This evening has been one of those "essence of Christmas" times for me.
I've been watching the "Carols in the Domain" re-run (one of the two major Christmas carols productions here in Australia), and baking macadamia and white chocolate shortbread. The Christmas lights are on, I finally finished my outdoor decorations and installed them this afternoon and they're looking good.
I'm thinking about my family and the things that have made Christmas for me in the past.
As a kid it was definitely presents. Actually, as a late teenager/early adult, it was about presents too, but the fun, cheap, gag presents that we all bought each other for our Christmas stockings. There were an awful lot of laughs involved in that!
Carols are definitely a major part of Christmas too. I love singing them, listening to them, and watching them on Christmas Eve on TV.
Growing up, a big part was church as well. Not as a tradition or religious element, although there was that as well, but more as a celebration and fun with my friends, who I definitely felt were like family.
I remember sneaking out of bed when I was a kid to sit by the Christmas tree and just look at the lights. Then as I got older, I got that same sense of wonder and magic and "special-ness" from wandering around and looking at all the homes with outdoor Christmas lights.
This evening we also booked tickets to see "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" on Boxing Day. Seeing a new-release movie on Boxing Day became a bit of a tradition around the time the Big Fella and I got married. It started with the first Lord of the Rings movie, actually!
I guess I've just been enjoying the quiet evening, the break from the rush and chaos that this season can bring.
And being thankful for my life and those around me, past and present. I am so blessed in every way.
In these last few days before the BIG day, I wish you love, laughter, excellent friends and family, and a few moments to reflect and relax and simply enjoy the season.
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Sunday, 22 December 2013
Sunday, 24 November 2013
I couldn't help it!
I've been trying so hard but today I caved. I mean, I've been tempted by my neighbour, tempted by stores, tempted by crafting and today my resolve crumbled.
I played Christmas carols.
I know! It's not even December yet!!!
But I didn't put up my tree.
Or lights.
I did put up a string to hang cards on, because both the Little Big Fella and the Big Fella have received some already. So instead of having them taking up space and gathering dust on the side board, they're hanging up where they belong until the New Year.
And besides, it wasn't my fault!
My next door neighbour was hanging Christmas lights... again! I just couldn't resist adding a little Christmas spirit.
But don't worry! I won't play them again until December. Well, that would be next Sunday, when the Little Big Fella and I set up our Christmas tree.
I can't wait!
I played Christmas carols.
I know! It's not even December yet!!!
But I didn't put up my tree.
Or lights.
I did put up a string to hang cards on, because both the Little Big Fella and the Big Fella have received some already. So instead of having them taking up space and gathering dust on the side board, they're hanging up where they belong until the New Year.
And besides, it wasn't my fault!
My next door neighbour was hanging Christmas lights... again! I just couldn't resist adding a little Christmas spirit.
But don't worry! I won't play them again until December. Well, that would be next Sunday, when the Little Big Fella and I set up our Christmas tree.
I can't wait!
Tuesday, 19 November 2013
In too deep?
One of the things that's kind of awesome about being an at-home mum is that you have a lot of time.
Sure! It gets filled with the needs of a child, the messes of a child, the friends and activities of a child, but as the parent of only 1 child I recognise that I have a lot of control over what happens and when in our house.
You may have noticed in reading my blog over the nearly two years I've been writing, that I tend to have periods of intense activity, followed by periods of totally boring domesticity.
With the development of Pinterest and the on-coming Christmas season, now is not a period of totally boring domesticity!
I have a few things on my plate right now and I'm starting to wonder if I'm in a little deep.
I've been Treasurer of our playgroup this year, which is a really easy job. But we're planning the end-of-year party and there's a few bits and pieces that need doing for that.
The Little Big Fella is starting Prep next year, so he's having Transition afternoons at school over these three weeks. And after meeting his teacher last week, we've been convinced that the more he knows in terms of letters and numbers, and the more independent he is, the easier starting school will be for him.
So he and the Big Fella have decided that the Little Big Fella can learn to spell his name (and then all the other words Daddy wants to teach him - he already knows the names of the letters but can only write 3 of them), and tie his shoelaces.
Which, of course, means that I'll be involved in support and supplementary teaching ;-)
Christmas is coming and I've been busily making cards, tree decorations, indoor decorations, outdoor decorations, trashing my house in a creative frenzy...
I joined the CWA this year as well and recently found out that our local supermarket offers the facilities to run fundraising BBQs. After seeing the effects of Typhoon Haiyan on TV, and my family having various connections with the Philippines, I suggested that we run a BBQ to raise funds to send for their recovery. You guessed it! I get to organise it.
Just to make it clear, I'm excited about it, and I'm hoping to get a decent turnout so we can make a reasonable donation, but it's another thing on my list. And, of course, I decided to make it slightly more intense by adding a cake stall, so I have to do a little cooking for it (as well as all the awesome people who've offered to contribute as well.
Then there are the various parties, events and Christmas gatherings over the next five weeks. And the housework and feeding and entertaining of my Fellas.
Then we need to add a final, and potentially apple-cart upsetting element. Last week I received an e-mail containing a letter of offer!
Back in March I applied for a 4-day-a-week position as a teller at one of the banks. I didn't receive it, but was contacted in May, I think, for an alternative position. Over the past months I've been waiting and going through various processes and have been offered a position as a casual relief teller, both in our closest town, and our closest large town.
Funnily enough, I spoke to the branch manager the next day and she hadn't heard from the Human Resources Department yet. But once all of those processes have been completed, I will be required for two weeks of full-time training.
Most likely before Christmas.
No doubt at some point in the very near future I will feel completely overwhelmed by all of this, but at this point, I'm actually feeling exhilarated! I have lots to do and I'm interested in what I'm doing.
All these crafty activities are encouraging to me because I'm good at them and I'm very satisfied with the results.
The organising tasks are exhilarating because I'm pretty good at that too! Hopefully I keep remembering to delegate - not only to keep from overwhelm, but also to allow others to participate and enjoy these activities, which are often the kinds of things that strengthen friendships.
Oh! And I finally caught up with the ironing tonight and have relocated the ironing board to the cupboard for the first time all week!
Am I in too deep? Probably! But all this activity, right now, makes for a pretty happy stay-at-home mum.
Now to reclaim my dining table from my frenzied craft activities, finish the stockings for the fence, put up the Christmas lights, finish the Christmas cards, make that wreath out of roadside weeds... and make sure I clean my oven before my grandparents get here for Christmas :-D
Sure! It gets filled with the needs of a child, the messes of a child, the friends and activities of a child, but as the parent of only 1 child I recognise that I have a lot of control over what happens and when in our house.
You may have noticed in reading my blog over the nearly two years I've been writing, that I tend to have periods of intense activity, followed by periods of totally boring domesticity.
With the development of Pinterest and the on-coming Christmas season, now is not a period of totally boring domesticity!
I have a few things on my plate right now and I'm starting to wonder if I'm in a little deep.
I've been Treasurer of our playgroup this year, which is a really easy job. But we're planning the end-of-year party and there's a few bits and pieces that need doing for that.
The Little Big Fella is starting Prep next year, so he's having Transition afternoons at school over these three weeks. And after meeting his teacher last week, we've been convinced that the more he knows in terms of letters and numbers, and the more independent he is, the easier starting school will be for him.
So he and the Big Fella have decided that the Little Big Fella can learn to spell his name (and then all the other words Daddy wants to teach him - he already knows the names of the letters but can only write 3 of them), and tie his shoelaces.
Which, of course, means that I'll be involved in support and supplementary teaching ;-)
Christmas is coming and I've been busily making cards, tree decorations, indoor decorations, outdoor decorations, trashing my house in a creative frenzy...
I joined the CWA this year as well and recently found out that our local supermarket offers the facilities to run fundraising BBQs. After seeing the effects of Typhoon Haiyan on TV, and my family having various connections with the Philippines, I suggested that we run a BBQ to raise funds to send for their recovery. You guessed it! I get to organise it.
Just to make it clear, I'm excited about it, and I'm hoping to get a decent turnout so we can make a reasonable donation, but it's another thing on my list. And, of course, I decided to make it slightly more intense by adding a cake stall, so I have to do a little cooking for it (as well as all the awesome people who've offered to contribute as well.
