Our Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas this year.  My parents came up to spend Christmas with us and my Brother and his family this year.  It is always fun when Grandpa (and Grandma) comes. Our house isn't huge so everyone was a good sport with our sleeping arrangements and once they got sorted out everyone was sleeping well. 

I think that every Christmas season that passes we are getting better at focusing our time and the season around Christ.  We did a 12 days of Christmas count down that focused on Christ and his life, mission and example. 

We always do some regular things during the season to help us get in the spirit: the First Presidency Christmas devotional, school Christmas concerts, making gingerbread houses, reading Christmas stories, taking the kids shopping, visiting with Santa, baking cookies/treats, Legislature lights and the ward Christmas party.  We enjoyed it all this year.  The temperatures made it sure feel like Christmas and making me want to just stay inside.  But we still managed to go skating and sledding outside. 

For Christmas Eve we had a "regular" dinner of salmon, baby bok choy, wild rice and salad.  We did the pickle prize, then I read the story the Christmas orange and those chocolate oranges, we listened to Grandma and Grandpa share a few stories about their growing up years around the Christmas season, we watched the Church Nativity, and sang some carols together as Spencer played the piano.  Finally before bed we all opened up new PJ's!

Christmas morning as usual started early for Megan.  She got Aaron up and tried to head downstairs but we told them to both go back to sleep until 7am.  So by around 7am we all made it downstairs for the opening of the stockings.  We write letters to each other and take turns reading them on Christmas morning.  We have been doing this tradition for 4 years now and it is neat to look back and remember all that has happened in those years.  The kids all got a few smaller toys in their stockings along with some chocolate. 

Then almost painfully we started the present opening.  We try to keep it to one gift at a time and rotate between everyone getting a chance.  It goes pretty good and we all get to see and enjoy each others gifts and excitement as they open them.  The gift highlights for our family include a new Wii system.  Megs and Evan got a new DS game and Aaron got a leap pad.  All the kids got a electricity free make-your-own marble run game that they all really enjoy.  Spencer got some running stuff and ties and I got some kitchen gadgets.  We also got a new popcorn popper.  The kind that goes on the stove and you turn the handle.  I love that machine!  It pops popcorn beautifully and really quickly!

 

Here is a gift that was probably the highlight of the gift giving this season.  Our other Wii finally died so we have been patiently waiting to purchase this one.

 

 

Here the boys are playing with an "old fashioned gift".  A real wooden do it yourself marble run.  This has kept them all quite busy for awhile.

We got together with my brother and his family for a Christmas dinner which as delicious!  It was a nice time to visit with each other since we really don't get around to seeing them very much.  The temperature was extremely cold that week with temperatures dropping to near minus 30 degrees at night.  Burr!  The week after Christmas the temperatures improved so we got to go ice skating and sledding. 


We really enjoyed our time and days that we got to spend together.  We had a relaxing and enjoyable Christmas season. 

A Musical Lunch Hour with a twist....

Downtown at city hall for a week in December there are various school groups from around the city that come and sing and perform.  Megan participated in this last year with the school choir and I thought that it would be fun to take Aaron this year as part of his "school" with me.  It was a chilly day and we were dressed and I brought a lunch for us to enjoy. 

I found parking at a meter right beside city hall and jumped out to see if I had enough money to plug the meter for our time there.  I locked the van for safety and upon returning to the drivers side I realized that I lock my keyless entry, cellphone, and purse along with Aaron inside the van.  I think Aaron could see my distress and soon realized that this wasn't good.  I asked some passerby people if I could use their cellphone and I could tell that they really didn't want to let me, when I quickly explained that I locked my son in the van but that my husband worked downtown and could come unlock the door.  So a kind gentleman let me use his phone.  I had to leave Spen a message.   I tried every door; just in case and then was talking to Aaron to keep him calm. 

Aaron in the past has figured out how to undo his seatbelt but was a little panicky and couldn't undo the bottom part with his mitts on.  He was able however to undo the chest clip and wriggle his arms out of the straps and lean over to reach the door lock and open the door.  Phew! 

I made sure that we were both ok and then drove and parked at another lot and we walked back to city hall to finish enjoying our outing.

 Here is Aaron enjoying his lunch.

 Some of the decorations that were set up.

A candid picture of our outing. 

