In 2012...

Last year was a big year for me... or was it?  I did do the photos for two weddings, but they turned out great and I learned a lot about my strengths and weaknesses in photography.  I did return to work full time, but that has turned out pretty good and I'm loving my job.  I did put Sam into the care of someone else, but that turned out to be one of the very best decisions I've ever made in my life.  I did help motivate a school to raise nearly $6000 for Cancer research resulting in a shaved head, but it's "shaved" 12 years of my life (as my Aunt said I looked like I did in high school again) and I can go from bed to shower to car within 20 minutes!  I did co-coach a jr high boys volleyball team to a first place victory, but I don't think that bring me to the next level of awesome (or maybe it does!)  2011 was alright... like a start to something great and this is where 2012 comes in.


I've just got a feeling that this year is going to be frickin' amazing.  I don't know what it is.  Perhaps I'm in a better head space coming into this year.  Happier in my job, my family, my health and my home.  I've been able to let go of the things that got to me and realized how much happier I am without worrying about stuff that will never change.  I've made it my mission to seek out things on a daily basis that make me happy... funny and supportive women at work with their never ending student stories and encouragement, students who make me laugh and want to spend time with me, basketball.  I haven't shot this many hoops since... oh my... maybe 2000.  I'm in love with the sport again, even if it is just taking shots amongst a random 100 students with variety of skill and motivation to be in the gym.  I don't think I could run the court for more than a few minutes.  Last year that would have been a very frustrating fact... this year, I'm ok with shooting hoops.  I also tried rollerskating.  It's soooo much fun.  I was entirely happy with those four ancient wheels on my feet.  I was fairly shaky, rated somewhere between nightmare on wheels and nearly stable, I even burned a hole in my favourite pants after a slow motion splat.  But it was awesome.  Not just rollerskating, but trying something I've never tried before and realizing that I LOVED it.  2012 will be the year of trying something new.  New activity, new food, new attitude, new outfit, lots of new!  Another great thing that I've realized as I head into 2012 is that I have an amazing family.  I have always been very proud of the husband I have - he supports me, laughs with me, lets me cry, cooks and cleans, fixes crap... he's great.  But in 2011 he brought his game to a new level and I appreciated all the time he spent supporting me.  I could get into it more, but instead I'll just leave it and say he's the best.  You should be jealous.  And Sam.  Come on.  He could possibly be the funniest little boy in the world.  Boy of a million faces, dance moves, songs, jokes, smiles, snuggles.  He is becoming more and more handsome, independent and brilliant.  He is nearly three... how on earth did that happen!?!?!?  Once again, I have the best.


Or perhaps I've decided that this year is going to be amazing because of the looming fear that the world is going to end in just over 11 months.  I'm not a believer, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't think to myself a couple times "But what if".  So, as much BS as it seems to be, what's wrong with living this year like its our last?  Just deciding to be happy and that what we have is good enough, and if it's not then doing something about it.  Maybe it's some big scheme to get people to be a little more grateful, love their families a little more, hold their babies closer, appreciate their jobs or friends or free time.  


Regardless of whether its an improved attitude on my part or that we're coming closer to our expiration date, 2012 is going to be fab.  I can just tell.

Happy New Year!

We celebrated the end of 2011 with our very good friends, the Gordays.  Bill cooked an amazing meal, Lindsay was the hostess with the mostest and Logan entertained Sam for hours.  It was the most wonderful way I could think of to say good bye to this year.  

Playing with playdoh before supper.

Having a super fun tubby together... up to all sorts of funny moments splashing in the bubbles.

They thought the bubbles on their heads were the best ever!  Too cute.

Goofy boy!

A boys only game of Hungry Hungry Hippos!

Noise maker time!!!  The good times that these dollar store noise makers brought were worth every penny.  The kids went CRAZY!  They partied for nearly 45 minutes - cranking the noise maker, blowing the blowers, running, "Happy New Year"ing, dancing... PARTY!

We did our count down at 9:30... sweet little New Year's kiss!

Thanks for the fun Gorday family.  We la la love you!  Happy New Year!

Boys and Their Toys!

A perfect gift for my little and big boy!

