Family gifts for the win!

Let's talk a bit more about gifts. As the kids get older the obvious need for toys get less (I mean they all have so many) and clothes get more difficult (I can not imagine someone knowing what my 12 year old would like - even I sometimes have no idea). Books are always an option. But let's talk Christmas in particular.

We have scaled down a lot for Christmas - maybe I took it too far when they were younger. But we started a new trend two years ago with the in laws - we would agree to buy a family girt for the kids for Christmas and not a gift for each on their own. This means you can buy something more expensive and it is often something that in general can be enjoyed by them all. In 2015 we decided on boardgames and we got Cluedo as a gift. There has been many many games of Cluedo since. (For now we will not discuss the matter or fights around board games....)

In any event in 2016 we agreed on books with the in laws and my children were all 3 delighted to received the Percy Jackson box set. Mr C is almost done with the 3rd book, The Princess has read the first 2 and is waiting to get no 3 fro C and Mr L is patiently waiting until we think his reading level is on par to tackle them. This gift has provided hours of reading fun and will still do so in future.

My mom also gave the kids one gift - Rummikub - which is a fantastic game that I really enjoy playing with them. It has become a somewhat staple Friday night activity for us. It has been apart from the Percy Jackson books the most used Christmas gift of the year. The kids also got a tub of giant marshmallows from a family friend - they have been greatly enjoyed at braais and we still have a few left that I am sure will get demolished soon.

I remember as a child (when we gave way more Christmas presents) there was a general thing with friends, neighbours and family to give say a tin of toffees or Woollies cookies (or homemade ones) to families.I love this idea - as I in general love the idea of boardgames.

I would love to know if you have done or received something similar and what are your thoughts.

Christmas blessings

Wishing you and all your loved ones a Christmas filled with joy and love.

I was woken up this morning just after 5 by the most wonderful sound of thunder -followed shortly by the sound of the house alarm going off. The promise of rain in a drought is amazing. We had a good few drops following but not the big storm that the thunder promised. The sun is shining again - promising another scorcher of a day in stead of the coolness the early morning weather hinted at.

It pretty much summarize this holiday for us. What was planned for this holiday did not happen. In stead of spending Christmas at the seaside with grandparents and cousins, we are spending it at home without Hunter. He is where he is needed most and the moment - it was clearly one of our best decisions. Our Oupa is sick - very sick and for now it's first things first - which means that dad is spending it with Oupa and Ouma in Port Elizabeth and we are spending it today with our other Ouma - my mom.

But God is amazing - angels are sent on our path all the time to help us over the sadness and disappointment of this holiday. On Monday afternoon during a storm cables in our area were blown off by falling branches in a huge wind storm. This resulted in a 54 hour electricity failure that nearly broke me. Dealing with moving a deep freeze of frozen meat, upset children, not being able to cook as you would normally do and defrosting fridges and freezers in a heat wave of 39 degrees for both the days the power was out all on my own was a challenge. But we had angels sent to us - a good friend that made space in her freezers to house all our meat before any damage was done and an offer for the boys to play and swim the afternoon with her kids - giving me time to do some shopping needed A's BFF parents that housed her for 2 days and night and offered showers, meals and more and my cousin that decided that a sleepover for us all at her place was a great idea. And it was - it was the break we needed to get away from the masses of work waiting at home and take aways or restaurant meals and to just relax for an evening, have a good solid home cooked meal and the best of all - a sleep in for me the next morning.

Christmas eve last night was truly a blessing. When A's BFF's parents heard of the changes of plans they invited us over to spend the night with their extended family. If was such a social and great occasion that brought much much joy to us all - especially the kids that loved the relaxed madness of 11 children between ages 2 and 18 , a 7 week old puppy , gifts, treats and way too much sugar. I am extremely thankful for this evening of joy and hope.

This morning after church I am cooking a Christmas meal at my moms for just us and one family member. I will make it a joyful and happy occasion.

Wishing you all a wonderful day with plenty of joy and hope.

Just breathe.....