Spencer did come find us and make sure that we were ok.  He didn't actually have his keys on him but he informed me that it would have been a quick dash to his office to pick them up and return to us. 

 

Here is Aaron enjoying the "yellow submarine".  Sir Paul McCartney came to Edmonton earlier in the month and this display was still set up at city hall.

 

Here he is in front of City Hall. We then "skated" with our boots on the skating rink that is set up now in front of city hall and made it back to our van to continue with our day.

 

It wasn't until later that day that I realized that I could have opened the van door since I had the ignition key around my neck.  I didn't think to use it since I usually don't and only use the keyless entry to open up the van. 

 

What do they say about hind sight?  Oh yeah, it is 20/20.  Too true. 

School Christmas Play

We attended our kids christmas play.  I'm using that term very loosely.  Megs was one of the Emcee's for the night, helping to pull it all together.  She did very well.  Evan was part of the singing and dancing. 

 Here is Megan as an Emcee and below Megan joining her group for singing. 

Here is Evan doing a dance from Holland or Finland (from somewhere).  Then they sang a song.  I have to pre-face this by saying that their school is part of the Leader In Me program.  So they are learning and applying the seven habits at school and hopefully at home.  So this program had a few christmas carols then thier music teacher changed the words to a "leader in me" song.  It was quite interesting. 

Here is the habit First Things First sung to Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. 

The concert was only about 40minutes long and very child who wanted to participate got that opportunity in one way or another.  The gym was decorated beautifully with the kids art work and it was a chance to help parents learn about the 7 Habits.  Next year though I'm good with having a nice play or a christmas around the world event highlighting some of the different cultures/religions that are represented at the school.

Ord Family Christmas Letter 2012

Dear Family and Friends,                                                                                                           December 2012

When I stop to remember all that we’ve done this year I can’t help but think where the time went and how busy we were.  Here are some of the highlights:

Our family likes to participate in all the different activities and outings that Edmonton offers; so we spent some of our time going to the various festivals like the Festival of Trees, Ice on Whyte, Street performers, Taste of Edmonton and The Fringe Festival as well as enjoying Canada Day at the Legislature grounds -- with a pretty sweet spot to see the fireworks this year. 

We also purchased a city pass that enabled us to visit the Zoo, Fort Edmonton Park, John Janzen Nature Center and the Muttart Conservatory.  We have enjoyed going to each of these places often and enjoyed the time that we spent together playing around, learning new things, scooping water bugs and insects and enjoying other various programs that each of these places has to offer. 

We also enjoyed time spent with family throughout the year at various birthday parties, family dinners, baby blessings and other holidays.  We particularly enjoyed our time in Jasper (one of our favorite places) camping and having a quick Burt Reunion. 

Spencer has successfully passed his Chartered Accountant exam and soon He will be able to add the CA letters behind his name.  He also received a promotion this year to Senior Manager and is just as busy as ever at work.  He was called to be the ward mission leader and helping our ward have missionary success.  Weekly running rounds out his days. 

Cathy has been busy trying as usual to keep everyone organized and the household running as smoothly as possible.  I am the secretary of our kids Parent’s Advisory Society at school this year and the assistant activity day leader at church.  I manage to find time to try new recipes, blog (scordfamily.blogspot.com), and do the occasional hot yoga session and very casually doing some running. 

Our “epic” tween tomboy Megan is in grade 5 and loves to draw, read, and be crafty. She is a total pro with video games by showing off her melee combos in super smash bro brawl. She also has a girly side by worrying about her hair and occasionally doing her nails.  She continues to play the piano and also aced several swimming and gymnastics lessons this year. (Thanks for the help in writing this – Megan!)

Evan is in grade 1 and loves to learn new things.  He is also taking piano lessons and just finished his primer level in 3 months.  He would practice all the time if I let him.  He too loves to swim and participate in gymnastics.  He is quite the ferocious reader and loves to sing and dance and play around.  Learning how to ride his two wheel bike was an accomplishment for him this year.

Aaron our preschooler is still my side kick at home.   I decided to spend one on one time with him at home doing preschool type things and He looks forward to his lessons every week.  He took an un-parented swim class and is quite a good little swimmer.  He will soon join the primary ranks as he will be a sunbeam and He too loved to go to gymnastics.  He likes to mimic his older siblings and try to keep up with both of them.

