Ex Ex Pat Scheiners

 The kids got out of school for Christmas Break last Friday, December 18.  Lauren said it didn't really feel like Christmas Break because they didn't actually leave school.  When she was at her school in London, the occasion was marked by a trip to Starbucks on the last day followed by a selfie to mark the occasion.  I wonder if that even happened this year. On Friday, Drew got into a small fight with his friends and he got upset and decided to spend the night at Mum Mum's house.  (Since then, they have had made up, had another argument and made up again!)  Lauren was called back for the audition for the show at the local arts center.  She was really nervous, but she was very chatty when I collected her.  I think she needed that high that comes from doing something that you love but is also outside of your comfort zone. (We have since found out that she didn't get cast in the show, but I am SO proud of her for auditioning and I hope she will audit...

When we lived in Louisville before, I would always get together with mom, Anne and Sarah to make lots and lots of Christmas cookies.  It is a great way to get in the festive mood.  It was usually during the day so the girls were in school.  One of the benefits of NTI is that the girls were able to help us this year. Mom did some research and found recipes so the cookies could be eaten by all the kids (gluten, egg and nut free)!  And they all turned out great.   Acrhie wasn't really sure what to make of all the excitement and people in the kitchen!  The kitchen worked out great because of the two large double ovens. We made the following: chocolate chip snowballs, cherry and chocolate cookies, sugar cookies with homemade icing, cranberry starts, chocolate brownie cookies.  Yum, Yum, Yum!! So fun to be able to partake in some of the old traditions.

 The first of December was momentous as it snowed!  Not much, but enough to have a nice white covering over everything.  Archie was not really sure what to think of it.  He was running around and jumping.  The kids had a small snowball fight with the neighbors. Archie's new favourite hiding spot! There is a man in our neighborhood who dresses up like Santa and sits on his front porch during December.  The neighborhood chat group was going crazy the first night that he came out.  We were coming home from a trip to Target the other day, and he was outside.  The kids humored me and I got a great photo of them with Santa.  It just might be the last year for that, so thankful to get a good one without having to wait in line or pay an exorbitant amount for a Santa's grotto.  Although I suppose this year, most of the Santas I have seen are behind plexi-glass. My favourite room in our new house is complete!  We were unsure at first what we ...

 It is hard to believe it is already December.  November is always full of big events: 2 birthdays and Thanksgiving.  This year was the added excitement of the election that went on for 5 extra days.  And then throw in virtual school for the second half of the month and it's was a bit crazy!  But fun as well. DREW'S BIRTHDAY For Drew's birthday, it was election day.  I am sure there is some math problem that will figure out the next time his birthday will be on the day of a presidential election; but I can't be bothered to figure that out.  Also, did you know that election day is the first Tuesday following Monday in November (as in, election day could never be the November 1.)  I had to look it up, it will be 2048, in 28 years. We celebrated Drew's birthday a couple days early with Mum Mum and the Deans since they were here.  Drew was SO excited when he opened Mum Mum's card and it had a $50 bill inside!  I don't think he had ever seen ...