Hello December!

Well, December seems to have snuck up and smacked me right in the face!

With 5 days of school left for the year, our calendar is full of parties, dance competitions, graduation, birthdays, school orientation, a swimming carnival, musical rehearsals, school break up and Christmas concert!

In between, I'll find time to go to work, finish Christmas shopping, take the family to Brisbane for two days, and keep the house in some kind of organised chaos. 

I also have to sew the huge rip in the trampoline from last weeks storm, which saw winds so ferocious, that they picked it up, carried it over the pool where it came to rest sideways against the house, smashing the downpipe in the process!

Industrial sewing needle anyone?

This year seems different though. A shift in my conscience maybe, as Miss D (aged 12) is starting high school next year.  With mixed emotions, of excitement (for her) and pure terror (for me - wasn't she just BORN??) I shall loosen the tie just a bit that connects her to my heart, and send her off to the big school!

By 2014 I'll have a new school to get to know, and a teenager to try to understand, which is ridiculous as I've only ever had young children, where did these big kids come from?

There's been a lot happening leading up to this moment.  She spent a week away on school camp, and I cried when the bus left, and stalked facebook for school updates, just hoping for a glimpse of her. The kids had an amazing time, and I'm sure they grew up just a little bit during the week.

Being in Grade 7 and a school leader, she's had many responsibilities and has loved being part of the oldest group in the school.  Such a difference being the youngest in high school, the dynamics certainly change. Another milestone that truly begins with that first smile, that first glimpse of a shiny new tooth and the most amazing first step!

I'll admit that I feel apprehensive, and I'll worry about her because it's a big step for me too.  Letting go of my first born baby, and realising that she doesn't need me quite as much now that she's older, stings just a little bit.

It's just life. It's part of the process I suppose. Having the world at your feet is a powerful thing, and she is standing on the doorstep waiting to fly.

A Tree

   
We had the most wonderful day today.  Quite a mix of relaxation, rejuvenation and reflection. It's not often we have a day at home, with no work, or sport or commitments so we made the most of it.

A sleep in, a late brunch and an afternoon in the pool for the kids!  Miss T was desperate to put the Christmas Tree up, and after consultation with the facebook masses, we decided that the 23 Nov was THE perfect day to bring the Tree to life.

It's the first Christmas Tree we have had in 5 years.  When we were living in the shed we couldn't have a tree, because I was sure a possum would take up residence and scratch my eyes out when I decided it was time to pack the tree away!

So we went Treeless for many years, but we've made up for it this year, because this Tree is very full, very sparkly and there's a Lego Man hiding in there somewhere.

Thanks Mr C!

 

Mega Christmas Roundup!

 

Merry Christmas Lovelies!

What a wonderful time of year this has been.  I hope you have had some relaxation, some reflection and some thoughts to the future, as I have done so.

It's always such a rush during the week or so leading up to The Day. Last minute gifts, Christmas parties, the buying of The Ham, and having the kids home from school can certainly raise the stress levels!

But we all do it, because we love it!

And I even have to plan for two birthdays during Christmas week - two of my children have their special day 2 days either side of Christmas Day, so you can imagine what this Farmers Wifey has to do to stay organised!

It's not only a special day for them, but a celebration for me, remembering the most amazing time of my life, when my babies were born.  I usually feel quite emotional and reflective during this week, and as much as it is busy and stressful and tiring, I wouldn't change it...I just love it!

We spent Christmas Day at our new house.  I refused to go anywhere as I've waited for over four years to have The Day here.  It was grand!  So very relaxing, with the kids swimming, and enjoying their new gifts, while I actually went back to bed at 2pm, after cooking a delicious lunch that was enjoyed by all!

I went back to bed, and I got right in! I snuggled underneath the cool sheet under the fan and had an afternoon siesta. With nowhere to be, and nothing to do, it was bliss!

And I set the table on Christmas Eve, and I must say it looked beautiful!

Boxing Day saw us at the beach, where the kids threw sand at me and I scowled at them because I just don't like sand in my hair!  So much beach and so much sand and they have to play right.in.front.of.me.  When they are in the water it's a different matter, however, as I expect them to stay in my line of sight!

We also welcomed 13 brand new guinea babies on Christmas Day.  The best.present.ever.

Well I'll check in on you later.  I'm off to make some new years resolutions that I will break.  As you do!

Observations

Observations.....

Mr C (aged 9) walked along the deck to the dining room exclaiming " we have a new mat. It's so fancy".  Yes we are.

I'm getting quite anal about my new polished floors.  I sweep them, and sweep them, and they still get dusty.  If a bread crumb is dropped, I'm onto it.  I AM the dirt police.

We really need to do something about the water pressure as every time I fill a glass , the pump kicks in and I'm standing there with a bench covered in water.  It just won't do.

My new favourite saying is "SHUT THE DOOR, YOU WERE NOT BORN IN A TENT".

An inside toilet is the best invention since the sticky note.  Or sliced bread.  Or online shopping.

I've been searching for days for our Christmas tree lights, but they are nowhere to be seen. Our tree will not twinkle this year, but it will still look damn hot.

This is the first time in four years that I'm excited about my Christmas tablescape.  Tablescape is now my favourite word.

Speaking of online shopping, I still get a thrill when a package arrives for me at the post office.

My eldest daughter was named vice captain of her school for next year.  I am so proud, and happy, and in awe of my amazing girl.....