After the craziest of weeks - 2 merit award functions, one Judo grading, one Judo parent showcase, one music exam , one music merit award function and one evening Christmas market (not to mention lots to do at work) - from Saturday morning on we had nothing to do.  Honestly, nothing that HAD to be done, we had to attend, we had to rush to. Just that thought already did heaps to help me de-stress - take the load off of a very tough year. It was fantastic!

In the end, we had a quiet but productive weekend - also one where we relaxed and just let our hair down a bit. I went to the Design Team sale and treated myself to (more than I should have) Olka Polka clothing at wonderful prices. I also bought two beautiful cushions for the big couch and the kids all just one Silly Billy item as at the last sale I only bought them stuff. I was in  there at 8 and out by 8:30 and home just around 9. We also had a nice visit with my mom and A and I tackled her toys and sorted out, threw out and made a box for donating. I could not believe that those overfilled shelves (I forgot to take a before picture), had space left in almost every basket or container. Also amazing at how she re discovered some toys and played with them for the rest of the weekend.

On Sunday night we put up the Christmas tree - for the first time ever we had a happy cheerful no fights event with Lady Antebellum singing Christmas songs in the background.

This year, to save my sanity, I did not make the traditional Advent calender we use - in stead, I bought the Lego City one and the kids are sharing it. They take turns to open a window and build the item behind it. Together they are constructing the whole scene.

 And with that, I hope that your life is slowing down a bit. I am certainly enjoying the easier pace. Or are you still firing at all cylinders?

Christmas catch up 3

Christmas Father enjoyed his doughnuts, beer and Quality street and left stockings for the kids. It is the first year that A knew it's a myth and she played along so well for her brothers. 

Typical stocking contents (A's) - stickers, sugar cane, chocolate Christmas father, yo yo, one smallish toy (she got Barbie clothes, C a green shoulder buddy he wanted for ages and L a Hot wheels) and a DVD - mostly bought as we know it will keep them busy on the road down to the sea.

Christmas day was spent at home - we were way less people than we generally am ( only 7 grown ups and the 3 kids). We had leg of lamb, gammon and chicken pie with salads and roasted potatoes and my version of casata for desert.

The table was a very traditional white, green and red poinsettia inspired setting.

While taking my mom home we took a drive to Lawley street and saw the lights in the rain.

 It was a good Christmas and I loved being at home but I am looking forward to this year when we will not be hosting like we have done for the last 4 years.

I have to add justone picture from boxing day:

He had enough of photos

Christmas catch up 2 - Christmas eve

I realize we are two months into the new year, but alas, a quick catch up post.

Christmas eve was spent with my mom and a family friend of ours that was working over the season but had his family at the seaside. The table was decorated in an African Christms theme with the centre piece of an African boabab wire tree and pottery angels made by the 3 kids. We had snoek and sweet potato for dinner and then opened presents. The biggest suprise to the 3 kids in general was the fishing rods which they just could not wait to use once we got to the sea.

 

It was a good, relaxing evening with happy kiddy faces. And I got my nifty fifty amongst other things, which I totally love! (Last 3 photos taken with it)

Christmas catch up no 1

(Yes I know it's long gone but I do like to show it as this is to an extend my visual journal)

We had an early Christmas get together with my cousin and his family before they left for the holidays on the 13th of December. We do see each other way too little and especially A and their S have such a great time playing together. He is exactly a year and a day older than she is. The little boys also adore the company of the bigger boys. We did a "one gift" exchange where everyone just bought one gift for one other person. It worked out so well. All 3 little boys loved their Lego robots and the Princess added a mini Lalaloopsie to her other one.

The table outside on the patio was just beautiful

The evening's "Piece de la resistance" was this cookie Christmas tree made out of star cookies decreasing in size.

They had two very funky Christmas trees inside.

I adore this shot - C's hand in Hunter's

 Family is so important - keeping the bonds and creating them for our kids are up to us. We all remember the good times we had with family as kids and somehow we just do not do it often enough these days.

Do you see family  (other than direct) regularly?

