We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Well, the "Big Day" is only a few hours away and I think we are as ready as we can be. We have had a fairly relaxing day, the little ones stayed overnight at my sisters, so Mr P and I had a very relaxing amble around Marlow, doing a spot of last minute shopping and we enjoyed a peaceful child free lunch, which is a rare treat.

Last Thursday Cath Kidston opened her newly painted doors in Marlow. Its fab having a CK shop just five minutes down the road. Today I treated myself to some lovely new oil cloth for our table. Instead of stained and sticky flower print cloth we now have a lovely clean and bright CK strawberry cloth.

This afternoon, in keeping with our Christmas Eve tradition, we headed to our local church for the crib service. I love this service, it really gets you in the spirit of Christmas and the little ones always enjoy meeting their friends there and taking part in the service.

When we got home, Daisy made our mince pies, she did a really good job and they tasted fab. I hope Father Christmas appreciates the two that have been left for him by the fire.

Daisy also helped to ice the Christmas cake earlier in the week, she seems really into cooking and helping in the kitchen at the moment. Here is our take on a traditional Christmas cake. Daisy wanted to make some holly and berries to pop on the top. Unfortunately I didn't have any green glitter to colour the leaves, so white they are. We had red glitter for the berries and we sprinkled some over the top of the cake.

I am getting a bit fed up with all the snow that still seems to be lying around everywhere, the pavements are so icy which makes getting around rather tricky. Yesterday I had a real urge to buy some flowers, I really felt the need for a bit of Spring indoors. I treated myself to this gorgeous bouquet, lots of Christmas reds, golds and greens. It is such a treat to see some colourful flowers (can you spot the new CK tablecloth?)

The little ones are all tucked up in bed and amazingly they are fast asleep. They had rather a late night last night when they stayed at my sisters so it was a very easy bed time tonight. They have left out their little tray for the big man, removed the fire guard (to make it easier for Santa) and laid out their stockings by the fire. I hope they aren't up too early tomorrow morning, Alex suggested 7.30am which would be perfect.

So it leaves me to wish you all a very -

Have a fab time with your families and enjoy the big day.

Till next time.

Alison

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A Proper Update

Good morning, it's amazing what a good nights sleep can do, I really couldn't be bothered last night to update my blog in the usual fashion, the thought of adding pictures was just too much. Anyway, I am feeling nicely refreshed and ready to upload a few pictures from the past two weeks.

Here is Alex out in the snow on Saturday, it was bitterly cold but it did not deter him from going out. Both the little ones wanted to go out but each time they did they only managed about ten minutes before coming in very wet and very very cold.

The back garden in all of it's snowy glory. The tropical plants are all being stored in the shed over winter, they even have their own heater to keep them warm. Can you spot the poor old tree fern. It is actually wrapped up apart from the leaves poking out the top, which apparently you can chop off in the Spring.




This was our road during the snow on Saturday.



I am planning on digging the car out this morning and trying to get to M & S to buy some party food and the last few bits needed for Christmas. I also need to do a normal weekly food shop at some point too. I think there is more snow forecast for this afternoon so I really do need to get my act together this morning. We are supposed to be going to a school friends for lunch today also, as we need to arrange Alex birthday party for January. I think he is having a shared football party with this particular school friend.

Here are some of my lovely advent swap presents from Pene.

Some lovely handmade note cards

A handful of colourful ribbons which will come in very handy.

A very sweet pewter pussy cat photo frame,

A selection of little charms.

A gorgeous handmade heart lavender bag.

A Christmas pudding tree decoration.

A little Christmas tree felt decoration. I also got some little wine glass charms which will come in very handy as I am having some mums from school over on Thursday for drinks and nibbles.

I am supposed to be going to my book club Christmas get together this evening but I do wonder if the weather will put a stop to it.

Right I'm going to get up and get on. I hope to post again before Christmas but should life get in the way of that then I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a very happy new year.

Till next time.

Alison

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A little update.

Hello, it's been a while since my last post. Life has been very busy enjoying/organising all the pre-Christmas activities that seem to fill family life. Nativity plays have been enjoyed, Christmas parties been and gone, school finished on Friday, so now just a few more days left before the big day is here.

I am sort of ready, just need to do a food shop, finish making three more stockings, oh and ice the Christmas cake and make mince pies. No pressure or anything then!

