What a merry Christmas day!

I just love it when all the preparations for Christmas day, the entire lead up, the emotional feelings and the family occasions all end with one, perfect day.

Before bed on Christmas eve, jammies and eggnog.

I'm sad to say that I don't have many photos to share - we had Christmas at our home with Adam's side of the family this year, with a sensational christmas breakfast at mum and dads, and a spectacular christmas evening, also at mum and dad's. Lucky they are walking distance away! So I spent much of my time rushing around making sure everyone was having a good time. And the time I wasn't rushing around? I was relaxing, drink in hand and food in my belly. Lots of food.

I don't think I will ever feel hungry again.

Darcy a little unimpressed by the Christmas cracker comb.

I am a bit sad I didn't get to capture the details of the day, but I managed many pictures of the family, and isn't that what it's all about?

Ok, and it's about the presents. Let's be honest.

My brother, sister and I.

The kids were very spoiled, both by Father Christmas and by family. And so was I! I even got my very first sewing machine from my wonderful husband. I can't wait to delve in to projects and start making useful little things for my family.... I'm not expecting much to start with though, you'll have to bare with me in all the projects that end in a fail before those that end in a win.

I think I'll make some hot mats first. Post to come on that!

This is what happens when the kids get to serve their own lunch...coloured popcorn and lamb.

Anyway, I hope Christmas day for you was magical and beautiful and everything you expected.

Cousins.

And I hope your boxing day consisted of lots of leftovers, new dvd's, lego building and tiara making - and of course sleep! Just like ours did.

The most un-guilty, lazy day of the year!

Merry Christmas!

Now, on to new year. Do you know it's going to be 37 degress? Yikes!!

I love Christmas so much..

Today I went to collect my own Christmas present.

And stalked the local supermarket Father Christmas. And asked a complete stranger to take a photo of us.

I'm so hardcore like that.

He was the happiest Santa ever.

Merry Christmas xxx

I love Christmas. I want to marry it.

One of the most fun things about Christmas, in my never wrong opinion, is christmas lights. I love hunting for the best streets and gazing at the thousand of little sparkles that people cover their homes in, all in the name of Christmas.

It says something about the people who live there. They have Christmas in their hearts. 

Each year, our family gets together and we all trek down to our family friends house. He was my teacher in grade four and five. He and my dad bonded over Bob Dylan - and now he's part of the family.

My brother's middle name is Dylan. In case you are interested. 

The evening usually consists of large quantities of food, lots of Christmas music, and counting down the minutes until it's dark enough to fully appreciate the lights.

And then we go out walking.

The kids could spend hours in front of houses like these, eating fairy floss and popcorn. And snow cones - if it were hot enough to need snow cones, that is.

Isn't it meant to be summer in Australia?

It doesn't stop them eating ice blocks after dinner though.

This family evening usually occurs in the week leading up to Christmas. I love that I still get flutters in my heart thinking about it. I love it! I love what it means to our family, and love what it means to our kids. It's not just about presents for them, it's about food, cousins, late nights and parties. And of course the Christmas music that becomes the soundtrack to December. The kids even request it in the car.

Love those kids.

Four sleeps to go!

xx

And it's Christmas.

It's the Christmas season. And I couldn't be happier. Everything in the year leads to this time of year. In those times mid winter, when I'm feeling low - I think of the smell of Christmas trees, mince pies and Bing Crosby on the Ipod. And I feel tingles of happiness inside.

When the Christmas tree moves in for the month, the smell is divine! I love nothing more than walking through my front door and being hit by that smell. It's the smell of good spirits!

I love my Christmas tree during the day.

I adore my Christmas tree at night.

I don't know about you, but I like to decorate all parts of the house. I like to be able to see Christmas in my home no matter what I am doing.

And don't you think that there is nothing more like home than Christmas?

I love these little guys. They were a souvenir from my trip to Melbourne. But the miniest Santa, in this particular photo, is totally giving me the creeps.

Whatchya lookin' at Santa??

It also wouldn't be Christmas without our end of year parties. We've had Playgroup, school, Playgroup Adults dinner, and tonight - Adam's Christmas drinks.

This year at Playgroup, I think we had the real Father Christmas visit us. He was amazing. He was big! And he was jolly. I wanted to take him home.

This is my favourite shelf at home. I tried to capture it at night, because that's when it's the prettiest. But, I haven't worked out night photos yet. One day.

All these pieces are from Melbourne too. I was on a Christmas mission there!

And don't you just love my Christmas paper? It came from Borders. Borders! Great books, fabulous coffee - and beautiful Christmas paper. Love that place.

Incase you were wondering, this years recommended Christmas album, from me - to you, is 50's Rock'n'Roll & Rockabilly Christmas. It's fantastic! And even Adam doesn't try and kill himself as a more positive option than listening to it. So that has to be a testament to how good it is. Try it, it's only $6.99 for fifty tunes. Gold.

Merry Christmas!

The stork is fluffing his feathers.