The Christmas and holiday spirit is upon us.

Gosh, the kids seem to be totally over this year. Every morning I have to explain to Mr L that we are still going to school and not on holiday yet. I am at a fail to try and explain that we will only be physically going away after Christmas. I am trusting though, that our Advent calender will do some of the count down for me. 

A look at the contents of this year's calender - sweets, stickers and a few small toys - mostly from CNA's party favours

The Princess just wants to put up the tree, but this has to wait for at least the 1st of December. And Mr C, well, he is complaining that he wants a green Christmas tree as our tree just is not a "real" Christmas tree. On this I will stand my ground - I love out little many years used wire tree and we are certainly sticking to it. I am contemplating doing some fun craft things with them in the holiday to add to the Christmas decorations etc. Christmas Father will be visiting the boys' school on Friday morning and on Friday evening we will have their Carols by Candlelight with a small show prepared by their sports teacher. Apparently someone we know is the Olympic games flag bearer.

We are really going to have a nice and quiet small Christmas - just us and my mom and my cousin and her dad. I am looking forward to that after our huge entertaining the last two years - which although fun and rewarding, is also great to have a break from this year.

 So what are you planning for Christmas?                           

You know it's almost Christmas...

.... when you hear the dance of the Sugar Plum fairy and you see the posters for this year's production of the Nutcracker. We have never gone until this year, because this year our favorite Youth Dance Company  Tshwane's yearly ballet was the Nutcracker. After we enjoyed their Sleeping Beauty in 2010 and Cinderella last year, we were all ready to go for this year's special dress up party show on Saturday morning. This year she opted to dress as the Sugar Plum faerie. It was truly a lovely show with such talented dancers. Almost all the dancers are children and teenagers and I am every year astounded at how professional these youngsters are - I asked around and got the ages of some of them - truly fantastic. Apart from some guest dancers for the production (as the Prince and Cossack for instance), Nigel Hannah was as always a treat. The Princess recognizes him every year and every year he signs her programme and has a smile and a chat with the kids. I would truly recommend this for your kids - and I promise next year I will give a timely shout out so that you can book for this. A great way to introduce kids to ballet and inspire young ballerinas.

Naughty me - sneaking in a picture but I have to show you how pretty everything was.

Incredible detail on the Sugar Plum Faerie's tutu

So who is joining in next year? And have you taken your kids to the ballet as yet? Or the yearly Pantomine?
Now I can not wait to go to The Little Mermaid with my kids in December. It will be the boys' first big theatre experience.

Secret santa list

 I participated in the Bloggers Secret Santa last year and totally loved the gift I got. Stiletto mom is running it this year and I have signed up. So herewith my little list for whoever will be my good Santa:

• First of all, my current addiction - Washi tape or bakers twine -any will be great - refer to Paper peony for a great choice . I will specifically be very delighted with WT/B58, WT/B37, WT/B33 or WT/B12. For a bit more WT/B16, WT/B23, WT/B22, WT/B36  or WT/B28 will be absolutely fabulous.And any bakers twine. With or without postage you should just hit the mark.
• Anything you made by hand for me - I love hand made stuff
• Crochet flowers on a broach or hairband or the just flowers - love those.
• Funky broaches, earrings, necklaces or beads - I especially love the crochet flower ones. But not bangles. I can not really wear them - sensory issues and all.
• Bath stuff , body butter of cream- totally love anything that smells great - especially Beauty Factory or Sorbet will hit the spot any time.
• Sally Williams nougat - the plain with almonds or the plain coated in chocolate. I am seriously addicted to it. 
• Colourful flip flops - those with flowers or whatever on - Pick n Pay have heaps. I wear a size 7

So are you participating yet? Have your list up yet?

Christmas re-cap 2

We were very blessed to have my in-laws with us from the 24th and the kids were delighted to have both their grannies and gramps with them for Christmas. We lean towards the Catholic tradition of fish for Christmas eve so we had yellow tail and calamari for dinner followed by the Christmas story as read by Hunter and the first year ever, carols as sung by the kids in really loud enthusiastic voices. I will never forget that.

