Merry Christmas!

May the joy (and chocolate) of the season surround you,

Merry Christmas, from our house to yours!

7 Days - Day 5 - Let the Holidays Begin

Today was a busy work day for me and now I am going to retire to the couch to celebrate the fact that tomorrow, the Christmas holidays officially begin.

And Toblerone and a hot cup of tea are a pretty good way to start, don't you think?

7 Days - Day 4 - Legs

Today was a leg workout with my trainer. It inspired to me to set up my tripod and use my remote shutter button. It also resulted in smoke coming out of my ears and mouth due to difficulties getting me in the right spot for the lens to focus. Good times.

And because I want you all to know that there is still, in fact, junk in the old truck, there is this one. If you don't believe me, then click on the photo and see the note I added in Flickr.

If only I had the mad photoshop skillz to airbrush that out.

Actually scratch that, because this is real. You know with the fake 70's effect and all.

7 days, Day 2 and Christmas Our Style

Day 2 - which was technically yesterday, you all know how it makes my type A personality itchy to be late, however, I never did get an invite to the Flickr group so maybe I don't have to play by the rules anyway?

The theme for day 2 was bright and these new dishes I got for Christmas from my boys are bright and cheery so they fit the bill me thinks. My smile is somewhat misleading, I really am excited about these - they are adorable and fit with our (my) snowman theme.

Day 3 - this idea was much better in my head or of my head.

Get it? Of my head....oh boy, she's lost it again, folks. I think the first sign was a post two days in a row.

Moving on, because I can't just post that. Oh no, how fun would that be?

As I noted last week, we opened our presents together as a family of four this weekend. For the first time ever, I am pleased with the photos I took during such an event. Normally, my shots are all from the wrong angle, at the wrong perspective etc. So for the grandparents, who I hope are interested, here they are.

Working together to open the thing I said we would never get. Yes, that thing. Starts with a "W" and rhymes with me. Uh huh.

Admiring Daddy's new watch.

Playing that other thing I swore we would never own. I caved.

Totally and utterly caved. If you are going to cave you might as well go all the way, right?

But on a good note, the behaviour around here has been stellar.

Gosh, I love these two.

7 Days, Day 1, and some other stuff

I got inspired today to join a group on Flickr called 7 Days (basically, you take a self portrait for 7 days in a row) because, while setting up for a shot of the four of us, I took this one. Great idea during the week of Christmas, no?

It makes me laugh a bit. The hair, the poser pose, it's just funny. Now when I sat down to write this post, I realized that the first day of the 7 day thingamahooey was yesterday. So. A day late and a dollar short, awesome. Good for a laugh anyway.

We were all dolled up for Jack's piano recital you see, so I thought let's take a picture of us all dolled up standing in the doorway. Right, remember that we live in the freaking Arctic. I took two and ran out grabbed my camera and called it a day. Picture to come at a later date.

However, the following gem must be shared.

Kamden is less than impressed waiting for the recital to start. This kid. I love him to bits.

Jack played "Silent Night" beautifully. He is, however, a perfectionist and was not pleased because he had one little bobble in the middle. I am positive he was the only one who noticed (and most likely his teacher because well, she's the expert). Silly boy. Trust me, he did fabulous. His daddy and I couldn't be more proud. Love you dude!

And this is has to be one of the best no parking signs I have ever seen.

That is one threat I am not willing to test.

Friday, Already

A post that I like to affectionately call "Weekend Update". Remember how didn't have a tree up last I posted. Guess what? We still don't.

We weighed our options. Put it up, open presents as a family this weekend (more on that later, don't judge!), spend Christmas with family...we all concluded, even Jack, and Kamden. No tree required.

Our house has been taken over by cheery snowmen but not Christmas tree needles. It's a win win if you ask me.

Now back to opening presents, just the four of us, this weekend. As in tomorrow. December 18th. Gah. That's early.

You see, we have a tradition that we began several years ago.

(Gratuitious adorable princess shot - this is my Goddaughter, Rachel, showing off her princess dress from yours truly. The dress, the curls, the cute, it's too much)

We spend Christmas with both of our extended families. The cousins, the siblings, the fun. We really wouldn't have it any other way. But being greedy and all, we like to also have Christmas, with just the four of us. A day of playing. Together. Unlike any other day the rest of the year because there is no work, no homework, no cooking, no cleaning, no everyday run of the mill take up our time kind of things. Just time together.

