Avoiding The Crazy

There is only so much time one can spend in the house between Christmas and New Year without going insane, so we took the children out for at least half an hour a day this week.  Today's destination was the beach.  Enjoy the explosion of photos from my phone:

Christmas

The 'don't get up too early' request was ignored of course, I eeked out an extra half hour of slumber but caved at 06:30.  We opened the stockings from Santa on our bed:

Well...the boys got too big and found spots on the floor!:

After a chocolate/sweets sugar rush we took the party downstairs, where Rosie won the 'Best Christmas Face' award:

This is how Noah spent most of Christmas:

Ethan is prepared....not sure what for:

After bacon and cream cheese bagels for breakfast we had a short church service which was a lovely break in the morning to remember why we celebrate.  After our huuuuuge Christmas lunch we visited with my parents and Skyped with Jay and her family (oh, I do miss them all, I can't wait to see them soon!).  I am so thankful for this one day of the year when all over the world families and friends come together (whether they be believers or not) to celebrate love.  For that is what the gift of our Saviour is all about.

Holy Night

Christmas Eve is my favourite day of the Christmas season (yes, I even prefer it to Christmas day) and this year was extra special as James wasn't working!  Hooray!  After pottering about the home all morning we took an afternoon walk to Haldon Forest:

We found some ready-made dens:

And had to explore each one:

Can you see the mischief on their faces?:

Fixing a hole:

The sunset arrived so beautifully:

As is tradition, we attended the evening carol service at church.  It was beautiful.  All my favourite hymns were sung, scripture passages were read, trumpets were played (heaven) and a 'Silent Night' that brought tears to my eyes.  We read the Christmas story from the bible at home with the children and then sent them off to bed with strict instructions to go to sleep quickly and 'please don't get up too early!'  Treats were of course left for Father Christmas and the reindeer:

James and I finished up this (very late) evening with festive films and present organising.  Merry Christmas to you all!

My Favourite

I've made a few of my Christmas tree ornaments over the years but my favourite has to be the 'snowballs'. I made them when Ben was six months old (that's thirteen years ago!) out of wool dipped in PVA glue and wrapped around balloons. They remind me of the huge tree that we had to cut the top off to fit it in the room, a crawling baby's first Christmas, but most of all me and Jay hanging the ornaments from the clothes airer while trying not to get us and everything else covered in glue!

Perfect

Let me just say that the Primary children doing a nativity during Sunday School time is the most perfect way to spend the sabbath before Christmas!

Birthday And Santa

Today is my little man's birthday, he turned seven!  He was excited to open his presents sat on the end of our bed this morning, and just as excited that it was a non-uniform day at school!  He chose a strawberry cheesecake to celebrate in the evening:

About five minutes after the candles had been blown, there was a knock on our door.  Who was there? FATHER CHRISTMAS of course!  Santa and his elf were raising funds for the village open air swimming pool (in winter?!) and they wanted to say hello to the children.  Ethan, Rosie and Noah stepped out to have a chat:

Because it was Noah's birthday, Father Christmas gave him TWO bags of sweets!  Noah said 'It has to be the real Santa Clause because it wasn't a fake beard!'

Noah declared it to be 'The bestest birthday ever!'

Sunday Smile Lines

Ben: 'You're like a ninja master hot chocolate stirrer mum!'

Christmas Photo

Feeling festive:

Puppet On A String

Noah was a puppet in his Christmas production, he was so excited! He's been sporting rosy-red cheeks all week as there have been four shows. Can you spot him? He's much taller than his classmates:

Happy

My house smells like Christmas. Bliss:

Monday Smile Lines

Writing Christmas cards with rosy cheeks left over from the school play:

Early Christmas Present

Dear Jay,

I did it:

I AM COMING TO SEE YOU...in exactly twelve weeks!  I'm not quite sure how I'll contain my excitement for that long but I shall try.  James is already planning which mountains to climb.  I am so excited to see a grown up Olivia and finally meet miss Maisey.  Also, don't have baby number three until I get there!

Love Naomi xxx