Always be a Viking...

Well, it's that time of year again - Happy New Year! This past year, in an attempt to live simply, we gave up everything that didn't bring us joy. We donated bags of stuff from around the house, and gave up on family photos. We even left our kids, but they found us.

No matter what 2018 throws your way, embrace it with the courage of a Viking. Maybe just keep the pillaging and plundering part to a minimum. Much love to you all. xx

The Lady Gaga...

Well, I must say that I have an official crush on Lady Gaga! Although I'm pretty sure my entire family does. She is nothing short of incredible...her music, her voice, her messages of love and kindness and acceptance, her energy, her presence...she may just have it all.

Here are some highlights of our recent family trip to Denver, Colorado to see the lovely Lady Gaga in concert. All told, it was 28 hours in the van together, all crammed into 3 days, but even that did little to wear off our Gaga Glow. And it took a little digging to find these video clips from 7 years ago, but I knew I had them somewhere. Here's Peanut and Jack grooving to Gaga's Bad Romance when Jack was 4 and Isla was 1. (it always had to be that one song, and heaven forbid, never Katy Perry).

Family shot, waiting for the concert to start! Shortly prior to being told we were in the wrong seats...I didn't pack my glasses. That, and our actual seats were much better.

Mommy and her biggest monster...I mean oldest...no wait...the first one worked just as well.  

You know the world may be ending when your best photo as a couple is taken by your 6-year old...thanks Jimmy! Icing on the cake is Jack's hand reaching out from being the pillar.

Put your paws up, Little Monsters! We were all SO excited!!!

Me and my best gal...

The incredible Lady Gaga...

Her final walk off the stage...

Mommy and her Littlest Monster...

And lastly, I've compiled some video highlights of the concert for you...there were so many, but here are some of our favourites. And of course, the last song of the concert was Bad Romance, and the crowd went nuts. Crank it up and enjoy. xx

Elf on the Shelf...

Tomorrow they return...those nasty cute little beasts. The good news is that Jack has now assumed elf-on-the shelf duties. The bad news? He goes out of his way to make Jimmy laugh...Exhibit A below. Sam Cooper breast-feeding on my poor statue, Holly's hands taped over her eyes, and Ham peeping over from the lamp.

I wept. Likely Jesus did, too.