Pressies and goals

I must have been really good last year because I got some lovely pressies! I had 2 hand made gifts that mean a lot to me that I thought I would share with you. My son Matt and my daughter-in-law Martha have a great creative thing going on. He loves photography and has a really nice camera outfit. Martha is a natural at arty crafty things, and my granddaughter Phoebe is a natural little actress! The combination is brilliant! I cried when I got this present. It's based on the 'hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil' idea. Love it!

The other pressy was from my dear friend Linda. She made me a monthly goal setting book for 2009. Each month has an inspiring quote, paper to record my goals, and then ribbon tied papers to write my achievements. I love it, and its so perfect for me because annual goals don't work for me! I need frequent reminders: ) I am in the process of considering my goals and have some that I am excited about. I love going into a new year with enthusiasm for the possibilities it holds. Come on 2009!

Christmas

Happy Christmas everyone! I hope you are enjoying the best things of the season. For me, I find great peace and strength from my spiritual beliefs at this special time of year. We have attended a carol service this evening which was lovely, it set the tone for the next few days. I LOVE being with the family, playing games, making memories. This year will be a little different- just Kevin and I for the morning, so I have been promised breakfast in bed:) Then we have Kevin's mum, and our daughter Becky and Kev round for dinner. Nick and Rachel are joining us for the evening, as are my mum and dad. Boxing day will be all the above, plus Matt, Martha and the children. I'm excited! It's hard work getting everything ready, as you know! I have been taking some time out to relax- as you can see from the picture! Merry Christmas to you. Thank you for joining me on my journey over the last year- and here's to another, even better one to come!

uuugggghhhh!!!!

I have the 'flu :( Most of the time its as much as I can do to change the TV Chanel, but for an hour or so when the cold and flu relief tabs kick in I can surf. I found this cool blog http://wendysmedley.typepad.com/ that has some ideas for making Christmas ornaments using scrapping scraps, if you find yourself with a little bit of time (unlikely- I know!) It's worth a look.

At this time of year-

It's good to reflect on what is most important. Becky and I went shopping to the Merry Hill Centre last night (locals call it the merry hell centre!). It was fun, but exhausting! Everyone was loaded up with things and looked harassed and stressed. There didn't seem to be much Christmas Spirit about! I am trying hard not to get 'wrapped up' (excuse the pun:) in the busyness of it all, but rather to enjoy family, faith and friends. After all, that is what Christmas is about isn't it? So here's what I'm planning for fun! I watched the TV chef Rachel Allen making a gingerbread house today, so that is something I must have a go at! I've been making a gift for a good friend. We have some church friends over tomorrow night and Thursday night to enjoy some carols by candlelight and some food. Kevin and I are planning a secret Santa service project (ssshhhh!) And, best of all, I get to see my lovely hubby much more over Christmas. He is a very busy but happy man, and we are so excited to just have time to relax together. I always read a Christmas book this time of year. This year its 'The Christmas Quilt'. Last year it was 'The Christmas Jars'. I can recommend both. Kevin and I read a short seasonal story together in bed every night. Are we sad? Is it a sign of old age (or worse, dementure?) To be honest, I don't care! These are the things that are making me truly happy- and that's really all that matters.

Festive cropping and dates for next year

Looks like we are having a party! This is the list of the food people are bringing on Saturday so far:

Brownies and cuttlery- Donna
Cakes – Trish
Salad, plates and quiche- Carol
Sausage rolls- Chris G
Bread sticks and dips – Karen
Cheese and onion rolls - Jules
Mulled punch – Chris B

Next years crop dates are:

Jan 17th
Feb 14th
Mar 14th
Apr 11th
May 9th
Jun 13th
Jul 11th
Aug 8th
Sep 12th
Oct 10th
Nov 14th
Dec 12th
thanks to Vicky for booking them.

Saturday's Christmas Crop

Don't forget to come to the Christmas crop if you can. We are each bringing something towards the buffet, and bring a secret Santa scrapbooking gift to the value of £5 if you would like to participate. Can't wait! Jules shop will be there too- so if you have a bit of Christmas money to spend this is your chance :)

Christmas decorating

I love decorating the house for Christmas. It's so nice to be able to sit back and enjoy all the lights tonight.