A hand-made Christmas...

So, this year I wanted to make if not all, the majority of our Christmas presents. I started about 2 months ago, knowing that if I left it too late, there would just be a major scramble to the shops come December. I managed to do it too!! Well, except for 10 y/o Em, I just couldn't think of something that I knew I could make and she would like. I've since thought of plenty of things, so I'll keep them in mind for next year.

I've been busily sewing every Tuesday when Grace is at pre-school and of a night when the kids have been in bed. I've thoroughly enjoyed coming up with ideas for what everyone will like and appreciate, the getting busy creating. I love the feeling of accomplishment as each special gift was completed and put away in the present cupboard, waiting to be wrapped.

Firstly, these are books I made for the Babies. They are cotton with embroidered pages and foam in the middle to make them nice and soft. Each page has a little pocket with soft plastic as a window, so a picture can be slipped in for the babies to look at. The back page has all their birth details, which makes it a lovely little keepsake. This book is something that I designed when Grace was about 6 months old as she was loving looking at pictures of herself and our family, but kept destroying the photos. So it was all trial and error, until I came up with this design, which works perfectly for babies that like to shove everything in their mouth, and also the egotistical toddler age where they love any photo of them self. I never did get around to making one for Xav, so I really should get on to that soon! I actually made 4 of these, 3 for babies up here and 1 for my good friend in Tassie's little boy Henry.

Some cooking we did for the Fil. Shortbread at the front and rum balls at the back:


Handmade pillowcases for Noah and Logan, with personalised pockets on the front:

A nighty for Malia, the Mil helped me with this one:


A bunch of felt fruit, veggies and sushi:

This took a while to do, but was a lot of fun! I made double of everything that is here, one set for the Cahill kids and one set for the Truet kids. Each set had a banana (that can be peeled and separated from the skin), a strawberry, sushi, tomato and a carrot. I really want to make a set for my kids too, as well as some extra pieces.

Christmas Day 2009

The kids woke nice and early at 5.30am in our bed, after both sneaking in overnight sometime. As soon as Grace's eyes were open she was begging to go out and see if Santa had been, but as we were going to wait for the Fil to come before presents were opened, it was a long wait in the bedroom amusing 2 very excited and anxious children.

We mucked around on the bed, reading books and trying to take some family shots. It was absolute torture though for all of us, especially for Grace and Xav who, after building up the anticipation of Christmas Day, were desperate to rip into some paper.

A quick call was made to Poppy, with the kids insisting that he got here pronto! He turned up just before 7am, where 2 bumbling children met him at the door jittering with excitement. We headed outside, where Santa's footprints made their way from the front gate to the front door, with bits of snow scattered around. The kids ran around the front for a bit, each taking turns to step in the footprints. We checked that the bowl of water that had been left out for the reindeer's had been drunk, and then headed inside to check if Santa had finished off his home-made shortbread and OJ and that the reindeer's had all had a munch on the carrot.

Then it was straight into the marathon present opening. It started off nice and slow, with only one person opening one present at a time. Somehow, it all sped up until it it was just a flurry of wrapping paper, presents and excitement.

The kids opened all the Grandparents presents first, and once again they went completely over board. I actually think Wendy and Trevor bought more than us and Santa combined! The main present from them to the kids were an organ for Grace and a drum set for Xav. Now this is a slight sore point for me, as I was intending on getting a bongo drum for Xav. However, they found this little drum kit which they thought Xav would love and just had to have it for him. Then I'm guessing they looked around for the second most annoying present they could find, and bought that for Grace.

Now, I'm all for musical things for the kids BUT both of these require no musical participation at all. It's just a matter of turning them on, pressing a button and letting them do there own thing. The drums do not make any reasonable noise, just a disgusting mixture of clanging and thumping. The organ, whilst can be made to sound ok, doesn't most of the time. Adding to the lovliness of it is that it comes with its very own and very loud microphone. So not only to I have to listen to the constant cringing sounds coming from the cymbals, I get to listen to undecipherable noises coming from the microphone. You think a 2 y/o and 4 y/o are annoying with their whinging and whining? Well just imagine what its like turned up a few decibels and being screeched from cheap distortion.

