Peas in a Pod

Is there anything nicer than a sister or brother?

I love how Max wants to look after Isla and show her things.

I also love how Isla looks up to Max and wants to do everything he does.

When I see them playing I am reminded of the Bugs Bunny cartoon with the big bulldog (Max) who struts down the street with a little yappy dog (Isla) jumping up around him and practically begging to do the bulldog's bidding.

A Cup of Kindness

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne!

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne.
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

I love New Year.

I love the idea of starting fresh, of being full of hope and the promise of things to come.

I never let January 1st slip by without making some new year's resolutions.

For what they are worth...here they are (perhaps sharing them will help me keep them):

1. This is the year of German. I WILL learn to speak German better than I do now. I will practice my vocabulary and try really, really hard to understand the rules of German grammar. I will make a greater effort if, for no other reason, than to seem worthy to my Swiss friends and neighbors who are shocked and horrified that I have lived here for 7 years and still can't proficiently speak the language.

2. I will learn to sew. My Mum is coming for a month in the summer and it shall be the summer of sewing. Don't plan on seeing me on Project Runway anytime soon but I may be able to hem trousers and curtains and make some dolly clothes.

3. I will talk less and listen more. (This should actually be number 1, if we are listing them in order of importance)

If you would all please raise your glasses for a toast...

Here's to times gone by. Here's to friends and family who are gone but not forgotten and lastly, here's to tomorrow and the promise of a fresh start.

Christmas Movie Favourties

Mine (in order of importance)

1. White Christmas (Bing Crosby etc...)

2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (original cartoon version)

3. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (with Loretta Switt from MASH)

4. Any of the older Disney Christmas short cartoons including the classic Mickey's Christmas Carol

Josh's

1. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Until we have seen our favourites, it just doesn't seem like Christmas has begun!! There is something so cozy about snuggling on the sofa, watching something familiar and comforting...reminding us of good times and childhood Christmases.

Duggars Anonymous

I admit it. I am obsessed with the show, 18 and Counting. I want to quit my job, move to the country (although I wouldn't choose Arkansas) and have lots and lots of babies. I am reminded of a Melanie Doane song, Happy Homemaker. "Barefoot and pregnant never looked so good, we're all dying to take our shoes off." I can't help it. When I am not watching the show I am much more logical about having a 'quiver-full' but as soon as Michelle Duggar opens her mouth, I just want to drown in this 21st century reality version of Little House on the Prairie. Wholesome as apple pie, as warm and comforting as wrapping yourself in a quilt (that you stitched yourself, of course) and sweet as a lifetime's supply of Rocky Mountain Fudge...give. me. more. You can mock, if you must, but I think there are others out there like me. Don't feel shame. Give in to your closet Duggar. Take a deep breath and dive right on in to that saccharine dream. Aaaaaaah...I'm there.

Thank you Raffi

Today school ended at 12:00. The excitement was palpable. I even got a few giggles when I shook their hands at the end of the day and said, "I fish you a hairy kiss moose" (thank you Raffi).

Be kind...rewind.

My little girl is 2.

Is there any more to say?

How bittersweet the "growing up" is.

I want to pause my life and rewind to remember every moment.

At THIS moment I can hear them giggling in the beanbag. Max is reading her a story.

Isla is pointing to the pictures and telling Max what the things are.

Next week, I will want to rewind to this moment right here.

Snow tunnels + pink cheeks!

Snow.

Is there anything better?

Snow does for me what sun does for normal people.

I don't know why Isla's head is in her doll pram...but she stayed there for quite a while.
Saturday morning snuggles on the sofa. Bliss.