Christmas Blessings

I would appear so ungrateful if I did not mention a blessing that our family were given yesterday. Last night as we were sitting upstairs I heard something put through our letter box. I must admit the first thing I thought was 'Oh no it's one of the neighbours and I haven't written their cards yet.' But as Spencer came back up stairs he opened a card that contained a gift and a lovely message. It was one of the many blessings that we as a family and me personally have received over this Christmas season. And if our Secret Santa is reading this, I hope you know how much of a blessing you are to us and the joy that you have added to our Christmas this year.

My Mum has an ornament very similar to this and I have always loved it. To me it sums up the true meaning of Christmas.

Catch up part 2

Phoebe had her school Christmas play where this year she was a Spanish bull fighter. (it's amazing what they can get into a Christmas play)

So after over 2 weeks of rehearsals at school the day of the play was here. So there I was saying how excited I was and how I was going to be there in the front row with my camera and I wanted to see the biggest smile ever.

You can imagine my surprise when she turned round to me and said

"But my smiles gone on a trip, it won't be there today." A little shocked I turned round to her and said

"Is there any chance that it will be back in time for the play?" To which she replied

"I don't know. I'll give it a call and see what it says." So off she went up stairs to phone her smile. She came back and said

"It's quite a long way away but it's going to do it's best" Where this girl get's it from is beyond me.

Well she did a wonderful job and smiled from beginning to end. When I saw her at the end of the play I gave her a hug and told her how wonderful she was, when she looked at me and with the cheekiest grin on her face she said

"My smile got back just in time".

Faith's year did a wonderful Carol concert and Faith read a poem which she learn't off by heart in just 2 days. I was so proud.

We had our church nativity and after another freak snow storm half of the children weren't there as they couldn't get to church. So Faith was one of the lead angels, Phoebe was a star and Elijah was promoted from a camel to a Wise man. Quite a jump and although he wouldn't wear the cloak when I told him that Father Christmas was watching and he wanted him to go and give Baby Jesus his present, he 'happily' wore the crown. And although it wasn't quite the right time in the nativity, Baby Jesus got his gift.

Here's some other pictures of the lead up to Christmas.

Elijah meeting Santa at playgroup.
The girls being attacked by Daddy with the snow.

Faith's reorganised 7th birthday

This year Faith's birthday fell on a Thursday and as the school decided to have 2 inset days on the Thursday and Friday of that week I had made plans. As a surprise for her birthday we were giving her, her own bedroom. So Spence had taken Wednesday off and he and his Dad were redecorating her room while she was at school.

Faith's face when she saw her new room
We were then going to head down to my parents for a long weekend. On Thursday we were heading into London to do the Natural History and the Science museums while they would be quiet during school time. We were then heading to Hamley's, on to see the Christmas lights and on to the London Eye. Then meeting up with Auntie Kathy (Faith's birthday buddy as her birthday is the day before) for dinner. Then on Friday to the London Temple to see the Nativity and Saturday on to our friends little boy's birthday party. It was going to be a fun filled weekend until, the snow hit. Can you believe it. The South East of England was hit with such a snow storm that my parents couldn't get to the garage at the end of their garden. So after some VERY QUICK re thinking, we went to see Father Christmas, shopping to buy her some new boots from Auntie Teresa and Auntie Becky. Then Bowling and dinner with our family up here in the evening.

Just after Phoebe scored a strike :)

Not quite the day I was planning for her but she had a great day all the same.

Wow has it really been 3 months

WOW has it really been nearly 3 months since I have been on here. I am such a slacker. But here goes on a a quick catch up.

We have had Halloween. Which was great fun as we are finally starting to get into it in this country. All the kids did their own pumpkins which were put out on the balcony. However when we came home from church well over a week later Phoebe suddenly anounced "Where's my pumpkin?" I was so shocked that she hadn't noticed that they had been thrown out nearly a week ago I just blurted out "It's in the bin" Looking back this might have been a mistake and I maybe should have been a bit more sensitive. She came in the house cried for nearly an hour and then phoned my parents and told them all about it. She really is too sensitive.

We have had bonfire night which was great. We went to West Park with Spencer's sister's and although it was pouring with rain the fireworks were amazing.

(Sorry Tres I know you hate this picture but I love it)

However the evening didn't end to well. As we were all COVERED in mud, when we walked in the door I got everyone to get changed and give me their coats and trousers to wash straight away. About half and hour later Spence said "Susie have you seen my phone?" How was I to know that he had some secret pocket in his coat where he kept his phone. He was very good about it but that's the last time I try and be a good organized house wife :(