Then there are the various parties, events and Christmas gatherings over the next five weeks. And the housework and feeding and entertaining of my Fellas.
Then we need to add a final, and potentially apple-cart upsetting element. Last week I received an e-mail containing a letter of offer!
Back in March I applied for a 4-day-a-week position as a teller at one of the banks. I didn't receive it, but was contacted in May, I think, for an alternative position. Over the past months I've been waiting and going through various processes and have been offered a position as a casual relief teller, both in our closest town, and our closest large town.
Funnily enough, I spoke to the branch manager the next day and she hadn't heard from the Human Resources Department yet. But once all of those processes have been completed, I will be required for two weeks of full-time training.
Most likely before Christmas.
No doubt at some point in the very near future I will feel completely overwhelmed by all of this, but at this point, I'm actually feeling exhilarated! I have lots to do and I'm interested in what I'm doing.
All these crafty activities are encouraging to me because I'm good at them and I'm very satisfied with the results.
The organising tasks are exhilarating because I'm pretty good at that too! Hopefully I keep remembering to delegate - not only to keep from overwhelm, but also to allow others to participate and enjoy these activities, which are often the kinds of things that strengthen friendships.
Oh! And I finally caught up with the ironing tonight and have relocated the ironing board to the cupboard for the first time all week!
Am I in too deep? Probably! But all this activity, right now, makes for a pretty happy stay-at-home mum.
Now to reclaim my dining table from my frenzied craft activities, finish the stockings for the fence, put up the Christmas lights, finish the Christmas cards, make that wreath out of roadside weeds... and make sure I clean my oven before my grandparents get here for Christmas :-D
Saturday, 16 November 2013
Another step
This week my Little Big Fella took another step in growing up. On Wednesday afternoon, he had his first Prep Transition Day.
Here in Queensland, Australia, children can attend kindergarten in the year before school. In most cases the kindy is a separate location to schools, but sometimes they have their own area in a school.
The first year of "official" school is called Prep and my not-so-little son will be starting that at the end of January next year. To help the kids get used to the school and the routines and rules, they're joining with this year's Prep students for three afternoons this term.
The Little Big Fella is pretty excited about going to school next year. They've been talking about it at kindy and we've talked a bit about it at home as well. And we've spent some time at the school for various events since moving here, including Kindysports this term, the school fair a few weeks ago and other events since moving here last year.
He has a lot of friends at the school already, and knows most of the kids who will join him in Prep next year, so he doesn't seem to be anywhere near nervous about it all.
In fact, when we arrived at Prep Transition the other day he didn't even turn around to look at me when the teacher came out and told them what would be happening. She asked if he wanted to give me a kiss and cuddle! It's such a contrast to dropping him off at kindy, where he still wants me to come in and sit with him for about 10 to 15 minutes before he's happy for me to leave.
We have two more Transition sessions over the next two weeks, and I'm hoping it goes as well as this one!
During the hour he was there, Miss I, his teacher, read them the book, "The Very Cranky Bear". It's one we've borrowed from the Library previously, and I'm certain they've read it at kindy a few times as well. It's a really good book.
They got to do a painting after that, and told Miss I what their favourite part of the book was.
When he came out of the classroom at the end, he was SO excited and wanted to tell me everything they'd done.
Instead of going home (the Big Fella was sleeping), I hung out in the canteen with our next door neighbour. I saw all the Prep kids holding hands with the Transition Preps, going around the school and showing them where everything was. It was gorgeous! I wanted to get a photo, but didn't want to distract the class so you don't get to see how cute they were. Sorry!
Now I need to start thinking about school uniforms, backpacks, pencil cases and so on. Hello Christmas stocking fillers and presents :-D Yep, this marks the start of practical Christmas presents like socks and jocks!!!! Mwah ha ha haaaaah!
Here in Queensland, Australia, children can attend kindergarten in the year before school. In most cases the kindy is a separate location to schools, but sometimes they have their own area in a school.
The first year of "official" school is called Prep and my not-so-little son will be starting that at the end of January next year. To help the kids get used to the school and the routines and rules, they're joining with this year's Prep students for three afternoons this term.
The Little Big Fella is pretty excited about going to school next year. They've been talking about it at kindy and we've talked a bit about it at home as well. And we've spent some time at the school for various events since moving here, including Kindysports this term, the school fair a few weeks ago and other events since moving here last year.
He has a lot of friends at the school already, and knows most of the kids who will join him in Prep next year, so he doesn't seem to be anywhere near nervous about it all.
In fact, when we arrived at Prep Transition the other day he didn't even turn around to look at me when the teacher came out and told them what would be happening. She asked if he wanted to give me a kiss and cuddle! It's such a contrast to dropping him off at kindy, where he still wants me to come in and sit with him for about 10 to 15 minutes before he's happy for me to leave.
We have two more Transition sessions over the next two weeks, and I'm hoping it goes as well as this one!
During the hour he was there, Miss I, his teacher, read them the book, "The Very Cranky Bear". It's one we've borrowed from the Library previously, and I'm certain they've read it at kindy a few times as well. It's a really good book.
They got to do a painting after that, and told Miss I what their favourite part of the book was.
When he came out of the classroom at the end, he was SO excited and wanted to tell me everything they'd done.
Instead of going home (the Big Fella was sleeping), I hung out in the canteen with our next door neighbour. I saw all the Prep kids holding hands with the Transition Preps, going around the school and showing them where everything was. It was gorgeous! I wanted to get a photo, but didn't want to distract the class so you don't get to see how cute they were. Sorry!
Now I need to start thinking about school uniforms, backpacks, pencil cases and so on. Hello Christmas stocking fillers and presents :-D Yep, this marks the start of practical Christmas presents like socks and jocks!!!! Mwah ha ha haaaaah!
Saturday, 9 November 2013
Planning for Christmas
Yep, it's started! There's Christmas music in my head and I've spent way too long on Pinterest already!!!
I am preparing for Christmas.
I've started making the cards (there were photos here), I've got my card list and my list of what I need to do and when (I love lists, remember?).
I'm also on a bit of a budget, which probably means it's not a good year for completely changing my decorations! But I really wanted to, so I'm going with a natural/vintage style.
Today we were going to spend most of the day at the shooting range with the Big Fella for their big, annual shoot. But the Big Fella ended up getting called in to work, so we were home alone for the afternoon.
But, of course, it's smack-bang in the middle of my most hormonal days so I ate lots of junk, lounged on the couch and started feeling rather sorry for myself.
Cue Pinterest!
After fluffing around for a while, playing Candy Crush and whatever else, I started looking on Pinterest (again). And I came across paper snowflakes! Now, I remember doing them in school, and they were kind of fun, but when I saw these, I was inspired!
So I spent an hour or so folding and cutting paper into cool shapes :-) Now I'm thinking of adding some glitter, and making some out of coloured paper and then turning them into a garland or something.
And tonight I'm hoping to try out a star made of sticks. Sounds pretty easy, but usually these things are harder than they look :-}
So besides the rest of the cards and decorations, all I have to do is buy presents for the family, make the presents for the friends, decide on what we'll be eating and make up my shopping lists for that, possibly try to talk the Big Fella into a Christmas photo shoot and relax and enjoy all the festivities! Sounds potentially stressful and lots of fun!
I am preparing for Christmas.
I've started making the cards (there were photos here), I've got my card list and my list of what I need to do and when (I love lists, remember?).
I'm also on a bit of a budget, which probably means it's not a good year for completely changing my decorations! But I really wanted to, so I'm going with a natural/vintage style.
Today we were going to spend most of the day at the shooting range with the Big Fella for their big, annual shoot. But the Big Fella ended up getting called in to work, so we were home alone for the afternoon.
But, of course, it's smack-bang in the middle of my most hormonal days so I ate lots of junk, lounged on the couch and started feeling rather sorry for myself.
Cue Pinterest!
After fluffing around for a while, playing Candy Crush and whatever else, I started looking on Pinterest (again). And I came across paper snowflakes! Now, I remember doing them in school, and they were kind of fun, but when I saw these, I was inspired!
So I spent an hour or so folding and cutting paper into cool shapes :-) Now I'm thinking of adding some glitter, and making some out of coloured paper and then turning them into a garland or something.
