Monday, December 26

Good Fortune

Alexander got a book for Christmas - Show Off - a pictorial guide of how to do everything. Of course he has big plans to work through this book and was trying to make a big dent in it on the day after christmas.Fortune cookies was the request and they actually were pretty easy. I did overcook them a little and then not move quickly enough in the folding process, but the instructions were clear and we got one good cookie.

They still tasted good and Alexander had written all the fortunes so they were all good!

Sunday, December 25

Merry Christmas


For all of us - wishing you a Merry Christmas

Saturday, December 24

merry christmas

Three very excited little boys before heading off to bed - waiting for Santa to visit.
They are in their new 'christmas' pj's - finished today and much better quality than last years effort!
A plate of goodies laid out for Santa and his reindeer.
Dancing around the yard spreading out reindeer food so Santa can see our house to visit.
The stockings hung up ready for the big day tomorrow.....

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas

Friday, December 23

Christmas Spirit

Only today - with school over and my antibiotics kicking in, do I feel we can get into the christmas spirit - and we did in a big way today.
First was a visit to a friends house where the kids played happily and I remade the skirt that I had gifted which was too big - now it is perfect. We enjoyed lunch and munched on strawberry Santa hats.
When we got home, Phartie visited to exchange gifts and join us for a gourmet dinner (Takeaway fish and chips!) Still his company was enjoyed and we sat outside in the warm summer evening. Alexander got his 'ripstick' which was his christmas request. This should come with one or two free hospital visits! I think santa will bring the required protective gear!!

Wednesday, December 21

Party Time

Archie celebrated his 5th birthday today at Kew Traffic School - yes thats the back of his gorgeous little head and the only picture I got of him. In fact it was difficult to get a picture of anyone as they were all off on their bikes, riding like the wind.
My boys had a marvellous time - this is the first time their new bikes have been out on the open road and they loved it.Even after a morning of hectic shopping, they rarely stopped - even for food!What amazed me more than anything was their obedience to the road rules. I didn't think any of that had got in - but I saw them a few times stop at the lights and wait for them to go green before hooning off! They will sleep well tonight - thanks Nay for a lovely day!

Tuesday, December 20

Gift Sewing

Alexander has had a great year at school this year - a really great year. He gelled with his teacher and she really gave him every opportunity to learn and to thrive. She set high expectations and he happily met them. He wanted to give her something special for christmas and I was more than happy to oblige. We decided on a bag and a top as she is a bit of a hip young thing.
This is my standard bag pattern and I find it really good for carting books around so she got one of these. The fabric is Amy Butler and it is a coated cotton so I didn't put the usual plastic outer. I did however line it with a backed curtain fabric to give it a bit of extra strength and stability. We got the fabric from Fabric.com and were amazed at the speed of delivery.
Then we also made her this top. This is my new favorite top as it is casual and dressy but most importantly feels really nice on. The front panel is silk from Darn Cheap and the back is a mid weight knit. I was really happy with the outcome as it is so her. We gave them to her today and firstly she was a little taken aback because it was so much - but I tried to explain that we made them - as this was some reason for there being so much but she didn't get it. She looked like she really did love the top - we had been taking note of her clothes and what she liked and wore. She was touched that both gifts had so much thought and that is really the point.
(Editied to add: Next day she wore the top! According to Alexander she LOVES it and wants me to go into production because all her friends would love them. Frankly the fact that she wore it is more than validation for us!!)
The machine has been on overdrive of late - these are purses for the knitting girls. Our christmas dinner is tonight and a little something for each of them. Each has their own special message which I hope is relevant to them for the coming year.

Joeys

My little babe getting his last badge in Joeys. He is graduating and moving on to Cubs. Congrats Xandy.