Good Bye Christmas 2006

Hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone. This morning I got up and flicked on my faithful Christmas radio station to hear a classic pop song on, which had no Christmas context. I turned off the radio and said to Ryan, "I guess Christmas is officially over". I would have like to have been listening at midnight last night. Do they cut right to the 80's pop at 12:01? Why wouldn't you keep the holiday music with us throughout the holiday season, which to me is until after New Years. Oh well, I will protest by playing my Holiday collection of Cd's.

We had a wonderful Christmas season. We were very fortunate to see everyone in our family this Christmas season. We went to my parent's house this weekend and had my entire family there. It is always nice when you have everyone together.
We had to leave on Christmas Eve because I had to work yesterday. The duty of being a young RN. Ryan's parents were planning on coming for Christmas but Ryan's mom has been very sick this past week. Luckily she is starting to feel better. I had a nice treat though, Ryan came and had lunch with me at the hospital. Then last night we went for a drive and looked at Christmas lights. All in all, we had a wonderful holiday season, and before you know it, it will be upon us again. Time sure does fly.

Wishing you all an enjoyable rest of the holiday season.

Our Christmas Morning

This morning Ryan and I had our Christmas morning. We have been doing this early because I am always working on Christmas day. We have come to realize that the actual "date" does not matter, as long as we are together and sharing our time together it really does feel like "Christmas morning" to each of us. Above is our "coordinating" Christmas morning photo as the celebs say. Unfortunately for you, all that we have that coordinates is our bath robes.

We started our morning off with a yummy eggs and bacon breakfast, then off to our stockings and the tree for our gift exchange. Ryan and I have placed a limit on our spending for the last 4 years. In the past, we would go overboard, spending an extreme amount of money. Since then we have only 100 dollars to spend, and it always fun to try to get the most for our money. Instead of just spending money to spend it, you have to think about what each other wants, and actually 100 dollars is quite a lot to work with. We both received great gifts this year. The best one that Ryan gave me was an ornament for our tree with every one's photo in it from our Thanksgiving/Christmas party. I think that the best gift I got Ryan was a Michigan Rose Bowl T-shirt, and a Michigan Football DVD. I think you can see the trend. Since we are going to the Rose Bowl, Ryan now has a shirt to wear.

On another note, I have finished my stocking for Jillian. I am glad that I have gotten it done in time for Santa's arrival. I have made both Emily and Matthew stockings, and now Jillian has her own. Here is a photo of it hanging on our fireplace. This all started when I made one for Ryan in University. I worked all summer to get it done. I had never done anything like this before, and when I brought it home from the store, my mom thought that I was crazy. Now, I am in demand. My sister thinks I should travel to craft shows. I don't think it is worth it, it is very time consuming and I probably would not enjoy it as much if I wasn't making it for someone I cared about.

Cookies for the Neighbours

This morning I got up and wrapped Ryan's presents and placed them under our tree. Then I made the neighbours these Martha Stewart Cookies: "Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. They are pretty tasty. I hope that they enjoy them. The boxes I got from Target, aren't they cute.

Here is the recipe for those who would like to make them. The only problem I had with them was they stuck to the parchment paper due to the peppermint candies melting. Very tasty though, a nice holiday treat.

Chocolate-Peppermint Cookies

Makes about 3 dozen

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

4 ounces milk chocolate, chopped

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon pure peppermint extract

3 large eggs

45 round swirled peppermint candies, coarsely crushed


1. Preheat oven to 325°. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside. Melt chocolate and butter in a heatproof mixer bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Attach bowl to mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add sugar, both extracts, and eggs; mix on medium-low speed until combined. Reduce speed to low; mix in flour mixture. Stir in one-third of the candies. Refrigerate dough until firm, about 30 minutes (or wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight).

2. Using a 1-inch ice cream scoop, form mounds of dough; dip tops into remaining candies to coat. Place cookies, candy sides up, on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake cookies, rotating sheets halfway through until just set, about 15 minutes. Let cool on sheets on wire racks. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Note: Recipe from Martha Stewart Holiday Handmade Gifts

4 years ago, on this day . . .