A few nights ago, The Hubbster and the kids were dancing on the deck to Gangman Style.  I couldn't help but think......

We are home.

It's just around the corner!

It was my day off today, so I pottered around in the new house, cleaning, wiping and dusting.  That pesky builders' dust is everywhere!  Along with a healthy dose of red sawdust from the polished floors!

The house smells so clean...and new..and untouched!  We have so much to do, so much unpacking and arranging and organising...it's a bit overwhelming considering Christmas is just around the corner!

I can't wait to have Christmas in our new house....lunch on the deck, a real Christmas tree....I want the smell of Christmas wafting through the house...I'm so excited!

Christmas! Christmas! Christmas!  How I love that word!

When Mr C and I were in Brisbane last week, we did some shopping at the Myer Centre, and I just loved the displays and arrangements, I walked around taking photos just swooning at the beautiful decorations and colours and tablescapes!

Look!  Just look!

 What do YOU love about Christmas?

Christmas

Merry Christmas lovelies!

We have had a quite, stressfree Christmas, and it's been wonderful just to relax.

The kids have been swimming, we have slept in every day and we went to the Picnic Races today and we had an awesome time!

The only thing I forgot to buy during my Christmas Eve shop was toilet paper.

So we found the emergency stash!


And the most amazing present I received was a black and white photo from Tupelo, Mississippi where my idol Elvis Presley was born.....my darling Father in Law brought it back from his recent holiday and had it framed for me.

It means more to me than he will ever know....

Guide to a Safe Christmas

To my lovelies, Merry Christmas!

I am so blessed to have you in my life, albeit my online life!

It doesn't matter, because I appreciate every one of you ♥

As I am such a caring person, I wanted to send you a Christmas warning....

Taken directly from a news website, I must confess, with the best bits highlighted, it reads:-


Parents hurt by children's toys at Christmas

Adults eager to try out their kids' Christmas presents are being warned to take care, as paramedics brace for an influx of injured dads, mums, uncles and aunties.

NSW paramedics say they have traditionally received calls to treat children hurt by their presents.

But parents and other adults are increasingly sustaining serious injuries from playing with children's new toys.

Accidents include falls from scooters, bikes and trampolines and injuries suffered when a water slip 'n' slide ride goes wrong.

Other common injuries include adults stabbing themselves with screwdrivers when assembling new toys.

Alcohol is often a factor.

"Try not to mix alcohol and use of new toys, this is where adults usually come unstuck and they show the children how not to use the toy," the Ambulance Service of NSW said in a statement.

Falls associated with hanging Christmas lights and decorations can also cause major injuries.

So my advice is to wrap yourself in this, while you ride that scooter, so you stay safe over the Christmas break.


Image Credit

So Merry Christmas to you and I hope this litte doggie gets an extra special treat this year!

For the person who has everything

It's that time of year again. Christmas.

A busy time for some, a time to reflect and share the love with our family and friends.

It can also be a stressful time, when gifts are being exchanged, and we walk the shop floors looking for that "special something" for the person who has everything.

Or we just buy them a voucher. If we want to be lazy......

I've been looking for some gifts for the person who has everything and I'm sure that they would be thrilled with my choices.....

Here are some suggestions........


1. Dog crate end table

This is a fantasic gift to buy because it's a two in one present. Rover can have a nice place to sit and you'll have somewhere to put your cappuccino. Probably comes in mahogany or teak.



2. Pillow Pet

The tagline reads "It's a pillow, it's a pet....It's a Pillow Pet!"..

The company have also branched out into Pillow Pet Hats...

I don't get it.

(Edit - I've just bought one for Miss T....see, I'm weak..weak I tell you!)


3. A trip to the Edge of Space

For a spare AUD $33000 you can have a trip to the edge of the atmosphere in a Russian MiG-31 Fighter Jet.

Great for those pesky Mothers In Law, or annoying neighbours. (My MIL, however is the best..I love her to bits ♥)

I'll jump for joy if Santa gives this to me....



4.Giant sized remote

The Hubbster and I were only just saying how bad our eyes are getting.

It's called Old Age, my dear.

I can't see to even thread a needle....I have to hold it at arms length and that's not a good look.

How awesome would this remote be for those sight challenged tv watchers.

Now if they'd only make giant labels on sauce bottles I might be able to read the ingredients!



5. Banana Guard

I totally love this banana guard, to protect ones precious fruit from bruising.

I wonder what colours it comes in.....



So over to you my dear, gift challenged friends....what would YOU like to receive for Christmas?

Christmas Cheer!

Yeah yeah....I'll be sensible tommorrow..........








Images credit to The Far Side.

House Update

Lots happening at The Money Pit this week!

The plumbers have been here, doing our septic and stormwater.




Our water tanks arrive in two weeks which will keep the boys busy for a little while longer.

The bathroom tiles are being delivered this Friday, and the tiler starts in two weeks.

The plasterer also comes back in two weeks to fit our cornice and do his final fit out and check, before the painter starts.

Our awesome carpenter has finished fitting the doors, and has now started on the architraves, the chair rails and the skirting boards. Don't they look amazing!








We decided on a special feature for under the windows called a "nosing" which just looks beautiful!




Considering it's only 11 weeks until Christmas (egads) we are striving to be finished by then.

We have a good schedule going on, so we are just sticking to that and hoping our time (and our money) doesn't run out!

Please wish us luck. I need my house!