1. It's A Wonderful Life</b><br />
I look forward to watching this every year. As soon as I hear the opening strains of a Christmassy <i>Buffalo Gals Woncha Come Out Tonigh</i>t, a cozy comfort settles on my shoulders like a warm sweater. Or a steaming glass of rum punch. My all-time #1.<br />
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<b>2. Scrooge</b></div>
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I fly my cheeseball flag with pride when I tell you that this is my favourite telling of the Dickens classic. It's a MUSICAL. With ALBERT FINNEY. Enough said. Herewith is <i>December the 25th</i>, a song that will never leave your brain. You're welcome.</div>
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<b>3. A Christmas Story</b></div>
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When they wake up on Christmas morning and open their eyes? That's exactly what Christmas morning felt like to me in the days before coffee was more exciting than Santa. Also, "<i>And all was right with the world.</i>" Yes, EXACTLY. </div>
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<b>4. Miracle on 34th St</b></div>
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I like the new version almost as much but there is something special about the black and white.</div>
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<b>5. White Christmas</b><br />
Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary frickin' Clooney. And a great story with war heroes and dancing and a bunch of songs you already know. The penultimate classic.<br />
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<b>6. Love Actually</b><br />
My favourite scene from this movie. One of my favourite scenes of all time in any movie. And not just because that actor goes on to play a tortured hero in Walking Dead. Although that helps. <br />
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<b>7. The Grinch</b><br />
We used to get our Christmas tree with my Dad on Friday night and get home in time to watch The Grinch on CBC. Back when Christmas specials aired in December. <br />
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TRIVIA ALERT: Boris Karloff did the narration but not the singing. Recognize the voice? He is also Tony the Tiger. <i>They're GREEEEAT! </i><br />
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<b>8. Snall One / Mickey's Christmas Carol</b><br />
OK so it's actually called <i>Small </i>One but even last year Liliane was calling it Snall One. We watched it about 79863567 times. It's sweet, although good luck explaining what a tanner does to a 4 year old. <br />
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Snall One is on the DVD with Mickey's Christmas Carol. Where Tiny Tim still dies in one scenario. Awkward.<br />
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<b>9. Charlie Brown</b><br />
Linus totally nails it. Still brilliant. Also one of our favourite soundtracks around here. Stéphane can be heard singing this semi-regularly. <br />
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<b>10. Die Hard</b><br />
I know, I know. But I am an action movie girl at heart and this is the original, the all-time best. Bruce Willis, Bonnie Bedelia (who we currently adore in Parenthood) and ALAN RICKMAN. Love love love. Merry Christmas to me!<br />
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<b>Special Mention: Scrooged</b><br />
Stéphane's favourite Christmas movie. And really, what's not to love. <br />
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BONUS: while I was searching for The Grinch, I found THIS:<br />
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What in the WHAT? I had no idea this even existed. Liliane is currently a-sceered of the Grinch (after watching it about 27 times already this year) so I will for surely not show her this. Although the Grinch/Halloween combo would make her little head explode with excitement. Maybe in a year or two. Or five.<br />
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I found a few more lists while I was looking around. In case you need more ideas:<br />
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<a href="http://www.empireonline.com/features/30-best-christmas-movies/p27" target="_blank">Empire Online Top 30</a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/markhughes/2011/12/14/top-ten-best-christmas-movies-of-all-time/" target="_blank">Forbes Top Ten </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/24/the-best-family-christmas-movies_n_799988.html#s213410&title=Its_A_Wonderful" target="_blank">Best Family Christmas Movies</a></div>
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And NO, I didn't forget <b>Christmas Vacation</b>. While my husband and my MOTHER find this one hilarious, it's not my favourite. Christmas disasters just give me the sad feeling. Don't even talk to me about <b>Bad Santa.</b></div>
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So there you have it! </div>
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Any favourites that I missed? What is on your must-see holiday viewing list?</div>
Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00085616548979596294noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9000245033295397818.post-60306125554141177662012-11-28T22:39:00.000-05:002012-11-28T22:39:50.565-05:00Fingers Crossed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is what I did today! Solo trip to Ikea to buy all the bed stuff. Mattresses, flat sheets, pillow for Liliane, baby pillow for Alice, duvet, duvet cover, pillowcase and nightlight. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXf5o9mCDdkAUMDwQi5kjUcTKgCD-ThVmAKI71GixTZ4qCaFyphfxOWYtpZ0BOpF6Wwqu8zT4BTmDG8yRP7h65CTBtSqqrhyphenhyphenyHV_wSnJ-u4uz4jqO-gNQaaft1hEinTCTqd6dZGb40fXo/s1600/IMG_1868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXf5o9mCDdkAUMDwQi5kjUcTKgCD-ThVmAKI71GixTZ4qCaFyphfxOWYtpZ0BOpF6Wwqu8zT4BTmDG8yRP7h65CTBtSqqrhyphenhyphenyHV_wSnJ-u4uz4jqO-gNQaaft1hEinTCTqd6dZGb40fXo/s400/IMG_1868.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I went with hearts. We need a rest from characters. </div>
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You know Liliane, she always has such trouble expressing herself. I think she was happy?</div>
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And even though she is staying in her crib for now, this little monkey was chuffed to climb on the bottom bunk and roll around. All by her onesie.</div>
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Liliane's mood was contagious. She was so excited to go to bed and isn't that what every parent wants to hear? </div>
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Shortly after this photo, this one clanged her head on the railings. Nothing serious and it was good to get the first new-bed-related-injury out of the way. Honestly I thought she would take a dive off the side first, but that kid enjoys being unpredictable.<br />
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As I type this (10:30 PM EST) all is quiet. Alice was still awake (<i>new lights! what is this music? why is everyone so excited?</i>) when Liliane went to bed so it was... interesting.<br />
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But I'm not even going to worry about it. They'll get used to it and I think eventually enjoy having the other one closeby. <a href="http://noplacelikehome-theresa.blogspot.ca/2012/11/the-family-that-coughs-together.html" target="_blank">His eye is on the sparrow</a>, remember?<br />
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PS - it totally snowed today. It didn't really stick per se, but BOOYAH! The Piercy Arbour girls were ready! Not so much willing on day 2 of snow gear, but they were ready!<br />
Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00085616548979596294noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9000245033295397818.post-30370350078849524502012-11-27T14:22:00.000-05:002012-11-27T14:28:07.091-05:00Snow. Angels. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Technically it's not snowing today (at all) but it sure is chilly. Liliane actually ASKED ME if she could wear her snowpants today because she was cold at the park yesterday. COLD. LILIANE WAS COLD. I don't think you realize what a big deal this is. My crazy anti-winter-gear-tantrum-throwing baby is growing up! And it helped that all the other kids in her group had their pants. Peer pressure FTW!</div>
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Once I picked myself up from the floor where I had fainted from shock, I quietly said "<i>why, what a good idea, oh reasonable and intelligent child</i>" and got her snowpants out of the closet. They still fit (YAY) and also I dug out Liliane's old suit for Alice. Which is too big but hooray for hand-me-downs!</div>
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This is tomorrow's forecast so I'm feeling pretty smug about being all prepared and everything. </div>
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Alice was amenable to the whole new suit thing as long as she could still toddle around and play with shoes. </div>
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We really should buy that child some toys.</div>
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Practicing their snow angel moves.</div>
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Awesome. One less part of the floor to clean up. Buff and shine girls, buff and shine!</div>
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So easy. Who saw THAT coming? </div>
<br />Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00085616548979596294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9000245033295397818.post-6434851966329886722012-11-26T16:30:00.000-05:002012-11-26T16:30:38.454-05:00Cough Syrup is for Sissies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm at that fuzzy-headed, coughing and sniffling stage of my cold. Not bad enough to actually lie down, but I'm feeling a little, um, lazy? I bet you didn't you know that the best remedy for that is <strike>eating leftover cupakes</strike> organizing your Christmas music. </div>