Simple table with candles, wire boabab and pastels

We always leave Christmas father rather alternative snacks  - last year it was beer and biltong, this year it was litchis and coke - it was so hot, we reasoned he will need to cool off in that hot coat. He brought, as always, small little gifts and some sweeties.

 

As per the last 3 years we had a late lunch and invited all we knew that were alone for Christmas. We were 13 adults and our 3 kids - our house burst at the seams but we had a great lunch. I went for a very non-traditional pastel polka dot theme (and got crackers to match at Checkers!) based on my little Christmas cake I made at the boys' schools moms craft night.

The ladies each got a little note book decorated with polka dot ribbon and cupcakes (ai Marcia all thanks to you)

The kids had their own tree crackers, a book each and a kit kat Father Christmas

And you know, we all had a great time - especially the kids - as the dirty faces testify.

 It was such a great Christmas and I love that we made the day special for so many people.

Christmas re-cap no 1

I have not even shown you one little bit of our Christmas and the New Year is already 3 days old. So, we put up our tree rather early this year - on the 28th and int he middle of the day to avoid the tired children unpleasantness of years past. Once again, my little perfect moment in my head - kids gently adding decorations with Michael Buble's Christmas album playing in the background did not come true. In stead of him gently singing "It's beginning to feel like Christmas" I had 3 kids singing "Silent Night" and "we 3 kings" on top of their voices. Not what I imagined - but perfect in every way unimagined. It was so sweet - but so loud.

Our little wooden menagerie serves us well and the kids love to play the scene out.

 Scenes from the tree:

The advent calender was a huge hit once again and the kids waited in total anticipation to open it.The non sweets days were such hits.

More about the actual day to follow

Much crazyness

Tomorrow this time, we will be having our annual office lunch, and in all honesty, it can not come soon enough. I am totally exhausted. On all levels, this year has taken it's toll. I have a few admin things to do and the odd request, for the rest I am doing a big tidy out in my office.

I have made a DVD for each child that was in class with the Princess for this year - a bit of (not so random) act of kindness spirit by me for the children and their parents who have contributed to make this year a very special one for our grade R's. I delivered those today. I also gave out teachers gifts to which I added some note books made by me and the Princess using a cupcake punch I took over from Marcia. Boy did we have fun ! I am so going to use this punch and make more of these notebooks (Thanks Marcia for the inspiration). Although the bigger "real" presents hit the spot with all of them, they all loved the handmade notebooks.

I am looking forward to doing some de-cluttering in the house next week, finally getting Christmas cards out (yes, they will be late) and seeing some friends I never get the chance to see during the year.Lucy is still working so she will mainly look after the kiddos. My dear Huberta car will also go in for her service. There wil also be plenty of prep work for the holiday and Christmas.

And the big thing! I still have to complete the photobook for my inlaws' Christmas present and totally make the one for my  mom!

I have also received the most stunning present from  my Secret Santa - thanks and how did you know that my mascara was close on empty? And for sure this is not under a R100! But I feel thoroughly spoiled and although I did not want more note books - that one I do want! It is beautiful!She has stuck plenty of Hello Kitty stickers on the parcel and it is  Joburg post so I do suspect two lovely bloggers in particular that took part in the project. In return, I have posted my gift - it was incredibly difficult for me as I could get no feel of what she will like - so I hope she at least likes what I got. I so do not want to be the one to disappoint.

And now I have 446 items in my Reader - eish, sorry guys - next week.

Dear Secret Santa

I am participating in the Secret Santa project this year, and am really struggling to figure out what to send to the blogger to who I am Secret Santa. So, I have decided to do a little post so that maybe my Secret Santa can get some ideas. So for R100 or less, I would love: (And if the family read here they could also get some Brithday ideas, but alas...)

