Let the celebrations begin!

Our Christmas traditions start with watching the animals every year around the end of November/beginning of December. I found it very spiritual as I replaced for seminary as well. 

We participated in one of Auntie Becca's tradition in a Family Home Evening. Thank you!

We also went to Aunt Ashley's as she (and James) agreed to babysit our kids while Keld and I went to Keld's work Christmas party (for those of you thinking your tax money isn't spent well, let me reassure you; we had to pay for it all).  The kids ended up having a sleepover, they were so excited!! We came by for breakfast with doughnuts.  Thanks again!

I thought I also had a video of Linda, but I don't. She is amazing at pulling her brothers around!

I posted earlier how we celebrated Saint Nicolas Day with our traditional edible creation. I think I know more people born on December 6th than any other day. Julia was invited to Avenlea's birthday (which is on the 6th) but she celebrated on the Saturday. Julia was at her place all afternoon and we all joined us for supper. Avenlea's grandfather is living with them and he is very into French politics so it was interesting (French are voting this week).

A few days ago I heard a Colorado lady on the radio saying it was National Brownie Day. I am not American, but I had already decided to make brownies that day!

And yesterday we kept another tradition. We went to the annual show put on by the French Catholic High School: Pikatou. It's free (they only ask for a food bank donation). Zack had already gone with the school during the day, but he was happy to go back.

It's too bad I forgot my camera as Julia volunteered to go on stage to decorate the tree. The decorations are always thanks to Jesus for something special (like Christmas, a warm bed, family and friends). They also had children from the audience to be Joseph and Mary. I like that they emphasize that Christmas is about Christ.

Happy Birthday Aunt Alli !!

This year, for our Saint Nicolas' creation, we made a Temple.  We don't follow the December 6th tradition really well since we don't make our creations with gingerbread, but we're not fans of gingerbread; we're fans of chocolate. Which doesn't go with a Temple theme either. You would expect a Temple white, not brown. But for some reason, I had the Temple in mind so Keld thought we could pretend it's a Nephite Temple.

It doesn't look like the Toronto Temple, but it's more edible :)

Happy Birthday Aunt Alli !

We hope you had a great day.

Joyeux Anniversaire !!

Happy Birthday Caitlin !

After watching Caitlin's violin recital (many times, we really liked it),  I thought we should have a violin for her cake. If only I could actually make everything I think would look great...Keld, as usual, had to come to the rescue. 

We hope you're having a great birthday Caitlin!

We miss you!

Joyeux Anniversaire!

Sainte Catherine's Day

As usual now, I went to school to celebrate my name day. It was Zack's first time making tire, the famous candy Marguerite Bourgeois used to attract students to her school back in the 17th century.  She was particularly trying to attract Native Americans and this year the school board had expressed some concerns regarding this tradition. It doesn't seem to have bothered anyone as most people were dressed up as usual, as priests, nuns, lumberjacks and Native Americans.

The two teachers in charge, who are cousins, had made the tire the day before. The volunteers in the kitchen needed to reheat it in the oven and separate it into individual portions while the other volunteers would help the children pull it and cut it. I was assigned to the kitchen (because I had seen it done before) but I did go say hi to my kids. I almost missed Zack who never acknowledges me when he sees me at school.

Kelden was the first I saw, ready to start.

I didn't realize Zack was there too when I took this picture.

I found Julia in the hall (we had to split the groups, they were too big).

After pulling, they cut their snakes into pieces.

They wrapped them up and put il all in a bag.

This year, they also had a special pioneer lunch with pancakes and maple syrup, vegetables and sausages. (Julia was lucky, they had lots of leftover for her after her piano lesson. She had already eaten a bit, which might explain why she didn't take any vegetables...)

I took of everything, of course !

PDday

My kids didn't have school on Friday so it was party time!
Kelden played hide and seek and read me some stories.

Julia made her favorite cake.

We went to visit Special and we also went to the park in the afternoon.

Keld also wanted to party so we ended the day with pizza and movies.

They are all back at school today, but I am not on my own :)

Remembrance Day

As usual I went to the school for the Remembrance Day Celebration.
First song by 1st and 2nd graders (look for Kelden).

Second song by 3rd and 4th graders (good luck finding Julia).

Third song by junior and senior kindergarten classes.

Zack was still singing when he came home.

Thinking of soldiers makes me cry, not sing...

Happy Birthday Kelden !!

Keeled turned 7 yesterday! Keld brought me to the school to celebrate.

We had crêpes at home.

Kelen had impatiently waited a whole year to open his presents.

And he wanted to blow his candles on his own...

Last Sunday he received "birthday bumps" from Uncle Jim, so did Julia.

Happy Birthday !

One more year until baptism !!