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This is my Christmas movie and DVD box. It has only taken me 20 years to remember to pack this in an accessible location so that <a href="http://noplacelikehome-theresa.blogspot.ca/2011/11/sundays-in-november.html" target="_blank">when November rolls around</a>, I have all my tunes at my fingertips.<br />
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Well, imagine my concern when I was hunting around for some Muppets music on my iTunes library that I discovered a hole in my collection. Turns out that not all my CDs are on the computer. Due to this emergency situation I was obligated to <strike>eat another cupcake</strike> drop my work and fix this problem.<br />
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In my defense I did some writing and I did send out a flurry of emails this morning and I'm stuck until I get answers so I didn't just *drop* my work <i>(Hi Dad/boss! Employee of the month in the bag, right?)</i> it was more of a "I'll finish this tomorrow" maneuver. <i>(Procrastinators Anonymous? Can I come to the meeting tomorrow instead of today?)</i><br />
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</i> ANYWAY. You'll be relieved to know that the great Christmas music disaster of 2012 has been averted. <br />
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In no particular order, here are some of my favourites. Heavy on the cheese but that's how I roll.<br />
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Sarah Mclachlan - Song for a Winter's Night<br />
So bittersweet and beautiful.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1YLlRIIOnAs" width="420"></iframe><br />
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Harry Connick, Jr - Must Have Been Ol' Santa!<br />
Shameless happy holiday romp. Harry can do no wrong as far as I'm concerned.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2G-dTthydW8" width="420"></iframe><br />
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The Canadian Tenors - Silent Night<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zmmVsTCOBeI" width="420"></iframe><br />
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Julie Andrews - It Came Upon a Midnight Clear<br />
Although frankly Julie Andrews could sing Baby Got Back and I would cherish it.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LwBajJ3ZFVo" width="420"></iframe><br />
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Bing Crosby - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 25px;">Mele Kalikimaka</span><br />
The BEST. Man, I love those crooners. <br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hEvGKUXW0iI" width="420"></iframe><br />
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Frank Sinatra - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas<br />
See above.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nZ6yQgBvuoI" width="420"></iframe><br />
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KT Tunstall - Fairytale of New York<br />
I seriously think this is my favourite Christmas song.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/b01FoO4ZDcY" width="420"></iframe><br />
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I have a total weakness for olde-tyme English/Irish carols. All those weird ones you've never heard of? I probably have them on CD. My friend Deb however wisely stopped me from buying Sting's Christmas CD on the weekend. It had a song on it called The Burning Babe that could not possibly end well.<br />
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The Chieftans - The Wexford Carol<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IdnrHE6FP5w" width="420"></iframe><br />
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Martha Wainwright - Rebel Jesus<br />
I love the image of a Rebel Jesus. Also calling us out on our habit to be nice to people only at Christmastime. Why do we do that?<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KBt6CCFqKsI" width="420"></iframe><br />
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Mormon Tabernacle Choir - Carol of the Bells<br />
I said it last year, I will say it again. These Mormons can SING.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3kUX22dJGG4" width="420"></iframe><br />
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OK so there are many, many more but in the interest of, you know, having a life, I will leave it at that.<br />
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<b>Update on sleep</b>: Liliane did not wake us up last night. She turned her music on <i>all by herself</i>. IT'S A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE, READERS. Even Alice didn't make a peep until 8:30 this morning. <br />
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Hallelujah. <br />
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Isn't it nice when you realize that your child CAN learn how to do something? That maybe they were actually listening? It only takes approximately 983682 repetitions, but it's possible!<br />
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<br />Theresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00085616548979596294noreply@blogger.com1