This year, the kids are in school until Dec 22. My dad's birthday is on Dec 23. Then it's Christmas Eve. So, given that Sunday is Jack's piano recital, Saturday it is. Early, most definitely but also entirely necessary for this family that likes to spend time together. It isn't at all about the presents even though the kids will tell you it. It is about playing with the new toys or games together. If pressed they will agree. They are still kids living in this capitalist word after all.

See the excitement on Jack's face? I am looking equally forward to it. Who knows, maybe there will be a singing snowman in it for me?

And lastly, because it was adorable, here is Kamden doing his Rocking Around the Christmas Tree dance at last night's school concert. They stole the show as they were the only ones who danced. Head banging 6 year olds are freaking adorable.

Over and out.

Remember Me?

It's been so long I almost forgot my log in information for Blogger. Being December, things have been busy around Chez Lahti.

There's work, piano, soccer, homework and Christmas preparations, not unlike any normal family.

Then there is also the fact that I replaced my laptop and added some fancy new accesories. We are also looking to replace Jay's car. It's a 1988 model. I kid you not.

We recently replaced the muffler and power steering. Then on top of the fact that the windsheild washer sprayer has not worked since sometime in the late 90's, the wipers quit too.

For some reason, that was Jay's last straw.

All fun, to get new toys and such but also time consuming.

The snowmen are all out of storage and spreading cheer but so far, this is the only Christmas tree in the house. We better get on that.


The other day the boys found a Christmas frog that sang Jingle Bell Frog. They wanted to get it. I was incredulous. HOW would that match our snowmen collection? I am mean like that.

How are things with you?

PS nominations for the most boring blog post ever are now open. I think have a good shot.

Spontaneous Photography Field Trip

Monday, I took a quick break from work. I fired up the van (it was -25 Celsius, brrr) and took a 30 min trip around the neighborhood.

I took 23 pictures and got these four. Not bad for a half hour and some very cold fingers.

And these are all in colour. Honest. I think that is why we all get so down and out during winter and people put their Christmas lights on right after Halloween (for the record, I think there should be a law - no Christmas lights until Dec 1 - too much of a good thing is too much), we need some colour.

We don't live to far from the city's penitentiary. Don't worry, it's low security. Wait. Maybe that is exactly why you should worry? Gulp.

Anyway this is the road into the lovely place. I think. I turned around right after I took two snaps. It said restricted area, I didn't want to get arrested.

This one emits pure lonliness to me. Haunting. Or maybe I am just reaching....

I often wonder what people think of the winter driving conditions we face daily. I think nothing of driving on a road like this. In fact, I get some kind of weird satisfaction from being able to maintain control of a vehicle on ice, ruts and some combination thereof.

Call in the therapy folks, she has really lost it now.

Positive Spin

Grumble, grumble, bother, bother.

That has been my mood for the past couple of days. It is totally explainable (I'll take hormones, for a $1,000, Alex) but also ridiculously annoying. Top that off with a Monday morning that was less than stellar and here I am.

It is time to spin to the tune of the positive instead of the grumble, grumble, bother bother.

Onward ho.

I am thankful that when Jack called from school at 9:12AM this morning to let me know he wouldn't be coming home for lunch today because they were going a field trip today (not tomorrow like I was sure the note from the teacher said - oh right, keeping it positive) he was calm, cool and collected. If you know Jack, then you know stuff like this phases him. I am sure I will hear about it later as he told me it was Monday not Tuesday like I was sure the note (which I could no longer locate) said. But in the moment, he held it together. And he got a lunch from somewhere. THAT should be intersting, he is notoriously picky.

Coffee and dark chocolate. Why? See above re: hormones.

My family. They love me. Miraculous in itself most days.

My friends. They open my eyes. They make me think. It is a good thing.

My job. I had a dream last night that I was working back at my old job. Scratch that. It was a nightmare. So despite the fact that this morning kicked me in the butt, I love my job. Challenges are good. Mistakes are good because I learn.

Onward ho, hauling a positive spin with me. Perspective is always a good thing.

Report Cards, To Reward or Not To Reward

This week marked report card week for Jack and Kamden. They looked forward to it as much as I did. Yes, the nerdiness runs true in our blood.

The best part of report cards, aside from the awesome drawings that come with it (Kamden's self portrait - done it multi medium), is the confirmation that the boys are doing well in school.

They are trying their best and learning.

Not only is that the goal, it's kind of their job.

FB was abuzz with parents antipating their children's report cards. One of the comments on a friend's post about report cards asked whether the children would be getting money.

My friend, rightly so, quickly responded with a great big fat no.

Why is the report card not enough? Why is it not enough for kids to be told they are doing a good job? Why do they need a reward for doing what they are supposed to do?