And tonight I'm hoping to try out a star made of sticks. Sounds pretty easy, but usually these things are harder than they look :-}
So besides the rest of the cards and decorations, all I have to do is buy presents for the family, make the presents for the friends, decide on what we'll be eating and make up my shopping lists for that, possibly try to talk the Big Fella into a Christmas photo shoot and relax and enjoy all the festivities! Sounds potentially stressful and lots of fun!
Sunday, 3 November 2013
Crafty Capers
At last!!! The promised post with all the creative stuff!!!
One of the reasons I love Halloween is the opportunity to make stuff! This year I made paper mache pumpkins, tin can luminaries a silhouette for our single front window, and body part cookies. Let me show you!
Paper mache pumpkins
Okay, I found these on Pinterest and they looked so cute and easy! Turns out they're really not! In the end I was happy with the results, but it took a lot more effort than I'd expected.
Here's the basic idea of what to do: You blow up a balloon with string around it so that it bulges out in a pumpkin shape. Paper mache a couple of layers. Ta da! All done!
Ha!
First of all, getting the string around the balloon took a bit more working out than I'd thought. I ended up with a slow and careful process of blowing up the balloon, measuring the string around it, letting all the air out, tying the string, half blowing up the balloon and putting the strings around it (while not letting the air out of the balloon), blowing up the balloon a bit more, moving the strings so that they were a bit more even around the balloon, blowing up the balloon some more, moving the strings so they didn't slide around to one side of the balloon, blowing the balloon to bulging point, and finally attempting to tie off the balloon without the strings sliding around or the balloon popping.
It was great fun.
Anyway, I eventually got three done. Because there's no stores nearby that have paper mache glue, I made the glue from plain flour and water. I did about three layers of white and one layer of orange tissue paper (using watered down PVA glue so that I didn't end up with white flour glue spots all over the finished product).
I learned that the Little Big Fella really likes to eat flour, even when it's in the form of a glue paste. Doing this project with a child around is fun but messy.
Oh! And by the way, if you attempt this, I highly recommend having a nice big end on the string tie point. Hanging them on the washing line to dry was slightly tricky with my little ones. They all fell several times and ended up with a few dents.
My pumpkins sat on my buffet for a couple of weeks and I wasn't quite happy with them. So at about 4pm, before our 6pm departure for the Halloween walk, I decided to paint vines and leaves on them. Probably not a good time to do it, but I was finally happy with the results.
Pity it was too dark for everyone to see them when they came trick or treating!!!
Tin Can Luminaries
Another Pinterest find, this is just a bunch of tin cans, washed and with the labels removed. Fill with water and freeze, then punch holes in patterns with a hammer and nail. If I did these again, I'd draw my designs on with a black marker before freezing the cans. This time I made do with a pencil, but it really would have been easier the other way. Let the ice melt and the tins dry, and if you need to, hammer the base back in so that it'll stand up straight. Spray paint (so they look nice during the day) and pop a candle in. Ta da!
Window silhouette
Pinterest is definitely my friend for these kinds of things. I get to find easy and effective ideas, and also be inspired by other peoples' efforts on the not-so-easy stuff. This one was pretty simple: Draw a shape on cardboard, cut it out, pin it on the sheer curtain. I had to add an extra step of spray-painting the cardboard because I made mine using two different, light colours and it would have driven me nuts. And it looks much more effective in black.
Body part cookies
Again, thanks to Pinterest I came across witches finger biscuits. I didn't look at the recipe though - just used my chocolate chip cookie recipe. At the last minute the Little Big Fella and I decided to make them green, which meant a lot of really hard mixing to try to get the green to spread evenly through the dough. Next time, I'd add the colour at the liquid stage!
The other thing I didn't really take into consideration is that my cookie recipe spreads.
So we tried a few more, making them skinnier and they were better. But I got sick of making fingers so we switched to eyeballs.
In the end we made little bags with a finger and an eyeball for about 50. I tried to make the "eyeballs" bloodshot, but they just looked like weird starfish on the biscuits. Luckily they tasted alright though!
So that's my Halloween creativeness done and dusted. I also tried these spooky eyes, but they weren't as effective as I hoped - the glow sticks didn't glow enough to give the full effect.
I've also been doing a few Christmas cards ready for the upcoming season. Here's a sneak peek!
So now it's on to Christmas! Two months of creativity, carols and celebrations!!! Woo hoo!!!!!!
One of the reasons I love Halloween is the opportunity to make stuff! This year I made paper mache pumpkins, tin can luminaries a silhouette for our single front window, and body part cookies. Let me show you!
Paper mache pumpkins
Okay, I found these on Pinterest and they looked so cute and easy! Turns out they're really not! In the end I was happy with the results, but it took a lot more effort than I'd expected.
Here's the basic idea of what to do: You blow up a balloon with string around it so that it bulges out in a pumpkin shape. Paper mache a couple of layers. Ta da! All done!
Ha!
First of all, getting the string around the balloon took a bit more working out than I'd thought. I ended up with a slow and careful process of blowing up the balloon, measuring the string around it, letting all the air out, tying the string, half blowing up the balloon and putting the strings around it (while not letting the air out of the balloon), blowing up the balloon a bit more, moving the strings so that they were a bit more even around the balloon, blowing up the balloon some more, moving the strings so they didn't slide around to one side of the balloon, blowing the balloon to bulging point, and finally attempting to tie off the balloon without the strings sliding around or the balloon popping.
It was great fun.
Anyway, I eventually got three done. Because there's no stores nearby that have paper mache glue, I made the glue from plain flour and water. I did about three layers of white and one layer of orange tissue paper (using watered down PVA glue so that I didn't end up with white flour glue spots all over the finished product).
I learned that the Little Big Fella really likes to eat flour, even when it's in the form of a glue paste. Doing this project with a child around is fun but messy.
Oh! And by the way, if you attempt this, I highly recommend having a nice big end on the string tie point. Hanging them on the washing line to dry was slightly tricky with my little ones. They all fell several times and ended up with a few dents.
My pumpkins sat on my buffet for a couple of weeks and I wasn't quite happy with them. So at about 4pm, before our 6pm departure for the Halloween walk, I decided to paint vines and leaves on them. Probably not a good time to do it, but I was finally happy with the results.
Pity it was too dark for everyone to see them when they came trick or treating!!!
Tin Can Luminaries
Another Pinterest find, this is just a bunch of tin cans, washed and with the labels removed. Fill with water and freeze, then punch holes in patterns with a hammer and nail. If I did these again, I'd draw my designs on with a black marker before freezing the cans. This time I made do with a pencil, but it really would have been easier the other way. Let the ice melt and the tins dry, and if you need to, hammer the base back in so that it'll stand up straight. Spray paint (so they look nice during the day) and pop a candle in. Ta da!
Window silhouette
Pinterest is definitely my friend for these kinds of things. I get to find easy and effective ideas, and also be inspired by other peoples' efforts on the not-so-easy stuff. This one was pretty simple: Draw a shape on cardboard, cut it out, pin it on the sheer curtain. I had to add an extra step of spray-painting the cardboard because I made mine using two different, light colours and it would have driven me nuts. And it looks much more effective in black.
Body part cookies
Again, thanks to Pinterest I came across witches finger biscuits. I didn't look at the recipe though - just used my chocolate chip cookie recipe. At the last minute the Little Big Fella and I decided to make them green, which meant a lot of really hard mixing to try to get the green to spread evenly through the dough. Next time, I'd add the colour at the liquid stage!
The other thing I didn't really take into consideration is that my cookie recipe spreads.
So we tried a few more, making them skinnier and they were better. But I got sick of making fingers so we switched to eyeballs.
In the end we made little bags with a finger and an eyeball for about 50. I tried to make the "eyeballs" bloodshot, but they just looked like weird starfish on the biscuits. Luckily they tasted alright though!
I've also been doing a few Christmas cards ready for the upcoming season. Here's a sneak peek!
So now it's on to Christmas! Two months of creativity, carols and celebrations!!! Woo hoo!!!!!!
Wednesday, 23 October 2013
While the cat's away...
I've had lots of things to tell you all, but I've had no time to tell it!!!
The Big Fella was away fishing for a week. So, to keep myself from getting sad and lonely, I planned a few things to do.
