9 days and counting...

Wow I really have to get more active updating my blog! I am on the computer every day, you would think this would be updated with more regularity...

Anyhoos! To updates!



Had a lovely trip back home to Illinois. Was great to go home and recharge. Went to church for the first time in months, really probably the first time since June of last year when my brother and family were here. Faythe had a great time in Nursey. She really loves being with other kids. Being an only child and not many cousins here, she doesn't get to spend much time with other people than adults. You would think that would make her friendlier towards adults but NOPE! She couldn't be bothered when other adults are around but when a kid shows up it's HI BOY! HI GIRL! HI BABY!! My poor girl, she needs a sibling! She got a badge from the nursery teacher with her name and it said "I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints". Needless to say my husband wasn't the happiest camper lol. He says (kidding), "What...they own her now??". He really doesn't care, he just likes to give me a hard time!

As far as attending church here is concerned, I think if my husband was interested I would go to church more but since he's not, I just can't get myself to go alone. Plus I've noticed that the people here in Vancouver seem to be a bit snobby compared to what I'm used to in the US so I've just left it. Doesn't change how I feel, I just don't go. I'm sure I'll be active again one day but who knows!

Got to see my brother's band live finally (he's the one in the cap on the bass). They were awesome! And I'm not just saying that cuz it's my brother, honest! The guitarist is unbelievable. He's only 16 and just blew my mind.

Trip itself was way too short, I needed more time to see everyone. We were there for about 10 days but it just zoomed by as it always does. My Dad & Step-Mom had early Thanksgiving for us, that was great. I really miss being there at Christmas Eve. Hopefully we'll actually make it down for Christmas next year. If I plan my cards right, I just might be on maternity leave by then!

Faythe had a blast with her cousins. She was glued to my neice, Aurora's, hip the whole time and still talks about her constantly. We went to see "Happy Feet" and Faythe asked if Aurora could go. Broke my heart! I told her she'd have to go on a plane and so Faythe asked if we were going to go to the airport. Aah, if only it was that easy.

The rest of my November was just busy working. We had a big snow storm which we don't normally get here and got over a foot of snow. We normally get maybe an inch or two throughout the season and it rarely goes below freezing. It was only daytime highs of 11 during the worst part. My single-pane windows didn't keep the heat in the house very well! This happened right after American Thanksgiving and with Faythe watching old-school Rudolph non-stop, I had to put the tree up! She "helps" me every night by rearranging the ornaments. She doesn't seem to understand that they don't need to be moved all the time. She says, "But I HAVE to!".





I've had lots of fun baking and getting ready for Christmas this year. We actually aren't buying for the adults for the first time ever and while it makes me sad because my favorite part of Christmas is getting just the right things for people, it sure has lightened the burden of getting presents. A couple weeks ago we went on the Christmas Night Light Train at Stanley Park (whatever it's called) and that was really neat. Faythe had a great time. They had a petting zoo as well so she got to see many "Tucks" and "Ming-Mings" (turtle and duck on her favorite show). The lights were really pretty but some of the lawn ornaments were a little cheesy and outdated (one entire plot of only light-up Santas! RUN!!!)



I am planning on making Faythe a sock monkey this year. Since Christmas is only 9 days away, I suppose I should get started on it! We had a massive windstorm early Friday morning and the power went out from 3:30am until 10:30pm. I was going to work on the monkey today if we still had no power but luckily we got it back! Unfortunately my mother-n-law has not been as lucky and as of tonight at 5pm, they still don't have power! I went to their place at noon and brought them a thermos of hot coffee and more candles and blankets and a spare flashlight. Also gave them some books to read. I went and grabbed them some fried chicken too as well as some groceries. I'm about to go give them a refill of coffee since they're still out of power. I wish they would come stay with us but my step-father-n-law is on oxygen and is currently using his portable oxygen tank and then refilling. Unfortunately it only lasts for 3 hours so they can't leave. I'm very worried about them, I hope they will be okay! Seems like everyone has power restored now except their neighborhood. Figures! If not I'll be making another coffee run in the morning.

Well I better run, I think I've rambled enough for now. I still need to make cookies tonight!

I leave with this pic of my girl that I took a week ago....can't believe she's almost 3!