Well, we didn't manage getting the tree up a week ago, but we found the time on Saturday afternoon this weekend. Wasn't quite the happy family moment I was planning on. There were lots of tears and tantrums and time outs going on, but we got there in the end, and I'm glad we did. I wasn't really feeling too Christmassy to be honest. I'm so super tired at the moment with a newborn and the older terrible two that I just don't have the energy at the moment to be too happy. I feel wiped out most of the time.
I managed to get the kids Christmas presents all wrapped too, and placed under the tree with their stockings. I must say I'm impressed so far at their will power and the fact that no little fingers have managed to accidently on purpose open any presents. It was very cute watching Josh check all the tags and see who all the presents were for. It's the first year he's been able to do that. On finding the largest present under the tree, he yelled, "I've got the biggest present EVER!" Yes, indeed he does! It's the LEGO City Police Station that he has been begging for for so long. Can't wait to see his face when he opens it!
Excuse the dodgy photo above - taken in low light on iPhone. Here are a few more pics of the rest of our Christmas decorations:
As much as I'm still in recovery mode after babe and feeling absolutely utterly exhausted, there is a part of me that desperately wants to get my Christmas on and get the tree up and decorate for the older kids. I want somewhere to put the wrapped presents under, and somewhere to gather on Christmas morning with my family, and somewhere for my kids to look with wonder and to remember the real wonder of Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Today, with hubby's help, I'm going to see if we can make it happen. Let's just hope the wee one sleeps well today so we can get it done. Will share pics this week if there is success!
PS. Don't forget today is the last day to enter this giveaway!
See this little baby of mine? How did that baby get to be nearly 5? And when did he get to be nearly ready to go to school?
Josh is super excited about going to school next year (even though he probably doesn't know what's going to hit him!!). He saw me with his school uniform purchase and asked if he could try it on. So here is the obligatory school uniform photo that most 4/5 year olds have! He is wearing his school hat with the sports shirt and uniform shorts - a bit of a mixup of the sports and normal uniform, but his uniform nevertheless!
I just love the smile on his face too. He doesn't hand out the 'nice' smile too easily these day (normally we get a sillier version when we ask him for a photo) but he was so chuffed to be wearing his uniform you couldn't wipe the smile off his face.
I'm so proud of Josh and how far he has come, especially in his two years at preschool. He is such a delightful and bright little man, with an awesome imagination and mind. I can't wait to see him flourish and grow more as he starts his schooling life. I know it will have its ups and downs too but I can't wait to see the man that this precious little boy will become. Love you lots Josh. xx
Do you do Christmas lights at your house? I've never really been into decorating our place with lights out the front. Mainly because it's a big enough job to get the Christmas tree and lights up inside the house, let alone have time for the outside. I do like the idea of it, but it would also mean hubby would have to set it all up and I don't like the idea of the extra electricity expense either! There are a few houses around us that like to get into the Christmas spirit with lights on their houses. Maybe one day we will join in.
The Hunter Valley Gardens also do their own Christmas Lights event - the Christmas Lights Spectacular! It's in its fifth year of running and t looks amazing!! Our family was invited to the Hunter Valley Gardens earlier this year to visit, in particular, their Storybook Gardens which the kids loved. We were recently invited back for the Christmas Lights event, however given the recent arrival of our third little babe and my illness, it is doubtful now that we will be able to get there. Instead, one lovely reader will benefit by being able to win a family pass to this event!
The HVG Christmas Lights Spectacular runs until the 14 January and includes lights and music displays, entertainment for the whole family, food and beverage stalls, Santa visits and photos, amusement rides, and a nativity scene. For all the details, read this page and have a little look at the video above for a sneek peek at what to expect.
I have one family pass (2 adults & 2 children 4-15yrs) to give away, valued at $52. Children under 3 years and under can enter for free. To win this pass, just leave me a comment below telling me your favourite childhood memory of Christmas. I will announce a winner on Monday 12 December and have the pass posted out to you ASAP so you can start planning your trip! You can even go on New Years Eve and see a fantastic fireworks display!
Good luck and I look forward to reading about all your memories!
Our littlest man arrived on the 14 November. This is little Benjamin Jesse. Well, he wasn't so little really. He was 3.94kg but he is still little to me.
His arrival and our week in hospital went smoothly. Josh and Zoe adore him as does his daddy and I.
Unfortunately within two days of us arriving home, I was struck down with a mild case of pneumonia and have had a rough few weeks recovering from that as well as the csection all while caring for this beautiful little newborn. Fortunately, we have had loads of friends pitching in with meals for us and my mum has tirelessly been helping out each day with laundry, keeping my house tidy and entertaining Josh and Zoe. I'm still not out of the woods yet, but am hoping by Christmas to be back to my jolly self!
Ben has been coping very well amidst the drama around here. This mama just wishes she had more time to sleep! But of course I knew that was coming.
once upon a time there was a girl who met a boy. they got married. they had three children. now the mama is learning every day how to nourish her body back to its former self, and teaching her family better ways. the rest (and best) is yet to be written!
