Another month of silence and a new year has been ushered in!!!  Things have been so crazy here, but I am also excited because after probably 3 months of no internet capabilities on my regular computer, it is fixed.  Which hopefully will mean easier for me to download and post pictures!

The boys went back to school on the 2nd!  We have a lot of activity for Christmas!  JR's cousin and her family were here for 12 days.  They did not stay with us, but we saw them every day but one.  It was his cousin, her husband, their 2 daughters (aged 14 and 15) and then a step brother, who is early 30s.  These are the same cousins that came to visit over the summer.  The reason they came to visit in the winter, is because they wanted to experience the cold and see if it is something they could handle permanently.  And  guess what, they loved it and are making preparations to move here this summer!!  They would live in our community and the girls would go to school with Benjamin.  They are a lot of fun.  My mom and niece got to hang out with them too!

My mom was here for 5 days.  We spent lots of time hanging around the house and playing games.  Christmas Eve was spent at the cousin's place...lots of food and music.  Then Christmas day we were at our house.  We had our annual scavenger hunt before opening gifts and then spent the rest of the day eating and playing games.  I am glad to say that I don't even think the tv was on during my mom's visit. 

We have been on a screen free kick lately.  I took away the gaming system early November and then removed the tv (so no movies) a few weeks before Christmas.  And you know what...everyone survived!  Joseph even said recently that he has enjoyed the break and the older two have not had a huge desire to play the PS4.  It has been nice seeing them playing board games, inside football, building things with their hands, etc.  I was always quick to point out to them how none of those things would have happened if screen was an option.  Jacob and Ben both alluded to the fact that it was nice not having the arguments that often ensued with the gaming system.

With the exception of a few cold, cold days, the winter has been mild.  Temperatures for early January have been above freezing, which is very unusual.

I have been allowed back to unlimited status with work!  Very excited for the boys to earn some money and for us to get more money in the bank.  I am still watching the housing market and just praying for contentment until we get more space!

JR has been busy at work!  He had lots of clients in town over the holidays.  He even picked up a new client and is in negotiations with another potential client.

Jacob continues with basketball and Joseph starts snow boarding lessons tomorrow!

Pictures are coming very soon!!