Merry Christmas!

We are so exited about spending our first Christmas in our new home! I was so excited about decorating my mantel this year. I know it sounds funny, but I have always dreamed about having a mantel and hanging stockings from it at Christmas time. Although it took a little tweeking, it looks great!

A few weekends ago,we went to my aunts cottage on Howe Island to cut down our Christmas tree this year. It was a VERY wet adventure

but we found what we thought was "the one" to take home. When we arrived home, we almost could not get the tree in the house...yikes!!! It's a little on the "plump" side! After a bit of a struggle its in and decorated.

The season has been busy with Christmas concerts and Christmas Sharing at the school, house parties with friends and family, my little nephews 1st birthday and Shelyn's 10th birthday! Yes... I said 10! I'm having a hard time swallowing that as well. Where oh where did this 10 year old come from? Shelyn is so excited to be a "tween" on Christmas eve. She is still our sweet little , kind hearted girl who still has a great passion for all things with fur! Shea likes to make almost weekly trips to the Humane Society to walk the dogs, pet the cats and talk with the other creatures. This year for her birthday she asked all of her friends to bring a donation for the Humane Society. Her Friends were very generous and Shelyn was able to donated a large variety of treats , toys and food to the shelter. Shelyn has taken a break from riding this winter and is enjoying her hockey in Stirling. She has become friends with a few girls her age and loving the game.

Carson has been a busy little man with his hockey career this season. Rep hockey takes you to many different towns meeting many different people along the way. We had the pleasure of taking part in a hockey tourney in late November in Haliburton On. What a beautiful area! Carson's team won the C championships.

Carson has got two goals and many assists this season. He is really a hard working little player. He does not let his size hold him back from getting into the corners and struggling for that puck! We are so proud of his determination and love for the sport. Next week we are heading to Hespler ON(near Kitchener ) for a four day tournament. ROLL BLUES ROLL!!!

Rene and I are both well. Although we both love the Christmas season, we are looking forward to January when we can possibly get a weekend away just the two of us for some much needed R&R.

Rene is growing hair.. yes.. hair... for a new assignment at work. He has not had hair on his head for over 15 years. It's kind of funny to roll over and see a man beside me with hair!!LOL

That's all for me!

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and the very best in the New Year!

The Aubertins!

WELCOME to our new home!

We are in and loving it! It has been a long journey starting from the day Rene and I bought our first home together 9 years ago. Our first home was to be our 5 year plan home. Meaning , the plan was to sell in 5 years from the date we moved in and build our "forever"home. So it took a few more years but it all happened for a reason and we are THRILLED with the way things fell into place.

Still trying to unpack boxes and I'm realizing there is so much that we actually could live without! My goal is to try and simplify my life as easily as I can and unpacking boxes full of "stuff"that has no meaning is the first place to start.

We can't say enough about our Builder "Duvanco Homes". Sorry if I'm repeating myself but we are truly pleased with the Team at Duvanco and deeply appreciate their assistance along the way. I think I have a crush on them...ha ha !!

The kids are settling into their new surroundings. Carson had a rough few nights from the start but all is well now.

(i will post pictures of the bedrooms and bathrooms but they were a mess at the time I took the others)

We live on a dead end road so the kids are having great fun with their new found freedom of riding their bikes and going for walks independently.

We have met a few neighbors and everyone seems to be very friendly. They most likely have seen too much of us Aubertins in the last few weeks because we do not have any window coverings on yet..tee hee hee!

The wheels are turning already on how to decorate for Christmas. Trying my best to put my creativity to work and decorate the most economical way this year.. will see how that goes.

Thanks for checking in and stop by anytime. The kettle is always on!

enjoy the tour...

front foyer

the painter is coming back to paint the front door a deep brick red.. I can't wait!

front foyer with the kids closet and our closet...love this!!

the view from the top of the stairs...excuse the dirty floor

LOVE...LOVE...LOVE my walk in pantry! The kids do as well, it's a new hiding spot!

on the hunt for new end tables and a coffee table , this one is the wrong color and way too small!

SOLD!!!!!!

We are so excited that our house is finally off the market. We actually pulled it from the realtor and decided to sell it privately. We were fortunate to know someone who knew someone and it all worked out! We are so Happy that this family will enjoy many year of memories in this home just as we have.

