NYE....

I'd like to wish everyone reading this a very happy new year's eve
and a healthy, happy, stress-free, fun-filled 2012.
With love from me xx
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Stress free magic.....

All the shopping is done!
Presents wrapped and those that need to be have been delivered.
Freezer full, fridge full, cupboards full and even the extra blanket box is full to bursting.
Two trees dressed with their twinkling lights shining on old favourite baubles and home made hanging things that raise a smile every time they are unpacked.
Daughter was here today making last minute presents with the children and will be again tomorrow.
Arrangements have been made for me cooking Christmas Day for me, hubby, daughter, M and the grandchildren. Boxing Day we've been invited into our neighbour's for a meal and the evening and same again for New Year's Eve and on the 27th it's 33 members of my family all here at my house for the day!!!
So all that's left is to sit back and enjoy the magic of our festive holiday together.

Wherever you are and whatever your beliefs I hope this time of year is all you want it to be and may 2012 bring you good health and happiness. xxx

A bit too quiet....

Daughter and her children have been away on holiday all this week, so I'd specially saved all the Christmas gift wrapping and final shopping trips to while they are away to make my life easier....and yes I've achieved all I really wanted to because it's been a lot simpler to leave stuff out till later, a lot less noisy without the regular button pushing on the musical garland, a lot calmer without the fights, a lot easier to plan meals, a lot simpler to stop for lunch when I'm ready to, a lot less Mario, a lot tidier without having to put toys away, a lot less creeping around because of the sleeping toddler, a lot less hunting out specific craft stuff and helping with makes and a lot less tripping in the hall over coats and boots! But I really miss them and can't wait to get back to normal   :o)
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My way (#7)...

Over the years I seem to have developed some very definite ways of doing things and usually it's for a very good reason, so I thought I'd share. 


I put a couple of new pictures up on my wall yesterday and wondered if you knew that by hanging the wooden frame of a canvas on two level pins it will always be level and that for a framed picture if you mark the little metal bit it hangs on at the back with a pencil on the very edge then press it on the wall where you want it to hang it will make a small mark where you need to bang your nail in.


What's your way?
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Five big smiles....

Now it's the end of term for the activities that the girls do, it was time for them to display for us.

First smile was going to the music concert Thursday evening where E was on percussion and also in the choir.

Second smile was E at another concert on Friday evening with E on percussion again, this time she had to play various instruments knowing when to change from one to another. Both concerts were good and E was excellent and it is always obvious how good she is for her age as she is one of the smallest in each orchestra.

Third smile was Saturday morning going to see R in her first ever real play for her drama group, it was Aladdin and she was the entrance to the cave and one of the dancing statues and also one of the narrators (the one with the clearest voice I thought).

Two very definite NOT smiles where that E had been unwell all night, so stayed home and missed her last music class of the term and also that no sooner the play had started than O made a run for the door and escaped with Daughter in hot pursuit so she missed her daughters first play :o(

Fourth smile was Saturday evening as R's dance teacher had organised a fun display evening where we all sat around the hall at tables, joining friends and munching on our own refreshments while the dancers put on a fantastic display of all they do and gained trophies and certificates. There was also the fun competition element for child and parent waltz and swingathon style twist (just like R had watched on Strictly Come Dancing) with the judge touching the shoulder of each contestant as they were told to leave until there was a winner. There was also a parade of dancers to win prince and princess prizes plus there was some line dancing and disco too, a very full and fun evening.

Unfortunately Saturday evening had two NOT smiles as well, as E was still not well enough so stayed home with Granddad and M didn't feel well when we got there and O got so restless that M took him to the car to play but we decided they should go home and the easiest way for everyone (except Hubby) was to ask Hubby to come to the hall and then take M O and E home...............thank you Hubby we do appreciate that you did that so Daughter and I could stay with R as she was having such a good time.

Today was my fifth smile and involved just adults. We are four sisters living quite far apart and today SisterP had us all to her house with husbands for a lovely dinner and a good chat. Can't believe we have all reached half-century and beyond and that we have never had an all adult meal together - such a good idea SisterP, thank you so much :o)
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