•  Fenjal bath oil or foam bath - a lovely memory of years gone by. I can recall my gran so well when I smell it.
• Anything to craft with - pretty paper, ribbons whatever.
• Any bath stuff - especially Tranquil body treats stuff.
• A good book - even second hand
• Beads and other prettyness. 
• Cute lace summer scarf that you see at all the Chinese shops- in light pink , light blue or grey
• Colourful flip flops - I wear a size 7. I love colourful flip flops.With stuff on.Especailly those Pick n Pay cheepies with lots of cuteness.

What I really am not crazy about right now:

• Edible stuff - with my cholesterol issues I really have to be careful. If it has less than 5% fat per 100g I guess it's ok - go try, very little is.
• Bangles - I can not really wear bangles - they irritate me when I work.
• Although I am crazy about note books I have about 4 unused ones lying in my bedside table.

So hope that helps?

I have also received this lovely award by many bloggers - the only ones I can remember in my fogged slightly sleep deprived mind today are To love Bella and Dear Max, .My sincere apologies if I forget to mention you here, I have really not kept track with this - crazy time of the year.












So I have to tell you 7 random things about myself:

1.  I can not eat cooked oats - jip, I have huge tactile issues (I guess L's issues should not have been a surprise to me). When I get home I have to take all jewelery off and tie my hair up otherwise I just can not function
2. I really do not like noise and very loud music. I love soft music, preferably classical or jazz. Sometimes the noise levels in the house totally drives me over board.
3. If I could sing better I would love to sing the role of Carmen in the opera by Bizet. I would love to passionately sing the Habanera in a black and red Spanish dress.
4. I can not put nail polish on my own nails - I really just can not. I do not have the time for "proper nails" so I just do not "do" nails.
5. I also can not do my own eyebrows - I leave that to my much beloved beautician friend.
6. I really want a second island honeymoon with my love. 
7. I am totally addicted to humus, taramosalata and tahina with biscuits I am allowed to eat. And pasta - I can live from pasta. I think somewhere in my precious lives I was both Greek and Italian

Now this one has really done the rounds and I am sure almost all of you have received it - so I would like to award this to everyone that reads this post. Go ahead dear - take it and thanks for your kind comments. As the Golden Girl song goes: "Thanks for being a friend".

So what about an advent calender?

Some of you may remember that I made an Advent calender for the kids? I know quite a few of you loved the idea.(click here to see full post)


This year I am making it again - I am however going to be a bit more creative - I have some stickers for some days in stead of sweets, as well as those temporary tatoos and a looking for other small bits to add. I am also going to for instance put a picture of an ice-cream in one day and that day we will go out for one etc.






 So I am thinking of being festive and sharing - if you would like to make this for your kids, I will mail you the A3 pdf file - you need to print it out in colour and buy one of these (the Big Jim 350mm Organizer available of Game for R59,95) and fill with whatever you might like. If you can get to me in Pretoria, I will even print one for you to collect. Full instructions in the original post. I have swung it around into portrait frame this year because the tag to hang it is in that direction.

So if you are interested, leave me a comment with an email addy and I will send it on to you.
Happy festive season!

Back to work 2011

Today is back to work day - and yes, I would rather post pretty holiday pictures, but the truth is that being here weighs heavily on me. Only last year I wrote about my need to work and that I love it. Well, I still like my work, but today I really do not want to be here. I want to be home with my kids - suck up that last bit of holiday spirit before the year starts in full force. Although maybe fearing the stress that I know will be part of this work year is a factor, having enjoyed my kids more this holiday certainly is a bigger one. There has just been less whining, crying and crap, and more love, hugs, laughter and joy. Be under no illusion - our holiday was not a blissful event, but it was great, good quality family time.

I know that this year will be tough as we will be dealing with 3 kids at two schools, two jobs and many other demands, I can not help looking forward to it. Looking forward to positive new things will be my motivation. Hunter and I had a nice chat on our way back about our goals for the year. One item stands out for me - we have got to rush less. Have quieter lives. A part of that will be to get more organized. But we need to breathe.

