Monday 29 December 2014

Family

Ah Christmas.  Such a busy, hectic, crazy, money-guzzling...amazing time.  I love Christmas.  It was so nice to be able to spend time with family the last few days.  Christmas eve through to Boxing Day, we spent with my family, and the 27th was my wife's family gathering.  It really hit me (again) this year what a blessing it is to have such a wonderful family on both sides.  It's something that I realize not everyone has.  I know many people who are estranged from their parents, siblings, or children...and I can't imagine what that would be like.  I feel for anyone in that situation, and hope and pray for reconciliation.

The more I think about it, the more I know that I am blessed to have a great family that loves me, who have shared ups and downs with me, with whom I have amazing memories, and who share the same faith and beliefs that I have. And I married into a family that's the exact same way.

If you have such a family, count your blessings this Christmas - and everyday.  We are some of the lucky few.

Friday 12 December 2014

Happy Birthday!!!

Today is a special day in the Maassarany household - it's my son's 2nd birthday!

He was born 12/12/12 (which is pretty cool).  But the past two years have whipped by.  He's talking in full sentences, laughing, being naughty, being great...it's just gone way too fast...

It's amazing how much joy he brings into my life.  You always hear parents say that, and if you're not a parent it can get annoying...yes, I know.  But it's so true.  I come home, see him, and a smile comes from deep down.  When I have to discipline him, I HATE it.  I know I have to and that it's good for him, but it's so hard for me to make my son upset, even when it's for his own good.  I would do anything to keep him safe.  He's my boy.

I know that time flies.  I'm trying to cherish every moment.  Perhaps one of my favourite things right now is how excited he gets when he hears me pull into the driveway.  I open the front door and hear him running down the stairs yelling "Daddy, Daddy!!"  And then a HUGE hug...oh, his hugs are so good.

My boy, happy birthday.  I love you so much.  I'll try to always be the best dad I can.




Thursday 4 December 2014

Christmas Traditions

Tomorrow on the All New Breakfast Club, we're doing a talk-back show on Christmas traditions. I think we may have started a couple of new traditions in our family.  Christmas usually rushes by for me...the season gets so busy that it's hard to slow down and really take it in.  I'm happy to say though, that this Christmas has started off a bit different, for a couple of reasons.

My son is almost two years old, and he has made it his mission to yell "CHRISTMAS LIGHTS!!!" every time we pass a decorated house.  It was funny the first few times...now it's a bit deafening, lol.  It's especially tough when we pass five houses in a row that are all decorated.  But every time we're in the car, it's a constant reminder of what season it is, instead of driving by the beautiful lights and barely noticing.  Ah, the enthusiasm and excitement of kids...

We've also started doing something new this year.  We've titled it our 'Fantastically Fun Friday Family Film Fest!"  Which basically means that every Friday night for the month of December, we watch a Christmas movie together.  This is a rare treat in our house because we don't have cable and also don't let our son watch too much on Netflix (we'd rather have him playing and engaging in hands-on learning).  So this is a bit of a change and it's nice to sit down together as a family and relax.

And finally, my wife created an advent calendar for our son.  Everyday in leading up to Christmas, we read a bible passage and then he gets to open one small gift (from the dollar store).  He loves it, and it's fun for us to watch as parents.

So I guess the link in all of these is...my son.  I didn't realize that until I wrote this post.  So although you'll likely never read this, thank you Leonidas, for helping me to get into the Christmas spirit earlier this year.  Yay, it's Christmas!