The OTHER side of Christmas ...

A bit like this blow up Christmas tree, I'm feeling a little deflated today.



This ditty may give you an indication of why:

" ... on the 24th day of Christmas, little E gave to me ... an unexpected bout of vomiting (SING ALONG!) ...

... on the 26th day of Christmas, little E gave to me ... the stuff from inside a glo stick in her eye, and a trip to E.D. (ALTOGETHER NOW) ...

... on the 30th day of Christmas, my Dad gave to me ... one collapsed lung and he also had a trip to E.D. (WE'RE REALLY GETTING INTO IT NOW) ... "

Everything's gonna be alright!

Handmade Christmas ...

I got some lovely gifts for Christmas, but the one's that really warmed the cockles of my heart were handmade with love ...

Middle C handcut 2 designs in lino and printed and framed these lovelies for me.


My friend Nicky embroidered this fab wall hanging.



Big B designed and screen printed this yummy bag.

Em was my Secret Santa for the Thailand trip girls. I got this gorgeous apron that she made, and her friend made the silver ring which says "peace."

Middle C made this delish lemon cheesecake for her Stepdad (his favourite.)

and Big B screen printed this funky t-shirt for him (using a variation of the design for my bag.)

Of course, Little E made a lovely card and had a photo taken with Santa for me, and one of my Doctor's at work made something similar to New Norcia nutcake with his kids.

I am very keen to spread (and receive!) even more handmade wonderfulness next year!

Fun Foto Friday (Fave Festiveness)

Yes, I've had the Festive Funk this year ... but here is the antidote.

1. Melt Cinnamon roll scented waffle bar in the oil burner (bought from a very cute Christmas shop near Clares' place.)
2. Play Christmas carols all day and night, especially obscure Soul or Punk versions to annoy the teenagers.
3. Take photographs of Christmas-sy things that make you smile, and share them with the world (i.e. you - yes, you!)
4. Eat yummy gingerbread Christmas decorations.
5. Open lovely handmade Secret Santa gift from Em before Christmas, and wear your lovely apron all day ... whilst doing all of the above.
6. Rejoice in suddenly being transformed into Mrs Christmas herself! :-) Kind of ...

Fabric Christmas Ornament (all you need is love)

These would be mine! (Thank You Dr & Mrs P)

Isn't he cute?

A bowl of baubles (try saying that fast 6 times after a glass of eggnog!)

Lovely knitted Christmas stocking found at IKEA yesterday (on sale too!)

A cuddly friend (who actually came free with a pair of boxer shorts many years ago, but I couldn't part with him. Shhhh, don't tell!)

The Tree by Me - not my finest hour, but much loved by my own Christmas angel, Little E.

In the entry: I have had a thing for painted metal decorations the last few years.

Father Christmas doll from my Mum, don't you just love his beard??

And of course, Little E, who is very happy that Christmas is finally here, cos it means Birthday number 3 is too! (Cat face painting is optional for Father Christmas visits in Australia.)

And just in case you think I slacked off completely ...

In between washing; tidying; taking photos; taking sick kids to the Doctor; emailing etc, I also assembled 75 photo Christmas cards and made 25 birthday invitations ...


And just because she's so gorgeous (even with morning hair!)

So where did that weekend (month, year ...) go??

Randomness:

Little E is very excited about her birthday/Christmas. Her favourite Christmas colour is "Silba" and every day she tells me "Guess what? Soon it's Mimi's birsday!"

Middle C has just got her first job, and starts as a check-out chick at Coles this week.

Listening to Paul Weller "22 Dreams"

and Duffy "Rockferry"

Big B performed an original song "Queen B" at a concert last night.

and I'm reading "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho and eating Pumpkin, lentil & coconut soup.