Falalalalalalalala

God that went fast! Christmas came and went in a mad rush to open every single present in under 20 minutes, along with a good meal and the usual three desserts, kids actually getting along and lots and lots of dancing, thanks to Xbox 360.

It was a great day- can't believe though, how much preparation is needed. But we had loads of help especially from a fab sister in law and now we can just sit back and relax for more than another whole week away from work!!

Mae loved it all. She and her cousins got along great guns and even though little Andrew almost ended up superglued to the kitchen table (bad auntie Jen), it all went off without a hitch.

Here's her new elephant, Mom, which was a hit. ALMOST as good as a real live hamster! She was actually speechless, and has said ever since that she can't believe she got a real live pet for Christmas. And when we showed her Bruce, the new Chinese Dwarf Hamster, he was gamely hanging from the roof, which was a feat we hadn't seen him accomplish up to that point. Go Bruce!

Christmas pj's, also courtesy of mom. But loads of other cool gifts, and a big thank you from all of us.

One of three desserts at the end of a very long day in the kitchen. But I might do it again in a few years. Next year, Colonel Sanders will be cooking!!

The requisite Christmas photo. Andrew was quickly losing it, but this was good. Then I told them to make funny faces.

I think only Mae heard me!

Christmas

Is in my pantry. Notice:


Nanaimo bars ready to be drizzled with chocolate.
Margharita mix and tequila ready to be drunk. Really ready, although the Highland Park is waiting it's turn as well.
Christmas cake and christmas pud waiting for pomp and dessert circumstancing.
Holiday cereal ready to be fought over. There are three cocopops there, thank god!
Gingerbread and a load of Chezch goodies (thanks to a friendly mum) in tins and disappearing fast.
Brussel sprouts on stalks wanting to hook up with the chestnuts!
Crackers for pulling and LOADS more.
Hopefully we are ready for the onslaught of in-laws!!

(Mustn't forget the turkey tomorrow, mustn't forget the turkey.....)

And windows dressed and ready as well. It's so nice to have a sill to put things on and they open nice and wide. And I can reach the openings, which is a bonus for windows in Britain, which are generally made only for very tall people. so Yay!

Today

Trees snipped down! The poor willow looks like it's been scalped, but I am sure the neighbours at the back appreciate a little more light.

Tomorrow, new windows!!

Okay Okay

No bacon fudge. I thought it would meet rapturous applause myself. I guess I will stick to plain old chocolate.

Have been busy decorating the house and am lamenting my lack of a mantle shelf over the woodstove, but saw a nifty idea on the net, so stole and adapted it! Lovely, huh! Better than bacon fudge.....?

Gifts for Teachers

I am not really a fan of some people at the local school. Especially in weather like this, barely an inch of snow and the kids can't play outside. My blood boils, in fact, at the ineptitude, at time, of the management of the school.

Anyway, enough of the negativity. I do like Mae's teacher alright. And there are some very nice staff there and of course I would like to do something. Something nice, but something a bit crazy as well.

And then I stumbled upon the best thing ever.

Does this look Yummy?