365

Last year I decided to be part of a 365, a photo a day project. I'm the only one I know that actually finished it to the end! It was a commitment for sure, and I don't judge the people that couldn't follow it through. I had a hard time especially in December, to stay on top of it. It isn't easy and requires a lot of time, not just taking the pictures, but the process of uploading, editing and choosing. What did I learn through the project? 1. I definitely prefer to shoot close up flowers and faces.

2. The more I know about my camera, the more I don't know. 3. Going manual gives you a lot more play with the photos, and helps them to stand out from any other generic photo. 4. It is hard to take photos in those dull months of the year where the weather is crap.

5. Taking that many photos results in a very full hard drive! 6. I am glad this is a hobby and not a job. 7. When you look at the album as a whole, you realize how much goes on in one year, the changes in looks (esp. the babies) and the changes in nature.

8. Sometimes simple things like a badminton net, a pendant or asparagus can make for a cool picture.

9. It helps to get at different angles to have your pictures look totally different. I went up above, down to the carpet, straight on, sideways, you name it.

10. You have to be in the right mood to take pictures, and sometimes forcing yourself to get that picture taken for the day just doesn't work. However, it was a good challenge to try to find something beautiful and try to present it artistically. There is always something when you look for it.

I am glad to be done and will take the next year off for sure! Greg bought me an even fancier camera which I now need to get to know. Thank you to all my faithful followers and people who would comment. It definitely helped to feel accountable to my facebook friends so I actually got something posted daily.

Eleven

The biggest of my boys is now eleven!!! I had so much fun watching him over the Christmas break as he played with his cousins, enjoyed his presents and glided down the ski hill on his board. That boy, he's growing up. He got to open some presents with the Davidson crew on the eve of his birthday. Then on his actual birthday, it was Sunday, so we went to church. Afterwards they were holding a "winter picnic" so we stayed for hotdogs and games and brought his cake there to enjoy with 30 of his church friends. After that party, he went with Greg to the big annual Davidson dinner at G's aunts. There was sledding behind a quad and much more fun to be had. Then his cousin Claire was picked up for a sleepover and they got to go up to Silver Star again to board again for the day! Lucky kid! I think he has had a wonderful birthday week.

Shea has been coughing up a storm (still) and if I think of it, he has been on/off sick for over a month. I am getting nervous with my job approaching as I will no longer be able to just keep him home. I've tried to keep him at home whenever possible over the holidays, and get him to bed on time, but nothing is really working. I guess it's just that time of his life where he has to build up his immunity. We've all been tired because all three boys are up coughing in the night. At least he's not feverish like last month, but it's still very exhausting for all of us. I'm hoping on this last week of holiday, that it will work its way out of his system so he won't catch the next bug lurking at the school! Since Shea and I skipped out on the Davidson party last night, I got started on the huge process of after-Christmas un-decorating, laundry, cleaning and sorting. I still have a ways to go, but this week should be enough time to get myself organized before crazy working/school schedules are back into play. I hope you're all enjoying this Christmas "break" and staying healthy!

Davidson Christmas

Every Christmas we celebrate with either G's family or mine. This year was the Davidson year. We were able to stay home this year and host the party at our place! We had a great time. Every minute is busy when there are 7 kids around, but everyone did well and had fun together. All the families took their turn to make meals and help me with clean up and it all went rather smoothly.

Here is my lovely in-law family... G's brother Glen and his girls...

G's sister Heather and her boys...

Greg himself with our crew...

And G's sweet parents who took us out on this lovely sleigh ride...

Thanks for everything, Davidson crew....and Happy New Year everyone!!

workin' it.

Would you believe that I had a big ol' interview at the hospital yesterday!? My first interview in over a decade. To say I was nervous is an understatement! I was interviewed by two ladies who were more than forgiving of my mom-brain though, thank goodness! I applied for a full time temporary (mat leave) position in the rehab. therapy department. Full time! I would never have applied if it wasn't a temporary thing. I view it as free training course back into the workforce. It would be a jump into the deep end of my field and I'd hopefully not drown, but it would pick me up to speed again. Then once the seven month position would end, I could fill in as a casual, or PT position as I saw fit. I doubt FT will be easy, and I'll also need to pay for childcare after school and on pro D days. That said, I think it would be worthwhile, so ahead I went with the interview process and with a little urging by my friend who is a physio there. EEk! My mind has been full to the brim thinking through all the scenarios of being a full time mom and employee. Of balancing it all and not having time to do the things I've been able to lately. How tired will I be? How confident will I be on the job? What will it be like to earn my own money? How will my kids do in childcare? What will I do with the kids during spring and summer breaks? I am a little stressed out, but trying to rely on God to give clear direction...ie. if I'm accepted for the position, that it's meant-to-be! Definitely a new chapter. Then this morning I got the call (the day after the interview) that I GOT THE JOB!! I was accepted and start on January 7th!! I am squealing over here in excitement and yet also very nervous!! I really am in awe that despite my lack of experience, that I was hired! I really thought my "career" days were over at this point, and if I had hopes of a "real" job, that I'd have to go back to school. I really view this as a gift and a super opportunity that was handed to me. So I feel blessed and honored and hope I can live up to my potential.

Another birthday has come and gone. For the first time ever, we didn't have a big party at my place with all the kiddos, but had a quiet fondue at my parents with my bro and his wife. The kids slept over at the inlaws and so we had a super quiet sleep-in the next day. That night, we went out for dinner with our kids to my fav Mexican place and had cake at my inlaws. The boys have been taking turns being sick with fevers and colds, so it has been pretty mellow around here. But I had a wonderful birthday, and was spoiled rotten. Thanks for all the sweet comments on Facebook, cards and presents in the mail. I've been trying my hardest to make more things than usual for Christmas. I can't say too much on here, or I'll give away all my secrets to my family! but it is keeping me busy. I think it takes much more time and energy to make something, but hopefully that'll make it special! The bigger boys do know that I knit them each a pair of slippers, and they were so excited. I think it's precious. Just over 3 weeks til Christmas!!?!