I've cleaned almost as if I was moving house (we're not, by the way) including exhaust fans (bleuch!) and windows (double bleuch!).
I've woken up my (very sleepy) craft bug. I think it's the time of year. Halloween is a little bit of a deal here in our little town, so I've made some paper mache pumpkins, I'm still working on some luminieres made from tin cans, and I need to paint my window silhouettes. I'm also working on a costume for the school fair/ladies' pink night/Halloween walk. And all of that gets me excited about Christmas so I've been planning and buying stuff for that too. But there'll be more about my crafty capers in another post (possibly next week).
And what else should you do to fill in time without your husband, but hang out with friends???
We've had playdates and craft sessions and buy-at-home parties. And I had a few of the girls around for an evening on Friday. No, there'll be no telling! But I think it's okay to say that none of us has had a late night drinking and laughing with the girls in a while, and it hit us a little hard the next day.
I have to say that I have some brilliant friends, too! I love that we talk about a wide range of things and we can say some pretty outrageous stuff and not be shot to pieces for it.
And laughing! Oh my goodness I love laughing!!!
But I often get so caught up in the busy-ness and stress of daily life that I forget to see the funny stuff. Life shouldn't be so serious! Keep reminding me about that, okay?
It was my nephew's 5th birthday the other day! I got to talk to him on the phone and I miss him (and his brother, my sister and brother-in-law) so much! That's definitely one of the sucky things about living away from family, and friends too.
The school is running a fair this Friday and I've offered to do balloon animals for them. I was trying to get my juggling skills back in time, but it just hasn't happened. I think I stress out about it too much and end up throwing the balls all over the place!
I'm excited to do some kid-based stuff again, though. It's been quite a while! I'm hoping to get half an hour to practice some of the trickier ones before then. Or at least jump online and look at a few! I think my very basic repertoire of a dog/giraffe/monkey/elephant and a sword won't quite cut it.
We're off to the big town 2 hours away tomorrow. The Big Fella has a specialist appointment for the first time since we moved here. It's been very exciting lately, because his most recent pathology says that his weight loss and exercise are improving his kidney health, significantly reducing his potential need for intervention. I just about did a happy dance in the doctor's office when he said that!
While we're over there, we're going to be doing a spot of shopping (hello Spotlight (fabric/craft store) and Bunnings (hardware store)). Just a tad excited about that one.
Anyway, I need to go finish the dishes and get to bed. The Big Fella is working tonight so there's a decent possibility that I'll be driving tomorrow.
Okay, side note: I want to kill my dogs! Obviously not literally. But when that stinking cat comes by every, single, night, and they bark like there's no tomorrow every, single, night and it doesn't matter what I do they do it EVERY, SINGLE, NIGHT. Sheesh.
Right. Time to post this (sorry, it's been a while and this really hasn't been a very exciting post) and get to bed!
The Big Fella was away fishing for a week. So, to keep myself from getting sad and lonely, I planned a few things to do.
I've cleaned almost as if I was moving house (we're not, by the way) including exhaust fans (bleuch!) and windows (double bleuch!).
I've woken up my (very sleepy) craft bug. I think it's the time of year. Halloween is a little bit of a deal here in our little town, so I've made some paper mache pumpkins, I'm still working on some luminieres made from tin cans, and I need to paint my window silhouettes. I'm also working on a costume for the school fair/ladies' pink night/Halloween walk. And all of that gets me excited about Christmas so I've been planning and buying stuff for that too. But there'll be more about my crafty capers in another post (possibly next week).
And what else should you do to fill in time without your husband, but hang out with friends???
We've had playdates and craft sessions and buy-at-home parties. And I had a few of the girls around for an evening on Friday. No, there'll be no telling! But I think it's okay to say that none of us has had a late night drinking and laughing with the girls in a while, and it hit us a little hard the next day.
I have to say that I have some brilliant friends, too! I love that we talk about a wide range of things and we can say some pretty outrageous stuff and not be shot to pieces for it.
And laughing! Oh my goodness I love laughing!!!
But I often get so caught up in the busy-ness and stress of daily life that I forget to see the funny stuff. Life shouldn't be so serious! Keep reminding me about that, okay?
It was my nephew's 5th birthday the other day! I got to talk to him on the phone and I miss him (and his brother, my sister and brother-in-law) so much! That's definitely one of the sucky things about living away from family, and friends too.
The school is running a fair this Friday and I've offered to do balloon animals for them. I was trying to get my juggling skills back in time, but it just hasn't happened. I think I stress out about it too much and end up throwing the balls all over the place!
I'm excited to do some kid-based stuff again, though. It's been quite a while! I'm hoping to get half an hour to practice some of the trickier ones before then. Or at least jump online and look at a few! I think my very basic repertoire of a dog/giraffe/monkey/elephant and a sword won't quite cut it.
We're off to the big town 2 hours away tomorrow. The Big Fella has a specialist appointment for the first time since we moved here. It's been very exciting lately, because his most recent pathology says that his weight loss and exercise are improving his kidney health, significantly reducing his potential need for intervention. I just about did a happy dance in the doctor's office when he said that!
While we're over there, we're going to be doing a spot of shopping (hello Spotlight (fabric/craft store) and Bunnings (hardware store)). Just a tad excited about that one.
Anyway, I need to go finish the dishes and get to bed. The Big Fella is working tonight so there's a decent possibility that I'll be driving tomorrow.
Okay, side note: I want to kill my dogs! Obviously not literally. But when that stinking cat comes by every, single, night, and they bark like there's no tomorrow every, single, night and it doesn't matter what I do they do it EVERY, SINGLE, NIGHT. Sheesh.
Right. Time to post this (sorry, it's been a while and this really hasn't been a very exciting post) and get to bed!
Wednesday, 26 December 2012
Boxing day busy
Traditionally Boxing Day is movie day for us. We go to the cinema and check out the latest blockbuster release. But our local cinema doesn't have "The Hobbit" yet so we ditched that idea for this year.
We had a yummy breakfast - the Big Fella made garlic and lemon turkish bread toast, topped with melted bocconcini and triple-smoked ham, with an egg on top. We followed that with a little fruit salad and greek yoghurt.
Then we got up and got going around the house and yard. Seems like we weren't the only ones too - we saw a lot of trailers heading up the road to the tip today :-D
I cleared the yard of dog toys etc. then the Big Fella whipper snipped and mowed, while I harvested all of our mangoes. Did you know that they spray sap when you pick them? Maybe it's just me and my spastic mango-picking technique? But we ended up with half a laundry basket full of them, now sitting downstairs and ripening up. Mmmmmmm, mango!
I don't think I actually ate a mango until my family spent a few days in the Philippines, when I was 16. I discovered that I actually love them! Since we moved to Queensland I've eaten quite a few :-D Turns out the Little Big Fella loves them too :-)
After all that lovely harvesting, I had the awesome job of sweeping up with a broom that I hate. Seriously, it's time for a new straw broom!
Then we trimmed some bushes and watered the flower garden.
The next task was predominantly the Big Fella's, I have to be honest. I don't think I did much, and probably made some things a bit trickier for him :-o Yes, it was time to put up the Little Big Fella's trampoline!
It didn't take that long, and it wasn't that tricky, but I don't know that I could have done it on my own.
But the Little Big Fella loves it and has spent a good portion of the day bouncing around. It's a good height off the ground for him too, so he can get on and off easily, without the need for a step.
Hmm, what else did we get up to?
Oh yeah! We emptied all of our camping gear out of the back shed and put it in our camper trailer, discovering a couple of mice in our lantern along the way! Looks like we'll be setting some traps over the next few days!!!! I am not interested in having mice, or the snakes that come looking for mice, in my back shed!
Did I tell you we have two new little chicks? They're about a week and a half old now - a black one and a white/yellow one. We've called them "Salt" and "Pepper" - the black one is "Salt" and the white one is "Pepper". Don't blame me! That was the Little Big Fella's decision!!! :-)
Anyway, I decided they needed some outside time so took them out and let them run around a little near me. The dogs came over to check them out and Frankie wasn't even interested, but Choccie watched them constantly! She was really good though, but I wouldn't let her with them unsupervised at this stage.
We ended up putting them in a cage so that they could wander around on the grass, but be protected from the dogs and bigger chooks and they loved it! I think it'll be a daily thing, unless it's raining, until they're ready to join the rest of the flock when they're a bit bigger.
