Christmas Tradition

I love traditions and since Christmas is full of them, I was excited to create a special one for just Hubby and I.  We have shared a home together (or apartment!) since 2007 and from that first year, I have made an ornament to remember that year.  Here's our history -

~2007~  

Poison Ivy  

(We got a horrible case of poison ivy from this tree! Horrible!)

~2008~  

Engaged

~2009~  

Mr. and Mrs.

~2010~  

First House

~2011~  

Still in Love

~2012~ 

Remy

I realize we're well past Christmas, but this post is still timely since the picture was taken when we removed our Christmas tree - three days ago.  How long do you keep your tree up?  What traditions do you have?

January

January tends to be a slow month, mostly because the excitement of the holidays has come to an end.  Here's a summary of the month so far:

- The weather has fluctuated from single digits to nearly 50 degrees.  We're bundling up now with the frosty weather.  Less than two weeks ago, I was thinking of preparing my gardens for spring!

- Remy has learned the boundaries of his invisible fence and has enjoyed the new freedom.  Unfortunately, the boxers in our backyard are a huge annoyance because of their ceaseless barking and Remy's all to willing, unending replies.  A privacy fence and/or bark collar are at the top of my wish list.

- Connor and Ceilee visited for a few days and it was a bit of a three-ring circus at times.  I loved it, but I'm not sure we're ready to add a second dog to our brood just yet!

- Hubby's birthday came and went while I was away on a business trip.  We're still trying to find a time to get together with family to celebrate officially!

- Our Christmas tree remains in place and lit nearly all the time.  I'm ready for it to come down, but Hubby's keen on keeping it up a bit longer.

- The boys are still dealing with Remy.  They hate him, but will tolerate his presence for the most part.  I'm sad they're stuck under the bed or up on furniture to get away from him.  Hopefully we'll spend some more time outside when the spring weather comes.

- I'm trying to shed a few pounds by committing to exercise with Remy in workouts that will benefit me, not just him!  I never stopped exercising since we got him last year, but his exercise needs went beyond my hour-long walks.  I've decided they will have to do for now, until there is more time in the day for a walk and something more for him, such as a bike ride or trip to the dog park.

- Hubby's planning to get a gym membership with hopes of getting in shape for kayaking this year.  I'm excited for him to get back to a hobby that he loves.  It will mean I have more to worry about, but I think it will be worth it!

- Remy's birthday is coming up at the end of the month.  I can't believe he's been with us for almost a year now!

- I completed a full year of digital scrapbooking for 2012.  It was my first experience with the digital scrapbook and although it doesn't compare to the paper scrapbook, it was the best option for me to catch up on the three years that I'm behind.  I will now concentrate on my wedding scrapbook and 2009-2010.  I have a few months in 2011 to complete as well.

- I think my first sewing project of 2013 will be a fabric dog collar for Remy's invisible fence unit.  I've had no success finding a collar that I like, so I will create one myself.  It's supposed to be a very easy project once you figure out how to put it together.  

- I'm considering a nice wall hanger for my quilt.  It's been a year since I've looked at it.  I had hoped to use it on our bed, but we have a rowdy, rugged four-legged dog that decided our bed belonged to him.  :-(

Christmas

On the weekend before Christmas, my parents invited Hubby's and Thom's parents over for dinner.  We enjoyed a lovely meal just after Melisa and Thom announced they were pregnant!  It was such an exciting announcement that they shared by wrapping children's book for each of us to open.  The baby is due in July and the entire family is giddy!  (Some more than others, perhaps!)

This was our Christmas card this year.  Remy lets us do whatever we want - and I love it :)  I think the cats are very happy that I have someone else to torture and dress up in crazy outfits!

On Christmas morning, Hubby and I unwrapped our gifts for each other (and Remy).  Turns out that this year, Remy had the biggest pile...of squeaky toys.  He had quite a blast going from one to the other.  Hubby and I gifted a shopping date for each other.  We're in need of dressy clothes and a suit for Hubby , so we will spend a day together finding the perfect outfit for each other.  Everyone's asking where we'll go, all dolled up.  Who knows?  :)

On Christmas day, everyone spent the day at Mom and Dad's unwrapping the gifts we shared with each other.  The dogs had fun, but they primarily enjoyed a warm spot next to the fireplace.  I was right there with them most of the time!  Nothing beats the crackle of a real wood fire burning on a cold, winter day.

Ceilee was dressed in a Santa outfit and although we thought she was fine with it, we realized that she wasn't really a fan when she was running around and wagging her tail after the darn thing came off!  Guess we ruined her Christmas!

We made our first attempt at Skype with Grandma Rosemary.  It was an experience, as most things are when it comes to technology and Grandma Rosemary.  But, I think it was a hit, especially when she got to see Brian, who hasn't been out to visit in quite awhile, and hear the announcement from Melisa and Thom.

We enjoyed a snowy Christmas this year, with a thin coating of snow on Christmas Eve, followed by several inches on the 26th.  Brian, Dad and I extended our vacations due to the travel conditions. 

Dog Poses

"A house is not a home until it has a dog."

Gerald Durrell

(c) Danielle Vennard, Photographer