May the Lord continue to bless you and your families in 2013. 

December Fun

I love all the activities and festivals and things there are to do at this time of year. 



Our Christmas celebration started off on November 17 when we took the kids to the tree light up downtown again.  The weather was pretty nice out that night and it was packed.  There was face painting, singers, food trucks, fires, stilt walkers and of course the tree light up. 

Here is the tree in all its glory.

 

Here are the kids and Spencer "skating" on the outdoor rink in front of city hall. 

 

Here are a couply of stilt walkers entertaining the crowd. 

 

We went a little too early since I seemed to remember more entertainment last year.  So by the time it was done my snack supply was exhausted and the line up for any other treat was way too long.  So we headed to the downtown mall and stopped and ate at Ricky's Grill.  The kids thought it was so fancy and fun.  Going to an actual resturant is still a bit of a challenge because you have to actually wait for your food and sit at the table and not fool around too much as to distract the other customers.    Evan was almost going to eat one of us he was so hungry but he was happy that he waited (and so are we)  and devoured his food. It turned into a kinda late night by the time we did all of this. 

 

Our next activity in December was to go visit the Festival of Trees.  This goes to support the Stollery Children's hospital in the city.  Kids activities, on stage entertainment, gift shops, a hospital visit, gingerbread house display, and of course all the beautifully decorated trees. 

 

 Here is the picture with Santa. 

 Decorating their mini christmas trees. 

 The final product.  Notice how the boys picked pink and purple balls for their tree (apparently Evan's new favorite color thanks to Kirby) and Megan picked the turoquoise and gold balls.  They both look lovely in thier bedrooms.  It really adds a festive flare.   

 

Here is one of the displays...a Charlie Brown Christmas.  You can see the Charlie Brown Christmas tree in the back.  The bare one with the red ornament on it. 

 

 Here is a sampling of the "hospital" visit.  You first get a wristband with your name on it. 

 Here they are getting thier heart beat and oxygen levels tested.

 Listening to his heart beat.  They also had some x-rays to look at, you get a little strip of cast material put on your finger, can touch an NICU inubator, see an IV, do some stitching on a bear and various puzzles and get a free fun bandaid as you leave. 

Here we are minus Aaron who fell asleep in the stroller and Spencer who is taking the picture. 

A Dallas getaway!

Spencer had some work training in Dallas of all places for a few days and it eventually worked out so I could go with him.  He served his mission there 15 years ago so really how could we not both go and check out the area again and turn his work training into a mini reunion, getaway and some fun!

When we left Edmonton we left this:

I can't say that I was sorry to leave this for the beautiful temperatures in Dallas and we did have nice weather around 25 degrees.  Nothing but sun and brownish grass.  

Then we flew in DFW airport.  I was so nervous about having to separate from Spencer for 3 days and having to drive on the roads down there and staying with people that I didn't know.  Thank goodness that it all worked out and we both got to enjoy ourselves.

This are the Wangs (pronounced Wong).

 

It took a little while for my ride to show up and then Spencer went his way and I went mine.  We stayed with some Chinese friends that Spencer knew on his mission.  So the wife (Sister Wang) can with me to pick up our rental car and drive back to her place with me.  It was dark and thankfully not too busy on the road.  We also had the help of a GPS unit to guide us. 

This is the house where we stayed.  All the houses in the sub-burbs are like this....no basements so everything is above ground.  Everything truly is bigger in Texas. 

Here is our rental car.

These are the roads that I was driving on.  The drivers were all really good and polite;  You drive way FASTER than I'm used to.  But in the end I felt pretty confident in getting around (with the help of the GPS of course).  Atleast I didn't have to contend with snowy roads, too!

Here is our rental car.  It was pretty nice, leather heated seats.  I still can't figure that one out...not in Texas anyways.  I would love that option in Edmonton though. 

It was nice to be able and sleep in and not have any responsibilities or worrys that accompany parenthood.  Grandma and Grandpa Ord were able to watch our children and from the report that I still keep receiving from my children they had a wonderful time and did some fun things.  I hope that the kids will always be able to remember the special one on one time that they were able to have with their grandparents.