The Big Fella and I ended up talking to a guy next door who was setting up to paint the outside. Turns out we're on the internal painting list for the new year! Yay!!! I wonder if we get any say on colours? Probably not, but it's nice to dream :-)
As well as emptying the camping gear from the back shed, we also took out some of the gym equipment and set it up under the house. The Big Fella has decided it's time to get back into shape, and I'm ready to get back into Fit Yummy Mummy, so we'll try to do our workouts together whenever we can, starting tomorrow afternoon.
I'm still trying to decide if I'll do Tough Mudder in August, after being invited by a couple of friends who are putting together a team. I think I might be talking myself out of it though. The electricity thing really freaks me out!
We watched a little bit of the Boxing Day Test (cricket, for those not in the know) in between everything too!
When the gym equipment was set up we rearranged a few things under the house so hopefully it's a little more use-able. It's so frustrating when you have such a great space but too many options and ideas for what to do with it! (And too much stuff to squeeze into said space!) I guess each time we try a new idea we get closer to what will actually work for us though!
The Fellas took a load of stuff to the tip this afternoon and found that our old washing machine and microwave that we put there the other day have been taken. That makes me happy :-D I like that our local tip has no regulation so people can take stuff that doesn't work properly and can't be sold, but other people can collect it and make it work for them (or bring it back I guess).
And we all went "bush bashing" for a little bit this arvo too! The Big Fella bought a 4WD about a month ago that is pretty run down but works okay. It has been dubbed "The Bush Basher" and the Fellas have had a couple of little jaunts about the tracks just up the road. They both love it! So today I got to join them.
I don't mind 4WDing, but I'm not a huge fan. I mean, it's uncomfortable! And it seems kind of pointless to me. But, to those who enjoy it, it's just plain fun so I won't go bagging you out about it ;-)
We dropped around to a friend's place after that but they weren't home, so we came back home. The Little Big Fella and I had a bit of a bounce on his trampoline - mostly with him laying down and me gently bouncing him around :-D He loved it! I'm guessing there'll be lots of requests to do that more over the next few days :-)
And now the Fellas are asleep (the Big Fella starts work at 3am), and I'm writing about our adventures for you! We're hoping for lots of adventures in the coming year... hopefully I'll remember to take some photos of them for you :-o
Happy Boxing Day everyone! I hope you've enjoyed it, whatever you've been up to!
We had a yummy breakfast - the Big Fella made garlic and lemon turkish bread toast, topped with melted bocconcini and triple-smoked ham, with an egg on top. We followed that with a little fruit salad and greek yoghurt.
Then we got up and got going around the house and yard. Seems like we weren't the only ones too - we saw a lot of trailers heading up the road to the tip today :-D
I cleared the yard of dog toys etc. then the Big Fella whipper snipped and mowed, while I harvested all of our mangoes. Did you know that they spray sap when you pick them? Maybe it's just me and my spastic mango-picking technique? But we ended up with half a laundry basket full of them, now sitting downstairs and ripening up. Mmmmmmm, mango!
I don't think I actually ate a mango until my family spent a few days in the Philippines, when I was 16. I discovered that I actually love them! Since we moved to Queensland I've eaten quite a few :-D Turns out the Little Big Fella loves them too :-)
After all that lovely harvesting, I had the awesome job of sweeping up with a broom that I hate. Seriously, it's time for a new straw broom!
Then we trimmed some bushes and watered the flower garden.
The next task was predominantly the Big Fella's, I have to be honest. I don't think I did much, and probably made some things a bit trickier for him :-o Yes, it was time to put up the Little Big Fella's trampoline!
It didn't take that long, and it wasn't that tricky, but I don't know that I could have done it on my own.
But the Little Big Fella loves it and has spent a good portion of the day bouncing around. It's a good height off the ground for him too, so he can get on and off easily, without the need for a step.
Hmm, what else did we get up to?
Oh yeah! We emptied all of our camping gear out of the back shed and put it in our camper trailer, discovering a couple of mice in our lantern along the way! Looks like we'll be setting some traps over the next few days!!!! I am not interested in having mice, or the snakes that come looking for mice, in my back shed!
Did I tell you we have two new little chicks? They're about a week and a half old now - a black one and a white/yellow one. We've called them "Salt" and "Pepper" - the black one is "Salt" and the white one is "Pepper". Don't blame me! That was the Little Big Fella's decision!!! :-)
Anyway, I decided they needed some outside time so took them out and let them run around a little near me. The dogs came over to check them out and Frankie wasn't even interested, but Choccie watched them constantly! She was really good though, but I wouldn't let her with them unsupervised at this stage.
We ended up putting them in a cage so that they could wander around on the grass, but be protected from the dogs and bigger chooks and they loved it! I think it'll be a daily thing, unless it's raining, until they're ready to join the rest of the flock when they're a bit bigger.
The Big Fella and I ended up talking to a guy next door who was setting up to paint the outside. Turns out we're on the internal painting list for the new year! Yay!!! I wonder if we get any say on colours? Probably not, but it's nice to dream :-)
As well as emptying the camping gear from the back shed, we also took out some of the gym equipment and set it up under the house. The Big Fella has decided it's time to get back into shape, and I'm ready to get back into Fit Yummy Mummy, so we'll try to do our workouts together whenever we can, starting tomorrow afternoon.
I'm still trying to decide if I'll do Tough Mudder in August, after being invited by a couple of friends who are putting together a team. I think I might be talking myself out of it though. The electricity thing really freaks me out!
We watched a little bit of the Boxing Day Test (cricket, for those not in the know) in between everything too!
When the gym equipment was set up we rearranged a few things under the house so hopefully it's a little more use-able. It's so frustrating when you have such a great space but too many options and ideas for what to do with it! (And too much stuff to squeeze into said space!) I guess each time we try a new idea we get closer to what will actually work for us though!
The Fellas took a load of stuff to the tip this afternoon and found that our old washing machine and microwave that we put there the other day have been taken. That makes me happy :-D I like that our local tip has no regulation so people can take stuff that doesn't work properly and can't be sold, but other people can collect it and make it work for them (or bring it back I guess).
And we all went "bush bashing" for a little bit this arvo too! The Big Fella bought a 4WD about a month ago that is pretty run down but works okay. It has been dubbed "The Bush Basher" and the Fellas have had a couple of little jaunts about the tracks just up the road. They both love it! So today I got to join them.
I don't mind 4WDing, but I'm not a huge fan. I mean, it's uncomfortable! And it seems kind of pointless to me. But, to those who enjoy it, it's just plain fun so I won't go bagging you out about it ;-)
We dropped around to a friend's place after that but they weren't home, so we came back home. The Little Big Fella and I had a bit of a bounce on his trampoline - mostly with him laying down and me gently bouncing him around :-D He loved it! I'm guessing there'll be lots of requests to do that more over the next few days :-)
And now the Fellas are asleep (the Big Fella starts work at 3am), and I'm writing about our adventures for you! We're hoping for lots of adventures in the coming year... hopefully I'll remember to take some photos of them for you :-o
Happy Boxing Day everyone! I hope you've enjoyed it, whatever you've been up to!
Tuesday, 25 December 2012
Relax! It's Christmas!
At last! It's Christmas day. Yay!
And I gotta tell you! This has been a great Christmas!!!
We woke up at about 7:30 and slowly began the present opening process. There were a lot of presents for 3 people! The Little Big Fella oscillated between dropping presents to open the next one and wanting to stop and play with the ones he opened just a minute before. It was slightly entertaining ;-)
He absolutely loved all of his presents! It was fun to watch him enjoying each of them throughout the day. And to know that we'd chosen some of the ones he loved most.
We all got Nerf guns and had a fun little shoot-out before lunch :-D That brought about much laughter and was definitely one of the most fun times we've had together in a while. That probably sounds sad, but it was fun.
After all of that fun we decided it was breakfast time so I made a little egg and vege scramble and the Big Fella made some garlic toasted turkish bread. Yumm!
Well, then we had to play with more of our presents! You know, I got some awesome gifts! Including a Kindle and a tablet!!!!! Seriously! Isn't that awesome??? And I'm writing this blog post on my tablet! It's taking a little longer because I'm just getting used to it all, but this is cool!