Having escaped the snow two weeks ago, with only a very light dusting, I sort of guessed that our turn would come and it did indeed. We had a very freaky snow storm on Friday, which meant that school closed early and the end of term disco was cancelled. Saturday, as forecast, was one of the snowiest days that I can remember. It started snowing at around 9am and finally finished snowing around 3pm. We went from a light dusting left from Friday to around 8 - 10 inches. It really does look like a winter wonderland.

We wrapped up warm and went sledging this morning. We live on the top of a hill and are very fortunate to have a very hilly golf course about 5 minutes walk away (well make it 20 minutes walk in very deep snow!) We met my sister up on the slopes, she lives in the village that lies in the valley at the bottom of our hill, and enjoyed some very tiring sledging. We trekked back to her house for a warming coffee, chocolate cake and to dry out and a rest before we had the long trek back up the hill to our house. My legs were really tired when we got home, it was a really good leg work out.

I have had some wonderful advent gifts from the lovely Pene, I have so enjoyed opening her gift each morning, she really has spoilt me with her generosity.

Well I am feeling very tired tonight, so I'm afraid there aren't any pictures. I will try and post a proper post - pictures and all before Christmas.

Till next time.

Alison
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Advent Swap Gorgeous Goodies

Good evening, I hope I find you all well this chilly Sunday evening. You will be glad to know the sickies and germs have now left the building and touch wood we are all in a reasonable state of health once again.

The week once again flew by. I tried to get some Christmas crafting done but poorly children once again made the task somewhat difficult. I did manage to make a couple of Jan Constantine - esq felt stockings to give to the little one's teachers at the end of term. I bought some little smelly sets, chocolates and a mini Christmas cake from M&S to pop in the stocking, I hope they like them! Daisy also made her teacher a little felt Christmas decoration to go in the stocking. Do you think they will be ok?

Wednesday being the 1st of December meant one thing and one thing only, the grand opening of the first parcel in the advent swap. The lovely Pene had sent me a shoe box packed full of little parcels and I was very excited on Wednesday morning when I could opening the first packet. So here they are, my first five fabulous gifts, all handmade by Pene.

Wednesday - Packet no 1

A lovely hand covered notebook with a little Daisy dog on the front. Very sweet and very handy for my handbag. I love notebooks and have to resist very hard not to buy each and every lovely one I set my eyes on, so this was right up my street.

Thursday - Packet no 2.

Inside was this cheeky little chap, a penguin tree decoration with little bell feet! Very sweet indeed.

Friday - Packet no 3.

A very lovely tissue holder and tissues. Unfortunately this was immediately taken by Daisy with a "wow, just what I need" comment and has not been seen again.



Saturday - Packet no 4


A lovely little angel, who will look great on my Christmas tree.

Sunday - Packet No 5.

A Daisy dog! Very lovely indeed. I have kept her well hidden for fear of being snatched!

Pene, you have really excelled yourself and I love all my gifts, even my AWOL covered tissues.

We did get a bit of snow here in Bucks but not nearly as much as everyone else. Being west of London we seemed to escape the worst of it. It did mean however that I wasn't able to take the car out for a couple of days. I really didn't fancy driving a new car that I have hardly driven on very snowy and icy roads, which sadly meant I had to cancel my dentist and hygienist appointments on Thursday!! I must must must remember to rebook them tomorrow.

I had the pleasure of going to our local music centre's gala concert last night at our local theatre. Daisy was performing with the preparatory and training wind bands. The kids were amazing, some of them just so talented. Daisy plays the flute and goes to the centre every Friday which she really enjoys. It's great for her as she gets a whole hour of practise on a Friday as well as her flute lesson at school. It was fabulous to see how the children progress with their music through each stage. I was astounded that the youth orchestra sounded like a proper orchestra. They also have four choirs which sounded amazing. It was a really inspiring evening which I thoroughly enjoyed. Mr P had to stay at home and look after Alex who would have fidgeted his way through the whole evening.

We also managed a trip to the cinema today to see the new Harry Potter. It wasn't bad, a bit full of teenage angst but enjoyable all the same. The plots seem so complicated now that I loose track of whats what and whose who.

I am planning on finishing my Christmas projects this week, I need to make four felt stockings, some bunting for a little girl who turns one on Tuesday and some clothes for a huge Maileg rabbit that Daisy is getting for Christmas from her Nanny. I have saved some very sweet rosebud print pyjamas that Daisy has outgrown and plan to use it for the bunny's nightdress. I haven't got a pattern so wish me luck.

