Christmas Round up

Christmas was lovely with a good mix of bustle and time to relax, time for our extended family and time for just us. Nathan was off for 11 days which was a treat in itself. Here is a run down on our Christmas living -

Christmas Eve -

We went over to Mum and Dad's for the traditional Christmas eve meal of potato pie and mince pies. Grandma Josie and Grandad were also there as they were spending Christmas there this year. We read the Christmas story from the scriptures and Mum had bought lots of Christmas books for the children to look at. We set off for home making some last minute deliveries to Maurice and Patricia and Lesley on our way. Dressed in new pyjamas and stockings hung, the boys went to bed without a fuss and slightly too tired to be overly excited. Nathan and I then had to work like troopers in our traditional Christmas Eve fashion to get everything ready for the next day. This is a tradition that each year I say I'd like to change for a more leisurely Christmas Eve through being more organised though as yet it has never happened :)

Our own baby Jesus :)

Not too happy with his manger 

He liked cuddles with Grandmother though

Emily and Joseph found a different baby Jesus and laid Him in a manger

Granne in pursuit of just one photo where they're all looking :)

Christmas Day -

I woke up first 7am (still pitch black outside). I tried to creep downstairs to put the lamb in the slow cooker, without waking the boys but 'eagle ears' woke up the second I hit the landing. 

We had a lovely time opening the stocking presents. I always love to see how happy they are with each small present. This year the squeal of excitement came when Joseph opened the Lewis car.

'What is it?'

Toy story stickers

'Nigel Gearsley :)'

'Lewis, I really wanted Lewis' :)

After stockings we went downstairs and the boys found a castle with knights, horses and even two ghosts and a garage - they were thrilled :)

We had just enough time for a quick breakfast and then we went to church. It was nice to go and be at church on Christmas Day and have time to sing the carols and hear about the joy that Christ's birth brings. 

When we came home, the boys and Nathan had time to play and I set to work on the dinner, accompanied by the carols on Classic FM. 

According to my own personal food critic Christmas dinner was a success :) We listened to the Queen's speech and I felt moved by her words especially this part -

"Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves - from our recklessness or our greed.

"God sent into the world a unique person - neither a philosopher nor a general, important though they are, but a saviour, with the power to forgive.

"Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith. It can heal broken families, it can restore friendships and it can reconcile divided communities. It is in forgiveness that we feel the power of God's love."

 'Cheese' (Ben singing for his supper)

Truly a Christmas feast :)

Joseph's contribution to the Christmas Table decoration was one of Daddie's trainers :)

In the evening we went over to the McNee's and the boy were spoilt with gifts and attention - a lovely evening to a lovely day. Oh and Nathan gave me another gift by lying with the boys to get them to sleep so I could watch the Christmas Downton Abbey special in peace :)

Ben was really thrilled with the Woody outfit Grandad and Grandma got him - especially the hat.

Boxing Day


We had a nice easy morning, Joseph enjoyed going from room to room getting hi Uncles and Aunties to do things for him or lend him things. In particular he was very fond of Uncle Tom's Mac book for watching youtube clips of Lightning McQueen and his iphone 4 for playing 'Angry Birds'

I had fun being creative in the kitchen making the Turkey Cranberry Wreath I'd tasted at the Pampered Chef parties ready for the 'Hillary, Harrison party'


The party was its good traditional self ; a great buffet Mum style; lots of relatives crossing 4 generations; Dad's games (Christmas card game and treasure hunt) lots of gift giving and receiving  and a great dollop of noise - good times :)