Diamonds and Carolers

Eric and I went to see Blood Diamond last Thursday night after a work Christmas Dinner. I am familiar with the smuggling of diamonds from Sierra Leone to Liberia by the rebels. In 2000 I attended a lecture organized by the Cdn Institute of Int'l Affairs about this subject. The author had written a report on the effect of diamond smuggling on the war in Sierra Leone. After watching the movie, I felt stupid that I hadn't abandoned everyday life and become involved in helping those who have suffered in some way. But, I suppose that if these victims had the chance to raise little ones in peace, they would leap. Anyhow - the movie. Well, I'm not sure whether I can recommend everyone go to see 'Blood Diamond'. I was sobbing through parts of the movie. I have seen documentaries and movies about genocide - seen terrible things, but I felt that if people are enduring these things, I should be able to witness what is happening. If everyone turns their head, it will never end. Maybe I was emotional because I am a mother now and view the world a little differently. The use of child soldiers was the most troubling part for me, I think. These kids grow into adults and will remain broken forever. One interesting point in the movie was when the rebel commander begged for 'the' way to get out of the country - that he had already been in hell long enough. Even the perpetrators were sick of their existence. Bottom-line - the movie was good and worth seeing if it prompts one to be more aware.

On a much lighter note - We had bathed and dressed the kids for bed when a mass of 40 people carrying lanterns came to our door. No, they weren't coming to chase us out of the neighbourhood - they were ... carolers! It was amazing. They filled our driveway and the road.
This picture isn't that great but it was amazing. Lots of fun and Christmas spirit.





Here's also another photo of our nightly routine. I tuck Konrad into his bed and as soon as we're out of sight he sneaks into our bed. Problem is, he doesn't come alone. He brings his bear, puppy, baby, teletubbie, drink, books to read, pillow. He sets himself up completely. So, everyone night I come to bed and find a sweaty little body in it. We move everything back to his bed and repeat the entire procedure the next night. He's so cute when he's sleeping, though, isn't he?

Parties Galore!

Before I get into the parties for little ones, here's a phot of the Jakob family at the Nativity Pageant. That's Konrad on a real live donkey. Both he and Anders loved the sheep, goats and other animals. That's why I go out in the cold to watch the Nativity - the animals!


The first party (for kids) - As payback to Angelina for hanging out with my Konrad so much, I invited she and kids over for dinner. It was a nice evening. Dinner, stories, and dancing! The Putamayo African Playground album is great for some true dancing. Good times.




Second party (for kids) was Konrad's Christmas Party for little boys today. We had a great lunch, watched the Polar Express and made Christmas cards. Our Christmas miracle was - no fights. Five children and no fighting or yelling. Lots of fun playing. Can you imagine? They all sat on the same couch without incident. Miracles.

Damon and Konrad were MIA so I went up to the bedrooms to look for them. They had turned off the light in Anders room (dark, dark room), were both underneath Anders bed and were playing with a flashlight.

Surprise!!! Wicked photos!!!

Thanks Cairine for the great photos. I didn't want to leave anyone out so I've posted a ton of photos. Enjoy!!!

Of Toilets and Popcorn

Firstly - I don't think I'm going to get any Wicked pictures, so - here's the rundown. We all had a great time watching the fabulous show, then we ate great thai food (a first for Lisa). It was great to see family and friends and I think we may do this more often (not difficult since this was the first time). J LW had to hobble around a bit and I'm sure the car ride back to Ottawa was not easy but we made it.

Once back home, I woke up Thursday morning to a blocked-up toilet. Eric was on his way out for a trade show in Montreal lasting until Sunday night so he was not very helpful. I didn't even bother calling in a plumber because I wasn't home during for any length of time (We do have 2 other toilets in the house). Days go by, Eric comes back - we decide to call a plumber. He comes in and spends an hour trying to clear the toilet, takes the toilet off, shakes it around - everything. He tells us we'll have to get a new toilet. Who knew? He came back a day later to install the the new toilet. He smashed the old one to see what the stubborn block was and it was.... a cap for a baby bottle. It was never budging. I wouldn't have believed that one would have to buy new toilets because kids stick things in them but now I know. Now I know that kids have hidden costs.

A week ago, Eric and I went out to dinner and a movie with some friends. Eric was in Montreal but he sat down just in time to eat the steak medallions I'd ordered for him. Nice dinner, other than my friend, AR coughing up a fish bone. Eric got me a big popcorn at the movies (actually, it was a medium but it really was rather large). I enjoyed it for awhile then passed it to Eric or put it down - I can't remember. Later, I looked around for the popcorn to munch on it and it was gone. Not a trace. Someone took my popcorn and ate it. They must have. We looked in the entiresection - no big bag of popcorn. I thought this was pretty funny. Someone wanted popcorn so bad that they snatched it - ok with me because I had eaten my fill and there was LOTS left.

A week has passed since then but I honestly don't remember anything happening. We got cold weather finally. A little severe on Friday. The wind was crazy. We brought the kids to see the Nativity pageant with live animals and a creche display. Very nice. Christmas is around the corner!!!