Christmas Card

This year the girls posed for the Christmas card picture and it was a moderately successful session... some of these images appeared on our cards this year.

I love these but if you want to see how the professional photographer got on with my girls come back on Christmas Day (or a few days later, when you are all recovered from the festivities.)

Friday

So let me tell you a tale about my Friday. On a Friday I don't take the car to work, I get the train and it takes me about 90 minutes door to door. I don't mind, I quite enjoy it but for our purposes here it is important to note that it is not a quick journey.

So, when I got a call (actually I finally answered the persistant ringing on my mobile) from the school telling me that Charlotte was ill and could I come and get her I kind of had to say ...erm no.. at least not any time soon.

It wasn't the best time of my life- they had described her symptoms as being a sharp stabbing pain in her side and that she couldn't stand up and was very quiet and pale. I don't know about you but my first thought was appendicitis. eek.

I had a frantic 15 minutes trying to get hold of Christopher- who I knew was at Mini Gyms with Minnie but couldn't get hold of. streeeeeeeesssssss.

Finally though, he picked her up and by this time she was apparantly feeling a little better. This improvement probably had a lot to do with the fact that she had her school Christmas party in the afternoon. She didn't want to go home because then she would miss the party. Yup, in the logic of a 5 year old it was better to suffer pain to be allowed to go to a party.

In all seriousness, I couldn't exactly concentrate at work- I was fairly certain that she wasn't desperately ill by this point (we had ruled out appendicitis by this time) so I got the rest of the day off to get home and see her.

So, remember the 90 minutes I mentioned- that assumes I am leaving at times that match the train timetable, otherwise that time can expand. ugh. Anyway, I got home just after midday to find a child who was bouncy, chatty and seemingly totally fine.

It seemed mean to stop her from going to her party so we got her ready and doesn't she look great for a sick kid?

So off she went to her party. To be on the safe side I hung around reading my book- in case she was just putting on an act. She was fine, in fact better than fine. She danced with her bestest friend and danced the military two step, the st bernards waltz and something else she can't remember!

And ate chocolate. Yup, seemed fine to me.

We had a doctors appointment after school and after a thorough check up she was declared fit and well but just keeping a check on her for a few months.

Thank goodness for that because Friday night was a BIG night. Pantomime with Granny and Papa Nash. All the girls got into their pretty dresses (apologies for the quality, someone had been messing with the camera settings)

The panto was a huge hit, even for the littlest girl. They loved the singing, the dancing, the interation and the fact that Fairy Contrary sat on Papa Nash's knee! Wow!

They didn't get in until nearly 11pm- and they were ready for bed.

As for me, I couldn't get my head round the day because it didn't do anything it was meant to and now I have a nightmare of stuff to get done tomorrow.... but at least my girl is fine.

Meeting Someone Special

A very special person was in town yesterday. He had to make a stop on his way home to the north pole to let his Reindeer have a rest and some food and water.

Besides Santa always enjoys meeting the children on the nice list.

And he doesn't mind at all if some of the smaller people are a little bit scared of his bright red suit and long white beard. Not one little bit. Shame that Minnie really wasn't into saying hi, in fact she wasn't into being anywhere where Santa could see her. Nope, Minnie had to have a mama between her and the bearded fellow.

But oh she did love those sweet antlered animals.

Especially the adorable little baby ones.

Ouch, so cute they hurt.

Next time we see these adorable animals they'll be delivering presents on Christmas Eve. I think I can just about here those bells jingling now.

Support SANDS

Having seen the difference it made to my friend being able to see and hold her beautiful daughter when she was stillborn last month I didn't hesitate to sign the petition to get NICE to update the guidelines to offer parents informed choice rather than assuming that they shouldn't see or hold their much wanted child.

If you are in the UK, please go to the link below and read the petition and if you agree- please sign the petition. I was lucky enough to take my babies home, but for far too many parents they may only get a few minutes or hours with their child, they need all the support and help they can get.

Online petition - Support Sands campaign on seeing and holding baby after death

32 of 52 It's Christmastime!

Welcome to the best blog challenge. Carin has challenged us mums to get in front of the camera instead of being behind it taking the pictures of our children. I love this challenge, I make a point of being in a picture or ten whenever we do anything together.

This week, I'm sorry if you've innocently followed my link on Carin's blog because what you are getting this week is a post of such length and containing so many pictures that your eyes might bleed and you may lose the will to live. I won't be offended if you opt to bypass the pain but if you make it to the bottom be sure to let me know!

So, here we go:

Every year we try to do something in the run up to Christmas to get us in the mood. This year we opted to go to the markets and fun activities set up in Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens.

Here we are getting ready to go- we are waiting on the train. Don't the girls look so smart in their new winter coats? I adore the older girls in the blue but Minnie is so sweet in her little pink wool number too.

They love being on the train but they are so cheeky. I've no idea who they might have learned such behaviour from. The train trip also served as a learning experience for Charlotte who practised her new reading skills at all the stations. I was very impressed as there are a few tricky place names on the way- not to mention "Edinburgh" itself!

