Time flies!

Wow. I have not blogged in ages, which I guess is an indicator of how little spare time I seem to have. The holidays came and went so quickly. Just as I finished training with case management for work, I trained for liason-then the holidays were upon us. After a couple of weeks of baking and cleaning, and discovering that our change in level of elevation affected my baking times severely (!), we manged to get baking done for the kids schools, attend their wonderful Christmas concert. It was amazing-instrumental accompaniment and fantastic harmony in an elementary school? Yes, it was amazing. They have a fantastic teacher! The artwork the kids decorated with was beautiful, I am so impressed with the levels that come out of that school! It was funny too, as there was an absolute blizzard that day, and since Dave and I ducked out of work early to see the afternoon concert, we did not lose out like the evening ones, as that concert was cancelled due to 15 cm of snow! The best part of the snow here, was that it was warm out, so we spent two days building forts, snowmen, sliding, and enjoying hot cider! it was so much fun! Christmas itself had lil JR with strept throat, so we did not travel to Auntie and Uncle's for the holiday, but we had our classic Christmas eve fondue and margaritas, and appies and a big feast the next day. Josh was feeling very punky, but he tried to enjoy his toys. The girls had a blast, and it was overall a mellow, albeit slightly cranky day!

Mom came out just after Christmas, and spent the better part of a month here. I was so impressed with her flying alone! We toured here around, went to some fun sites and restaurants, and she visited relatives in Nanaimo and Victoria. It was so nice to have her here, hopefully she can come out for a visit in the summer.

Since Jan we have been swamped with school projects, gymnastics competitions, swim classes. The girls did great in their competitions, with Lauryn, just a beginner, taking 1 silver, 3 bronze, in both competitions. Amelia got 3 gold and 1 silver 1st competition, and 4 gold in the second. In her second she added a back handspring to her floor routine-which was amazing. She has really blossomed, and was just announced gymnast of the month at their club! Amelia also had corrective eye surgery last month, and now no longer sees double! This must have been a massive challenge on the beam and reading, I don't know how she managed.

My course wrapped, I managed to pull off an A+. I wrote a trend analysis on web-based nursing education, analyzing its origins, development over time, theoretical foundations, development of best-practice benchmarks, pros and cons from student and instructor perspectives, and a critical analysis of future implications. I also debated on foreign nurse recruitment. It was challenging in that I struggled to find passion for my side of the debate. The paper topic was well-chosen in the end, as it was a personal point of interest from an future educator standpoint. I am off for a month then back at it!

We are in the midst of massive house renos. We are at least almost done. The office just needs the ceiling completed, I have ended up with a nice work area, and a panel tv with my treadmill, and space for storage. It is a great space. The hallway just needs painted, the ceiling to the mudroom needs finished and the freezer is waiting to move to the garage. The bathroom is being tiled and it is going to be fantastic. We found these beautiful Italian porcelain tiles, large subway style for the walls and regular for the floor. Smoked glass tiles for the tub box, and I chose RL Soho as a paint colour. We put in a heat lamp and jet tub, and chose the funkiest light we could find. I have yet to find the right sink which is frustrating, but I have not given up. It is a sleek urban esthetic, and I can't wait to veg after a workout in there!

We bought a camper, and we are stoked to go camping. It is from the evolution line, so bright yellow, large all terrain tires, chrome trim-a real guys model, nice modern interior. I packed our gear in there on the weekend, and as soon as the camping season is open (3 weeks I think), I am going! We will camp on the pacific rim again after Disney, which will be our long trip. I can't wait, and the kids are so excited!

Easter is almost here. When we wrap the bulk of our renos at the end of the week and clean the house up, we will do a food stock-up and get our Easter crafts ready. Dave's parents are coming out then, so we will see how the week goes-likely overnight in Vic, Nanaimo for the day, cathedral groves, various beach tours. Busy, busy.

I have much gardening to do now that the weather is warm, so after the house I will slug away at that. I am looking forward to down time, but with Dave off travelling, we take on a diff routine. We will see how we fair! : D