Yes, the kids like them. Yes, they have fun. Yes, they are 'musical' and therefore have some ounce of something beneficial. BUT THEY ARE BLOODY ANNOYING.

After 1 day they were confiscated from constant fighting. I don't know whether to encourage hard play and therefore destruction of the cheap plastic or just go for over-play and hope the novelty wears of VERY damn quick. Regardless, I know exactly what the Il's are getting for all future presents. A recording of a lovely 'recital' of the children, with strict instructions to play it constantly ALL DAY, and see how long they stay sane.

Anyway, enough ranting. Back onto Christmas Day.

Nanny made up little bon-bons for the kids that she had filled with all kinds of loot. There were lip glosses, nail polish and hairbands for Grace, cars for Xav, gold coin chocolates, lollipops, balloons and a harmonica. The were a huge hit with the kids and all the edible goodies have been put into containers, ready to be rationed out. A lollipop each did get through security and was enjoyed before breakfast though.

~~Xav and all his presents~~

~~Grace and all her presents~~

Santa bought Grace a little wooden dolls bed, a ukelele and a stocking stuffed with special food treats. We bought her some paints and books. Xav got from Santa a wooden balance bike, a new set of plastic gold clubs and the stuffed stocking. I had also taken the kids out seperately to buy a special present for each other. Xav picked out a tin tea-set from Aldi for Grace, which has been a huge hit. Grace bought Xav a totem tennis, which we have set up outside and they are both having a blast playing with it.

We had a lovely indulgent breakfast of chipolatas, bacon and freshly layed eggs. I'd given myself Christmas Day off worrying about what went in my mouth, so needless to say it was chocked full of crap for most of the day.

After having a quick play with the toys it was onto our venue for Christmas Lunch. Presents were exchanged between the kids, and once again they were all completely spoilt. Although the adults don't generally do gifts for each other, I was very spoilt with a bonus gift from both the Truets and the Dews. The Dew had given us early this week 2 large pots to go at the front door, and each on was planted a Jade Tree. It's a running joke that out family is now referred to as "New Money" after our win on Lotto, and the jade pants fits in with this theme as it is commonly referred to as a money tree. Grace is running around telling everyone that we have 2 money trees out the front, I guess when you are just 4, money really does grow on trees.

My other bonus present was a pair of tights, which I've only recently discovered ARE the most comfortable things around. Also there was a hair curling product that is just fantastic, and finally my flyaway curls are being reigned in. Nicole's has been nagging me for ages to buy both of these things, and must of got sick of me putting it off so bought them for me. I'm stoked with both!

After the presents were all opened it was onto the big feast. The kids were set up on the small table, but after about 5 mins of rattiness it was decided that the excitement of the day was all a little much for them and they were all offloaded to bed. The adults all got to sit down in peace and eat, and although it was a little strange without the chatter and giggles of the little people, it was lovely to eat civilised.

Nicole and I were on a quest to fill our bellies with as much non-weight watchers approved food as possible. I filled up on truffles, nuts, lollies - and that was before lunch even started!!! The turkey roast lunch was just beautiful, followed by lots of yummy decadent dessert, which the rich chocolate ripple cake was my absolute favourite.

The rest of the afternoon was spent lazing around, and waiting for kids to wake so we could head downstairs and try not to sink to the bottom of the pool with all the extra weight. The Dad's and kids all went in, whilst the Mums cheered and watched from the sidelines. Grace has only just started swimming by herself with just a noodle, but lo and behold Xav has decided that whatever she can do, he can do too. So this week he has been able to swim by himself, just holding onto a noodle. Now, I know that the noodles keep them up, but still it is very impressive that he has the skills to balance and keep himself afloat and not fall off. He absolutely loves his new found freedom in the pool, kicking and getting himself around the whole pool. He can even get himself to the side now and climb out totally unassisted, which also needs a lot of strength.