The girls and daddy posing in Waverley station before we go to see what's what.

The first thing the girls wanted to do was go on the giant Ferris wheel that has been erected next to the Sir Walter Scott Monument (we must go up that one day), It's quite high but they really weren't put off at all. Shame about that because Chris is not very fond of these kind of things (we've had some interesting experiences in London and Prague)

This is still quite low down and the girls were loving the experience and wanted to use the handle in the middle to spin the carriage around but poor daddy would rather we didn't.

Minnie was a little unsure too so we decided not to scare her

Lexie was loving looking up even when we were nearly at the top.

At the top it was a little blowy! And the squeaks coming from all of the machinery was slightly alarming - even for those of us who enjoyed the height.

We enjoyed the many shops in the German market. Lots of lovely decorations and pretty bells. We did pick out a few new things- we've got three new hooks for the girls to hang their christmas stockings from for Santa to fill on Christmas Eve.

How much fun are these wooden instruments- and in such cute animal shapes. The girls loved them!

There was even free food to sample (yum, my favourite). There was lovely German chocolate to try and some very delicious cinnamon stars for Charlotte- I know she doesn't look like it here (not sure what this face is for!) but she thought they were brilliant.

We decided to let the girls choose lunch.

They chose crepes.

Freshly made.

With Chocolate.

Who can blame them? (although to be honest I chose to have a hog roast roll but then I've talked about my love of this food before.)

After lunch, the girls chose to do the most exciting thing on the list of activities.

Ice Skating.

The girls have never been ice skating before (I've been quite a bit but not recently and I'm probably capable) so this was always going to be an interesting experience. Since the skates started at Lexie's size Minnie was sitting this one out- and so was Chris to look after her.

Here we are all booted up.

Lexie was up first. By the time we had our first whirl around the rink she was doing great- she was keeping her balance and moving her feet pretty much correctly.

Here she is letting go of me.., and working her way to the edge, we did have one fall but she was game to go out again.

Charlotte is usually a little bit scared of new experiences and chances are she will take time to build up any confidence. Not so with Ice Skating. She was instantly confident and took to it so quickly. By the end of the session  she wanted to do it by herself. So off we went with me just behind her and she successfully navigated herself round the rink without holding onto me or the barrier. I'm so impressed!

We had a whirl around together- good job we didn't fall because I have no idea how I'd get me and two children back on our feet. This was such a great success we'll have to do it again- there is a new(ish) rink nearby so that is now on my list of things to do!

Poor old Minnie had to sit this out. But don't worry, right next to the ice rink is a stall selling freshly made doughnuts. Minnie's most favourite thing in all the world is food, but especially sweet things. Bingo! She's happy.

Besides, we then let Minnie pick a few things to do. She was mesmerised by this ride of flying cars so we obliged and she loved it- waving and smiling and (as she is doing here) focusing on the driving.

And daddy took her on the pirate ships. She had a pretty broad grin on her face when they came off this ride too. See, she didn't really miss out- we just had to find age appropriate activities.

One more trial for daddy!

Charlotte and Lexie wanted to go on the giant Helter Skelter, oh dear, another high thing!

Charlotte came whizzing out first...again with the bravery! normally she would want to go with daddy- at least the first time.

Here comes Lexie! She is normally a brave child so I'm not surprised that she opted to come down by herself, in fact she probably wanted to go first!

And finally, the only option once you get to the top is to come down the slide. Here comes daddy, desperately trying to slow himself down- adults do come out of this a lot faster than children.

Hiding behind the pole is a very happy little girl. Minnie has been on a carousel before and hated it. This time I went on with her and she loved it, waving to her daddy and her sisters and blowing kisses. She's growing up too fast my little baby girl.

And finally

We're heading home, cold, tired but having had a fantastic day. It is most definately Christmas time.

The girls have a Sleeping Beauty Pantomime with granny...and parties...and maybe a visit to a certain bearded gentleman at somepoint...and my favourite bit that makes it all real- the Christmas Eve church service.

Are you still here? Good, hope your Christmas is fun so far!

Coffee, Chocolate and Babyccino

Today is my brother Kris' birthday. By some strange alignment of the planets and the fates everyone had a day off work (with the exception of Charlotte who had to go to school). We opted to meet up at the coffee shop in town...

Cue, chaos and mayhem just trying to order- thats 3 ciabbattas, 2 teas, 1 cappuchino, 1 black coffee, three hot chocolates with cream and marshmallows, 1 hot chocolate with marshmallows and a babyccino, 3 pieces of tiffin, 2 muffins, a slice of carrot cake, a chocolate yule log, a crispy cake, a gingerbread biscuit...

{Callum, who insists if he knew I'd be taking photos that he's have worn his pirate hat}

{Daddy pretending he's still young and hip}

{Auntie Donna from Lexie's point of view}

{Uncle Callum, Me with Minnie, Uncle Kris }

Can you see the carnage that we have created?