Now I can officially share some pictures of our new build. I 'm a little superstitious so i didnt'want to share them until the papers were signed, although I have already taken some Friends through the house..LOL

We move in two week...YIKES!!! Which means I really should be packing and not on the computer ... dont'tell Rene!!

We LOVE our new house and can't wait to get in it!

We still can't say enough about our builder

www.duvancohomes.com

They have been amazing ever step of the way!

We were able to change up the design of the house a little bit to suit our lifestyle!

It's not a mansion... but it's our Mansion!

I will posted more pictures of the completed house when I have a chance!

I was blog shopping again and check out what I found!



http://www.allthingsthrifty.com/


I {heart} this blog! It's chalk full of inspiration for home decor projects "thrifty style"! Chekc out the before and after pics.I love when people think outside of the box and are not afraid to try fun and interesting things. My lsit is getting larger and larger at the little projects I can't wait to try!

their going back...

Tomorrow will mark the end of the first week back to school. Shelyn is in grade 5 and Carson grade 2...YIKES!! This is very hard to swallow! grade 5.. really??? Shelyn was really looking forward to school but Carson on the other hand was not. Usually Carson doesn't really have any comment when it comes to school. As long as he can still play mini sticks, he's happy! This year was different! He told us he didn't want to go back because he had the "meanest" teacher in the WORLD! Wow, such a powerful statment but so far so good!

I love when September rolls around. Not only because its my birthday month but because it brings the return of routine. Although we enjoy our summer vacations , swimming in pools, BBQ's and all summer has to offer, there is something about routine that brings me comfort!

This past weekend Rene and I headed to the wedding of my cousin Adam and his beautiful wife Guilia. The wedding took place at Casa-Dea Winery in Wellington, On.

it was a beautiful day and beautiful wedding.

Unfortunately I didn't have much of a chance to take many pictures but managed to snap a few. Still can't believe I didn't get one of the bride and groom together or Rene and I . i will have to hijack some from my mom shortly.

This is my Cousin Adam's family

My mom and her five sisters

Diane, Mom (Rosanne), Sharon, Carol, Jeanie, Donna

My mom with all of her siblings

six girls, two boys



A off centered picture of my family.
Cat, Shaun, Mom , Dad , Rene and Me!

Again this year we were very fortunate to get an invitation to our friends , The Closs families cottage in Bobcaygeon, On.

We always have a great time when our families get together and this year was no exception!

Boating, tubing, swimming, jumping on the water trampoline, baseball games, a trip to the local pioneer village , great food and great company!

Thanks guys!

Well ball season is over, hard to believe how fast it goes. This year Carson made the Belleville Bandits Jr. Mites rep team. We were so proud of our little monkey for trying his best all season. There were touch and go moments, i must admit! it was hard for Carson to adjust at first. Being one of the youngest on the team and having some boys in their second year was a bit of a change for Carson. And did I mention it was fast ball? Man, some of those pitchers could throw a mean pitch. Despite the ups and down, the season was great! The team really played well. They won 1st place in their division and placed second in Regionals. Not to shabby!!!

We met some wonderful families and shared many laughs together. Aside from seeing my children have so much fun in sports, meeting new families has to be my favorite!

Thank you to Mike, Woody(Brent), Andrew and Dan for their wonderful coaching abilities and being such positive role models for the boys!

(Carson is forth from the right on the bottom, holding the bat)

I found this quote by Walt Disney that really speaks to me!

It's funny when you read quote's, sometimes they mean nothing but for some reason , this quote really grabbed me today!

Maybe it's because I am one who enjoys taking new paths in life, or may be because my life is taking a few new paths at this moment?

Whatever the reason may be,

I am truly listening to a man who's life's path

I'm sure took him to places he never imagined

and who's empire today is remarkable!!!

catch-up

FOR SALE!!!!!!

Well, our house selling process has been a roller coaster ride that we are still on! We had an offer on our house the second week it was on the market. The buyers finances fell through after giving him two months to figure it out..GRRR!!!!

We had another offer come in last week but we declined it as it wasn't even close to our bottom line!

Many people through and many people saying the love the house but I guess not the perfect buyer yet.

This process has taught us patience and perseverance! We are so eager to get into our dream home which is coming along nicely.