In today's world, where stuff is a plenty, we seem to find any reason to ply our children with more stuff. My house is a testament to this continuing problem. Toys and books and stuff are pouring out of every orafice. Okay not orifice but you know what I mean.

Side rant: It is to the point that they come home from school on Halloween with enough candy that really, do they need to go out Trick or Treating and get more? I am that stingy parent that doesn't send anything with my kids because, seriously, I throw 90% of the junk they bring home out. Burger gummy candies, are you kidding me? You might think I am mean but my kids won't even eat that. They are smart, what can I say? And if they bring home one more fancy pencil, I will go postal. Ever tried to sharpen one? An exercise in frustration. Dollar store crap that is adding to my already hefty anger managment therapy.

My friend also noted that when she was a kid what she got for having a good report card was the gift of knowing her parents were proud of her hard work.

What could we possibly give them that would 1) be more valuable and 2) more memorable?

I guarantee my boys won't remember that they get taken out for supper on report card day, but rather that Jay and I were proud of their hard work and their success.

That is what I remember too. I always knew my parents were proud of me, not because they bought me everything my heart desired, but because they told me.

It really seems quite simple to me.

(if you do reward your kids, that is your choice, just saying this is our way)

I Don't Remember

I don't remember when they stopped wearing Robeez and started wearing big kid shoes.

But I do remember their chubby toes that were, and still are, incredibly ticklish.

I don't remember when they stopped needing me to carry them everywhere and started walking on their own two feet.

(Photo by Details Photography Studio)

But I do remember their weight on my hip, their soft heads as I leaned in to plant a kiss on their silky hair.

I don't remember when they stopped wanting to read "Guess How Much I Love You" and started wanting Robert Munsch books.

But I do remember telling them that I loved them right up to the moon and back.

I don't remember when they stopped playing with Fisher Price toys and started playing superheroes.

But I do remember watching as they began to see each other as a playmate.

I don't remember when they stopped calling me Mama and started calling me Mommy.

But I do remember how it feels each and every time I hear that special title that will always be the most important one bestowed upon me: Mommy.

I don't remember every moment.

But I do remember the most important ones.

Anger Management

So, you know when things build up and you find yourself yelling at the dude in front of you who drives 10km under the speed limit down a one lane street for 5 km and then you, because fate is bitch, follow this same dude into a parking lot where he stops smack dab in the middle of the driving lane to let his overweight wife out in front of the door?

No? Great, well now you know where I am at anyway.

I am mad that a friend can't just move on with her life already.

Mad that there are those that I will never agree with and even worse, we can't even agree when one of us doesn't understand how to be civil. The match is lit and the gas has been poured on that bridge, let me tell you.

Mad that I barked at Jay last night over something completely and utterly ridiculous. Just to prove my point... he was drying the pots that I had handwashed and I got upset that he didn't put the dirty dishes on the table in the dishwasher first.

Uh huh, I did.

50% of men in the world will only dry dishes if asked to do so directly. Another 25% won't even do it when asked.

Um yeah, consider me slinking away with my tail between my legs.

I am just mad that I am mad.

And it's snowing. Consider yourself warned.

*cracks open vodka at 10:24am*

Better Late than Never?

Wait, don't answer that.

I know, I know, there is a time limit on Halloween posts and I've missed it. Trust me, it could be worse, I could do NaBlaBitMyFa. Imagine the posts you would get then. A picture of a wall tack is probably the most creative post I would come up. Consider yourself lucky that instead you get this image of the pre-carved pumpkins.

Yes, that is my husband, ladies and gents. He is 100% man. Enough said. I also have a picture of my girlfriend holding them with her husband but a) it's blurry and b) I like her so I won't post it. Aren't I nice to mention it though? Just working hard on being a good friend.

Jack aka Optimus chose the same pattern as last year. It's a winner if you ask me.

And Kamden chose the pattern I created last year. I should quit my day job, no?

This year we carved with friends because, gasp, this friend mentioned that they might not actually carve their pumpkins otherwise. This is Halloween sacrilege to me. Pumpkins will not go uncarved on my watch.

"It's time for your lobotomy, Ned" to quote Calvin.

The boys went as Transformers this year. I love how they like to dress up as similar characters. Wonder how long it will last?

They each went Trick or Treating with their best pals and brought home enough candy for 5 kids. Honestly, we still have some from last year. I threw some of it out but just couldn't through out the good chocolate bars. Funny since we don't seem to eat them.

It was a good one. Holidays are so much fun with kids. I can't wait for Christmas.

If you are interested, aka Jack and Kamden's grandparents, more pictures can be found here.

