Our plans have gone a little array, poor Theo has gone done with something and is feeling very under the weather, so they may not come up tonight, but the most important thing is for Theo to feel comfortable and happy in his surroundings. These things happen with little ones, but hopefully if not tonight then we shall see them tomorrow. It´s only a 15 minute drive up so not a long journey
Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas with lots of love, health and happiness
take care
xcx
Wrapped some presents, made some gift tags and finished off the cone christmas tree, Theo started to help and I was astonished at the dexterity he showed after being told the pins were sharp, especially when he added the sequins, alas his attention didn´t last but he did very well.
On a very last minute decision, they decided to pop back to the Uk to see Antoni´s family in Nottingham for a long weekend. Flights were not too much and reasonable times too. They rang on the Saturday whilst waiting for a bus to take them into town, they looked like frozen peas, Theo was Not impressed by the cold and was slightly mollified by the chance of a nice hot chocolate.
Sunday was the fourth anniversary of Rose´s birthday, I had already given them a card and little pressie to take with them, then lit a candle whilst preparing dinner.
Yesterday was Chris´s birthday so we all got together for a nice meal, I did a loin of pork with rosemary, garlic breaded crust, along with all the veg. Rebecca and Theo had made some lovely chocolate chip muffins which we had with custard and a couple of birthday candles. Chris didn´t want a fuss so it was a nice way of finishing the meal off.
Few things left to do, but at the same time if it doesn´t happen it doesn´t matter, the joy of being together is the main thing.
I remembered to book a delivery slot early so the main groceries are coming tomorrow, saves time and energy and so worth the little that they charge for delivery. especially up here.
Time for dinner prep
take care
xcx
We retrieved the Christmas tree and decorations from the loft all ready for Theo to help. He enjoyed putting the tree together and sorted out all the colour coded branches. His face was an absolute picture as we opened boxes and he found the goodies. He was careful in his selection and very gently placed them on the tree, I suggested a few but no, he had his ideas and rejected them. Lift me up was his cry when he couldn´t reach.
I then gave him a box of baubles or various sizes and a metal stand, he spend ages, quite happily arranging them to his taste, using them all up. At first I thought it a little over the top, but on a second look it was really well put together with the tiny baubles on the outside, really artistic for a 2 year old.
I´ve been making little Suffolk puffs for Theo, I bought a small polystyrene cone with the idea he can use them to decorate it. I´ve made baubles in the past using these and they are quite pretty.
Most of the decorations are hand made over the years, quite satisfying to see them each year. This one is a patchwork star, made several years ago.
Have fun with your decorations
take care
xcx
I have mainly been concentrating on making advent drawstring bags for Theo. Everything has come from the stash, I brought all the craft stuff with me when we left the farm years ago, which has proved to be very useful. I´ve topped up some things like ribbons but all the Christmas material has come into it´s own.
I asked hubby to print out some luggage labels with all the dates on then glued them to red card, I did contemplate making felt ones but decided there wasn´t enough time and I couldn´t be asked lol. Had to lay them all out and divide the gifts so they made an interesting find on opening. Decorated a wooden box with tinsel and wrapped the gifts carefully mixing them up so Theo has to find the right number. Thought it would help with his numbers and also learn patience with only one a day.
I made a special one for the 18th using Christmas Rose material as a remembrance for baby Rose.
I left it on the table ready to take only to find that Sashi had made herself very comfortable in the box, should have taken a photo, but I was more concerned in getting her off.
So yesterday we visited Theo, we explained the concept and he looked in wonder that there were so many bags in there. Last year Rebecca bought a set of advent books, so he was in his element of choosing which wrapped book he wanted, which was read twice at bedtime, then as a treat he was given a little chocolate one, lucky boy with three.
He has been finding going to nursery a bit of a struggle and we have been trying to uncover why. Last weekend he said "Mummy, I have a problem" aww bless, not even 3 yet. Turns out a new boy is being a bit of a bully and upsetting him. Hopefully the calendars will be a bit of distraction for him.
I decided to treat myself to an early Christmas present too. The cold temps badly effect the Fibro so to save energy and the fact that trying to bend and do low jobs like wainscoting, edges, mopping etc are very difficult for me, I decided to organise a cleaner to come once a week for a couple of hours. I still find myself thinking, I should be able to do this, but we have 5 reception areas, clockroom and kitchen downstairs, plus 8 cats, so to have some help is going to be marvelous. So instead of beating myself up, I´m thinking of the nice things I can do with the energy saved, grateful that the hard jobs are being done and enjoy a fresh home. Defiantly a Loreal moment, yes I´m worth it. Also the person enjoys cleaning and gives her a little pocket money, win, win. We have a friend coming to stay at the weekend and she is willing to do the guest room, remake beds so that will be a relief.
Our front bell is ringing which means the groceries have arrived, better go and get that sorted.
take care
xcx