Four years ago, I was 23 years old.
Four years ago, I lived in Canada.
Four years ago, I had only one niece.
Four years ago, I lived in the same city as my brother.
Four years ago, I was a student at Queen's University.
Four years ago, I finishing my last fall semester ever.
Four years ago, there was snow on the ground.
Four years ago, I did not have a job.
Four years ago, I did not own a car.
Four years ago, I rented a room in a house.

Four years ago, on this day, my life changed forever.
Four years ago today, I got engaged.



This is a picture of Ryan and I in the spot where Ryan proposed to me.
This was taken after we have been married when returned the following year to Kingston for Homecoming.

On December 20th, 2002, we were getting ready to go home for our Christmas Holidays. At that time, Ryan owned a 1994 Blue VW golf. We had the car loaded down with presents and I decided that we needed to go do laundry that night because our laundry would not fit in the car. As a side note, I had gone out with my girlfriends the night before to celebrate our final -last ever- university exams. So, I was a little slow myself that day.
Anyways, Ryan got home from work and he said he had to go back because he had forgotten his shoes. At this time, Ryan was working on campus. I insisted that we go and do laundry instead because we needed to get our clothes cleaned before we went home. Ryan was hesitant, but I was not giving in.
You see, Ryan had wanted to take me to the spot that we had our first kiss, which was by his work. But I had thrown a wrench into his plans. Instead, he asked if I would like to go for a walk through the park filled with snow and decorated with lots of lights. I thought that would be great. I had noticed that Ryan had been pacing around the house while he talked to me. I even remember telling him to sit down, because I couldn't keep up to his pacing. Looking back, I now see how nervous he was.
So we went to the laundry first, put a load in, and walked over to the park across the road. We were walking around enjoying the lights, I went to go hug Ryan and before I knew it, he was down on one knee in the snow. Boy, was I surprised. Here I was in track pants, bundled up in a coat, not a clue that this was going to happen. He sure kept this a surprise. After saying yes, we ran home and made the phone calls to everyone. Both of our parents were waiting for the call, because Ryan had told them both it was going to happen.
That was one of the best nights of my life. We celebrated with take out from Swiss Chalet, the "Festive special". I still remember waking up the next morning and walking over to my jewelry box and looking in to find this new shiny ring. The ring of my dreams. I couldn't believe it had happened.

The Power of a Manger

As I write this update, we are just winding down from the Hewlett Christmas party, and what a great party is was. Ryan's mom made the most delicious dinner. We had Roast "Beast", Mashed potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, green beans, my sweet potato dish,brussel sprouts, lots of appetizers and lots of sweets to nibble on and expand our waist lines. It was very nice to see everyone and to meet some of Ryan's family that I have yet to meet. There was 18 people here tonight and it was a lot of fun. It is always nice to catch up with family that we don't get to see all the time. We exchanged our gifts today, and it really does make me realize how fortunate we are. We are lucky enough to get such treasures as new flannel sheets for our beds, fiber optic Christmas decorations, and beautiful artwork for our homes. Lorraine made me the coolest sign for our house, when I get home I will post some photos. In a world of such need, we must really stand back and realize how fortunate we are to have all that we have. I thought that Uncle Paul had a smart idea to give money to a charity of one's choice for our Christmas gifts. These are the people that need to gifts of Christmas, and often the ones that have the most forget the reason for the season. Commericalization has made Christmas such a rushed season. You feel that you have to get your shopping done, your decorating done, your cards sent, etc.. etc. I know this feeling, as I feel it myself. However, we need to realize that Christmas is about a wondrous event that occurred on a Holy Night, the night that Jesus Christ, Our Saviour was born. What a wondrous story that needs to be focused upon more that this time of year.

Luke 2:1-20 (New International Version)

The Birth of Jesus
1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place as Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

The beauty and wonder of this story gives me a warm heart every time I read it, what a Holy Night this was. Take this story and share it with your families this holiday season, as it is the reason for the season.