True Confession

I have to come clean. This has been in the skeleton in my closet for too long. I can't take the lying and the covering up anymore.

Here it is. My deepest dark secret.

But first, for comic relief since I can't handle the stress of this.

Like my new uniform? Actually it's Kamden's. He's 6. I don't know what kind of glue the person was sniffing when they picked the sizes for an under 8 year old soccer team but clearly they need to upgrade. Kamden's whole team looks like a bunch of third world children that were kindly donated some used women's' soccer team uniforms. The shorts fit me for goodness sake. On him they are practically pants.

Okay, okay, there is no more putting this off. It's got to come out sooner or later, might as well bite the bullet. Which is kind of ironic, you will see later.

In the early to mid 90's I went through a country phase.

It wasn't just the sudden love of all things Reba and Garth. Oh no. I took it to a whole other level.

Wranglers. Belt buckle the size of a tea cup saucer. Roper boots (the tie up ones with tassels, oh yes indeed). And because no outfit comprised of these fashion mainstays would be complete without one, a western shirt.

Luckily for me, there is no photographic evidence of this dark period of my youth.

My only defense is that I actually did own a horse and I did ride regularly. Unfortunately, this defense does not cover the times I went to the bar decked out this paraphernalia.

Oh the crazy things we do in our youth.

Okay, I've cleaned out my closet. Now it's your turn. Lay it on me. What secrets are you hiding? It's time. Let it out.

And also be glad you aren't here.

Enough said.

Photo Food Journal

Back in early 2009, I documented my journey to fit. This journey has not ended and I have not stopped seeing the positive results. I began my journey by doing cardio 4-5 times a week. In 2008, after a year of cardio alone, I was determined that I needed to kick it up a notch. Or three.

Cue working with a personal trainer. Worth every single penny. Then I took up running and ran a half marathon and then kept running regularly (much shorter distances though, whew) along with regular weight training.

This brings us to today. I am down to the weight I was when Jay and I first got married, I have much more energy (most days) and I just feel all around better. We won't discuss my shopping addiction. It's the only downside so far to getting fitter and healthier. I want to buy fun, trendy clothes now because when I try them on, my reaction is not what the %&$&$^ is that?

However, this last week and half, I have been lethargic and down right grumpy. It's not my hormones this time. Those are under control thanks to a lovely prescription to Seasonale .

What it is, and I know it, is my eating habits have been sliding backwards. Over this journey to fit, I have made several changes to my eating habits, slowly and surely. Lately, what with Thanksgiving pumpkin pie and turkey, I have been falling back into the trough. Literally.

So today, I am getting out of the trough and back into clean eating (Kami's edition) and because I am desperate for blog material, you are the lucky winners of a photo food journal. Hold your applause until the end, please.

For breakfast, calcium added orange juice, 9 grain oatmeal with a few raisins topped with almond milk. Did I mention that I am lactose intolerant? I have, for the most part, given up all dairy. And I don't actually miss it that much because when there is a dessert or dish that has dairy, all I need is a little help from my friend, Lactaid.

Breakfast is followed by my morning coffee, Organo Gold Coffee to be specific. Whatever that ganoderma extract does, it works. I living proof. Regular coffee makes my menopause symptoms go bananas (and not in a good way) but this stuff doesn't. Colour me happy, coffee coloured to be specific. I split the pack into two and have two cups a day.

Another important change I made to my eating habits is eating less but eating more often. It works, people, it really works. Energy levels stay much more constant and you stay happier. It is win win. My snack range from fruit and nut mix, to Sweet and Salty Peanut granola bars (YUM) to this one, soy yogurt, half a banana and 1/3 cup of Choo-it oatmeal mix.

Lunch is often leftovers.

Today it was turkey meatloaf with sun dried tomatoes, steamed broccoli and cauliflower and snap peas.

There will be another snack before supper, since today, the boys have swimming right after school and then Kamden has a soccer game. I am also sipping my second cup of coffee as I type this.

Supper will be a packed picnic to eat in between. Somehow.

Today, for Jay and I, supper will be salads accompanied by last night's BBQ'd steak. Top it off with the oil and vinegar dressing my mom has been making since I can remember (I can make it now. All by myself. I am so growed up), it will be good. I hope.

And later, because every day still requires some form of sweetness, I will have a square of dark chocolate (70% cocoa butter). Mmm. And probably another snack once the kids go to bed.

So there you have it. I am pledging to get back on track with this here gem (Ha!) of a post.

Because it is all worth it.

Any ideas on how I can eat even better? Or did I inspire you to make a few changes? Or did I bore you to tears? I am going for a record!