my favourite christmas of all

And no one else could ever compare
To You, Lord
All the earth together declares.....
Glory in the highest
~chris tomlin

[ the flickr set is here ]

christmas card

snow is falling!

Snow is falling all around me,
Children playing having fun.
It's the season of love and understanding,
Merry Christmas everyone.

have a holly jolly christmas!

Lilah and I made these treat bags for Lilah to give to all her school friends tomorrow. I love the blog [simple as that]. I love her photography and fresh ideas. And when she posted the printout for these labels/tags, "Have A Holly Jolly Christmas" - I knew we were going to make them! All I had to do was find the Jolly Rancher candy to go with the label. And I did find it, in Bulk Barn!

Funny, because when I was in the Bulk Barn I had an epiphany (it doesn't happen often!), but I saw a big bin full of Hershey's kisses and I was thinking a label that said "Merry Kissmas" would be a great idea too. Of course, I would have to make the label myself, so that could be my answer to that great idea!

Anyhow, here's the link for the tag printout!

senior kindergarten holiday program

: this little light of mine
: jingle bells
: the reindeer hokey pokey
: tombe la neige

I think her favourite part was seeing her sister in the audience and being able to take her hand and show her around, afterwards!
I love my little red nose reindeer! And I also love that she always wants to match her little sister! Melts my heart.

reminiscing

You know how I love to reminisce!

: Lilah and Amelia in China the day after we got them.
: And yesterday. 4 years and 2 days difference.

Their expressions say it all, in both photos.

afternoon tea

Here's another tradition I love!

One of our good friends that we met through the adoption playgroup, when we brought Lilah home, organizes a (mothers and daughters only!) afternoon tea get together at the Château Laurier. I love this hotel and the food is delicious! But my favourite part of all, is seeing friends. We have a special bond with some of these families.

In fact, the family we travelled to China with, was there - and Lilah was thrilled to see her friend, Amelia. I tell you, those two just pick up where they left of. They have such a lovely bond together. (There is a photo of them below, sitting grinning together!)

All being well, next year Phebe will join us. I know Lilah will be thrilled to bring her along.

[ the flickr set is here ]

canada aviation and space museum

Yesterday, the teachers had a walk-out day, which meant Lilah had no school!

It was SO nice to spend a day together with no timelines and no schedules! So we made the most of the day and went to check out a local museum - Canada Space and Aviation Museum - to be exact! To be fair, for little kids, this museum could be a tad boring, but the playroom certainly made up for that! And the open space is very desirable for a rambunctious two year old! Oh, and the girls sure felt they'd hit the jackpot with those fabulous little planes they could peddle around!

So I guess it wasn't that boring. I'm just not a history buff or into planes, well, unless they're taking me away, on a vacation! ...the girls had plenty of fun! These are the things you do on cold winter days!

[ the flickr set is here ]

four years ago today...

Oh my sweet Lilah Grace...

How can I put into words my love for you? It's been 4 years since the moment I first held you in my arms... 4 years since God answered my prayers and I became a Mama. My love for you just continues to grow. I truly didn't think that was possible, but with every new age, every new situation you have been put into, I'm reminded what an absolute blessing you are and I just keep falling in love with you, more and more.

You've taught me much about courage. You've taught me much about patience. You've taught me much about tenderness. You've taught me much about happiness. You've taught me much about thankfulness. You've taught me much about love. And I'm still learning from you.

You've made me a better person in so many ways.
I love you Lilah Grace.

[ the flickr set is here ]

santa visit

We went to see the big guy in red today!

Our girly knows that santa claus doesn't buy her Christmas presents,
however, that doesn't stop her from being mesmerized by him!
Gotta love that grin!

[ the 'santa' set is here ]

a christmas glow

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"When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things -
not the great occasions - give off the greatest glow of happiness."
~Bob Hope

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the nutcracker

Lilah and I enjoyed one of our annual Christmas traditions this evening!
In fact, this is our third year seeing The Nutcracker (Alberta Ballet) at the National Arts Center.

We made it a special 'date night' together. First we went out to dinner - we ended up going to Le Café together, just for convenience as it is situated in the NAC building. It's so nice having some time alone with my girl. She can really hold a sweet mature conversation now and she can also put on a really good show in a fancy restaurant, that's for sure. Well, aside from giving the butter knife a quick lick (which she's never even done at home before!) she did just fabulous!

I had a good laugh too. Around the middle of the ballet, just before the intermission, there is a very magical part of the story: The Russian Palace is set in the background, beautiful snow is falling and the dancers dresses are absolutely twinkling with gems - it was at this exact stage that Lilah turned to me and asked: "Is this movie real?" Heh! I love that girl of mine.

I should add, for mentions sake, I bought Lilah the dress she's wearing in Beijing, when we were there a few months ago. It's by a Chinese children's clothing brand called: "A Jie Bang NI". I love the quilted look, the velvet peter pan collar, the little leather bow belt and the richness of it.

[ the Nutcracker pictures are here ]

her little artic boy

Almost every time I pull the camera out, Lilah wants me to take pictures of her stuffies. She likes to take pictures of her own stuffies too, and there is an abundance of close up, fuzzy, overexposed polaroid pictures of all her 'mates' ...as she calls them!

She and Phebe are constantly playing with their stuffed animals. They have a fine time playing with them and I enjoy hearing their conversations with what's going on in the lives of their stuffed animals. The animals regularly imitate their own lives... like recently I overheard Lilah telling Phebe: “Come on Phebs, let’s put our stuffies on the naughty step!”

YIKES! Honestly. They don't spend a lot of time on the step!

As a side note, I just love the little endearing names Lilah calls her little sister - especially the Phebes one!

I took these pictures a few weeks ago. Lilah and Phebe were swapping their Chinese tiger hat back and forth and Lilah was playing with her penguin. This stuffy has had more names than I can even remember, but right she calls him her little Artic boy. I promised her a few pictures of her Artic Boy, if she let me take a few of her too! She's my beautiful big girl and I simply cannot believe how quickly she is maturing, it seems even more so, since she took on her 'big sister' role.

the elf on the shelf... is back!

Our little 'Wally' arrived last night, with no less then two advent calendars.
Ahh, we had two happy girls in our house this morning!