We got to chat to our families on Skype. I love that we can be so far away but interact with them so easily. It really is a blessing of the modern era!
We've spent a bit of the time today watching movies and just hanging out. I love spending time with my Fellas!
We had a delicious lunch today too! A roast turkey with cranberry and apple stuffing, a waldorf salad with blue cheese dressing, and a tomato salad with a basil-based dressing. Very yummy!
I'd also made an ice-cream pudding, which we forgot to have at lunch and ended up having for afternoon tea. The Little Big Fella and I love ice-cream!!!
And then for dinner we had some yummy cheeses, deli meats, and a bit of fruit... as well as a bit of wine. It was just the perfect way to end the eating day :-)
So now I'm sitting on the couch, next to my wonderful husband, watching a movie and writing this blog post. I'm a happy woman right now :-)
And I gotta tell you! This has been a great Christmas!!!
We woke up at about 7:30 and slowly began the present opening process. There were a lot of presents for 3 people! The Little Big Fella oscillated between dropping presents to open the next one and wanting to stop and play with the ones he opened just a minute before. It was slightly entertaining ;-)
He absolutely loved all of his presents! It was fun to watch him enjoying each of them throughout the day. And to know that we'd chosen some of the ones he loved most.
We all got Nerf guns and had a fun little shoot-out before lunch :-D That brought about much laughter and was definitely one of the most fun times we've had together in a while. That probably sounds sad, but it was fun.
 |
| "Look at what Santa brought in my sack Mum!" |
 |
| Can you tell he likes Nerf guns? |
 |
| Checking out the moving eyes on the froggy book from Nanna |
 |
| Oh my goodness! What a mess! And that's not even all of it!!! |
After all of that fun we decided it was breakfast time so I made a little egg and vege scramble and the Big Fella made some garlic toasted turkish bread. Yumm!
Well, then we had to play with more of our presents! You know, I got some awesome gifts! Including a Kindle and a tablet!!!!! Seriously! Isn't that awesome??? And I'm writing this blog post on my tablet! It's taking a little longer because I'm just getting used to it all, but this is cool!
We got to chat to our families on Skype. I love that we can be so far away but interact with them so easily. It really is a blessing of the modern era!
We've spent a bit of the time today watching movies and just hanging out. I love spending time with my Fellas!
We had a delicious lunch today too! A roast turkey with cranberry and apple stuffing, a waldorf salad with blue cheese dressing, and a tomato salad with a basil-based dressing. Very yummy!
I'd also made an ice-cream pudding, which we forgot to have at lunch and ended up having for afternoon tea. The Little Big Fella and I love ice-cream!!!
And then for dinner we had some yummy cheeses, deli meats, and a bit of fruit... as well as a bit of wine. It was just the perfect way to end the eating day :-)
So now I'm sitting on the couch, next to my wonderful husband, watching a movie and writing this blog post. I'm a happy woman right now :-)
Monday, 24 December 2012
Is Christmas just for kids?
I was wrapping Christmas presents tonight and considering Christmas in general. The thought occurred to me that Christmas is very much a celebration for children. Everything is so exciting for them. There's changes in routine and food, and, of course, the presents!
But is Christmas just for kids?
I don't think so! I love Christmas! I love the lights and decorations, the food and festivities, and the general atmosphere of celebration and goodwill.
But I have to admit that having a nearly-four-year-old is making this Christmas season particularly enjoyable so far :-D
We've had a lot of fun cooking together, putting up the Christmas tree, and looking at Christmas lights. Every morning we've opened up our little advent calendar and counted how many days have passed, looking at how close we're getting to Christmas day.
And the Big Fella and I have thoroughly enjoyed buying presents for the Little Big Fella, and a couple for each other too :-)
One of my family Christmas traditions is to wrap presents on Christmas Eve while watching the Christmas Carols on TV. Each person would disappear into a bedroom and wrap the presents they were giving then bring them out and put them under the tree and continue enjoying the Carols.
Well, this year we've been invited to our next-door neighbour's place for a BBQ dinner/party on Christmas Eve so I had to wrap the presents tonight!
Dilemma!!!
I thought, "I'll watch a Christmas movie while I'm wrapping!"
Ha!
Would you believe it's Sunday night, two nights before Christmas and there wasn't a single Christmas movie on??? I even jumped online and checked the TV guide and discovered there will only be about 3 over the next two days!!!
I was shattered! Actually, I'm still not really over it and I'm seriously considering hiring a handful of them, even if I end up watching them all by myself :-D
I did watch "The Holiday" the other night and one of the lines I love is when Kate Winslet's character takes the old man to his award/recognition night. He presents her with a corsage and says that he hopes it's not too corny. She responds with, "I like corny. I'm looking for corny in my life".
That's totally me at Christmas! I love the pathetically corny Christmas movies, and the ridiculous music! I'm looking for corny in my life!!!!
Anyway, there's only one more full day until Christmas and I think I'm nearly as excited as my Little Big Fella.
Well, maybe not quite.
But is Christmas just for kids?
I don't think so! I love Christmas! I love the lights and decorations, the food and festivities, and the general atmosphere of celebration and goodwill.
But I have to admit that having a nearly-four-year-old is making this Christmas season particularly enjoyable so far :-D
We've had a lot of fun cooking together, putting up the Christmas tree, and looking at Christmas lights. Every morning we've opened up our little advent calendar and counted how many days have passed, looking at how close we're getting to Christmas day.
And the Big Fella and I have thoroughly enjoyed buying presents for the Little Big Fella, and a couple for each other too :-)
One of my family Christmas traditions is to wrap presents on Christmas Eve while watching the Christmas Carols on TV. Each person would disappear into a bedroom and wrap the presents they were giving then bring them out and put them under the tree and continue enjoying the Carols.
Well, this year we've been invited to our next-door neighbour's place for a BBQ dinner/party on Christmas Eve so I had to wrap the presents tonight!
Dilemma!!!
I thought, "I'll watch a Christmas movie while I'm wrapping!"
Ha!
Would you believe it's Sunday night, two nights before Christmas and there wasn't a single Christmas movie on??? I even jumped online and checked the TV guide and discovered there will only be about 3 over the next two days!!!
I was shattered! Actually, I'm still not really over it and I'm seriously considering hiring a handful of them, even if I end up watching them all by myself :-D
I did watch "The Holiday" the other night and one of the lines I love is when Kate Winslet's character takes the old man to his award/recognition night. He presents her with a corsage and says that he hopes it's not too corny. She responds with, "I like corny. I'm looking for corny in my life".
That's totally me at Christmas! I love the pathetically corny Christmas movies, and the ridiculous music! I'm looking for corny in my life!!!!
Anyway, there's only one more full day until Christmas and I think I'm nearly as excited as my Little Big Fella.
Well, maybe not quite.
Sunday, 2 December 2012
The wonder of Christmas lights
This is not my house.
I'd kind of like it to be, but it's not.
This is my house.
The first picture is my next-door neighbour's house. Pretty cool, isn't it? And what I love the most about it (and Christmas lights in general), is the feeling of special-ness that all those lights create.
I remember, when I was much younger, I'd sneak out at night time, after everyone else was asleep, and just sit next to the Christmas tree and bask in the glow. Sounds kind of lame when I write it like that. But Christmas lights really evoke a sense of wonder in me.
My husband, the Big Fella, does not share my sentiment. In fact, he's rather bah humbug about Christmas in general. Yesterday he was catching up on some sleep so the Little Big Fella and I watched "Jingle All the Way". Tacky movie, I know, but it was Christmas-y and I enjoyed it.
I guess I'm just a big softie who still wishes that there was such a thing as magic.
Anyway, this year is only the beginning of our Christmas light/yard decorations! And while we may be the poor, sad little house of Christmas lights this year,
if my plans for next year come off we might just be the talk of the town!!!
Friday, 30 November 2012
Christmas cooking
Since my hormonal storm passed, the Little Big Fella and I have been doing a bit of Christmas cooking. I think this is one thing that I'd like to be a tradition for us. It's spending time together, making different foods (maybe even trying new recipes), and licking the spoon :-D
One of the traditions we're passing on to the next generation (I'm pretty sure my sister is doing it with her boys too) is the making of yo-yos. They're a little like shortbread, but made with custard powder rather than rice flour, and you stick the two biscuits (cookies) together with icing - vanilla, passionfruit, lemon... whatever takes your fancy really. It's a tradition passed down from my dad's mum, then my mum did them every Christmas, and now my sister and I have done them too. I like that sense of continuity and connection with my extended family, even when some of them are no longer here.