We are building with Duvanco Homes . They have been FANTASTIC to work with. Dustin and his team are wonderful and really are working for us!

We can't say enough about this builder and feel very good about choosing DUVANCO HOMES to build our dream home!

www.duvancohomes.com

I will be posting pictures soon of our new house but i'm a little apprehensive as our house is not sold yet! :(

Rene just returned from a five day vacation to Las Vegas with his brothers dad and a few other friends. There trip was to celebrate Rene's brother Chris 's Bachelor party.

I know.. have you seen the movie "Hanghover"?? This was the thought that went through my head as well!

I'm happy to report they all arrived home safe and sound!

Rene was such a sweetie to bring us home some treats. Even something a little sparkly for me!!!

I love this man!

CANADA DAY
2010

HOWE ISLAND

Another beautiful Canada Day !

Unfortunately Shelyn and Rene were not able to join us this year but Carson and I headed to my aunt and uncles cottage on Howe Island!

I'm sure you have heard me mention Howe Island many times before.

We LOVE our trips to the island!

Mataya and Carson Celebrating our countries birthday!




A TRIP TO CAMBELLFORD

For those of you who know Rene and I well, you know we have a strong love for CHOCOLATE!!

YUM!!!!

We are lucky to live very close to a Chocolate Factory in Cambellford, ON.

We grabbed our cooler one Sunday afternoon and headed out to the Factory.

We actually grabbed a pizza first and had a picnic in the park on the Trent River.

it was a great little spot to enjoy some live music and watch some beautiful boats (yachts) travel down the river.

I love family afternoons!

I came across this adorable picture of Shelyn and Carson in July 2006. Carson is three and Shelyn is five!
It was our first camping trip to Bon Echo with our friends The Closs family.
We have been going to Bon Echo as a family ever year since!

This pictures sure puts a smile on my face!

Life update...

So much time has past since my last blog entry . Here is a snapshot of what the "Aubertins"have been up to in the past four months...

We are building our dream home...

To say we are excited is a very LARGE understatement!!!

The perfect lot in a perfect little country subdivision only 7 minutes from where we live now. If all goes well, we will be in out new home by the end of September.

They just started digging last week. We are so excited to see the step -by-step progress of our home. The foundation should be poured this week and Rene and I have a meeting with the designer on Thursday...{butterflies} ...

This past week , we scooted away to Horseshoe Valley Resort, North West of Barrie,for a little four day vacation with just the four of us!

I have been going here for the past 18 year..holy crap... has it been that long???

It's so wonderful that I can now bring my children!

We always try to get an afternoon in at Wasaga Beach, if the weather Cooperates!

It was an over cast day be we made the best of it!

At the top of Blue Mountain, Collingwood

Lunch on the patio

Our little monkey!

Carson and Rene took in a round of golf (9 holes)

Carson was given a set of children's sizes "real"golf clubs last year from a family friend.

This was the first time he actually played a real round of golf at Horseshoe Valley. he was thrilled!

They played 9 holes and Carson shot a 72

Way to Go little man!!!

We enjoyed lots of swimming and time in the hot tub

In April, Rene and I "jet setted"to Las Vegas Navada for a 6 day vacation, just the two of us!

We had a great time! There is so much to see and do in the "city that never sleeps". We enjoyed a few shows, a night helicopter ride over the "strip" a trip to the Hoover Damn and just some plain old "together time".

Would love to go back again soon. Maybe this time with a few friends in tow!

We took over 300 picture and I couldn't possibly include them all here but I did include a few for you to enjoy!

The Gondola rides in the Venitian

The Hoover Damn

We now have a "Track Star"in the family and her name is Shelyn!

In grade four, you are able to try out for all kinds of sports teams. Shelyn had a desire to be part of the track team. With her successful Cross country season she felt she could handle the new challenge of Track .

Well, handle it she did! The first track event was Relay. The girls did wonderful and I think they finished 5th in the entire county area!

Now she is running track (400m, 800m and 1500m) Two weeks ago she placed first in the ASG (all schools groups) 800m, second in 400m and opted out of the 1500 m because it was a scorching hot day!

Next Tuesday is the district meet and we can't wait to cheer on our little star!

This is Rene's new toy!