Backing up a bit, in the beginning of December Aaron & I started a new Christmas tradition as a married couple. I went to Victoria to see Aaron during his residency at Royal Roads and sprung a surprise on him... When he was a kid, his family would go out and find a tree, and dig it up so after using it as a Christmas tree they could plant it. Well I certainly wasn't digging up a tree so took Aaron to do the next best thing, I took him to a nursery so we could buy a potted tree and plant it in our yard (eventually).
We picked out a beautiful spruce tree, and the guys at the nursery managed to cram it into the back of my car.
I made popcorn garland like I did when I was a kid. Note Ilo hibernating on the couch;)
Koloa enjoying the view...
I often find Christmas a challenging time of year. I get more reflective at the end of the year and Christmas is often a reminder of those we have lost and miss dearly. I really struggle with the commercialization of the season, and I am in no way religious so for me it's really about spending time with those I love and cherish, and enjoying some delicious food!
This year we stuck with the tradition of Christmas dinner at my Dad & Elizabeth's. Ray, Nicole, Kane and Kole came over for dinner and opening presents. My Dad made a phenomenal turkey spread as always:)
The boys were very patient, as it was so nice to hear them say how lucky they are.
I got my nephews UVic hoodies. I hope for them to aspire to go to University, and hey why not where their Auntie goes to school?
Uncle Aaron and the boys built a fabulous gingerbread house.
Auntie Tasha did the Christmas crossword with the boys.
It was a lovely evening, and I always enjoy every moment I get with my family, especially the boys.
We spent Christmas day with my Mom. Ray and the boys beat us there. The boys opened their gift from Gran.
And Gran opened her gifts.
Kane, Gran, & Kole
Aaron, Mom, & me
Showing Mom the calendar I had made of our wedding photos.
Watching the Grinch with Mom.
Getting ready for our feast, I did Mom's hair...
And makeup...
April and Keiarah stopped by for a visit.
And then it was time for our Chinese food feast!
I am so grateful to have shared this Christmas Day with my Mom. Time with her is so precious and I never take it for granted.
So tonight marks the end of 2014 and 12 years Aaron and I have been together. This year has passed by in the blink of an eye more so than any year I remember. Unfortunately, we experienced more loss, but it was also a year of growth and celebration. Aaron and I both started Master degrees, and have been trying our best to find some sense of balance in our lives (and kind of failing at it;). Aaron and I declared our love for one another in front of those closest to us, and it was truly a celebration that reflected our deep love for one another. With high highs and low lows, all and all it has been a very eventful and momentous year.
This week I returned to healthy eating as I found myself starting to feel crappy again, and I have already noticed a difference in just a few days how much happier my tummy is. My hope for this year is to spend less time traveling and running around, and more time at home. I am in need of a slower pace and some tranquility, which makes me look forward to spending the spring and summer in our backyard. I plan to have my Masters degree completed by the end of July, which is timely as we will be off to England to celebrate another wedding in August. My Grams an I also intend to make a trip to Grandforks at the end of summer. I plan to connect with my Doukhobor roots, and Grams wants to get peaches. I have a strong sense this year will have some exciting adventures and new beginnings that will bring joy and excitement.
I wish you all love, peace and joy for the upcoming year, and may we cross paths in 2015!
