We're almost there!

What we're NOT having...... how funny is this! Frozen Christmas dinner - Swedish style.

I've done the grocery shopping for Christmas. My kitchen is buried and I am writing a list of things that I can prepare today, what needs to be done tomorrow and what needs to be finished off at the last minute. (We're partying here on Christmas Eve.) I always write a list of what we are eating because otherwise I inevitably forget something in the back of the fridge until everyone's gone home. At Moo's first birthday I made lollie bags for everyone and didn't realise I'd given them out until most people had left..... D'oh.
MIL is doing a baked ham and BIL a roast pork with crackling. SIL a chocolate cake and me a layered ice-cream cake with berries on top. We're also having meatballs, Janssons frestelse, Gravlax, prinskorv, salads and all that. I'm even making punch! My Aunt is bringing cheeses and cold meats from the Yarra Valley and it's going to be awesome! Writing this is getting me all excited so I'm going to go and start cooking. Happy holidays everyone!

Boo

I can't believe I have the most disgusting cold in the world. *Blah*
All my plans out the window......
BUT, I did manage to pop into the op-shop on my way to the chemist to get cough medicine this morning. (Before I started feeling too awful.)When I was in there a man came in with a bag of darling little aprons/smocks handmade by his mother who used to sell them at markets. The poor old dear had 'done a hip' and wasn't doing markets anymore so 'the goods' were given to the oppie. I bought 3 because my little Moo is the messiest girl I know and we have bought her an easel and other art supplies for Christmas. They will make a wonderful addition to her loot. Yay! Op-shop Gods smiling on me again : )

No need to call Fox Mulder from the X-files

If you were thinking of calling the police this morning because you saw me ironing the bed linen I urge you not to do so. Although it may appear that I have been abducted by aliens and replaced by some weird cleaning and ironing freak I can assure you that this is not the case. I'm not sure what has caused this anomaly but I kind of like it so please don't do anything silly and call the authorities.

Time wasting

I scored an 'A' in high school. A 'high distinction' at uni. All homework sessions were preceded by a room and desk tidy. Pencil sharpening and sorting. Flower picking and arranging in a vase on my desk. Now I'm no longer studying I've had to branch out from desk tidying to other activities.
Tonights procrastination session was catching up with this year's Julkalender. I watch it every year. It's a 15 min program for children that run's from the 1st of December until Christmas - hence the name 'Christmas calander.' I have to admit I even laugh at the corny jokes.
I love time wasting.

What is the world coming too????

I was very sad this evening to read that new US regulations on toys and childrens' products will make handmade toys, clothing, nappies and baby carriers illegal as of February.
It's America you say, you don't need to worry. Well, given that we in Australia just love to follow everything stateside and have ourselves become a litigious society it may not be long before these kind of laws come into effect here. I know it's for safety but gees! I have kids. I think I can judge what is safe and not safe. Just take a look at some of the 'safe' toys for sale in the $2 shop made of crappy plastic and containing God knows what and made in sweatshops in third world countries. Rant. Rant. Rant.

If you're in need of a smile....

... check out this cute video of 5mth old Moo having a giggle.

Whenever I need a laugh I sneak a peek. : )

I think I might be back.....

.... but we'll see! We're right in the middle of the craziest time of the year. I've been busy getting ready with our first Christmas gathering this Sunday (Dad's family). Mum's family is next Saturday and my mother in law's birthday bash is on the Sunday. We have Christmas Eve (Julafton) at our place, breakfast at hubby's Dad's and then it's down to my parents on the Gippsland Lakes. In between this I'm learning to drive, (Watch out! Don't worry, I'm taking driving lessons with dual control....), baking, making space in the house for guests and getting all the presents are ready. Digging out entire rooms from under accumulated debris (Moo's toys) and dust, toast crumbs and God know what. Home made cards too. Am I crazy?
Now, as to where I have been for the past little bit.... More than a few weeks ago we found out we were expecting munchkin #2 but the happiness only lasted a few weeks and so I have been recovering both emotionally and physically. Not only that but my father in law and his wife have been away and when they are not here I take care of his business. My FIL imports parts for large transformers - the kind that are on the electrical grid - quite technical but thankfully I'm not required to be an electrical engineer! I did do physics in year 12 but that's as far as it goes! Anyhoo, that requires time when Moo is sleeping for emails, phone calls, receiving goods, repacking them and sending them around the country. Business has been booming with storms in QLD and NSW. But I bore you!
On the craft front.... I haven't done any sewing but have baked Christmas presents and used Martha's site for some packaging ideas. Moo did fingerpainting and I framed them for the Grandparents. Pics to follow.
So, Happy Christmas crafting and here's to me getting my (crafting) mojo back!