Merry Christmas Ho Ho Ho

is all I have heard today, over and over again. I do however have two very happy little boys who are no doubt dreaming, as I type this post, about their little chat with Father 'Kissmas' today.

I wasn't sure how they would react to the larger than life character that is Father Christmas, they are quite shy with strangers at the moment, but they could have stayed and chatted all day! I have to praise the efforts of the people involved. In our town, which is small, there is a little shop decorated as Santa's Grotto and they are open each and every Saturday in December, for the whole day. You enter and can look at the lights, toys, presents etc while you wait and then Santa calls you into his 'office'. A very traditional Santa in a green coat, beard and white hair greets you from behind his big old desk. The boys were mesmerised by a little (obviously fake) robin on his finger that was able to disappear and then fly back at the shake of a hand. He then proceeded to ask what they would like him to bring for Christmas. I have to say bless them, they don't want much, all they asked for is a pair of Mickey Mouse pj's and a Dora (the Explorer) puzzle. Santa wrote the things down on his list so he would remember but I think at his age he may not have seen Dora on the television as he looked somewhat confused!! When it was time to go (at least 15 minutes later as it was quiet) he gave them both a rather large handmade star biscuit coated in chocolate and sprinkles, boy did their faces light up even more. As we left Father Christmas bellowed 'Merry Christmas Ho Ho Ho' and off we went.

What I forgot to mention is that all this was FREE! No £5 for two minutes with Santa, no see Santa for nothing then pay crazy money for a silly little gift, it was free. A box was in place to try and raise funds to ensure it happens again next year but there was no pressure. I happily gave a donation - to see the boys reaction to the whole experience was priceless.

It's beginning to feel alot like Christmas

Talk about last minute, i finished an advent project on the 30th November! I had been waiting to use the new Very Merry range from October Afternoon but was getting doubtful as to whether it would reach the UK stores in time, luckily it did and the little gingerbread men were worth the wait. I had seen an advent box made out of match boxes designed by Tracie Hudson and wanted to make something similar for my boys. I decided to use large match boxes as they are big enough to hold small cars, socks etc as well as chocolates. I'm pretty happy with the way it has turned out, the only problem I have is trying to explain to the boys that they can only open 1 drawer each day -they were so excited when they got Postman Pat socks that they are a bit too eager to check out what is in the rest of the drawers!

Did you get lost?

was my partners question when I walked through the door twelve and a half hours after I left home to do some Christmas shopping with my best friend. Boy can we shop! You know that the 'little people' don't really NEED anything else for Christmas, but where is the fun in buying things you NEED? How could i resist the cute little snowman slipper socks and way too cute fluffy Elmo slippers that are so perfect for a scrapbook photo or two. Thankfully it is a quiet day at home tomorrow with the boys and hopefully a little time for some crafting, I have so many projects on the go it's about time they were completed.

The beginning

So here i am in blog land.

It's been a difficult few weeks here - I have had to say goodbye to my precious dad and nothing really prepares you for how that feels. Even harder was explaining to his treasured boys that he was now watching them from way among the stars, my heart crumbles every time they wave to the night sky, look long and hard and say "but i can't see him?"

My dad was someone that achieved so much in his life and because of this i am inspired to start this blog. It is the realisation that if you want to do something, big or small, try your best to achieve it and don't put it off.

So here i (finally) am in blog land.