In our sermon on Christmas morning our pastor quoted Hildegard von Bingen as saying "I am as light as a feather on the breath of God". I took that as my motto for Christmas and the family holiday there after. And it worked for me. Maybe this year, it can work as a motto for the year. Live light and live in dependence of God. Do not sweat the small stuff. LIVE!

Ps - I am doing a project 365 again this year at: http://capturedbycat.blogspot.com/ 

So that was 2010.

Happy New Year to you all! Yes, we completely missed out on Christmas on this blog and I do hope that you all had a wonderful Christ feast. We certainly did. And that is why we missed out on it here - because we were busy with our whirlwind holiday/Christmas/ family visit. But more about that later.

Looking back on this year it's been another busy, but good one. We are thankful that we are all healthy and happy and that we can look forward to another year ahead.

• The princess left us astounded with a fast pace of growing up happening all the time. She has been a total joy to us.
• The boys have very little baby left in them - they are sturdy busy little boys, learning new things all the time. Well, mainly busy. And more busy. And then some business....
• The puppies, although 9 and 8 and a half years old are still fit and strong and being the wonderful dogs they have always been.
• Hunter had a very busy year at work and studying. He is continuing with his field guiding and helping out with the rhino anti-poaching project.
• I had an extremely busy work year with two headache projects. I temporarily gave up horse riding (although that might change again ;-) ) and have taken up a new hobby, mosaic. I did not keep up with my project 365 photos (but starting again tomorrow and am going to try and publish a catch up) and did not finish my 36 books for the year, although I came close.

As per usual I am not going to even try and do New Years resolutions, but one thing is certain - de-cluttering the house and general house items will get priority in the next year.

Tonight, we are celebrating with Hunter's old friends in Port Elizabeth and I am looking forward to seeing them all. Tomorrow we start our journey back home after heaps of adventure and traveling this holiday.

So, until 2011 here's wishing you all God's light and love.

Oh Christmas tree...

 

So the Christmas tree is up, the nativity scene was build. I would love to paint a picture of smiling happy kids decorating to the tune of soft Christmas music. Hec, even  the picture of smiling happy kids decorating to the tune of Boney M Christmas music would be great. But no, we had fighting and shoving by Little man C and the Lil Miss to the tune of "Bob the builder" on which Little man L insisted.

But at the end, after decorations were hung and re-hung and a shepherd was saved after being flung across the room, peace and quiet descended, some sibling love rekindled and wonderment over the lights assumed.

Now, mommy need to get herself into the festive spirit - the birthday and Christmas spirit, pronto! If I can just get past the tiredness.

Btw, the Advent calender is working brilliantly, and I re-used the little old tree.

A Custom build Advent calender

I love Christmas, not only because we are celebrating the birth of Christ or because it is the end of the year and holiday time, but because I love to create the best Christmas I can for my children. For the memories, the family moments and the love we share.

I have always loved Advent calenders and the count down to Christmas. When I was a kid the standard chocolate one were no available here, or very expensive, but one year, my dad got one from overseas and really, the joy of opening each day, will never be forgotten. Christmas pretty much disappeared after his death, to be revived when I made my voice heard at about 10.

So I have made a point to get the Princess a calender to count down. Last year was the first year that the boys took any interest. This year the levels of sibling rivalry is so high, that I am doing my best to avoid it - hence, I had to get 3 of the standard chocolate ones. Then I saw the lovely wood re-usable ones at Woolworth, but alas, expensive and sold out! So, I decided to make my own, and to make it portable to take on holiday, if we have the space.

So this is what I did:
Take 1 compartment box (from Plastic warehouse etc) - I had this one lying around in my office.

Find Christmas images on Google - measure your box and set up on Photoshop or such to fit over the container. I had to divide two compartments with board to get 24 boxes.

Buy sweeties and goodies to fill the boxes.

Fill and stick paper over - the kids will break the paper at the appropriate date every evening.

And done - totally portable, unbend able and breakable. I will add a ribbon to hang it on the wall.
It took me about and hour and 10 minutes to complete, including popping out to the nearest Quick shop for the sweets.