I have been remiss. On the now defunct Lemons2Lemonade, the precursor of this blog, I would do a monthly roundup of our activities. It has been brought to my attention that I neglected my December lessons. With all the activities lately, I completely forgot! So, thanks for the reminder my non-bloggy, now out-of-lurkdom friends.
December was completely snow-free. It was wonderful! Though, I do have to admit, it's hard to get in the holiday spirit with none of the white stuff blowing around. I suppose I was not anxious to write this post primarily because my mood through the month was one of bah-humbug rather than mistletoe and merriment. We did manage:
- This blog started on December 6, 2009. What a challenge learning Typepad and deciding on the format for it all.
- Claire was chosen for the D2 Volleyball team and is nervously learning this new sport. I don't think she anticipated being chosen. She's now learned how to do the basics and actually excels at serving.
- Cole was chosen to play on the Middle School hockey team with a couple of his friends. Not only is he enjoying the popularity of being on the team he's learning a lot from coaches who know hockey and have no familial distractions on the team.
- My parents came out to Oakville to watch Cole and his team. We enjoyed a lovely dinner with them and friends at Jonathan's - great place!
- Louis and I managed to survive our Eastview Parent/Teacher meetings. Chloe and Caden are so different from each other a few of the teachers are suffering whiplash. They're both doing well, but in such different ways.
- Grampy was able to see Claire play volleyball at a game she played at Havergal College and Cole play hockey at a tournament at Upper Canada College. It's so nice that he is involved with the kids.
- I managed to ruin Caden's hockey jersey. A pen was left in a pocket and there was ink everywhere. Also ruined all my white bath sheets. Argh!
- Chloe spent many hours practising and performing for the Oakville Children's Choir with performances all around town. Both Nanna and Grampy came out to watch one performance and we enjoyed dinner at Cucci's following the performance.
- Caden has been dubbed the "snowman" for all of the time he spends on the ice blocking shots. It's really quite funny to watch. He is so intense and competitive. Remarkable his version of Dr. Jeckyl & Mr. Hyde!
- After yet more unnecessary drama, Cole decided to take charge of his personal training and hockey future and listen to those who have his best interest at heart. We support him completely.
- The basement bookshelves are finally in order and I can find books! The key to organization: finding what you need when you need it :)
- Exam season was excruciating for Claire and fun for Cole. They handle the pressure so differently. Claire freezes up and Cole looks at it as a competition. Their marks relected these traits: Claire mid-70s and Cole high-90s. I have to say, I'm far more like Claire!
- Time was taken to make gifts for Cole's hockey team. Too bad we weren't able to attend!
- I had a wonderful tele-conference with a brilliant life coach. Only one more assignment. Who knows? Maybe I'll figure out what I want to be when I grow up!
- We enjoyed our family Christmas Party in Toronto. It is so nice to have all of the grandchildren around and having fun with each other. It's also wonderful to see my four sisters and their husbands.
- Louis continues to dedicate 4 hours every Sunday morning and 4 hours every Wednesday evening as convenor for the Minor Atom Red and Bantam Red hockey teams. In between, countless hours are spent organizing, communicating, authorizing and interpreting for coaches, parents, players and everyone else involved. I don't know how he does it.
- Caden and his Knights team went to see the St. Mike's Majors then played a game on the ice at the Hershey Centre. Louis helped out by getting back behind the bench.
- I finished a book! Really. Not just a book, a novel.
- Cole had more tests done and he will end up having more allergy shots this spring. The good news is that I can buy the serum from the doctor but it can be administered at school.
- Claire left for a Grand Adventure: a wonderful 4-day visit to New York City with Nanna and Grampy where she was exposed to fancy restaurants, great shopping, incredible hotels, amazing shows and big limousines. Pretty nice way to celebrate turning 14!
- Caden's hockey team had a fun holiday party - held outside! What a great group of kids and parents.
- Christmas break was filled in with a lot of sleep and a lot of hockey.
- I published my intentions and goals. It's all out there for everyone to read. This gets easier the more often I do it.
- Christmas Day was pretty low key. Santa maintained the 3-gift maximum, far harder than one might think so each stocking was considered one gift. Then Louis took all of the kids to see Avatar at the local theatre. Christmas Day movies have become our family custom. They go and I get a few hours of peace!
- Cole and his Ranger team went to Alliston and won the Regional Silver Stick tournament which qualified them for the International Silver Stick played in Pelham (St. Catharines) this past weekend.
- Order has been restored and a plan made to keep us all, as a family on track and focused on what we need to get done.
- A new era has begun, Claire went out with her friends and slept over to ring in the New Year.
We didn't have to wait too long for snow. We had a nice white start to the new year. A lot has stayed the same but all of the work and planning in December has made the start to the year more focused and fun! I will definitely return with lessons learned in January! We're little over 1/3 the way through :)