One of the traditions we're passing on to the next generation (I'm pretty sure my sister is doing it with her boys too) is the making of yo-yos. They're a little like shortbread, but made with custard powder rather than rice flour, and you stick the two biscuits (cookies) together with icing - vanilla, passionfruit, lemon... whatever takes your fancy really. It's a tradition passed down from my dad's mum, then my mum did them every Christmas, and now my sister and I have done them too. I like that sense of continuity and connection with my extended family, even when some of them are no longer here.
Here's a pic of my yo-yos when they'd just come out of the oven:
Another treat I love at Christmas time is fruit mince pies/tarts! Some people hate them but I am an absolute fan! So I bought a jar of fruit mince (too hot and tired to make my own this year) and made the pastry.
Seriously. Messy. Job!
The first part was easy! Chuck it all in the food processor and whiz it up then wrap it and put it in the fridge for 30 minutes. Easy!
But then you have to roll it really thin. And even with plenty of flour on the table, rolling pin and pastry, it stuck like billy-o! And, of course, the Little Big Fella had his finger in the flour constantly and the flour went everywhere!!! But we had fun, and that's the point!
I'm thinking of doing some ginger snaps and shortbread between now and Christmas. We'll see how we go ;-)
Another treat I love at Christmas time is fruit mince pies/tarts! Some people hate them but I am an absolute fan! So I bought a jar of fruit mince (too hot and tired to make my own this year) and made the pastry.
Seriously. Messy. Job!
The first part was easy! Chuck it all in the food processor and whiz it up then wrap it and put it in the fridge for 30 minutes. Easy!
But then you have to roll it really thin. And even with plenty of flour on the table, rolling pin and pastry, it stuck like billy-o! And, of course, the Little Big Fella had his finger in the flour constantly and the flour went everywhere!!! But we had fun, and that's the point!
I'm thinking of doing some ginger snaps and shortbread between now and Christmas. We'll see how we go ;-)
Tuesday, 27 November 2012
Isn't this supposed to be fun?
I've had a rather... hormonal couple of days. Unfortunately it combined with lack of sleep, a bit of hot weather, a 3 and a half year old who has a bit of an attitude, and a husband who's been working hard and wants to relax (fair enough really!). I guess what I'm trying to say is, my poor Fellas have had to put up with one cranky woman this week!
"I'm Santa!"
"No I'm not! I'm (the Little Big Fella)!"
Unlike last year, the decorations were put over the whole tree, but the Little Big Fella just couldn't get the idea of each branch having a bauble, so some missed out while others got several :-)
In the midst of this cranky storm I've been trying to do some Christmas preparation because of the strong possibility of heading back to our old town for a week or two to help out my sister, who's just had an operation (nothing major - just no heavy lifting, driving etc).
A couple of evenings ago I decided to try to put up our new outdoor lights. I LOVE Christmas lights and this is the first time we've had any, other than on the Christmas tree. So I went out in the late afternoon shade and the Little Big Fella decided to "help" me. Out comes Mrs Moody and ruins it for everyone! There was cranking and growling and frustration when things didn't go right.
The next day we decided to bake some Christmas cookies. The Little Big Fella and I have cooked a bit together and normally it works out pretty well. But not this time! This time I was using a new recipe, the kitchen wasn't set up to make it easy and the Little Big Fella's propensity to ignore instructions caused it to be way more stressful than fun.
And I thought to myself, "isn't this supposed to be fun? Isn't the idea of doing these Christmas-y things supposed to be building our relationship and giving him wonderful memories?" And I felt like Christmas this year was ruined before it had even begun.
Thankfully I didn't write this post on that day! It would have been morbid and depressing and whingey and complaint-filled. Bleuch!
But the next day the hormone storm passed and we decided to put up the Christmas tree together. Last year the Little Big Fella and his older cousin did all the decorating of our tree (well, up to as high as they could reach anyway!) and we had a really fun time. Thankfully this year still had some of that joy :-)
We found the Christmas tree in the back shed, and the boxes of decorations. I put the tree together and then the lights on it then we both put the "balls" on, while listening to Michael Bublé crooning some of my favourite Christmas carols.
The Little Big Fella decided he should "swim" under the tree and find the presents! (Such amazing imagination!) Most of the "presents" were lights for the tree :-D
Oh! And while I was putting the tree together, I heard a voice behind me.
"Guess who I am!"
I turn around to this:
Unlike last year, the decorations were put over the whole tree, but the Little Big Fella just couldn't get the idea of each branch having a bauble, so some missed out while others got several :-)
The finished product! Lovely and bright and full. It's at the front window so people going past might see it, and it's also at the end of the hallway so I see it as I'm going down there from the other end of the house. It makes me smile :-)
I just realised today that I haven't got anything to put in our little advent calendar yet and I think I'd like to do it because, as well as working on our numbers, it helps to build the excitement for Christmas and means I (hopefully) won't be asked every. single. day. if it's Christmas yet :-D
Saturday, 17 November 2012
Christmas traditions
I was planning out my meals for the coming week and suddenly realised there will only be one month until Christmas at the end of it!!! As someone who has to post pretty much everything, that's mildy scary!
But I've been thinking about Christmas traditions; traditions that seem to be part of everyone's Christmas, old traditions, Australian traditions, religious traditions, my family's traditions, the Big Fella's family's traditions... you get the idea.
And now that the Little Big Fella is starting to understand that Christmas is different to other days, I'm wondering what kinds of traditions I'd like him to have and remember.
Obviously food is going to be a big thing. With the Big Fella around, how could it not?
And presents. I mean, kids will always be kids.
But after the presents are opened and the food is consumed, what else is Christmas?
Growing up in a Christian household, Christmas was the celebration of the birth of a baby who would grow up to become the saviour of the world. We'd have a beautiful breakfast and open our presents (probably in reverse order actually!) then we'd all get ready and go to church.
I loved going to church on Christmas (and Easter too!) because I'd get to see my friends and we'd show and tell about our presents and play together. And the service was normally short and fun too.
Many years my family would then jump in the car and travel hours to spend the rest of the day with extended family. Although, in later years we tended to have our extended family Christmas on Boxing Day or the next most convenient day for most of us.
There are many people who like to focus on others during the Christmas season. They may give gifts through charities, or help out at a Christmas lunch for the homeless.
Of course, the Aussie tradition is to have a game of backyard cricket after lunch (or maybe after a big sleep, induced by over-eating).
Some people go camping for the week of Christmas to New Year. Some go to the same place each year and meet up with family and the friends made over time.
Then there are the Christmas traditions that don't occur on Christmas Day itself!
I have a strong, fond memory of baking Christmas cookies with my host mum in America when I lived there! So strong, in fact, that I'm pretty sure I'll be doing it with the Little Big Fella this year, especially given how much he loves being in the kitchen at the moment.
And Christmas lights! I love Christmas lights!!! Big ones, small ones, ones that tell a story. I've probably mentioned it already, but Christmas lights are a pretty big deal in our new little town. Our next door neighbour has already started putting hers up, and says it will take her the next two weeks to get them all out!
Last year we took the Little Big Fella for a drive around the major lights in our last town and he loved it. We'll be putting some up here (I purchased my first outdoor light sets this past week), but it'll be pretty small this year.
However!
Next year, I've got a plan! And it will probably take me all year to implement it, but if it comes off it will be amazingly awesome! And possibly expensive :-o I've even made myself a photo of our house, overlaid with images of what I want to do to it on the computer.
My mother-in-law and sister-in-law have a tradition of exchanging Christmas tree ornaments each year, and when I married the Big Fella I was included in this fun tradition. I really like this one because when I look at my tree I remember people that I love, and who love me.
And then there's Christmas Eve! My family tradition is to all disappear, at various times throughout the day/evening, and wrap the presents we're giving and bring them back to put under the tree.