But it's not for me. My sister is due to have her third baby after Christmas. And since the day she had that second pink line, you know the one? That leaves you with goodbumps on your skin and a flutter in your heart?

That's the one.

I've been thinking, dreaming, searching, and living - baby sprinkles. And I was chuffed that she wanted me to throw this afternoon tea in her honor.

And so now that uni is finished and I have time to spare. I have been creating.

And with the help of my beautiful friend, I hope to make this day a lemony, sunshiny and beautiful day full of celebration and joy, all in anticipation of a new life we can't wait to welcome here with us.

And while I created, the kids wrote to Father Christmas.

Tilly wants Darcy for Christmas..after I explained that she already has Darcy, she wrote for a rabbit.

Ahem.

And she wants an Iplog, even though that was followed with 'What's an Iplog'? Good question kid.

Darcy wants a lego train, a dvd and a DS game. But he's thought of a thousand things since, so there might be another letter to Father Christmas in the works.

I love having time on my hands. And how much do you love this sunshine!

xx

When Father Christmas came to town!

There aren't many things in life that will have me bounding out of bed when the digital clock is screaming a '5' at me. There are the obvious, kids, toilet, dog. And then there is the Credit Union Christmas Pageant. 

Did you know it's the largest in the southern hemisphere? That's big.

King William Rd at 7am. 

The Christmas pageant marks the official coming to town of our good old friend, Father Christmas. It also marks the beginning of the Christmas season.

I think so anyway.

Christmas pageant day is no small feat. In fact, it requires one to be in town by 7am at the latest in order to secure a good spot. I am not along in this. There are always other, brave souls, who arrive early to mark their territory and wait for their families to arrive. Some people think I am crazy. But I arrive at 7am, lay out the blankets, sit in my deck chair and drink coffee whilst reading the paper.

The men bring the children, along with the rest of Adelaide, on the train. And they think I'm crazy.

Who's the smart one?

Entourage of space savers.

 But, apparently I am not a hardcore, experienced and knowledgable Christmas pageant space saver. There were people who were there at 2am to reserve their space. And it was taken.

Ok, there is hardcore - and there is sad. I'm voting sad in the case of the 2am space saver crew.

But maybe, secretly, I am a bit jealous that there are bigger Christmas fans than me. You'll never know.

As the sun moves higher in the sky, friends and family start to arrive - and it's a real and true street party. Sometimes the wait for the parade is just as much fun as the parade itself. Children are allowed to play in the road without fear of being mowed down. They create impressive chalk masterpieces and get chalky bums.

 They eat chips and chocolates before ten o'clock. Because it would be mean to say no on this Christmassy day.

This year, Adelaide broke the record for the biggest choir. Or something like that. We sang four Christmas carols and the record was done! I mean honestly, how tough is that! Adelaide, city of churches - and giant choirs. Tough. Hardcore. Awesome.

And see those three women singing their little hearts out? They were on the news. Yep! Channel nine felt we were talented enough to broadcast us to the state...but with no sound.

Shutup.

Darcy and Matilda lost sleep for excitement of the day. And they wore their elf hats, finished with bells, in the days leading up to this most special event.

And what I love most? Is that my Dad, and my Nanny, they still aren't too old to arrive early and wait it out with the rest of us. All bubbling with excitement about catching a glimpse of the big man himself.

And that Adam, who would normally repel other men - will cuddle up under a pink umbrella, with my brother Ash. All in the name of Christmas.

And when it starts! There is magic in the air. The kids and adults all laugh, clap and wave to all. Strangers kids will huddle in your lap to get a better view and the anticipation grows!

Dad sitting amonst the kids

And when he arrives...everyone is on their feet to welcome him. Kids have tears of excitement and jump up and down on the spot. Adults shout 'Merry Christmas'. And big kids take 53 photos of him on the Nintendo DS.

Which, by the way, is the cutest thing I've ever heard.

And Christmas has truly come to town.

x

A mum at Christmas.

A Christmasy mall I visited in Melbourne.

Do you know what? I love Christmas. Not just 'Oh yeah,  I love Christmas'. I luuuuuuurve Christmas. It's my favourite thing ever.

You know what  is even more special? When you go from just being you and loving Christmas, to loving Christmas and sharing it with your own children.

Yesterday we went in to our local shopping centre, and the Christmas decorations were up. Not just in the department stores, but in the actual centre itself! Trees, wreaths, lights. Everything.

My heart skipped a bit, and did a little flutter.

It may have been to the beat of jingle bells.

But what made it more special? Watching the kids gush and ooh and ahh. And chat excitedly to each other about what their favourite part of Christmas is.

Tilly singing Christmas carols in the trolley, while Darcy interrogated me on what we'll be eating Christmas day and if we'll have pudding or not.

Watching the kids feel as excited about Christmas is just the best ever. I love it and it brings tears to my eyes.

Which is funny. Because I'm just like my mum. And my Grandma. Ok and let's be honest, my Dad. And I know only too soon my own children will be laughing about how I cry at Christmas too.

And that's what it's like to be a real mum. Isn't it?

Have a Happy Day. x