3 Christmas parties and 1 concert please!

This weekend was quite a hectic weekend for us. We had both of our work Christmas parties as well as my high school friend's Christmas party. Our niece Emily had her Christmas concert yesterday which was fantastic.

This is a picture of Ryan and I on Friday night. Check out the attire. As you may have read in my previous post, I was out dress shopping without success. I decided to wear my high school formal dress. Such a proud day for a women when she can still fit into her formal dress from 8 years ago. I was very happy! As well, look at that handsome husband of mine. I even cut his hair that night for the party. He was looking quite dashing I must say. We had both of our Christmas parties on Friday night. We went to Ryan's work party for the dinner. This was at the Gross Pointe Yacht Club. Very swanky and fancy. The meal was OK. We had really small dinner plates, like the size of a dessert plate which made getting a lot of food on it kind of tricky. All in all it was pretty good, though. Got to see and meet people that Ryan works with, it is always nice to put a face to the name. We got our photo taken by a photographer and we are supposed to get it as a souvenir. However, we had to leave right after dinner, which was 10 pm to get to my party before it ended, so we did not get a chance to pick it up. We then drove to Rochester to a banquet hall where quite the party was happening. One of the MD's was up doing karaoke like no other. He was rockin' the house. My party was much more laid back and festive. It was nice to see everyone dressed up. People were surprised at how I looked since I literally roll out of bed and go to work in like 20 minutes. So needless to say, I had made myself look a little bit nicer that night. We danced and laughed and had a good time, then headed home for some quick zzz's before heading off to Canada for the weekend.

We got home to a winter wonderland. My parents had had 18 inches of snow the day before. Needless to say, the snow was beautiful. We spent the afternoon helping my mom decorate her tree, catching upon the local news, and I spent some time working on Jillian's stocking. Then we went over to my friend Patti's house for her annual Christmas party. This is one of my highlights for the Christmas season because I love seeing my old girlfriends. We get to laugh and catch up and the great thing is that we all just start up where we left off last time. I consider these girls to be my closest girlfriends because of that. We don't have to see each other everyday but our friendship is still strong when we do see each other, which is so great. Another cool thing is that our party keeps growing. As we are getting older, we are starting to have kids and the kids come to the party. It is so great to see the little kids, which were all so adorable this year! Above is a picture of my girlfriends from high school. Thanks guys for a wonderful night! Cant wait until next year. Most of all, thanks to Patti for the party and a great night!

On Sunday, we went to Emily's concert. Emily is a member of the St. Mary's Children Choir. This is a very prestigious choir to belong to. We are so proud of her. She did a wonderful job and she works very hard at her music. Keep it up Emily! We love you very much.

On a upsetting note for the weekend. Ryan's parents car got broken into in Toronto. They smashed in the window to steal Dad's blackberry. It is so upsetting it think about how bad people are in the world. Ryan's parents still travelled to Emily's concert even after this had happened. They are such caring people and Emily did appreciate "her people" coming to see her. And it was nice for us to see you as well. I never can get enough time with our family!

White Christmas

Last night Ryan and I had a very nice night out. We went out to dinner at Andiamo's. This is an Italian restaurant in his building. It was very good. We sat so that we were right on the river front, looking back at the good old homeland of Canada, and its picturesque Windsor Casino. We then went over to the Fox theatre and enjoyed the musical by Irvin Berling "White Christmas". You will know this as the Christmas movie with Bing Crosby. The play was pretty good. The singing and dancing were fantastic. The scenery and costumes very nicely done as well. I would recommend it to others, however the movie is still an A+, and would highly recommend that as well.
I think I am starting to feel the pressures of the holidays. It seems like there is endless things to prepare for and things to get done. I am probably putting this stress upon myself but I know when my body is telling me "hey I am tired" because it did that last night. Those of you who know me well will know what I mean by saying last NIGHT. I have just worked the last 7 days and in between that I have everything else I am trying to get done before we go to Canada. Ryan thinks I am crazy, but sometimes I think that men don't get it: I have Christmas cards to do, Christmas letter to compose and print, a Christmas stocking to complete for my new niece Jillian, baking to do, as well as Christmas shopping, Christmas wrapping and getting ready for Christmas parties. I know people wouldn't mind if I didn't get things done, but it is me the busy body, Martha wannabe, that wants everything to be done just right. The holiday time sure is a busy time. I am going to make sure that through this chaos that I am going to enjoy all the fun things we are going to do. We have two parties tonight and one tomorrow. I am really looking forward to that!
Anyways, speaking of time, I better run to get some work done.