Normally this is happening while we're watching the Melbourne Christmas Carols on TV. One year I'd love to actually go to those carols! The Big Fella despises Christmas carols (he's a little bit bah humbug) so I've missed a fair few carols shows in the (almost) 11 years we've been married. But I get my own back by playing Christmas CDs non-stop for a few days (insert evil laugh here).
Every Christmas, since I've been an adult I guess, I've felt so incredibly grateful for my family. My parents are not only still together, but very much in love. My two sisters, my brother and I get along really well. And our spouses and children all add into the mix really well too. I was going to say we're lucky, but I know that my parents put a lot of effort into making our family the way it is.
But I know that for others Christmas is highly stressful. Getting together with family isn't necessarily a fun experience, and if you add a bit of alcohol and expectations, it can turn rather ugly.
I guess what I want for my son is to look back as an adult at his childhood Christmases, and smile. I want him to re-live fun experiences, remember people he loves, imagine the smells and sounds and tastes that were so enjoyable, and have a sense of depth of meaning to the holiday. Not a tall order hey?
What are your favourite Christmas memories or traditions? And have you changed anything or added new traditions as an adult or since having your own kids?
But I've been thinking about Christmas traditions; traditions that seem to be part of everyone's Christmas, old traditions, Australian traditions, religious traditions, my family's traditions, the Big Fella's family's traditions... you get the idea.
And now that the Little Big Fella is starting to understand that Christmas is different to other days, I'm wondering what kinds of traditions I'd like him to have and remember.
Obviously food is going to be a big thing. With the Big Fella around, how could it not?
And presents. I mean, kids will always be kids.
But after the presents are opened and the food is consumed, what else is Christmas?
Growing up in a Christian household, Christmas was the celebration of the birth of a baby who would grow up to become the saviour of the world. We'd have a beautiful breakfast and open our presents (probably in reverse order actually!) then we'd all get ready and go to church.
I loved going to church on Christmas (and Easter too!) because I'd get to see my friends and we'd show and tell about our presents and play together. And the service was normally short and fun too.
Many years my family would then jump in the car and travel hours to spend the rest of the day with extended family. Although, in later years we tended to have our extended family Christmas on Boxing Day or the next most convenient day for most of us.
There are many people who like to focus on others during the Christmas season. They may give gifts through charities, or help out at a Christmas lunch for the homeless.
Of course, the Aussie tradition is to have a game of backyard cricket after lunch (or maybe after a big sleep, induced by over-eating).
Some people go camping for the week of Christmas to New Year. Some go to the same place each year and meet up with family and the friends made over time.
Then there are the Christmas traditions that don't occur on Christmas Day itself!
I have a strong, fond memory of baking Christmas cookies with my host mum in America when I lived there! So strong, in fact, that I'm pretty sure I'll be doing it with the Little Big Fella this year, especially given how much he loves being in the kitchen at the moment.
And Christmas lights! I love Christmas lights!!! Big ones, small ones, ones that tell a story. I've probably mentioned it already, but Christmas lights are a pretty big deal in our new little town. Our next door neighbour has already started putting hers up, and says it will take her the next two weeks to get them all out!
Last year we took the Little Big Fella for a drive around the major lights in our last town and he loved it. We'll be putting some up here (I purchased my first outdoor light sets this past week), but it'll be pretty small this year.
However!
Next year, I've got a plan! And it will probably take me all year to implement it, but if it comes off it will be amazingly awesome! And possibly expensive :-o I've even made myself a photo of our house, overlaid with images of what I want to do to it on the computer.
My mother-in-law and sister-in-law have a tradition of exchanging Christmas tree ornaments each year, and when I married the Big Fella I was included in this fun tradition. I really like this one because when I look at my tree I remember people that I love, and who love me.
And then there's Christmas Eve! My family tradition is to all disappear, at various times throughout the day/evening, and wrap the presents we're giving and bring them back to put under the tree.
Normally this is happening while we're watching the Melbourne Christmas Carols on TV. One year I'd love to actually go to those carols! The Big Fella despises Christmas carols (he's a little bit bah humbug) so I've missed a fair few carols shows in the (almost) 11 years we've been married. But I get my own back by playing Christmas CDs non-stop for a few days (insert evil laugh here).
Every Christmas, since I've been an adult I guess, I've felt so incredibly grateful for my family. My parents are not only still together, but very much in love. My two sisters, my brother and I get along really well. And our spouses and children all add into the mix really well too. I was going to say we're lucky, but I know that my parents put a lot of effort into making our family the way it is.
But I know that for others Christmas is highly stressful. Getting together with family isn't necessarily a fun experience, and if you add a bit of alcohol and expectations, it can turn rather ugly.
I guess what I want for my son is to look back as an adult at his childhood Christmases, and smile. I want him to re-live fun experiences, remember people he loves, imagine the smells and sounds and tastes that were so enjoyable, and have a sense of depth of meaning to the holiday. Not a tall order hey?
What are your favourite Christmas memories or traditions? And have you changed anything or added new traditions as an adult or since having your own kids?
Friday, 16 November 2012
Scrap me happy!
This morning I got the chance to do something I haven't done in AGES! I got to sit around a table with a bunch of friends and do some scrapbooking/paper craft. And it was awesome!
Getting to chat with friends, while your kids are happily entertained (mostly outside), eating and drinking and being creative... what more could a girl want?
And the best thing is... we're going to do it again! I don't know when, but it will definitely happen, possibly even regularly. Yay!
And speaking of creative things, last night I decided on my outdoor theme for Christmas next year. Yes, you read that correctly... next year. The plan is too big to put together for this year! I've even done a little plan on my computer, overlaying what I want to do on a photo of our house and yard.
No, you can't see it! That would ruin the surprise!
I'm looking forward to Christmas this year (although I still have no idea what we're actually doing!). Apparently there are quite a few people (my neighbours included) who go all out with Christmas lights and decorations. Have I mentioned that I love Christmas lights?
On another note, I finally got around to making a bunch of appointments and phone calls yesterday. You know how sometimes you just keep putting something off, even though it's only small and wouldn't take much time? Phone calls are like that for me.
Speaking of phone calls, the Little Big Fella wanted to call his Nanna tonight when it was bed time. He doesn't often ask to do that so I agreed. Boy! Can that kid talk!!! And he gets so focused on one topic at a time that he doesn't even hear you respond or ask questions! It was very entertaining listening to him telling Nanna all about giants and how big they are, and wondering if Daddy's gun would shoot them, and trying to figure out if they are inside books and so on and so on. Nanna and Grandad enjoyed it (thankfully). I think it's probably the longest conversation he's had with them!
The Big Fella has a couple of days off coming up so we're planning to go and discover another new swimming spot "nearby". Hopefully it'll be wonderful and I'll get to tell you all about it and post some photos for you :-D
Getting to chat with friends, while your kids are happily entertained (mostly outside), eating and drinking and being creative... what more could a girl want?
And the best thing is... we're going to do it again! I don't know when, but it will definitely happen, possibly even regularly. Yay!
And speaking of creative things, last night I decided on my outdoor theme for Christmas next year. Yes, you read that correctly... next year. The plan is too big to put together for this year! I've even done a little plan on my computer, overlaying what I want to do on a photo of our house and yard.
No, you can't see it! That would ruin the surprise!
I'm looking forward to Christmas this year (although I still have no idea what we're actually doing!). Apparently there are quite a few people (my neighbours included) who go all out with Christmas lights and decorations. Have I mentioned that I love Christmas lights?
On another note, I finally got around to making a bunch of appointments and phone calls yesterday. You know how sometimes you just keep putting something off, even though it's only small and wouldn't take much time? Phone calls are like that for me.
Speaking of phone calls, the Little Big Fella wanted to call his Nanna tonight when it was bed time. He doesn't often ask to do that so I agreed. Boy! Can that kid talk!!! And he gets so focused on one topic at a time that he doesn't even hear you respond or ask questions! It was very entertaining listening to him telling Nanna all about giants and how big they are, and wondering if Daddy's gun would shoot them, and trying to figure out if they are inside books and so on and so on. Nanna and Grandad enjoyed it (thankfully). I think it's probably the longest conversation he's had with them!
The Big Fella has a couple of days off coming up so we're planning to go and discover another new swimming spot "nearby". Hopefully it'll be wonderful and I'll get to tell you all about it and post some photos for you :-D
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