Goodbye 2010 - Hello 2011

Goodbye 2010 -- what a year it has been!!

The year started with me in the middle of my first year back in the classroom and dad on a road to recovery, the year had a few bumps in the middle and the year seems to be ending with a bang.  I can honestly say as I reflect back on the year that I have learned a lot about myself and others.

My goals for 2011 are simple -- to continue to stop and take time to enjoy and to take time for God and teach Vince and Bekah more.  Seems simple and reachable.

I look forward to a new year, a new beginning, and new adventures. 

Here’s to a fantastic 2011!

So Happy!

After three days of a quiet house, things are back to normal... and I must admit I much prefer it like this!  Bekah is officially passed out on the couch and Vince is almost there after an hour of hard-core playtime.

Not too much to say today, just wanted to express how much joy I feel.

Good times, good times!

Christmas 2010

Christmas is one of the best times of the year... and here is my list why:

1. Its the "birthday" of Jesus!  I found out yesterday that a friend of mine celebrates Christmas with Pizza and Birthday Cake -- what a great idea!  While I am aware that there is a bit more importance than just celebrating a birthday, I was thrilled that this year Vincent really understands more than just Santa Clause.
2. The food is great -- and you get to share it with family and friends.  Christmas is a great excuse to indulge in all the sinful foods.  And, I love the fact that my family had a "Feliz Navidad" (Mexican) Christmas Eve and then had Corned-Beef Hash on Christmas day. So non-traditional, but sooooooo good.  And, of course, there were tons of cookies and desserts.
3. Family and Friends.  Christmas just gives us all an excuse to party together.  Some folks I haven't seen for 364 days, others I see too much!  For us it also means we get to have Granny stay with us for a few days... something that my Vincent really looks forward to (and I think she does too).
4. The decorations are fantastic.  Nothing beats a house filled with a Christmas tree, ceramic villages, lights and garland... among other things.
5. The weather.  Of course I love the snow... I live in NE Ohio!  And, its as if someone above knows that it HAS to snow on Christmas Eve.  This year there was just enough to have to shovel a path to the front door for visitors.  LOVE IT!!
6. The movies and Christmas specials on TV. Who does not love A Charlie Brown Christmas, Prep and Landing, Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, A Christmas Story,  The Santa Claus, Santa Buddies... the list is endless!
7. Presents.  OK, so it is a bit superficial, but I love giving (and receiving) gifts.  I love the night I sit down with all the kids gifts and wrap... makes me very grateful for what we have.
8. Time to reflect.  Being a teacher, I have a fantastic work schedule.  Having the week off after Christmas is one of the best perks.  It allows me to spend some extra time with family and friends.  I cry a lot this week... not because I am sad, but because I am so grateful for what I have.  This year in particular has been very challenging.  But, as I sit and watch my 2 beautiful children play, I realize how fortunate I really am!  (And knowing I do not have to go back to school until after the New Year is an added bonus!!)

SOME SCENES FROM OUR CHRISTMAS:

Vincent, Santa and Bekah -- he came to deliver a present

to them (and the other Wilson cousins) on Christmas Eve.  

About 5 minutes into the visit (after he opened his present) 

Vince disappeared to look for Santa's sleigh and reindeer.

 At our family White Elephant exchange I ended up 

with a Big-Top Cupcake Maker.  Vince was adamant that

we had to make a big cupcake for Santa, "He's a big guy mom!"

My little Cindy-Lou Who... Bekah being 

adorable on Christmas morning.

Vincent.... and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Vince, Maga and I went with some extended family to see the Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat yesterday at the Weathervane Theater.  It was great!

Even better than the performance were some of the comments Vincent made when we got home.  At dinner, when he was telling Bekah about the show, he referred to Joseph as the boy dancing in his bath towel because his brothers stole his robe!  Then, when I asked his is favorite part, he got up and danced like and Egyptian.  And, of course, Bekah had to do the same.  Wish I had some video of that to post, but some memories are best when you have to actually reflect back in your memory!

I heart Snow Days!

Today Wooster got a snow day.  That never happens... well, almost never!  After a fun morning of playing board games, baking, playing house (Bekah cooked for me and Vincent built me a birdhouse -- so gender-typical!), playing hide and seek, building forts and a trip to Wendy's the kids are out cold.  I love that they still nap.  It allows me to enjoy the awake time more, knowing that at some point their engine is going to stop and I will be able to sit down. The house may be a mess and the dishes are piled high in the sink... but we had a blast this morning and now the kids are sleeping and I get a rest!  :-)

I would be remiss is saying that I also enjoy the time that one is sleeping and the other isn't.  It doesn't happen often, but when it does it is so nice to have the one-on-one time.  Sunday, even though he should have taken a nap, Vincent skipped it to play out in the snow with me.  It was a perfect afternoon to be outside.  Not too windy, not too cold... and a yard full of wet, snowman making snow.  Here is the result:

Here's hoping for another snow day soon!

It has be a wild ride... guess I need to get caught up

School started and life got in the way of updates... but that is no excuse.  After a few months of hiatus, I guess I need to fill in some holes.  So, here is my quick attempt to get caught up with what has been going on in the life of the Breckner children:

VINCENT TURNS FOUR AND BEKAH TURN TWO!
I cannot believe that my babies are a year older.

The best part about having the two of them is they play so well together - most of the time.  My favorite moment of every day is when we sit down and read together.  And, its even better when I catch the two of them getting a head start...

A TRIP TO GRANNY ANNE'S
Speaking of reading, I got a picture of the kids and Granny reading together.  It is one of the pastimes when we make a trek up to Willoughby, since it keeps the kids occupied for about 8 minutes!  Vince knows exactly where to find the book, and Granny always gets to about the same page before Vince bails and leaves her and Bekah to finish the story.

Now to Otto, a big favorite with my kids when Aunt Beth is in town.  Since the trip to the beach this summer they have played "Otto" quite often - one pretends to be the dog and the other repeatedly says "Paw," apparently the only trick they remember Otto doing this summer!

FALL HIKING SPREE
Well, we only did 4 hikes, but we made an attempt to participate in the Metroparks Fall Hiking Spree.  It was a great way to get out on the beautiful fall days we had this year.  Here are two pictures from one that Maga and Papa went on too:

HALLOWEEN
After many costume changes (Batman, Ironman, Bumblebee and DarthVader) and a quick stitch to fix the knee, Vince decided to trick-or-treat as IronMan.  Bekah went as a "Bat-a-rina':

*****

I think that gets us (almost) to the present!  We did so much more then I got pictures of (Boo at the Zoo, Clambakes, parades, visits to family, baking our first homemade cake - just to name a few)  I love making memories with these kids... I am so blessed to have such fantastic children.  Love you guys!!