We all hung around for dinner, and ate up copious amounts of leftovers that were topped up by the Cahills who joined us in the afternoon. The kids all played and tried to expel the candy-cane induced sugar high, before bath-time, into Pj's and taken home.

It was a fantastic day. Lots of fun and excitement, with not stress - Perfect.

~~Crazy photo of everyone, except poor Lucie is only half there~~

Christmas Eve 2009

2 little excited children have just been tucked up in bed and hopefully sleep will come soon. I remember as a child the excitement on Christmas eve, and taking ages to fall asleep. Part of it was I didn't want to miss catching Santa as he crept in with the pressies, and part of it was just the sheer anticipation of Christmas day.

We've had a busy day at home baking and a quick trip to the shops to pick up last minute things. The kids and I had a little production happening in the kitchen, whipping up chocolate truffles, mini Christmas puddings, shortbread, gingerbread and rocky road ice-cream cake for tomorrow. The baking is mostly all for FIL, who is getting loaded up with home-made goodies - which he should enjoy as the mil is away for 6 weeks.

The kids hand rolled all the truffles for me and each had their own bowl of coconut to dip in to. can't say that they are all even, or even balls for that matter, but they are made with love and they had a great time making them.

We wrapped up all our presents for friends and family today. I was quite proud that all except one were home-made, I couldn't work out what to make a 10 year old girl, so I resorted to a photo album and Hannah Montana book. I only just made it in time with the others though, finishing off the last of the sewing just this afternoon.

After a rest for both kids, we spent the rest of the afternoon playing outside. Grace & I finished off some cooking, whilst Xav rode Grace's bike up and down the patio.

The kids had a bath, then it was time to each open one (selected by Mummy!) present from under the tree. If the excitement from opening 1 present was anything to go by, tomorrow is going to be out of control! Both kids carefully unwrapped their present. Xav got a pair of summer pj's with robots on them, which suits his night time routine perfectly. Every night Duane carries him to the toilet and then to bed, all the way pretending to be a robot. Xav loves it and if by any chance Duaen forgets, he quickly reminds him to be a robot, Daddy. Grace was over the moon to be finally getting the nightie she had been modelling for me last week, Duane got a new pair of boxers (bummer the security tag was still attached though), and I got a pair of pink stripy pj shorts with matching singlet.

I'd prepared a little dinner box for the kids to eat in the car on the way to looking at the Christmas lights. It was a selection of tomato, cucumber, little sausages and a sandwich. They both enjoyed eating it, until Xav started on the tomato. Now poor Xav has had a HUGE ulcer on his tongue for the last few days, and me being a ding-bat gave him TOMATO. He screamed, which is also something he has been doing for the last 2 nights because of his tongue, and quickly spat it out again. I can't believe I gave something so acidic to my sweet little boy that has a raw, angry looking ulcer on the tip of his tongue. I took him to the chemist to get something for it yesterday, and the girls there were quite surprised with how big it actually was. I bought some ulcer gel to put on it, which must sting as Xav screams every time I put it on. Poor little boy is struggling with eating too, anything too hard or big and he starts crying and saying his tongues sore. So there has been lots of custard and soft foods. Hopefully it's a bit better tomorrow so he can pig out on yummy Christmas food!

The lights were great, both kids were in awe of the twinkling. We walked around the whole street, inspecting every section of each display. Grace was mesmerised by the reindeer statues and in the car home asked a million questions about them. Why have I never seen a reindeer? Do the reindeer come inside when Santa does? Why do we only leave out 1 carrot when Santa has lots of reindeer?

