twelve days of christmas :: christmas eve

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

Acually, there is a lot of noise and plenty of stirring.  My two babes seem to have missed that it is Christmas Eve and that requires all children in bed early.  They are both putting on quite a performance not going to sleep, cheeky monkey's.
Most uncivilised at this time of night and quite unusual for them both!

Meanwhile in "Santa's Workshop"............the novice elf is hard at work.

twelve days of christmas :: christmas lunch

I have decided that such a small group for Christmas lunch requires a break in tradition.  We will do our best not to become too nostalgic for past ones full of lots of friends and family.  Hence the modern twist to our lunch this Friday.

Two dips, olives and south cape brie

crispy bread and crackers.

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Baked chicken pieces with fetta, lemon and basil.

Almond cous cous.

Green beans in butter.

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Grilled peaches with Marscarpone and Amaretti

Traditional Christmas Pudding with vanilla custard.

twelve days of christmas :: the meaning of christmas

It is so amusing and sometimes mildly annoying when people chatter mindlessly about the Christmas season.

"Are you ready for Christmas?" for instance from the girl at the supermarket.   The guy at the coffee shop near the beach this morning was most vexed and distressed about the whole thing.  Carols in the park interupting the "locals"  parking spots, (Funny that most who attend will be from the area anyhow and his takings will double?)  How very selfish of those annoying, cheery, festive christmas folk!  What do these people really mean and do they even think about the words they utter?

I guess they mean, madly running around the shops and preparing relish, rum balls and ridiculous amounts of food and drink to be consumed in only a few short hours.  Buying gift after gift and frantically going to the stores for "one last time" when the need arises to purchase a reciprical gift for an unexpected giver! 

Don't misunderstand me....I am a big, big fan of christmas gifts and I love to both give and receive.  Our family has tried various noble attempts at forgoing gifts to focus more on the true meaning.........sadly it was a dull Christmas and we decided on a return to gifts the following year.  In fact, there are rumors of excessive presents all round next year as we will all finally be together that day.

This year, as we have two small babies in the house, it will be a quiet day for us.  No fussy lunch, no barrels of bikkies, no eggnog or rumballs.  I have even not sent a single card! 

After all, shouldn't we give freely, love deeply and celebrate daily on this journey of life?

I have realised that this year, the only thing to be ready for, is to celebrate the birth of Jesus, saviour of all who answer his call.


A novel depiction of the real reason we celebrate.

twelve days of christmas :: high tea

Annabelle's Christmas gift

I am not really sure who this gift is more for.....little girl or mama. I am soooo bursting to sit and have a tea party with her. It will be such fun to share that with her and teach her the social institution of a having a "cuppa".

Being invited to have a cup of tea or coffee is not really about the drink. It is simply a way to express things like "I need a chat" or "Let's get to know each other better" or "I miss you" or simply "I like you, lets be friends"

I am a big fan of the cuppa!

My strong warrior :: number one

His name means warrior, he is strong, compassionate and confidant....(he also makes a mean pavlova!) My hopes for him are, that he is warlike in fighting for truth, integrity and freedom in his journey of life,
He is a natural leader and his character shows a young man with such potential and strength....I am so proud to know and love him.

The Felix Files :: mishchief and mayhem

He is heard before he is seen,
A rare moment of standing still,

Charming with his beautiful eyes,

Quite reflection,

Happy Days.......

twelve days of christmas :: a special girl

She is so sweet and gentle,

When she smiles her eyes light up,

She loves a cuddle,

And she knows she is so pretty because her mama tells her so much!

It would be a shame not to share these pretty girl pics.......

twelve days of christmas :: christmas cookies

My very clever son decided to get into the spirit of the season and made some christmas coloured cookies on saturday. He carefully prepared all ingredients and informed me that he needed no help. He has watched lots of MasterChef and has a given himself an alias of "Fat Preston" and thinks himself quite knowledgable in culinary pursuits.

He completed the task from start to finish on his own.

Including collecting ingredients from the local store....well done Lachlan...we all enjoyed the yummy cookies after a walk to the park.

twelve days of christmas :: two turtledoves

Tips to see you through the silly season.........

As much coffee as you can handle,

Some steady words,

and lastly the occassional scream,

twelve days of christmas :: day one........little red shoes

Annabelle is now ready for the festive season with some gorgeous little red "chookleaf" shoes. They are the softest leather and such a lovely colour.

Her sweet little toes curl up when they first go on.....

She looks so very stylish and lovely with her new little shoes....I do love shopping for a little girl...what fun!

Have you ever seen an angel?

I am not about to enter a theological debate as to what consitutes an Angel. The term is used here in my ramblings to describe people who have blessed me in unexpected ways at just the right time.

Number one............There is Ros the lady from number 100 or is it 110? who has taken a fancy to our dog Franklin and walks him every other day. This signals the end of his tiresome boredom expressed through endless barking........thankyou Lord!

Number two............The lady whose name I don't even know from the supermarket. I bumped into her the first time out with two babies alone. The second was the first time out alone after Megan went home. She was full of encouragement and kindness and took the time to chat with me and fuss over my babies.....thankyou again Lord!

Number three..............My sister. At a critical time, she considered her own needs least and mine greater. She gave me the gift of herself and weeks of her time. She saw a need and put aside anything she didn't understand and served our family in love.

Forever will we be grateful....thankyou Lord you know my needs and have blessed me.......xxoo