Those cheeky elves again!

The girl woke this morning to find a very special gift from the elves in the lounge. BUT what ever could it be under that wrapping paper?

The big reveal! It's a Christmas tree!

This evening we spent a very happy decorating it together. And once we had smothered it in all the tinsel and baubles it's poor branches could manage, we switched on the lights and enjoyed it's Christmassy glow for a while.

X x x

PTA Christmas Market

This has been my main view for the day. Except most of it had a LOT more people in it than this picture.

I was running one of the crafts in the craft room.

I have made about a million of these tiny foil wrapped matchboxes. Okay maybe that is a slight overestimation, but it certainly feels like it lol.

Hubby took the children for a walk around the market while I was working. D particularly enjoyed the crafts. That would be her new coat covered in paint! Oh well, hopefully the washing machine will shift it.

It's been a lot if hard work but the market seems to have been a great success. Hopefully the PTA are now a big step closer to the new playground equipment we want to buy.

X x x

Nativity and Elves.

DD1 is getting more and more excited about the school nativity next week. This week they have having dress rehearsals and learning about the nativity story in class.

Today she bought home a lovely picture she'd made of the manger scene, complete with a sheep! 

You remember her part in the play right? Lol

This mornings elves were discovered enjoying a nice story. How kind of them to read it to some of the other toys from the playroom 

Tonight's arrangement is rather special so I will make you wait to see it in the morning! Sorry!

X x X

Looking to the future (and elves!)

OH has been told he's being trained up for management at work. He starts training just after Christmas though he pretty much knows most of it already, just unofficially. The idea eventually is to get him ready to be an area manager for the Isle of Wight!

It's quite a lot to take in, but the timeline for this is about 2 years so it wouldn't be a quick flit.

It would be a big upheaval though and restart for all the family but I think the island could be a lovely place to raise the children. I feel some random internet research coming on.

It may not all happen of course, so much can change in two years. Who can say where any of us could be in 24 months time?

But definitely a lovely daydream for over Christmas.

 The elves decided last night to try moving home themselves. They look quite cosy in the doll house, but Barbie was a little bit upset about her eviction.

See! I can trust my hubby occasionally!

x x x

New togs!

I popped into the Cancer Research shop again today. And once more I've been dressed by the two lovely volunteers who helped me previously. 

Outfit 2 consists of a pair of black papaya trousers  (£2), a fushia pink Dorothy Perkins shirt (£1) and a black Marks and Spencer cardigan (£2)

I will try to get a better photo tomorrow but you get just. Special thanks to DD1 for being my fashion photographer. 

Watch this space for my next visit! It would be nice to have another 2-3 outfits in the wardrobe so I can clean out some of the old stuff in the big spring clean. 

X x x

p.s - I may regret it but OH has been trusted with the Elves on his return from work....

Splurging and Elfing

I had a little splurge today in the local garden centre. I had some pennies left on a gift card I received last Christmas. I've had so many goodies throughout the year with it, mostly reduced plants and clearance specials.

I decided on a new Cath Kidston mug to replace my smashed one from earlier in the year. A fresh packet of cress seeds and some pretty snapdragon seeds, and two yummy looking bars of fudge.

And I still have £4 and change left on the card lol.

I was tempted to get these lovely and attracrive Nasturtium seeds lol. The packet did make me giggle as I browsed. I wonder whose responsible Thompson or Morgan?

And last but not least the elves latest adventure. Rounding up the ponies and creating a cushion sledge. Quite a nifty way to travel and deliver the latest book calender gift! I hope the girls enjoy finding them like this in the morning, I'm quite proud of this one!

XXX

Taking time

I'm writting this post tucked up in bed with some hot chocolate. I seem to be coming down with the virus that made its way through the children. I feel pretty rough but I'm a tough bird, I'll make it.

I've pulled out a new book to read from the great stash in my bedside cupboard. I actually received it for my birthday back in October! 

I'm challenging myself to read one chapter a day. With all the bedlam of Christmas plays, gift buying, prepping and all the other joys, I think it's important to remind myself that I need to take five minutes out here and there.

Tonight the elves are abseiling from the curtain pole. With paperchains! It was actually a nice quick set up tonight thanks to a tall hubby.

X x X