Have a great week.

Alison

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A Poorly House

Hello, I hope you have all enjoyed a good if not very cold weekend. It's been very cold here in Bucks. The thermometer hasn't moved above freezing all day, if fact I think it was still around -2 at lunch time.

We had a very light sprinkling of snow yesterday morning but that's about all. I think snow is forecast for the South East later in the week.

It's been a very poorly house here this week. Daisy only managed a day and a half at school this week as she has been struck down by a really horrible flu like cold. She has been really off colour poor thing. She still looked really under the weather today, so I'm not sure whether or not she will go back to school tomorrow.

Alex seems to have escaped the flu/cold but has instead opted for the see how many times it is humanly possible to be sick in one day competition. The poor mite has been so sick this afternoon and evening. He was even retching in his sleep. He has never been good when sick, once he starts to vomit it seems to take him forever to stop. He will be off school now at least until Wednesday as school have the 48 hours at home policy to try to stop the spread of these bugs. I do really hope we don't come down with it too. I have been flashing the bleach around like crazy to try and kill the germs!

I picked my new car up on Friday morning but unfortunately my clutch problem on the old car got worse on the way to the garage and ended up costing us an extra £200. It is so lovely to have a new and very clean car that is so quiet to drive. I haven't really had a proper drive yet due to poorly children but what I have seen so far has been good.

I need to get my act together this week and really get on with my Christmas crafts, I have so much still to do. I fear a lot of late nights are on the cards in order to get everything done on time.

I received my advent swap from the lovely Pene and can't wait to start opening on Wednesday. That reminds me, I really need to buy the little ones their advent calenders before then too.

Well it's only a quick post this evening with no photographs either, there really hasn't been anything worth capturing this week. It really has been a stay at home and nurse the poorly sort of a week. By Saturday I really did have a bad case of cabin fever.

Oh yes Saturday, how could I forget, I had a lovely day in London with my friend Sue yesterday. Mr P stayed at home with the poorlies whilst I gadded about in London. We did a spot of Christmas shopping in Covent Garden, had a gorgeous lunch in Wagamamas, a cup of tea and a cup cake in the Primrose Bakers (think Hummingbird Bakery but cheaper) and then headed off to see Dirty Dancing at the theatre. It was fab, I loved the dancing, singing and the fast pace of the show. We really did have a wonderful day out. I then caught the train back home to sickville and came back down to earth with a bump!

Here's hoping for a healthy week with the littleones getting better soon. I hate it when they are ill and all the worry that goes with it. I really don't think I can bare watching anymore Disney Channel whilst administering cuddles and calpol!

Till next time.

Alison
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Hello, almost another weekend over! Not sure where the time is going at the moment it just seems to be rushing by at break neck speed.

I am glad to report that my Mum's funeral on Wednesday went really well. My friend from church took the service, which was lovely and she said some really fitting and meaningful words in her address. Everyone turned up and behaved impeccably which was a massive relief. The weather was even kind to us with no rain or gales. I felt absolutely awful on Monday and Tuesday, but by Wednesday I had calmed down a lot and was ready to face up to the funeral and all that was necessary. I feel that I can start to comes to terms with my mums death now in my own time and start to focus on life once again. I still feel very up and down but things feel a lot better since the funeral.

I managed to do a bit of crafting this week, its really good therapy when you aren't feeling yourself. I had started a patchwork cushion the previous week but needed to buy some wadding and some calico. Well here it is, my first ever attempt at patchwork. Its not perfect, I am a devil for rushing things and wanting that feeling of instant gratification rather than taking my time and not rushing but I don't think it's too bad. What do you reckon to my Amy Butler fabric patchwork cushion?





I helped out at Alex's Victorian day the previous week, here is a rather rubbish picture of him, taken by Daisy, which may explain why they were all a bit blurred. Here he is the toothless wonder looking very cheeky chappy in his over sized cap.




The Country Living show last Saturday was worth a visit, I managed to buy a few more Christmas presents and a couple of little bits and pieces for myself. Daisy had a fab time, she was totally spoilt by her Nanny as per normal and came home with various bits and pieces.

