Christmas Joy

Finally realised that christmas has snuck up or rather pounced up on us, with only 13 sleeps to go. Thought I would share with you a few of my christmas musings:

Your daughter is a christmas tree in the school play and your heart swells with pride.

Your son plays the recorder in the christmas concert and you don’t even notice when he hits an off key.

You watch with amusement at the throngs of parents who thrust their children onto Santa’s lap which results in a thunderous outburst of tears and tantrums

Your daughter sings her own version of Jingle Bells…..”with a one horse oafen sleigh”

Your nephew was the christmas angle in the christmas play (Thanks AA, for that blip).

You wrap all 7 books that you bought for your son, individually, in the hope that he will spend more time unwrapping them or at least it looks like he got lots of stuff.

Your kids race to the fridge at 5am to see which chocolate is in the advent calendar for the day.

You spend hours in the kitchen making rocky road, chocolate truffles and shortbread for the lovely teachers who have looked after your precious ones for a whole year.

Your kids have more christmas cards than you.

You roam the streets after dark on a nightly basis, looking for the best christmas lights in brisbane, and score a few sweets in the process.

You look forward to the delight of christmas day when children wake early to open a thousand presents in 30 secs, you always eat too much but you revel in the good times spent with family and friends.

May you all celebrate the joys of christmas in your own special way.

Puppy Love

These two gorgeous girls came to the henley house last week. Licorice, the black one and Ruby, the tan one, maltese cross terriers with lots of love to give. They have brought enormous fits of laughter as they chase each other across the room, each hanging onto one end of a stick or stealing the ball from each other and then diving under the couch to hide. Both have endured endless cuddles and being carried around for hours by Miss 6. Licorice has excelled in Puppy Preschool, learning to sit, drop and stay. Despite the early mornings and the lapse in toilet training, we are enjoying every moment with them. There’s something about their cheeky little faces that bring smiles to our own.

 

“The dog was created especially for children. He is the God of frolic”.  Henry Ward

Boutique Markets

Enjoyed a sensational day hosting a stall at the Boutique Markets on sunday. The weather was glorious and the shoppers went coming in droves. Meet lots of lovely people, sold some items and enjoyed a little timeout from the kiddies. Thank you to all those who stopped by to peruse my goodies, you’re glowing comments were much appreciated.

Here is a selection of my handmade cards, which proved to be a hit with both kids and adults. The kids were especially keen on the cookie monster and cinderella ones.

The dolls brought smiles to many faces, some even found a new home. The cats in the background are a new addition. One little girl spent her pocket money on the pink one! Love her to bits!

Got so inspired, went home and immediately started work on a new project…mother hen, chick and eggs…look out soon…

“A crafter’s income is only limited by her imagination!”

wedded bliss

Today I celebrate 12 years of marriage with my beloved. After all these years, we finally gave in to peer pressure and whisked ourselves away for the weekend, completely childless! Thanks so much to Grandma, Grandpa and Aunty and Uncle. We headed to the quaint little village of Eureka,

near Byron Bay and enjoyed nothing but complete peace and quiet. I would highly recommend a stay  at  NightCap Cottage, even if just for the complimentary chocolate bickies. Of course after a day of bushwalking a few kilometres, I convinced hubby to call in at the famous Byron Bay markets to indulge my love of all things crafty. The gelati at Bella Rosa’s is divine!

“Sometimes in my life there are moments of unutterable fulfillment which cannot be completely explained by words. Their meanings can only be articulated by the inaudible language of the heart”  Martin Luther King Jnr.

Pony Pals

These two cute ponies popped into my place the other day. They were inspired by my niece, Miss almost 14, who is completely and utterly horse mad. Of course, as with most of my creations, the pink one was immediately high-jacked by Miss 6. I found her fast asleep in bed that night clinging tightly to the pony’s leg. They are crafted from an assortment of new and recycled items, including a belt for the tail, buttons for eyes and a pillowcase for the saddle! It’s amazing what you can do with a little imagination.

“Small children are convinced that ponies deserve to see the inside of the house” Maya Patel.

Benny

I had to give back our adopted dog last week and am feeling a little lost without him. No feet following me everywhere I go,no one sleeping at my feet when I sew. No one to eat the scraps the kids drop on the floor. The inlaws arrived back from their year long adventure in Japan, so Benny the dog is back with them. It’s so great to have them back though, the kids had to go over everyday after school just to see them. A & R you were missed, lovely to have you home. I guess that I may have lost my doggy friend but I have gained back family, which is of greater value ( especially in babysitting terms!!). The photo is from our trip to Japan earlier in the year to catch up with the inlaws, J’s brother and sister in law, the other is of Benny and a friend. Isn’t the cherry blossom fabulous?

 

“Family is like fudge…mostly sweet but with a few nuts!” Author unknown.

To Market, to Market….

I am booked for my very first market stall, this sunday. It was a spur of the moment decision and so I am now in a mad panic about getting everything ready. I have a range of library bags, dolls, cats, baby wraps and cards which I hope will be well received. If you are looking for a great day out,  come see me at the darlington markets. There will be lots of other crafty minded people, free activities for the kids, music and great gourmet food! What more do you need for a lazy sunday……except perhaps a sleep in!