Christmas Traditions

Well, Christmas 2010 has come and gone, and what a different Christmas it was.

We were going to be on our own for the first time, EVER. This was our first Christmas with just the 6 of us.

It was nice to experience and have a quieter and ALOT less stressful time together, but I think next year it will be back to lots of visitors.

Another year of Mummy still not finding the perfect Nativity display so a home-made one became a little project. Simple but affective.

Although there were the occasional tantrum....

There were also plenty of happy faces at the huge amount of presents received.

A very happy dinner, especially for Mummy as Daddy cooked it, yeah!!!!!



We do love cracker hats!!!

Traditional new PJs on Christmas Eve.
And Mummy's home-made present tradition this year were TV/FHE cushions.

My first attempt with the sewing machine...not too bad, very proud.

So what will be different for Christmas 2011.

1) Back to lots of people on Christmas day.

2) More serving others.

3) Make my Nativity if I am going to carry on being so picky.

4) Same amount of smiles and love.

Every cloud

Our car broke down!!!

Seriously and possibly, expensively BROKE down!!!!

As well as having the traumatic experience of being on my own at night on a foggy evening and on an in-the-middle-of NOWHERE country road when it happened the first time, we also have to deal the fact that we now live miles from anywhere and 3 miles from school.

It is the worst week to happen as I have some important places to be this week and they might all have to be postponed.

BUT....

..it has given me a chance over the last couple of days, to do an experiment I have been pondering since the year started.

What would happen if I gave my children my complete, undivided attention???

Obviously a messy house is the down side but WOW, what an eye-opener.

I am blessed to have great kids but this complete concentration on them has brought about unusual events.

No arguments.

Every one got dressed without being nagged-AT ALL.

Marissa spilt some milkshake powder, went to the cupboard, got the dustpan and brush, swept it up and put it in the bin. I hadn't said a word.

Nathan got up and made everyone breakfast while I was in the shower, without being asked.

JJ's speech and understanding has improved DRAMATICALLY in just 2 days.

And Elise hasn't complained about spelling practise, and they have all wanted to help each other more.

And on top of all that the smiles, cuddles and laughter is giving me heartburn, the love is so strong round here. The thoughts of home-schooling are getting stronger too.

I know I can't physically do this everyday, but I know I can do it a lot more often than I have been doing it.

My children deserve this sort of attention more and for that, I am glad about the silly car.

Elise is 7

My gorgeous girl is 7!!!

She has been for 3 months, but I am doing this post now because firstly I am doing catch up and secondly because this is now an exciting year for Elles. In 2011 our first born will be baptised.

Ellie is very excited as we all are. But I am sad that this gorgeous baby is growing up so fast.
As anyone (and half the boys in her class )can see she is Bee-U-T-ful.

Those huge brown eyes that are always full of love and that thick brown hair that has caused many a tear filled tantrum but is now the crowning glory that is brushed constantly.
That shy smile that becomes a huge grin once she feels sure of things.

The graceful yet exceptionally strong body that can cartwheel and fill around everywhere but can also always be there to help her younger brothers and sister and be any Mummy's best ever special helper.
My super clever girl who picks up information like a sponge and brings a smile to all teachers faces as she works so hard and is the most attentive child you could dream of.
We love you Elise and know that in this special year you will continue to make us so proud.

Here are the birthday party pics.

Elise had a craft party and disco at home for her 7th birthday. We went for a grown up theme, which included the fact that this was a later party finishing at.......7PM!!!!! All kids were very excited about that part?!?

We did cake and cookie decorating.

And then decorated photo frames to put this super cute group photo in.
We played silly messy games including the flour game. Three guesses as to who won/lost and had to get the sweet out.
All this followed by a disco in the living room with flashing lights (thanks to Daddy's band).


Strictly come Dancing has a lot to answer for.
And here is my first attempt at a royal icing cake. Was going for an elegant look???

Love you Elles.

Goodbye Hallow road

I know I am behind, hopefully in future blogs I will catch up on events I have missed, Sorry.

Well we have moved. we are VERY happy in our new home. It is very us and lovely and warm which has been great after all the snow we have had.

But although we are happy in our new house, I had to comment on our old house. Ah, Hallow road, although freezing and draughty, we enjoyed playing lord and lady of the manor while we lived there. It was a lovely house and I do hope that one day the owners will give it the love and attention it needs and deserves.

Of course though, the best part was....THE GARDEN!!!!

We LOVED this garden and spent every minute we could in it.

Picnics.
Bubbles and laughter.
Running and flying kites.
Building snowmen.
Learnt to walk in it.

Learnt to swing in it.

Making exciting discoveries.

The list and numerous pictures could go on and on and on.

Whatever the weather we enjoyed the size, space, nature and views of this garden.

Hallow road, we will never forget you. X