My Baby is a Star

Kaili recorded Sammy singing...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72FQkH6K8jM

Christmas Connolley Style

Ahhhh, Christmas.  The holidays are always filled with hustle and bustle, too many places to be in too short of time and more turkey dinners than you can shake a stick at... but each crazy second is worth it.  This year we woke at our own house to find Santa had been here.  Sam's mind was blown that he "dranka da milk"!  He has brought the magic back to Christmas and I know each year will be more and more enjoyable.  I just love the look on his face.
We opened gifts and loaded up to head to Central Alberta.  Our first stop was at my Mom's house for family, stockings and gifts.  We went out to Shaun's parents' place to a beautiful turkey dinner and to sleep for the night.  In the morning we got back on the road to head out to Kane Acres, my family Boxing Day tradition.  The usual chaos included tons of tinsel, mountains of presents, Gift of Giving, huge turkey dinner, Christmas charlie horses and so much more.  Lots of laughs.  It's always good for my soul to see my extended family... everyone in good health, my cousins grown into amazing adults, the Grandparents full of life and laughter... my favorite tradition.  We drove back to the Connolley's for another night's sleep so that we could wake up there to celebrate with them for a day.  We waited for Kaili to arrive and then went out tobogganing, quick visit from my parents and brother, then gifts and supper with the Connolley family.  
We are blessed with a bunch of truly good people in our families.  With every year I realize how lucky we are to have these people in our lives and no matter how much time passes between visits I know they still love us and will be people that I'm proud to be associated with.  Christmas is time for family... from our quiet livingroom with just the three of us to the craziness of the Kane Christmas and all other gatherings in between... love love love this time of year.

A very excited little Sam!

Stocking... chocolate pez... might have been more for Mom than Sam...

Super handsome sweater Daddy picked out!

Unwrapping gifts is HARD work!

New wooded marble maze set... good idea.  Having Mom help set it up... bad idea.  Luckily this photo does not demonstrate the amount of rage I was filled with trying to make it with a very 'helpful' two year old.

Very proud maze builder.  "We did it!"

In Rimbey we gave baby Serry her Christmas gift... her very first Cabbage Patch.  Love at first sight!

Christmas Cousins.

"That's a big big one"

Best seat in the house.

One of the many many ways the antlers and nose were wore.  He's a real performer!

Brie's fam at Gramma's house.

Kiddos hard at play with Charlie's cars.

My Mom and Trev's kids/grandkids.
Don't worry, I asked Shaun if he secretly hated my family but he reassured me that he was just caught between smiles!!!

Boys riding their tractors

Sam with his Granny and Big Bob... we love you!

SLEDDING!!!  None of my photos capture how steep and huge this hill is.  It's the first year Sam successfully rode down. Unfortunately we didn't go too many times because the quad broke and it's a LONG walk up!

Country boy

Here we go!

Sam was so happy to have a day playing with cousin Kaili.  Two peas in a pod!

Love.

Sam resting before our drive home on the pillow Kaili sewed for him.

A million new and wonderful Christmas memories.  Makes me excited to do it all again, but I think I'm good to wait a year!

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

The day is finally here... our family's first day of Christmas holiday!  Yippee!  We spent our day running errands and lazing about.  We did take care of some important business.

Christmas 'cookies' for Santa.  Saw recipe on a friend's blog and it is EASY and wonderful.  Sam can basically do the whole thing himself except put it in the oven!  PERFECT!

Sammy opening his Christmas Eve present....

New PJs!!!  Christmas Monsters and slippers made by his Great Gramma Wolfe!

It was our second annual Christmas Eve Christmas Light walk (it needs a better name)  where we go for a walk around our little area and pick our favorite house.  Tough to go to far... it's so beautiful out that Sam was actually falling asleep in his wagon!  This house is only 3 down from us and this picture does not do it justice... there isn't much house NOT covered in lights... WOW!

After tubby, we got Santa's midnight snack ready.  Cookies made by Sam, a cup of milk and a note that Sam dictated to me.  This is one focused little boy.

Proud of himself!

We didn't think Santa needed the lid for the sippy cup... :)

Merry Christmas to the people we love most.  Thank you for another year and we can't wait to see some of you over the next few days.

Celebrating 2 Days Left with 3 Little Friends!

Our very favorite triplets came all the way to Airdrie to visit us.  Both Stacey and I worked until the 23rd, so there was no elaborate meal (hahaha, I don't ever cook fancy meals) or activity.  We met the Alexanders (Luc, Matty, Nate, Stacey and Johnny) at 5 Guys Burger and Fries.  We had the slowest fast food service for a meal that was a whirlwind!  You can imagine what three hungy 2 year olds wearing winter boots and eating french fries might look like... CRAZY!  The most amazing thing is their parents and their composure during the entire meal.  Stacey said "You can either laugh or cry, why not laugh?"  Best advice ever.


We drove down to the park to see the Festival of Lights.  We nearly made a full loop before the boys sent a clear message that they were sooooo over it.  Though it was a quick visit, it was wonderful.  Their friendship is a gift to us... reminder to be patient, that things can be 3 times as hard, not to worry about the little things, socks can double as mitts and when it's time to go it is time to go.


Thank you for the visit Team Alexander.  We love you tons and tons!

The Daddy's and their boys walking the park.

All 4 boys!

We went for another loop after our friends had to go.  Sam crossed the boundary to see the house.

Mom and Sam on the bridge

Love.