{Lexie getting stuck into all the chit chatting}

{Minnie drinking her babyccino}

{Minnie showing granny how much she loves her babyccino}

If you've never had a babyccino its just steamed milk with the froth on top and a sprinkle of chocolate on top. Just perfect for my baby girl.

{Lexie enjoying her giant chocolate muffin}

Lexie was perhaps a little too sugar filled by the time she had the muffin and started the hot chocolate and marshmallows she got a little over excited and spilt a large portion on herself and uncle Kris' white jumper. oops.

Yeah, she looks sorry!

It was nice to see my brothers and mum all at the same time...we have some tentative plans for 2010 so you may see more of them on here next year. In the meantime, Happy Birthday Kris (and Donna for yesterday)

Edinburgh

We had a family day out to Edinburgh today. It was fantastic but I'm too tired tonight to put a proper post together...that will have to wait till Wednesday when I am at home.

Here's a sneaky peek.

Paperchains and Cards

Today the girls and I had some time to do a few Christmassy things while Minnie was napping (poor girl she misses out on everything because she's so little) but the older girls had two tasks- make some paperchains

A task that required concentration and was a lot of fun, they raced to see who could make the longest one but were actually more impressed when the two were connected together to make one giant chain. I'll have to get Chris to put it up tonight (and the rest of the decorations that we havn't quite got to as well) before it ends up getting squished or torn.

A few weeks ago we made some very messy, glittery cards for the most special people in the girls lives. Today I set them the task of writing those cards. I was also a good way to get get the girls to work on their handwriting...cunning, huh?

I did have this grand plan to spend this afternoon watching the Muppets Christmas Carol (the BEST Christmas movie ever- Michael Caine, Gonzo, scary bits, sad bits, penguins, rats and fantastic songs- what is not to love?) but search as I might I couldnot find the DVD. I was gutted. The girls didn't mind so much- they were quite happy to watch the Sword in the Stone, we even got super comfy.

The girls went out with their Papa Nash this afternoon so they are nicely exhausted now and we are just waiting on Daddy to get home from work. He might go back out to archery, but he might stay at home and have a quiet night in with me. We do have a big day out tomorrow afterall...

Twitter

They start young these days.

Never leave the laptop unattended unless you want the children to start tweeting.

I think I'll go eat worms

No body likes me, everybody hates me

I think I'll go eat worms

Big fat scooshy ones, wee skinny smooshy ones

See how they wriggle and squirm

Bite off their heads, bite off their tails,

Sook all the insides out.

Who could hate this gooey girl? Love you Minnie-moo x

31 of 52: The Christmas Tree

On Sunday night we went to choose our Christmas tree. We had intended to use the same one from last year but since it suffered a few too many knocks in the winds over the summer it was essential that we picked a new tree. Again we are going to try and look after this one, better than the last one at least!

Chris and I don't really get much say in the choice of tree - other than specifying that it had to be a potted not cut tree. The girls loved this little dinky tree (it probably looks much bigger when you are 1,4 and 5) that had lovely close branches. Suits Chris and I since we have some concerns over Minnie's self control and the fact the tree may end up on top of one of the girls at some point, smaller is good!

They really enjoyed watching the tree going into it's net!

The girls have always been allowed to pick one decoration for the tree each year. I don't really have a style or a plan or theme for my tree (that's just no fun) so they can get pretty much whatever they choose. Minnie is abit star obsessed at the moment so she inevitably chose a big sparkly star. She loves it.

Lexie always seems to pick a traditional bauble and this year was no different. Its shiny silver with lovely white snowy swirls. The kind of thing I would probably pick.

Charlotte is far less predictable, she has chosen lots of different things over the years and this year she opted for a Santa ornament. As usual for Charlotte, it's very heavy! Whatever they picked, they loved them

I made them wait to decorate the tree though until it actually was December. The girls knew that we would decorate the tree when I got home from work on Tuesday. I took what seemed like forever to get home (more on that in another post) so when I walked through the door I was pounced on by three very very very excited little girls.

Minnie went first putting her star on the tree. It all went very well until we tried to move away from the tree, she wanted the star....the concept of leaving the star on the tree was something of a struggle for her. She managed for a little while but it was all a little bit much this year so she ended up going to bed before the job was done. Poor wee lamb.

Lexie was really into the process- having found a tinsel hairband in one of the boxes- she's worn it ever since. Here she is hanging her polar bear made by Auntie Kateri

Charlotte was really into the decorating this year but most of her decorations ended up at the same height- you know the level to which she could reach. In the absence of Minnie (whose turn it was) Charlotte put the fat fairy on the top of the tree (honestly, we have a chubby fairy in a wooly dress who goes on the top. See:

The tree is wonky and the decorations are slightly clumped together in places but I adore it and don't have any plans to balance it out. The girls are so proud of themselves for decorating the tree and explaining why each decoration had to go in a particular place.

Did you spot me? I'm actually in some photos! Join in with Carin and get in those photos.

Wordless Wednesday