It’s been a busy few days.

Who am I kidding - it's always busy! (But the difference is, I’m still smiling)

I had a wonderful birthday this year, thanks in part to all *your* lovely birthday wishes! Thank you, they mean a lot to me. And to add to my delight, the BH took the day off and accompanied me into town to attack the Christmas list. He’s still recovering, whereas I’m thinking it was the easiest it’s ever been!

We also bought a tree, a fake one. It wasn’t an easy decision to move over from the real thing, but my carpet is grateful, not to mention the kids whose chore it was to water our previous trees. And you don't get the pine smell if you opt for the no-drop needles anyway, so... The new fake one also came with lights attached, which almost made the decorating a joy! We should have done this years ago. Another added bonus is we had lights left over, which we’ve put up around the kitchen and made the children jump around with glee. The only complaint has come from my father, who thinks it's too dull - but he's got his own to keep him happy!


Oh, and if you look at the photo, you will see the curtains – my curtains – the ones I’ve been making (forever!). And no, they’re not finished. Nearly, but they need hemming, which I shall attempt to get around to this week.







And talking of the children (I was! Jumping around, remember?!), J did well at her ballet recital. Though it is a wonder how her ballet teacher puts up with all J’s chattering – but I’m not complaining as it was only a couple of years ago we were worried sick because she didn’t talk!









And P had a rugby match this morning. It was freezing and the frost was so thick it looked like it’d snowed during the night. But the sun soon melted it away and P remembered his thermals, proudly telling the lad next to him, that he was wearing three layers. P’s under 8 team played the under 7’s, and they got their asses whipped by the shortest, prettiest little girl. Yep, virtually single-handedly she ran the boys of both teams ragged. (But I told P not to worry, because in a few seasons her parents will start to worry about broken noses and cauliflower ears, and pull her from the team.) Actually I’m being a tad unfair saying they got whipped, as the under 8’s did manage to draw the match – but it should have been a picnic, and it was anything but!

And I must remember it’s *silly hats and the parents match next week – am trying to persuade the BH to go in my place, that or I’ll have to wear high heels, or borrow crutches maybe…




* yes I know P's serious hat is pretty silly in it's own right, but he LIKES it, and those of you that've heard about P before, will remember what an awkward little darling he can be!