Winter Wonderland

Here I am in Montreal again. It was a really big trend in October and November, I was here six weeks running. But now, a month later, I am back and there is a foot of snow on the ground! It is absolutely beautiful.

Last night I walked around with a huge smile on my face because the white stuff was falling and covering the buildings. People were in the streets with their Christmas shopping bags, most were not necessarily happy, but there was still some holiday spirit in the air. I really had the most enjoyable walk.

We had some sad news, Nancy's brother passed away December 6th. The day after Thanksgiving Robert, Nancy's 43 year old brother, had a massive heart attack. He never regained conciousness and his brief life ended on the 6th. It was a very difficult time, but it was more so for the immediate family. Please keep his family, his two children and wife, and his sisters and parents, in your prayers. I know that he is at peace now, but it is a little more difficult to come to terms with for the family. I know it sure has given me a new view on my brothers and the need to see them and tell them I love them.

At home, things are still on a whirlwind. JJ is so busy. He is having a hard time keeping up with all of the things that need done at Eagle Eye. I think that he gets frustrated more because he doesn't feel like he is able to give anything his full attention, rather he tries not to miss anything. He does a lot better than he gives himself credit for. I mean neither of us ever, in our wildest dreams, imagined that we would be this far into his professional objectives in such a short time. All good things come with a cost, that cost is time. It seems like JJ could work about 40 hours a day, I mean the quantity justifies it, but ofcourse, it's just not possible, or even desirable. The kids need and want time and JJ wants to be there with them as well. I am no help, because I keep doing my thing and traveling, so I haven't alleviated the burden.

We are all looking forward to our vacation in Guadeloupe. The kids are just amazed that we are going somewhere warm, but they don't seem as awed as we adults are. JJ and I, and the parents, just can't believe that we are going on vacation there for Christmas. We feel like this is fairy tale land and we are going to treat it as such. I am hoping to capture some of the feelings and pictures while we are there because I feel very lucky to be able to go on this vacation with my parents and my family.

Due to the travel arrangements I have scrooged the house and there are almost no decorations in the house, aside from the Nativity. I also have to find the stockings this weekend, so we can hang them in case Santa comes. The kids are bummed that there is no tree, but there has been no whining or complaining about it. They truly seem to understand.

I am sure that everyone is crazy with the holidays, and we are trying to keep up. Don't panic if you have not gotten your Christmas Card yet, I am working on them. Last year, I never got a round to writing them, let alone sending them. This year, half of them are done, and I should be finishing over the weekend.

I am going to miss seeing the Belevenders over the break. I really enjoyed the vacation we were able to take with them last year and I hope that we will be able to plan something together in the future.

Other news, the kids and I are going to France in February. We will be there the same week as my mom, Rita, Suzie and Lucille. I am excited to be going at the same time, I mean that was the point of the whole plan. I hope that they don't feel like I am crowding in on their girls week, I mean having three kids is slightly different than the girls meeting together. I will speak more on this as the details become available. I can't wait to see all my friends in Paris. AnneLaure should be the mother of two by then!

bisous to all