Christmas Shopping Blues and Little Black Dresses

Today I had to go to work for 4 hours in the morning for an educational session on using the computer for our charting, instead of writing everything down. Afterwards, I thought today is the day. This is the day! I am going to get some of my Christmas shopping done. So I headed to my trusty ol' Kohl's. I grabbed a cart and started to browse. I circled the store once and realized that I had not anything in my cart but what my mother had given my money to buy for her. So I went for another round. Nothing! I was so disappointed that I had to head towards the direction of lady's wear. Searching out two fancy cocktail dresses I headed to the dressing room. Tried them on. One would have looked better if I was pregnant. It was high waisted and honestly looked awful without a belly but would probably look quite cute with a belly. I considered the need to have this outfit in my closet for if such an occasion was to occur that I would be both pregnant and need an outfit to wear to a dressy party. Realizing the craziness of this idea, I hung that outfit back on to the hanger and tried option number 2. A nice black Velvet dress. The phrase "everyone needs a cute black dress in their closet" was running through my mind as a pulled it on. I did think this one was more fitting for my life now. It did look alright, maybe the red Christmas-light socks didn't do it justice, but to no avail it went back on the rack. Then I decided to look for new shoes. You see there is a method to my madness for what may seem to be a random attack of the black dress hunger. This Friday is both of our work's Christmas parties. Ryan's is actually quite the dress up event. The first year I didn't know what to wear and I thought about wearing pants. I decided to go with my simple "little black dress" and I was definitely under dressed. These girls get their hair and makeup done and they are dressed in formal dresses. Being thrifty, I looked at my dresses last night. I got out my high school formal dress and shimmied into it. YIPPEE!! it still fits, but today I had the purchase fever I guess. Needless to say, the shoe shopping experience did nothing for me either. However, I really do want a new pair of shoes, so I may look into that more deeply before Friday.
So that is my story of Christmas shopping blues and little black dresses. So disappointed that nothing was accomplished today. Oh well, there is always the next day. I will be triumphant!
On an exciting note, I bought tickets today for White Christmas, the musical based on the movie with Bing Crosby. We are going on Thursday night. I am very excited about it, as it is one of our favourite Christmas movie.

Happy Birthday Mom

Happy Birthday Mom! I hope that you had a wonderful day, and many more to come.
I wish I could have been there to celebrate with you, but I will see you soon.
I love you very much! You are one of my best friends. Thank you for all you do and all that you mean to our family. You are truly an inspiration to us all, you are the best.

Ode to Mom

Wayne F. Winters

My mom was always there for us through good times or bad.

Anything we needed she made sure that we had.

For Halloween she'd dress us up like a pirate or a ghoul

For Easter she would hide those eggs and chocolate bunnies too.

Our birthday cake always home baked and decorated too

The frosting spread with loving strokes as only she could do.

Each flower and each letter had to be put on just so

A masterpiece with candles lit, "Make a wish and blow."

Doctor Mom was ready for each cut and every sprain.

And somehow just a kiss from mom would get rid of the pain.

She didn't need a white lab coat her housedress did just fine

And when you left her "office" you felt better every time.

For Christmas and Thanksgiving you could count on quite a treat.

Roast turkey or a baked ham and of course some homemade sweets.

She'd be in the kitchen for hours on those days

To show how much she loved us in every single way.

I wrote this so you'd know How much I love you every day, even if it doesn't show.

I look back on my childhood and thank the stars above.

For everything you gave me, but mostly for your love.