I Promised

One thing that I will never do with Arabella is break a promise no matter how small or trivial. For the life of me I still can't figure out why the malls, both indoor and outdoor, in Florida have these little trains that drive around the mall. Other than making money (it cost $6 for both of us - totally insane for maybe a 10 minute ride), it makes it pretty hard to get in and get out, which is what I have to do when I shop with Arabella. I am so focused and really don't get to window shop anymore. So when she spotted the train one day as we were leaving, I promised her we would go back. She did have a pretty big meltdown, but she was overdue for a nap and she loves to ride the train here at home when we take it into Montreal. So one day when everyone else was working, Arabella, Uncle Mike and I went back to the mall so she could ride the train. As much as it is a money making racket, Arabella had a lot of fun and the smile on her face is priceless.

Making Juice

While we were in Florida, we got to enjoy fresh squeezed orange juice. There is nothing like it...especially when I was fighting a cold while we were there. We are so lucky that we got to enjoy such a healthy and fresh treat. Making juice with Grammie was one of Arabella's favorite things to do on this visit. Grammie would bring over bags of oranges and the juicer to Uncle Mike's and Arabella would get right to work. All we had to do was show her what to do once and then she was the officially juice maker. Thanks for making such good juice Arabella!

Snow Much Weekend Fun

We have been adjusting to being back in the cold and figured that the best way to do it was to get out and enjoy some fresh air this weekend. Yesterday, we took Arabella to the park in her wagon that Auntie Lori got her for Christmas. She loved riding in it and it was an easy way to get her down the snow covered street. She also had a lot of fun playing at the playground and we all enjoyed the time outside together. Then it started snowing again this afternoon. I am actually really hoping we start to get a lot of snow again like we did in the beginning of December. Anyway, Arabella was full of energy so before we got her ready for bed, we suited her up and took her for a walk out in the falling snow. It was really nice, she had fun and the cool, fresh, clean air was so refreshing. I think it did Arabella some good too, because it didn't take her too long to fall into dream land.

Thursday's Thoughts

Hearing: Only the tapping of my fingers on the keyboard in an otherwise silent house.

Tasting: Nothing at the moment...but I do need to get back on my raw food regimen...I am feeling the effects of not following my normal diet and I am starting to feel YUCKY!

Seeing: The setting sun and realizing that it is only 4 in the afternoon...a serious wake-up call that we are back in the Great White North and not sunny Florida anymore.

Smelling: A Yankee Candle in Christmas Cookie. Time to break out the other candles that are fresh and clean - the right way to start off the new year.

Feeling: Happy to be home, but missing my Mom, Mike, Jeff and the rest of the gang in Florida. But all good things must come to an end and we need to get back on our schedule!

Happy New Year

It is hard to believe that 2010 has come to a close and we are now into 2011! Time sure does fly when you are having fun. We we did have a lot of fun in 2010! And we are already having tons of fun in 2011 - today we went to the beach. Yes, you read that right, it is a perfect, sunny, and warm day here in Florida so we decided to spend a few hours at the beach. Arabella loved running in the sand, building sand castles with Uncle Mike and looking for shells with Grammie. I was amazed at all the people who were at the beach, but when the temperature in is in the mid-70's on January 1st, who wouldn't want to spend some time at the beach? It did get a little windy and chilly when the tides changed, so we had to cut our visit shorter than we would have liked, but it was still worth the trip out.
I hope that everyone has a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year filled with family, friends and love!

Fabulous Find

My friend and fellow ex-pat Carrie has been raving about Cupcake Wine. I thought that they only made white wine so when I saw a whole selection of both red and white on the shelves at Publix, I was super happy! It was a hard decision to pick one just one to try. After much deliberation, I decided on the Red Velvet and I am very happy that I did. It was smooth, warm and fruity. The prefect wine for Christmas Eve dinner. I can't wait to try another one and I will be bringing a bottle (or two) back to Canada with me this time. And I am thinking that when I make my next car trip back to the States, I will be picking up a case of it! Maybe the Hot Hudson Housewives will have a Cupcake Tasting Party...

Thursday's Thoughts

Hearing: The Curious George theme song and then Arabella asking me to "Help her dance". She is so sweet, I love you Little Bean!

Tasting: Fresh brewed coffee, (thanks to Uncle Mike) with Italian Sweet Cream Coffeemate, so yummy first thing in the morning!

Seeing: The beautiful orange Florida sunshine rising in the sky - I sure hope it warms us up nice today. I want to wear my flip flops more than once on this vacation!

Smelling: Not too much - I have had a beauty of a cold and my nose is still stuffy. I hate colds and most of all when you are on vacation.

Feeling: Thankful for my family and the time that we have been able to spend with them this Christmas. And also very happy and excited for Uncle Mike and Uncle Jeff and their upcoming move to Boston - now they will be only 6 hours away for a visit!

(Photo taken from http://www.iaes.org/conferences/future/boston_68/city_info/index.htm)