We made our Christmas cake today, we did the cake in a bag by Delia from Waitrose. It was so so easy, why hasn't someone thought of this before. It smelt delicious too whilst it cooked and it looks fab if I say so myself. Just need to keep feeding it and then ice it just before Christmas. Here is Daisy giving it a big stir.




I still have lots of Christmas bits and pieces left to make so I really do need to get my skates on a bit. I have finished my advent swap for Pene and just need to post it out to her. I am worrying a bit that she won't like what I have made or bought for her. I really hope she does though.

I have made the decision not to use my car this week which if I'm honest is a bit of a pain in the bum. I am getting a new car on Friday morning and don't want to drive my old car as we are trading it in. We aren't getting a fortune for the old car but knowing my luck I will have a crash before Friday or the long standing minor problem with the clutch on the old car will turn into a major problem and will need fixing! I am determined to survive four days without driving. I have ordered my shopping this week online and have access to the local shops which are all within walking distance. I do find I use my car all the time when often it would be better for me and the environment to actually walk.

I am really looking forward to having a new car its been a long time coming! My old freelander has definitely earned its keep over the five years we have had it. The little ones haven't been kind to it either with all their muddy feet and food. I am determined to take better care of my new car!

Well I had better go, the laptop needs charging.

Till next time.

Alison
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A Quick Catch Up

Hello, just thought I would pop by and post a little update. Firstly, thank you for all your kind words and thoughts, they have made a very difficult time that bit easier to deal with and have been greatly appreciated.

I have spent the past week making the necessary funeral arrangements and I think all is now arranged. The funeral will take place a week today and to say I am dreading it is an understatement. I know it has to be faced up to but I feel so nervous about it all. I am not sure if my brother is coming (he hadn't spoken to my mum in 17 years and also whether my mum's companion will turn up drunk. He seems to have a drink problem which always escalates when he is stressed/upset. I have written to him and specifically asked him to respect our wishes and not to drink before the funeral. I guess alcohol is his way of coping and I try not to judge him for it but it is very difficult at times.

Emotionally I have been very up and down, which I guess is to be expected. I have tried to carry on with the every day things which definitely helps take your mind off things.

I have felt a bit under the weather today been suffering with a very sore head and achy glands, so I decided to spend the day at home in the warm, and managed a fair few hours of crafting which to be honest was just what I needed. I made my final item for my advent swap (obviously I can't show you that) andI had a go at crocheting snowflakes. They turned out fine and I even bothered to block and starch them. My project for this afternoon was a quilted patchwork cushion cover as per the pattern in Kirsty's Homemade Home book. I enjoyed cutting and sewing all the squares although I must admit my patchworking is a bit off, and some of the squares didn't line up perfectly but it wasn't bad for a first attempt. I am going to buy some quilting fleece and quilt the front of the cushion. I used some of the Amy Butler fat quarters that I bought at the Stitching and Knitting show last month. I love the colours they are so fresh and bright.

I have decided to have a go at making some tea cup candles. I have an abundant supply of vintage china, and will use some of my least favourite cups for candle making. I ordered a small starter kit from the Internet this evening. It will be something new and I am looking forward to having a go. Mr P also seems very keen to have a go (he has always had a minor obsession with anything flamable!)

Tomorrow is Alex's Victorian day at school, I offered to help out in class which should be fun. All the children have been asked to come into school wearing Victorian costume. Alex is going in as a street urchin, with flat cap, waist coat, grandad shirt and tatty trousers.

It was my birthday last Thursday and I made a conscious effort to try and have a good day and deliberately avoided making any funeral arrangements on that day. I had coffee with one friend straight after droping the little ones at school, was taken out for lunch by my good friend Julia and enjoyed a day of nice presents and being spoiled. Mr P treated me to a lovely Orla Keiley bag and purse and I got Kirsty Allsop's Homemade Home book from the little ones. I also had some lovely roses from a dear friend at school. My In-laws bought me a lovely necklace and earings and a very lovely birthday cake too. Thursday was a real highlight in what otherwise was a pretty awful and difficult week.

I am going to the Country Living show at the weekend with my MIL and Daisy. It sort of feels wrong going what with loosing my mum only last week, but it will definitely take my mind off of worrying about the funeral. I am also going out for a belated birthday meal on Sunday with my family which I am looking forward to also.

Sorry for the lack of pictures, I will photograph all my swap makes and show them off once they have been received and opened by Pene.

Till next time.

Alison
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