At the last lot of lights we went too, Santa was standing on the corner yelling out Merry Christmas to everyone, which sent both Grace and Xav into giggling messes. It was a good enough bribe though to tell them that he was just having a break and we had to get home quickly and hop into bed so that we were all asleep before he visited. They were both happy with this, so we hightailed it home for a quick change into new Pj's, quick look at the lights down the road, obligatory juice, cookie, carrot and water left out for the visitors and then the last story using our nativity scene. This is the one that Grace has been waiting patiently for all month, finally baby Jesus was born. A blow of the candle each, then into bed.

Duane and I spent the rest of the night assembling, wrapping and stuffing stockings all whilst listening to the Carols in the Domain in the background. Thank goodness this year there were no big items to wrangle together, so a very calm Christmas Eve.

So now, underneath the tree is laden with presents from us to the kids, stockings are full of Santa's presents and there are also 2 special presents each from Santa. I can't wait for the morning to see the joy in their eyes as they rip open the paper.

I'm loving Christmas more and more as I get to experience it through the eyes of my own children. Their excitement is contagious.

Ho, Ho, Ho - only 1 week to go!

1 week to go now, and stress levels are still surprisingly low and everything is nearly finished!

I love a stress free Christmas. I love that I only have 1 present that I really struggle buying - the Fil's. However this year, we are taking the easy approach and taking advantage of his love for both the kids and food. Yep, it's going to be a big basket of home-made goodies, all lovingly made by me and the kids. He's a very hard person to buy for, even returning a few presents back to us immediately after presenting him with the gift, as he didn't want them!!! I"m over being offended by it, so now I just usually buy (or make) him food that a) I know he likes and b) he can't really return!!

The kids and I spent a busy morning out and about getting a few last minute things. First stop was the market where I filled 2 bags up with fresh and cheap fruit and vegies. The kids munched on freshly baked Turkish bread whilst I picked out perfect mangoes and other delicious produce.

Next stop was Spotlight where I wanted to pick out some material to make Grace a Nightie for Christmas Eve, after being disgusted at the latest lacy offerings at the department stores. Really, who thinks that black and pink nighties with lace around the outside are appropriate for size 3 and up? We rummaged through the remnant box and found some pale green material with little cherries on it, and at $1.00 for the half metre - Perfect!!! I also let Grace pick some material for a Christmas dress, she choose some red with little white dots. She insisted that we got enough to make a little dress for Lucie too, so hopefully I get enough time to get those both whipped up!

ETA - Yep, got them all whipped up that night. I've changed the ribbon on the dresses since these pics, now it is white satin.

~~Nightie for Grace~~

~~Christmas dress for Grace and Lucie~~

Then it was on to Aldi to get a few bargains from the catalogue and to stock up the baking ingredients. I picked out the Love Actually Dvd as a small gift from the kids to me, Xav picked out a tea set to give Grace and we also found a How to Learn French CD for Wendy. She has some crazy fascination with learning French, something that she has apparently always wanted to do, but never has.

Over to Coles next for copious amounts of chocolate for the presents that we are making for Grace's pre-school carers. NOT good fro me to have chocolate in the house, so we will have to be straight onto making the presents as soon as we get home. I'm making "cookie mix in a jar" It's basically all the dry ingredients for choc-chip cookies layered in a preserving jar. Then you just attach a list of wet ingredients that need to be added and the instructions. Damn M&M company aren't bringing out bags of just red, green and white this year, so I bought a huge bucket (must.not.eat.) and planned on setting the kids up with the job of separating the colours. once we got home this is what we did and they diligently picked out all the red and green WITHOUT eating a single M&M. I could probably learn a thing or 2 from them and their will power! I did treat them at the end with a handful of slivered almonds and 10 choc bits each, so they were happy.

My presents are all done and looking great and I'll have to take some pics to put here after Christmas.