 

Apparently Texas has the most shopping per capita in the United States.  I think I just might have discovered that for myself.  I visited a lot of stores; outlet malls, strip malls, costco, regular malls, quaint little "town" type shopping areas, fancy malls.  After you've seen one you've seen them all.  The stores start to repeat themselves and I wasn't finding things for that great US price.  So I didn't purchase hardly anything. 

 

I was able to meet up with Spencer on Tuesday night at Southlake Town Square, which has and looks like a quaint little town but is it all shopping.  We had dinner together and got caught up.  Then he went back to Deloitte University and I went back to where I was staying.  I arrived early at this shopping area and tried to call Spencer but my old cell phone didn't work in the US so I had no way of contacting him to find out when he would be arriving.  I tried to look through the stores but was getting worried and frustrated.  I waited and waited and was almost ready to give up and drive back when I saw two large tour buses pull up and I knew that he was on one of those.  So I went to where everyone was getting dropped off and as soon as I saw him come off the bus got teary eyed.  I was so relieved to see him!  We had a nice night together. 

This is a portion of what southlake town looks like at Christmas time. 

 This is where we ate at.  The food always more than filled us up and we usually had enough for leftovers the next day.

 We went on a short carriage ride together. 

Here is an artified long horn steer that Texas is famous for. 

On Wednesday morning I went to the temple for a session. I can add that to my list of temples I've attended; which is now at an impressive 7.  I had an episode of thinking that I had brought my expired recommend and couldn't go but as everyone knows the recommend expires 2 years from the date that it was issued.  So it turns out that I was ok. 

 This day was super nice.  Here is an outside picture. 

 Some fountains and flowers.

Some side details of the temple. 

Here is the bark of a tree on the temple grounds.  Smooth...but hiding on it was a gecko.  Neato!

 How do you know that it is Christmas in a land where they very seldom get snow?  You see randomly decorated trees at shopping areas and on the side of busy roads. 

Here is a house in the same neighbourhood that decorated thier bushes out front...see the pointsetta flowers and the holly?  I think I have to say that I love the four seasons that we get in Canada.  The cold winter one could be a little shorter and maybe not so cold. 

 

On Thursday Nov. 22 we went into downtown Dallas and visited the JFK Museum.  This is the building where the shooter (Lee Harvey Oswald) shot JFK from. He was shot from the 6th floor of this building so on the sixth floor they turned it into a museum.  It was very good.  An audio tour of the the life and history of JFK and his rise to President of the United States.  Details of his death, the investigation, funeral, conspiracy theories, legacy.  If you can see if from the above picture there are two white X's on the road those are the points at which he was shot at. 

 

 

This is a replica of the building that was used in a movie and then donated to the museum.  6th floor on the right side was the window.  That same day on the grassy knoll there was a bit of a memorial going on and people talking about different conspiracy theories.  Of course we checked out what all the excitement was about. 

 

After all the JFK excitement.  We went on what I think our highlight of the trip.  A chance to go back and visit Spencer's mission area.  This is the one of the apartments that Spencer lived in.  He was so excited to see it again.  All the streets came back to him and we drove around.  A lot has changed in the 15 years since his mission days.  But he said this particular apartment building hadn't. 

This is the door to the apartment.  I can attest that it smelled chinese.  It actually reminded me of Taiwan a litlle bit. 

 

 Here is the courtyard of the complex.
 In one area there was an incredibly big church that the missionaries called the death star, we drove to find it and it has since been turned into a rather large school with a new addition. 

 Okay so another highlight was the chance to meet up with our good friends the Joneses.  We met while going to school at Purdue in Indiana.  They are living in the Dallas area.  Who would fly over 2000 miles and not get together....not me!  We had a nice breakfast together and then they guided us back to the airport to catch our plane.  My only complaint was that of course it wasn't a long enough visit.  Maybe in another 7 years we can meet up in Canada or better yet have a Purdue Reunion. 

Finally here is Spencer on the plane ride home.  Poor guy he gave me the window seats on the way down and then going home he got stuck in the middle seat.  What a great guy.  We had a wonderful time and missed our children.  It is nice to be able to get away but I think it is always nice to go back home again too. 

 

He Did IT!

WaHoo!  Today at 8am we found out that Spencer passed his CA exam!  We are so excited.  After days, weeks, months of studying, assignmnents, and exams it is all finished.  He will eventually be getting the title of Chartered Accountant.  Way to GO Spen!