Now I'm just waiting for Xav to wake and we are heading of to have some cake to Celebrate Miss Em turning 10. Xav decided he didn't want to go to bed today, but dragged his pillow, dummy and blanket out into the lounge and slept on the floor. I don't care where he sleeps, just that he does. I couldn't handle them both not sleeping during the day - that would be torture to this Mum who needs her quiet time in the middle of the day. Grace is great most of the time, just pottering around doing whatever and generally not bothering me. Couldn't guarantee that Xav would be as obliging!

We have had a fantastic day and the kids have been marvelous despite me dragging them everywhere today. I was in Mummy heaven when 4 different people in 4 different shops commented on how well behaved and delightful my kids are. Well, they were being absolute darlings, singing Christmas carols sweetly as we went up and down aisles, with fellow shoppers smiling at them as we passed.

Ok, Xav's up so off we go again!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.....

Gosh, it's only 10 days away until Christmas Day.

Every year, I can't believe how quickly it's gone - but this year seems to have gone even quicker!

The kids are really excited this year, it's the year that they both get it and have a simple understanding of what is happening and keen to join in the festivities.

I've been busy over the last month making decorations for the house, including this nativity set:

I love the nativity scene, and it's taken pride of place near the front door. The kids know its something that can only be played with at the little table, and haven't broken this rule yet.

I also have some short stories about Advent and the lead up to Christmas that I have been reading to the kids every night. There are 4 stories, with the same story read every night for a week and then changed to the next story every Sunday. The story is a simple, child's version of Mary and Josephs travels to Bethlehem and the birth of Baby Jesus. The kids have a special candle each that we decorated with beeswax, I light their candle every night and then read the story by candlelight using the nativity scene I made to rein act the scenes from the book. The kids are entranced, and the looks on their faces as they glow in the candlelight is just beautiful.

I really want the children to have a background as to why we celebrate Christmas, and to build the proper foundations so hopefully we don't get gobbled up in all the consumerism that's popular at this time. I also want the month of December to be full of anticipation for the big day, something that is desperately missing in our "have it NOW" society.

I've tried to make all of our gifts this year, which I am pleased to say are nearly all done. Just a few to finish off and then its time to wrap everything up. I am so happy with how they have all turned out, and positive that they will be appreciated. I've just got some cooking presents to make and then it'll all be finished.

Speaking of wrapping paper, that's another thing we have had fun with this year. I got some cheap brown paper from Aldi that had been reduced to $1.99 a roll, with the perfect Christmas project in mind as I bought it. We layed it out on the outside table, got some paint out in red, green and silver and let the kids go nuts! It was A LOT of fun. Very messy, but a great morning project for the kids and also looks fantastic. We threw some glitter on to pretty it up, and voila - Customised wrapping paper!

~~Xav getting messy with paint~~

This next project is something that I have wanted to do for a few years, but never could make up my mind exactly what I wanted. I tossed up making a wooden one, but then decided that a hand sewn Advent Calendar might last and look better for longer. Each little pocket can either hold a special treat or a little letter. This year, I've decided to put little notes in, with an exciting thing to do for the day. Now, because they are kids and EVERYTHING can be made to be exciting, some days just say Grace goes to school today and then a very special story tonight or A trip to the park in the afternoon. I've also been sneaky and slipped things in that we would have been doing anyway, like the playgroup Christmas party, friends coming over and Christmas carols. Doesn't really matter whats written on the paper when they excitedly pull it out each morning, they are both thrilled with anything!

Whats December without the fun of Carols? This is the 2nd one we went to this year, at the Runaway Bay soccer club. It was small, but ticked every necessary box for the kids - Santa, fireworks, singing and dancing. They had a fantastic time hanging around the stage and dancing up a storm. Xav was slightly terrified when the fireworks started banging, clinging to me rather tightly.

~~Kids kicking up their heels~~

~~Grace watching the carols~~

I'm really loving this time of the year, especially with 2 little helpers that are full of enthusiasm and excitement.